The Swing(s) of the Future

Brian Denike of Toronto possesses the two essential characteristics of all real golfers: a subscription to Golf Digest and a sense of humor. Here's Denike on the New Tour Swing, Stack & Tilt.

As most 12 handicappers I will try anything to improve to the next level. I have read with interest every golf improvement article in your publication, and others, for years and I am still a 12 handicap. The latest golf swing revolution in your magazine (Stack and Tilt) appeals to me because it tells me not to correct my two worst mistakes.(reverse pivot and swaying-not-turning)  Then I read in your rival's magazine (same month) that I can eliminate up to twelve mistakes I make in my backswing, by simply eliminating my backswing.  So I say to myself, why not combine the two revolutions? Start my Stack & Tilt at the top, weight on my forward foot, pump and swing down while swaying my hips at the target and tilting away from it. So far its just a theory.  Tomorrow the driving range. I'll turn pro next week.  >

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Brian, you can play in my foursome anytime you want, whether you turn pro or not.

By the way, that "eliminating the backswing" tip is suspiciously close to a Golf Digest cover story by David Leadbetter back in January 2002: > "Erase Your Mistakes....eliminate your takeaway." Does this sound familiar?

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"I've always felt that most players' problems occur early in the swing--at address and in the takeway....I knew that if they could eliminate the takeway mistakes and get into a good position halfway into the backswing, all golfers would hit more consistent, straight, powerful shots. So I thought: What if we just elimnated that early part of the swing?">

Or this:

"The Swing of the Future starts here: shoulders turned three-quarters back, hands in front of the chest, wrists fully cocked. Take a couple of small pumps to get a rhythmic start, then simply finish your turn and hit the ball."

As Steve Allen said, "Imitation is the sincerest form of television magazines."

--Bob Carney