What makes Trevor Immelman's swing "perfect"?

[DavidFehertysBike]

Since he won the Masters (convincingly if you ask me) ive been hearing and reading people say that he has one of the most perfect swings in pro golf, even rivaling the swing of Tiger Woods. TBH i never heard of the guy before the masters and now I hear all of these things about him. Why do all of you think his stoke is getting this kind of rep, now.

[Maverick]

I haven't heard..I thought Geoff Ogilvy has one of the best swings. Anthony Kim's driver swing looks pretty perfect too.

[Shindig]

When I get in the occasional mind-frame that causes me to search for a perfect swing on the range, I think of Jim Furyk's swing as an example of a perfect one. To me, a perfect swing sends the ball accurately to the intended target. The rest is window dressing. Immelman is long and accurate: to me, that's a great swing!


Now, pretty swings, that's another issue. I can't picture what Immelman's looks like.

[DavidFehertysBike]

Well I guess i should have clarified. I mean not for looks, but dynamics.

[Wisco-Kid]

I think Gary Player was comparing Immelman's swing to Ben Hogan's. I think Ben Hogan had much more lower body action then Immelman. I personally think Immelman has a very nice swing as does Anthony Kim. Both swings obviously won tournaments so they certainly are pretty good. The perfect swing though could be argued till the end of time.

However, when debating the "perfect swing" doesn't consistency have to be a part of the argument?

[DavidFehertysBike]

I think Gary Player was comparing Immelman's swing to Ben Hogan's. I think Ben Hogan had much more lower body action then Immelman. I personally think Immelman has a very nice swing as does Anthony Kim. Both swings obviously won tournaments so they certainly are pretty good. The perfect swing though could be argued till the end of time.

I suppose it does, but im just spitting out what ive been reading and hearing commentators on golf channel say in the last month or so.

[Realist]

I suppose it does, but im just spitting out what ive been reading and hearing commentators on golf channel say in the last month or so.

Golf "analysts" tend to believe in the hottest thing at the moment. No matter who won whatever tournament or major, you'd always hear the same thing. They have a good swing, they're a great ball striker, or they've stepped up their game in the last few months/years. You never hear, "He won 8 tournaments this year, but what a horrible putter." Or, "His swing is alright, it could be better."

There are millions of golfers all over the world with different swings, what makes PGA winners who they are isn't the perfection of the swing, it's their ability to repeat THEIR swing to a point where they can make the ball go where they want it to a majority of the time. Nobody's swing is "perfect." Even the top players in the world need instruction on how to repeat their winning swing.

[Wisco-Kid]

I suppose it does, but im just spitting out what ive been reading and hearing commentators on golf channel say in the last month or so.

I hear ya

[tm22721]

perfect is as perfect does

[Avid Golfer]

Golf "analysts" tend to believe in the hottest thing at the moment. No matter who won whatever tournament or major, you'd always hear the same thing.

I agree that golf anouncers like to hype the person that is playing well at the minute they are talking. I also agree that there is no perfect swing (as in a person's swing being exactly the same every time). I do believe that there are certain positions and movements that are more scientifically sound and easier to repeat, and that lead to a better swing in general. I also believe that players who have those positions and movements are more likely to have a more consistent swing from one day to the next.

Trevor Immelman has had a swing that gets into many of those good positions, and in turn leads to good movements. That is why I think we hear quite a bit of praise for his swing. One thing that stands out to me about his (general) swing is that we do not see much (if any) unncessary movements (that require compensations to correct). For those who haven't seen, or can't recall his swing I have included links below: videos: http://www.v1golfacademy.com/library...vor%20Immelman still images: http://www.golftoday.co.uk/proshop/f..._reaction.html

[jasongst]

For those who haven't seen, or can't recall his swing I have included links below:

First, thanks for that link. Second, hah! Stack and tilt? Whatever! Looking at Aaron Baddeley's swing it looks almost identical to Trevor Immelman's to me, with the exception that Aaron prefers an up upright swing plane (and some very upright clubs to go with it). Anyone else agree?

[iacas]

Looking at Aaron Baddeley's swing it looks almost identical to Trevor Immelman's to me, with the exception that Aaron prefers an up upright swing plane (and some very upright clubs to go with it). Anyone else agree?

Uhm, no... and let's stay on topic.

[LottaBalata]

I think there a few great swings out there, ladies included. Lorena Ochoa's swing is picturesque for sure, the triple pump at the end is silly sometimes, but still a great looking swing.

Freddy Couples. . .to me looks like the laziest, most-relaxed golf swing ever. I wish I could be so relaxed in my swing. He used to be soooo consistent with amazing shots.

The Gulbis shoulder turn. . .to have that swing and perform like she does--how long will THAT last??

Lots of great swings out there. I wouldn't say Immelman's swing is perfect. What's perfect anyway? IMO, if he had a perfect swing, he would win every week, because nobody's perfect, eh? He obviously hasn't racked up 3 wins back to back, so. . .

I know this thread wasn't started today either, so this may all be pointless.

[DavidFehertysBike]

I just read this morning that Immelman has failed to make a cut since the masters, and has pulled out of the Players. So i guess it isnt a perfect swing. But I must admit I would love to ingrain some of that guys fundementals and swing keys into mine. I love his setup. I must merge it into mine..lol.

[iacas]

I just read this morning that Immelman has failed to make a cut since the masters, and has pulled out of the Players. So i guess it isnt a perfect swing. But I must admit I would love to ingrain some of that guys fundementals and swing keys into mine. I love his setup. I must merge it into mine..lol.

Source: http://sports.espn.go.com/golf/news/story?id=3386420 PONTE VEDRA BEACH, Fla. -- Masters champion Trevor Immelman withdrew Thursday morning from The Players Championship because of an illness, leaving the PGA Tour's flagship event without the last two major champions. Tour officials did not have details on Immelman's illness, saying only he had already returned to Orlando. Since winning the Masters by three shots over Tiger Woods, Immelman has had a tough time. He has failed to break par in his last two tournaments, missing the cut at the EDS Byron Nelson Championship and the Wachovia Championship. Woods, the PGA champion, withdrew earlier because he is recovering from knee surgery. Immelman was replaced by Dustin Johnson, a 23-year-old rookie.

Let's stay on topic. His swing can be fine, but if he's run ragged by having to deal with winning The Masters, that's another story altogether. He doesn't seem to be handling it well, though. Zach did better at handling it last year... two MCs, an illness... and Zach even played Harbour Town the week after.