David Blair Golf Blog

2012-02-27T14:05:00.003-08:00

Off to Kildare in Ireland tonight, coaching over the next couple of days some really promising Irish golfers. Then, at the end of the week, a quick trip to Portugal - doing a spot of intensive coaching there. Looking forward to getting away from the incessant rain in Glasgow!

'Positions'

2012-02-19T04:47:00.000-08:00

Note the mirror image from backswing to throughswing -
these are 'two positions' that you should aim for

As a Swingbuild coach, I try to wean golfers as quickly as possible away from focusing too much attention on swing mechanics. Golfers right across the handicap spectrum spend way too much time worrying 'about this position here' or that 'angle there'. Sadly for all those bogged down in this technical detail, I have never heard anyone being complimented on the great positions they manage to hit through the swing. Alternatively, we all admire and praise the smooth swingers, the players who make it look simple and effortless whilst at the same time generating lots of energy. I believe that all players can learn a correct, repeating swing. Even though most golfers struggle with any degree of ball striking consistency, there is light at the end of the tunnel! On this website, we will aim to unlock the key points that will enable you to become a consistent ball striker.

2012-02-16T09:52:00.000-08:00

A breath of fresh air recently to hear that US golfer Matt Kuchar saying that he was now playing with a swing that he had settled into and was happy with the results. He has reached a point in his swing development where he is simply grooving the swing he has built. Down the years, many top players have stated the same - you learn the move and then you groove it. This concept of grooving the swing can only happen when an individual has become a true swinger or at least, they understand the principles of swinging as against hitting. It's for this reason that the swings of Jack Nicklaus and Tom Watson appear the same,as they did 40 years ago. Their mechanics may have changed slightly, but their tempo, rhythm and timing have remained the same. Tiger Woods has had several coaches over the years - each one will have imparted their own ideas.Surely golfers of the stature of Woods and Harrington can settle into a swing they know and trust and continually hone to perfection.

2012-02-14T12:13:00.000-08:00

I was watching some golf the other evening and it was Tiger's first appearance on the US tour, this year. The commentators incessantly talked about his swing changes - they also mentioned Padraig Harrington, who seems to have got himself lost? Both of them have won the biggest tournaments and then consciously decided to change their swings. This goes against what many of the top players down the years have stated - you learn a movement and then you groove it.

2012-02-13T11:36:00.000-08:00

I was at the local Golf range this morning and I overheard a young Pro a few bays along giving instruction. The pupil's swing consisted of a lift of the arms on the backswing and a bit of a swipe from the arms on the follow through - leading to a completely arm dominated swing. It was a disconnected and out of control move. The left arm and shoulder simply lifted out of position on the backswing which meant that he was then having to play catch up - leading to a great degree of inconsistency. This led to a rotation of his left arm and a flatness and laid off position at the top of the backswing. The Pro was giving advice in an attempt to correct the swing - but the Pro wasn't really looking at the root of the problem. Why is the most basic element of the golf swing not fully understood? Golf instruction books have been around for at least 150 years, but still there is no continuity or agreement in their collective ideas! The greatest self taught golfer ever is Ben Hogan. He can be seen on film stating the importance of a connected turn, that is shoulders down and upper arms together - with no rotary movement. Why is this not accepted as fundamental and correct for every golfer?

2012-02-13T11:15:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Blair's Blog! I hope you find it interesting and informative and I welcome your interaction in this golfing forum. I have found in my experience that all golfers love nothing more than a good chat and exchange of views. There is so much to discuss - from the swing itself to the range of equipment, the rules and so on. I look forward to hearing from you!