Greetings Golfers,

I’ve got golf instruction on my mind. I hope it’s not too boring – I think it’s a fascinating subject … it’s like solving a mystery or a puzzle.

I’m a member of a few internet groups that discuss the golf swing. What blows my mind is that no one wants to go deep … the discussions are pretty superficial (that’s what I think is boring).

For example: Should the hands be quiet or active? Why? Should the legs be quiet or active? Why? Is a one-plane swing better than a two-plane swing?

That’s just the tip of the iceberg. Should everyone swing exactly the same? Is there a perfect model swing for everyone to emulate? Or, does every good swing have certain fundamentals which must be mastered? Should the golfer focus on the result or the process? Should the golfer be emotionless or use their emotions? Should the golfer have a set routine or be spontaneous?

Those questions open the door to age-old questions such as: Do you believe in the “Great Man Theory of History” or would history have evolved the same way no matter who lived? Is intuition real or just nonsense? Do people have free will or are their actions predetermined by their environment and genetics?

Then you can get into cultural differences. Why are Spanish players like Seve Ballesteros and Sergio Garcia, etc such feel players? And why do the Korean women have such a disproportionate amount of success on the LPGA?

Every time I go down these lines of questioning – the discussions stop. Are these questions threatening – or just boring? I’m flabbergasted … if you have thoughts and insights as to why my questions are ignored … please let me know.

Cheers,

Tom Abts
GM and Head Golf Professional
tabts@deerrungolf.com