Tour pro driver set up

[revkev]

Okay I got no bites and the valspar thread so I'll try this one. To me it looked as if the tour guys were much more athletic over the ball at address with the driver than I've ever noticed in the past.

 

Think basketball player boxing out. Very strong and ready to pounce position. It's a stark contrast from the relaxed set up in the days of Sam sneed.

 

Any thoughts for those who frequent tour events?

[westy]

Rev, is the point they are more athletic than in the past, stronger and able to swing faster so need a different stance to cope? Golf isn't as elegant for sure, which in many ways is a shame.

[Rickles]

It is because most of them use a different swing now. Most of the pros are 1 planers like Hogan. Hogan was much more bent over at address and had a flater plane than a two planer like Snead

[fozcycle]

Yeah, I have noticed that you don't see the smooth swing much from the PGA, but you can catch a smooth swing on the Champions Tour.

[revkev]

I'm not saying this is bad it is what it is. Yes I'm saying they are more athletic.

[HighFade]

Cuz the PGA is all about distance now. I prefer watching LPGA for the better swings. They really are smooth. With few exceptions, the guys are just all about speed.

[Blade]

Yea I like a smooth swing too, for myself and to see. Smoothing out my swing improved it big time. Sometimes I see Tiger swing and it looks so violent. No wonder he's tearing his knee and back up.

 

I used to just rip at everything. I strike the ball much better with the smoother swing I've developed. I know I can use a softer flex than I used to and haven't lost distance. I've even picked up distance from just 6 months ago with a few minor tweaks. Funny how little things can start making everything click.

[revkev]

@ High Fade and Blade I agree that for most of us a smoother swing is the way to go.  That's also why I watch the LPGA from time to time.

 

Actually High Fade's comment resonates, I was thinking watching those guys set up that they look more like the Remax guys than the tour players of yesteryear when they set up and swing.

[fozcycle]

It's the tremendous change from young athlete to chisel built man that Tiger is suffering from back injuries.  His swing has so much torque in it that he will continue to be plagued with spinal issues.  I sincerely believe that he must transition his swing to one that is smooth.

[Jmikecpa]

I could watch Freddie and DLIII hit balls all day......maybe the last of the old school swings right there.

[SMRT]

I think Mickelson seems to be swinging harder than ever also. I am not sure about his stance but it just looks like he is swinging for the fences all the time. I wonder how many of the tour players now will be able to play in the Champions tour after all of extra stress they are putting on their bodies to swing like that?

[HighFade]

I could watch Freddie and DLIII hit balls all day......maybe the last of the old school swings right there.

Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, and Tom Watson are my other favs. And how can you not love Freddie's swing?

[Jmikecpa]

Ernie Els, Steve Stricker, and Tom Watson are my other favs. And how can you not love Freddie's swing?

Forgot about Els and Watson.....and I agree I could watch them all day.  Stricker has more of the modern one plane swing but I could watch him putt any day of the week.