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Old 04-03-2008, 10:55 PM
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Re: Feeling of Greatness?!?!?!

Quote:
Originally Posted by nevinem View Post
I tried a search and didn't find anything so i'm sorry if this is a repost.... I wanted to know if anyone has used http://swinglikemoe.com/index.php?cu..._Grip_And_Club . And as a beginner if it is a good idea to use a tool to replicate another's swing or just "create" my own, or use videos to copy "the perfect swing". I need honest opinions because i would really like to focus on my swing and grip before i get some horrible habit attached to my golf game while I'm still new :-)
I've never used the training aid you linked, so I can't comment on that, but I believe I can offer you some helpful information on training aids in general and if copying others swings can be helpful.
The best training aids are the ones that help you with the fundimentals. From a grip standpoint I recommend Butch Harmon's right grip golf gloves, or a cheap (usually $2-$5) molded grip that you can attach to your clubs.
As far as copying others swings:
Jack Nicklaus said he copied parts of Bobby Jones and Ben Hogan's swings growing up.
Nick Price said he copied parts of Ben Hogan, Jack Nicklaus, and Gary Player's swings growing up (and his first instruction was Arnold Palmer audio recording).
Greg Norman grew up modeling his swing after Jack Nicklaus.
Nick Faldo grew up modeling his swing after Jack Nicklaus.
Ernie Els incorporated parts of Greg Norman's routine into his game.
Retief Goosen grew up modeling his swing after Greg Norman, Nick Faldo, and Seve.
Adam Scott, Tiger Woods, and Aaron Baddely modeled their swings after Greg Norman.
Trevor Immelman said he models his rhythm after Ernie Els, and power and agressiveness after Greg Norman's swing.
Charles Howell said he models his swing after Nick Faldo (and constantly watches video of Faldo from the early 90's).

The point is great players have modeled their swing after other great players. The key to copying the good players is to copy the things they do alike, not the things they do different. If you look at most tour players of today their swings aren't too different from the swings of Norman, Faldo, and Els. Especially in the way they setup. The posture of Norman, Faldo, Els, Goosen, Scott, Woods, Immelman, Baddely, Howell, Price, Appleby, Allenby, Elkington, Ogilvy, and many others aren't to different from one another. If you look at the grips of Faldo, Els, and Howell you'd likely find it difficult to tell them apart. All of the players listed above aim their clubfaces where they want the ball to finish, and (when they want to hit a straight shot) they align thier bodies (shoulders, hips, feet, and eyes) parallel to their ball to target lines.
Unless you are very overweight or have a physical limitation there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to setup like a pro.
There are some players I recommend you don't copy and they are Moe Norman, Lee Trevino, Raymond Floyd, Jim Furyk, and John Daly. Those swings don't fit with the way the human body is built, they require extensive practice to become consistant with, and finally you will not find successful tour players of today copying them.

Hopefully that information helps you in your persuit of greatness.
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