Tom Watson and Jack actually did understand the true ball flight laws

[uttexas]

Watson has been promoting his new lesson set DVD.  Last night on the GC, Tom Watson was explaining Jack's method of an intermediate target when hitting a long shot.  Jack would pick out a target in the distance where he wanted his ball to start and draw an imaginary line to the ball.  Then he would choose a target 1 foot or so in front of the ball along that line (different shade of grass or whatever)  He would focus on that spot and then align his clubface to where he wanted the ball to start. Watson then explained how the clubface determines how the ball starts.

So, even though Jack may have contradicted himself sometimes in print and verbally, in actuality and practicality, he played golf understanding that the clubface determines where the ball starts and swing path determines curve.  This might be an example of don't do what I say or write what I do, do what I actually do.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by uttexas

Watson has been promoting his new lesson set DVD.  Last night on the GC, Tom Watson was explaining Jack's method of an intermediate target when hitting a long shot.  Jack would pick out a target in the distance where he wanted his ball to start and draw an imaginary line to the ball.  Then he would choose a target 1 foot or so in front of the ball along that line (different shade of grass or whatever)  He would focus on that spot and then align his clubface to where he wanted the ball to start.  Watson then explained how the clubface determines how the ball starts.

So, even though Jack may have contradicted himself sometimes in print and verbally, in actuality and practicality, he played golf understanding that the clubface determines where the ball starts and swing path determines curve.  This might be an example of don't do what I say or write what I do, do what I actually do.

I've read "The Full Swing" cover to cover. It was published in 1980 and outlines Jack's swing overhaul / rebuild. He had a pretty good year in 1980, but I digress. In more than one section, he suggests he's finally learned a better way to swing and hit the ball. I picked up an almost apologetic tone, like a "for you guys who ate up all instruction material I put out in the early 70s - sorry about that". But like I've said in another thread about an earlier John Jacobs book, maybe I was reading it with a pro-author bias.

[iacas]

Really condensed version of the story:

Mike Bennett was seated next to Nicklaus at a dinner one time a few years ago.

He asked Jack what determined where the ball started (as part of a bigger conversation). Jack said "path." Mike said "thanks, Mr. Nicklaus" and continued talking about other things.

Later on that evening Jack found Mike again and said "I'd like to change my answer. It's the face."

Mike suspects he replayed some shots in his mind and wanted to change his opinion.

That's all.

---

Whether or not Jack did or didn't know them, I don't know. I don't much care, but I do think this story reflects well on him.

[boogielicious]

I have Tom Watson's DVD Lesson's of a Lifetime and it is pretty good.  One thing that seemed unusual to me (I haven't been playing that long) is Tom referred to the flight of the ball as hook and slice instead of draw and fade.  What he described doing was draw and fade from how I understand it in todays terms.  I taped last night's show, so I don't know if he used those terms again.

[kobalt]

a slice is an extreme fade and a hook is an extreme draw ( for right handers)

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by boogielicious

I have Tom Watson's DVD Lesson's of a Lifetime and it is pretty good.  One thing that seemed unusual to me (I haven't been playing that long) is Tom referred to the flight of the ball as hook and slice instead of draw and fade.  What he described doing was draw and fade from how I understand it in todays terms.  I taped last night's show, so I don't know if he used those terms again.

Draw and fade are what people call them when the land on the fairway of the green. Same directions of side spin just less of it or the player allowed for it properly.

I typically plan on hitting a draw but there's always that fear of hitting a hook. A fade isn't my natural shot shape, but I occasionally hit a slice - very awesome when you've played for a gentle draw.

[motteler621]

Originally Posted by boogielicious

I have Tom Watson's DVD Lesson's of a Lifetime and it is pretty good.  One thing that seemed unusual to me (I haven't been playing that long) is Tom referred to the flight of the ball as hook and slice instead of draw and fade.  What he described doing was draw and fade from how I understand it in todays terms.  I taped last night's show, so I don't know if he used those terms again.

Ive noticed on tv they use the word hook instead of draw most of the time, even when referring to a shot that has a little curve left onto the fairway or green.

ps. michael breeds book "the perfect swing" says clubface has the most influence on starting direction. Watson knows what hes talking about in his new book as well