Jump to content
IGNORED

Someone who knows flexibility and Jamie Sadlowski's swing


Backspinalot
Note: This thread is 3595 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Hi,

First, me: 15 yrs old 135 lbs, 5'7 about a 3 handicap. I am very happy with my swing right now and am able to work the ball both ways well, right trajectory and I am getting the club in the right places, I just think about alignment and turning the body more thru the ball, my arms take over sometimes. I am hitting a Titleist 910 D2 driver 9.5 w/ Kai'li 65 blue shaft Stiff. I am hitting with the traj. I want and everything. I can carry about 265 and get 270-285 after roll, and yes, it is geared for optimal carry distance. I can make a decent shoulder turn and I am somewhat flexible but probably more average in that way. I did the Jamie sadlowski work-out on TPI (watch on youtube if you haven't seen it) and that did help with distance, but I am wondering what allows him to get to those positions at the top and just all around in his swing? I don't want to feel like I am ever forcing a postion because that's when everything gets thrown off, but if I could naturally get more of a shoulder turn or whatever it is, without forcing it, that would help. Basically what I would like to know is what is it that allows Jamie to get into positions that he says most people can't, and what makes a long drive champion without being 250 lbs and being able to bench 300? and what sorts of specific stretches or excersizes should i be doing to help, or is that workout going to help with overall flexibility.

I don't want to screw up my swing, because I love it right now, but I am willing to perhaps sacrifice accuracy off of the tee for added distance without taking the "big brute guy" route.

if there is anything you need to know more about my ask. Oh and I do yoga through school, but I don't ever really get too involved with that getting distracted.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Well... at your age and weight 285 is good distance and you will be hitting it past a lot of people. What you are looking for I think will come in the future years as you develop more and build more muscle. You may grow another 2 or 3 inches and put on weight which if you continue yoga, working out, and eating right you will see a distance increase. It's not about benching 300lbs but more using lighter weights with more reps and keeping your cardio up. If your swing is solid stick with it and keep working you will get there it's not something that happens overnight.

Driver: i15, 3 wood: G10, Hybrid: Nickent 4dx, Irons: Ping s57, Wedges: Mizuno MPT 52, 56, 60, Putter: XG #9 
Link to comment
Share on other sites


i hate to say it but, jamie's wrists are more flexible, and STRONG...than most peoples. his angles that he achieves, most people can't achieve just by simple genetics. for me to get the angle he does, i'd have to break my wrist. not only that but, why do you really want to hit it 350+ yards ? are 380 yard par 4's something you want to drive? yes, jamie can hit it that long...but keep in mind his +/- when he misses are pretty ridiculous off target. put him on a treelined course and he'd have a tough time hitting driver on any more than 5 holes.

to each their own but at your age, work on strength/core...flexibility is one thing but the fast twitch muscles are what make you not only longer, but more CONTROLLABLE.

  • Upvote 1

In my Titleist 2014 9.5" Staff bag:

Cobra Bio+ 9* Matrix White Tie X  - Taylormade SLDR 15* ATTAS 80X - Titleist 910H 19* ATTAS 100X - Taylormade '13 TP MC 4-PW PX 6.5 - Vokey TVD M 50* DG TI X100 - Vokey SM4 55 / Vokey SM5 60* DG TI S400 - Piretti Potenza II 365g

Link to comment
Share on other sites


You're a 135 pound kid.  Quit measuring yourself by man standards.  When Justin Leonard was playing junior golf he had trouble reaching some of the par 4's in 2.  He grew and so will you.  More distance will come.

  • Upvote 1

Driver:  Callaway Diablo Octane 9.5*
3W:  Callaway GBB II 12.5*, 5W:  Callaway Diablo 18* Neutral
3H:  Callaway Razr X, 4H:  Callaway Razr X
5-PW:  Callaway X Tour
GW:  Callaway X Tour 54*, SW:  Callaway X Tour 58*
Putter:  Callaway ITrax, Scotty Cameron Studio Design 2, Ping Anser 4

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Based on the numbers you've provided - age, weight, carry distance - you'd be foolish to try and gain distance.  As has been pointed out, you are still growing, and should gain a bit of distance naturally.  If you start tinkering with positions to gain a few yards, you run the risk of screwing up other parts of your game.  In the middle of the fairway, 285 yards from the tee box is better than 350 yards and OB any day of the week.

:ping:

  • G400 - 9° /Alta CB 55 Stiff / G410-SFT - 16° /Project X 6.0S 85G / G410 - 20.5° /Tensei Orange 75S
  • G710 - 4 iron/SteelFiber i110cw Stiff • / i210 - 5 iron - UW / AWT 2.0 Stiff
  • Glide SS - 54° / CFS Wedge / Glide 2.0 SS - 58°/10 / KBS 120S / Hoofer - Black

:scotty_cameron: - Select Squareback / 35"  -  :titleist: - Pro V1 / White  -  :clicgear: - 3.5+ / White

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I know there isn't  quick fix to get me hitting it 300+ but I would like to model my game very close to that of Phil Mickelson's. Everything from his creativity in shots around the green to his aggresiveness, high trajectory and length I like. I think he brings such a great image to Callaway. I would like to set a realistic goal like maybe 10-20 yards on the fly off the tee. I don't want to mess with my swing too much but I am willing to work at it. I think it would be a big advantage for me especially this year having to play the back tees competitively.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Practice your short game A LOT if want to model Mickelson's game that's where he shines more than anything. In terms of length again Phil is a big guy and he puts a move on it in time you will grow and the distance will come. Trying to add 10 to 20 yards isn't easy especially if you like your swing but if you are currently hitting it 285 that's plenty long at your size. If you get a short game like Phil's you will see a much bigger improvement in your scores than you would if you added distance.

Driver: i15, 3 wood: G10, Hybrid: Nickent 4dx, Irons: Ping s57, Wedges: Mizuno MPT 52, 56, 60, Putter: XG #9 
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Backspinalot

I know there isn't  quick fix to get me hitting it 300+ but I would like to model my game very close to that of Phil Mickelson's. Everything from his creativity in shots around the green to his aggresiveness, high trajectory and length I like. I think he brings such a great image to Callaway. I would like to set a realistic goal like maybe 10-20 yards on the fly off the tee. I don't want to mess with my swing too much but I am willing to work at it. I think it would be a big advantage for me especially this year having to play the back tees competitively.

Phil Mickelson = 6'3" and 200+ lbs

You = 5'7" and 135 lbs

You'll have issues "modeling your game" after Phil Mickelson if by "model your game" you mean reproducing his power.  That is until you grow.  But if you really want to tweak the mechanics on a swing you claim to be getting more than enough power from (for your current body type) then have at it.

Driver:  Callaway Diablo Octane 9.5*
3W:  Callaway GBB II 12.5*, 5W:  Callaway Diablo 18* Neutral
3H:  Callaway Razr X, 4H:  Callaway Razr X
5-PW:  Callaway X Tour
GW:  Callaway X Tour 54*, SW:  Callaway X Tour 58*
Putter:  Callaway ITrax, Scotty Cameron Studio Design 2, Ping Anser 4

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Oh and I forgot to mention 265 carry is at 4500 feet above sea level. I say model his game, I don't mean to want to be able to drive as deep as he does but, I just love how Phil plays and he is by far my favorite player, even to how he misses fairways and rebounds with some creative shot. I would rather shoot 73 hitting %50 fairways then shoting 73 hitting %75. I know it sounds like I am trying to miss more fairways and that's rediculous but I think you have to spice up the game a bit sometimes.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Backspinalot

Oh and I forgot to mention 265 carry is at 4500 feet above sea level. I say model his game, I don't mean to want to be able to drive as deep as he does but, I just love how Phil plays and he is by far my favorite player, even to how he misses fairways and rebounds with some creative shot. I would rather shoot 73 hitting %50 fairways then shoting 73 hitting %75. I know it sounds like I am trying to miss more fairways and that's rediculous but I think you have to spice up the game a bit sometimes.

So you probably carry the ball about 240 to 250 at sea level.  Still good results given your size.  Be patient and give it time.  Phil is a nice guy and all, but you'd be better off emulating Luke Donald's game.  Phil has unbelievable hand-eye coordination (not saying you don't, but few do).

Driver:  Callaway Diablo Octane 9.5*
3W:  Callaway GBB II 12.5*, 5W:  Callaway Diablo 18* Neutral
3H:  Callaway Razr X, 4H:  Callaway Razr X
5-PW:  Callaway X Tour
GW:  Callaway X Tour 54*, SW:  Callaway X Tour 58*
Putter:  Callaway ITrax, Scotty Cameron Studio Design 2, Ping Anser 4

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Seriously like said above don't strive for more distance.  That will come with growth as you get older.  If you really want to work on something for distance, flexibility is what you should work hard on.  I know I am not as flexible as I was when I was your age.  Thats something that when not focused on will naturally decrease as you get older.

Starting a high level flexibility program will pay huge dividends when you have filled out in a few years.  I guarantee that as long as you stay where you are once your an adult you will be hitting 300+.

Edit: Here is an extremely "wordy" swig analysis of Jamie's swing.  Take it for what its worth.

http://perfectgolfswingreview.net/sadlowski.htm

[b]My Bag[/b] 1 Burgeoning mental game

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Those TPI videos with Sadlowski are amazing.  I'll definitely be incorporating some of his core exercises and wrist work into my work out routines.  I've personally seen significant distance increases as a result of incorporating additional core work and I'm sure any direct forearm work will likewise carry with it significant benefit.  There is no doubt in my mind that for the average golfer focused golf specific work in the gym is the best way to improve swing speed and power.

Nike Vapor Speed driver 12* stock regular shaft
Nike Machspeed 4W 17*, 7W 21* stock stiff shafts
Ping i10 irons 4-9, PW, UW, SW, LW AWT stiff flex
Titleist SC Kombi 35"; Srixon Z Star XV tour yellow

Clicgear 3.0; Sun Mountain Four 5

Link to comment
Share on other sites


The Luke Donald thing said above: No.

I will never strive for a game like Lukes. It may be the best for scoring, but I lose interest and get burned out in this game very easily if I don't mix things up a bit and play like Phil. Hitting every fairway and a lot of greens gets very boring and I would get bored of golf so fast.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Backspinalot

I will never strive for a game like Lukes. It may be the best for scoring, but I lose interest and get burned out in this game very easily if I don't mix things up a bit and play like Phil. Hitting every fairway and a lot of greens gets very boring and I would get bored of golf so fast.

Shooting under par rarely gets boring.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Originally Posted by Backspinalot

The Luke Donald thing said above: No.

I will never strive for a game like Lukes. It may be the best for scoring, but I lose interest and get burned out in this game very easily if I don't mix things up a bit and play like Phil. Hitting every fairway and a lot of greens gets very boring and I would get bored of golf so fast.

LOL!  By all means.  Change your swing to max out distance.  I recommend you buy some 6 inch tees and Pinnacle Golf balls. Then go get a Ping driver and stick a 48" shaft in it.  Make sure it's really stiff so you can wail on it.  Keep working with that club and that club only until you've optimized your launch characteristics.  Watch some videos of Jason Zuback for inspiration.  Problem solved.  You'll be an 18 handicapper, but at least you'll be interested.

  • Upvote 1

Driver:  Callaway Diablo Octane 9.5*
3W:  Callaway GBB II 12.5*, 5W:  Callaway Diablo 18* Neutral
3H:  Callaway Razr X, 4H:  Callaway Razr X
5-PW:  Callaway X Tour
GW:  Callaway X Tour 54*, SW:  Callaway X Tour 58*
Putter:  Callaway ITrax, Scotty Cameron Studio Design 2, Ping Anser 4

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Yeah I'm not sure where to go with this now you've basically said you'd trade being a solid golfer for being a wild golfer who hopes to hit great recovery shots. Yet some how you are still failing to realize that Phil's short game is the reason he is able to be so wild and still have solid rounds. He does hit some good recovery shots but he normally makes his birdies when he hits good drives and manages to save pars on his wild ones but normally it's his short game that saves him. My advice is to just aim for the trees or whatever than you can play whatever recovery shot you like but I'm betting your scores will suffer. I also agree with get a 47 or 48 inch driver and try to hit bombs that will make you plenty wild so it's not hard problem if you just want to miss fairways.

Driver: i15, 3 wood: G10, Hybrid: Nickent 4dx, Irons: Ping s57, Wedges: Mizuno MPT 52, 56, 60, Putter: XG #9 
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Ok, I didn't mean it like that. I got a little carried away but I am just fascinated by how Phil plays. I am not going to alter my swing from how it right now I decided. But if there are some flexibility excersizes I can do to allow myself to put the club in different positions that most people can't get that allow for more power and that deal, I am willing to do them.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Moderator

Originally Posted by Backspinalot

Hitting every fairway and a lot of greens gets very boring and I would get bored of golf so fast.

Is this Bubba?

Mike McLoughlin

Check out my friends on Evolvr!
Follow The Sand Trap on Twitter!  and on Facebook
Golf Terminology -  Analyzr  -  My FacebookTwitter and Instagram 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Note: This thread is 3595 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Popular Now

  • Posts

    • Makes sense.  Like I said, I wouldn't have been upset at their original offer either, and based on the fine print it seems like they've held up their end of the deal.  
    • If you've only had to adjust retroactively one time in 8 years and have around 5 people each year without handicaps, that's like 40-50 people total so it sounds like you're doing a pretty good job. I think your questions give enough to go off of. This might be a good way to get new people to actually post a few scores during the 6 weeks leading into the first event. Something like "New members will be eligible for tournament money once they have at least 3 posted rounds in GHIN" or something like that. If they can get 3 rounds in prior to their first event, then they're eligible. If not, they'll soon become eligible after an event or two assuming they play a little bit outside of events.
    • This is a loooooong winded narrative so if you don't like long stories, move on. 😉 Our senior club typically gets about 25 new members each year. We lose about 25 members each year for various reasons (moved to FL/AZ, disabled, dead, too expensive). Of the new members, usually 20 have an active GHIN handicap. About 5 each year do not have a GHIN handicap. When they join our club, we give each member a state association membership that includes GHIN handicapping services. We play a series of handicapped tournaments over the summer. When we sign up a new member who does not have a GHIN handicap, we attempt to give them an estimated index until they have sufficient scores posted to have an actual GHIN index.  Our first event typically is around May 15 so, in theory, a new member has about 6 weeks to post a few scores. Posting season in the Mitten starts April 1. Inevitably, several of the unhandicapped individuals seem  to either not play until the first tournament or can't figure out how to enter scores (hey, they are seniors). That situation then leads to my contacting the new member and asking a series of questions: a. Did you ever have a GHIN handicap? If yes, which State and do you recall what it was? b. Do you have an alternate handicap through a non-GHIN handicap service or a league? c. What do you think your average score was last year (for 9 or 18) d. What was your best score last year? Where did you play and which tee was used? e. What do you consider a very good score for yourself? Based on their responses I attempt to give them an index that makes them competitive in the first couple events BUT does not allow them to win their flight in the first couple events. We don't want the new members to finish last and at the same time, we don't want someone with a "20" playing handicap to win the third flight with a net 57. In the event some new member did shoot a net 57, we also advise everyone that we can and will adjust handicaps retroactively when it is clear to us that a member's handicap does not accurately reflect their potential. We don't like to adjust things retroactively and in the 8 years I have chaired the Handicap Committee, we have only done it once. So here are the questions to the mob: Any ideas how to do this better? Any questions one might ask an unhandicapped individual to better estimate their index/handicap? Would it be reasonable to have a new player play once (or more?) without being eligible to place in the money?
    • Wordle 1,013 4/6 ⬜🟨⬜🟨🟨 ⬜⬜⬜⬜⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩⬜ 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
    • Awesome! I got that a while back with my start word! Wordle 1,013 4/6 ⬜⬜🟨⬜🟨 ⬜🟨⬜🟩⬜ ⬜⬜🟩🟩🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...