The Swing That Keeps On Giving Comments
It's tiny but it's Stack and Tilt
Courtesy: Golf Digest
The comments continue to flow in regarding the merits or otherwise of the new Stack and Tilt swing that is possibly the number one topic of discussion among amateur golfers right now.
It's difficult to draw a clear distinction between instructors and users. Both camps support it; both camps decry its claims of being a better swing.
But there have been a few comments coming to Eagleparbirdie.com that support what key observers of the swing have noted: that Stack and Tilt has distinct ties to the past, specifically to the swing of Ben Hogan.
I believe I can see a similarity in the swing to that of Bobby Jones, especially at the top of the backswing.
It's ironic that the golf swing might be emulating the fashion industry: what goes around comes back around some years later.
Here are the latest remarks from readers.
Ken writes:
"Laugh if you want, but it works. I am a former 5 handicapper who had rotator
cuff surgery and now have an 8. I am 65 years old and have been plagued for
years with weak "slap" shots that I have managed to learn how to score with.
But man, let me tell you I have added 10-15 laser-like yards onto my
irons and a feeling of solid striking like I have never felt in my years of
golfing. Today I actually hit a drive 253 yards – - not bad for 130 lbs. and
5'7" and 65, even if I do say so myself. This swing works. It's much easier
and very effective."
You can't argue with a guy who's 65 and carrying an 8 handicap. Ouch!
George Finley draws the connection between Stack and Tilt and Hogan's swing and he had this to say:
"I've been studying golf for many years and have tried everything that I could
learn to hit the ball straighter and crisper. The Stack and Tilt is the most
efficient way by my book. If you study Ben Hogan carefully, this is his swing
for sure. He described his swing differently than it really was. He set up over
the ball, his left knee started toward the target line in front of the ball, his
right knee straightened and at the top you could see no "tilt" in his spine.
Study it and you too will see. As for back problems–none! This is the perfect
way to hit a golf ball and it is as old as golf. All the old players
straightened their right leg and stayed over the ball. I vote yes on the "Stack
and Tilt"!
Dave Smallwood is the Director of Instruction at Whistle Bear Golf Club outside Toronto.
He's been a CPGA professional for 25 years, teaching the game to young and old and has notched his share of professional victories over the years, too.
Dave's reaction to Stack and Tilt was that of a teacher; he spotted several things that the untrained eye could easily miss.
What Dave saw was a need to manipulate the clubface.
"As I look closer the swing looks like it is dependent on a closed clubface position.
Which means the hands have to manipulate into that position because the plane
remains. It basically is an alternate weight transfer with an accommodation with
a closed clubface to compensate for the center not being behind the ball!"
This topic refuses to close so I will keep posting comments as long as I get them. Stack and Tilt has the potential to do a lot of good or a lot of damage for amateurs. And I think it's important that Eagleparbirdie.com airs all sides of the issue – and, believe me, there are many sides – in order to gain as clear a picture as possible.
I am 63, did play to a two now hang on to a 6. I had 4 rotor cuff surgeries in 5 years, that combined with age cost me all distance, I tried having a flat left wrist at impact but just kept flipping at the ball, so I decided to try tilt and stack, the results are outstanding. I can’t say I have power back, however I find my divots in front of the ball and feel I must have a flat left wrist at impact just from the way the ball sounds and the shots react, I’ll continue the effort.