count Yogi

A few more facts (or rumors?) in addition to what has already been posted on Count Yogi. Given name is Harry Hilary Xavier Von Frankenberg. The moniker "Count Yogi" was given to him by Hoagy Carmichael who was one of him famous golf students. Could be a descendent of Chief Sitting Bull. Did not know where he was born, could have been Montana, or India. Ran away from home to get away from alcoholic father while living in Chicago. Hung out with Chicago mobsters, almost getting killed on numerous ocassions. Was shooting in the 60s at the age of 12 with a golf swing that was given to him during a devine encounter with God. Was denied recognition by the PGAOA due to his unorthodox swing, and his non caucasion looks. His swing at the time was a smack in the face of most of the PGAOA teaching pros. His skin color was brown, not much different than a Native American Indian might have. He thought the answer to good swing was nothing more than a smooth swing with rhythm. (Tempo/Timing). All of this is in his book. If you can find it, read it.....Then scratch your head.

I saw him play in the 1950s. He was as good as everyone says he was. It would have been a fun match to watch with him and Moe Norman playing against each other. Both were very accurate. GJS

In the early 90's I stumbled on Count Yogi's book. Spent a lot of time working to internalize his concepts. Was successful to a reasonable degree, and can say that it is totally different approach to the golf swing than anything on the planet. It is strictly mental. Also went to CA and paid the big bucks for private lessons from the fellow who owns the site. In a nutshell, Yogi's approach is purely mental, as opposed to mechanical. The swing is seen 'in the mind's eye', completed as one move. It really does work, but you have to get into the state of mind he's talking about. It can't be 'cut and pasted', a little bit of this and little bit of that. It makes the swing more like an art form. Like Yogi said, "style and grace".

All kidding aside, from what I've read, and heard (been to CA for the high dollar lessons) Yogi was smoother than smooth. Saw a couple old black & white films, he could play righty or lefty, and his trick shot show was unbelievable. He never talked about "hitting" the ball, but rather "Playing shots", either "full shots", or "strokes", (around the green). His putting method is totally unique, and yip-proof. 4 footers are like tap-ins. Too bad he was banned from the PGA, for being too colorful in more ways than one.