Is the "Perfect" Swing overrated?

[bflat450]

When was Ernie's last win? 2004?

It doesn't matter that they won this year. Ernie's swing could still be better. Everyone on the PGA tour has nearly a

perfect swing. That's why their on the PGA tour. 150 guys out of all the golfer in the world. Those that win just place the ball. Winning on the PGA is all about placing it. Even Tiger says so. Someone could have a better swing, but if he doesnt place the ball good and makes bad decisions he can still lose easily.

[niblick]

It doesn't matter that they won this year. Ernie's swing could still be better. Everyone on the PGA tour has nearly a

You're telling me a player like Ernie Els, a 3-time major champion, just suddenly started making bad decisions about where to place the ball, and that's why he hasn't won on the PGA Tour for the last 3 years? That's absurd. Players on that level don't just wake up one day and forget where to land the ball, or what club to hit.

To qualify, Els has struggled with his putter, and he's had an injury to rehab. I'm not saying his swing is bad, nor am I saying his swing is the sole reason for his lack of wins. My contention is merely that the evidence doesn't support a claim of his swing being superior to all the other players on tour.

[ILLZ]

There are far too many factors that go into winning versus losing. Ernie Els having the most "perfect" swing in no way would guarantee him ONE win at all, ever. I think you're drawing far too strong a correlation between winning and having the best swing.

[niblick]

There are far too many factors that go into winning versus losing. Ernie Els having the most "perfect" swing in no way would guarantee him ONE win at all, ever. I think you're drawing far too strong a correlation between winning and having the best swing.

I just think we're defining "best" and "perfect" differently. The best swing is the one that produces the best contact. That much I think we'd agree on. Here's the rub though: you and bflat450 have referenced the other factors involved in winning besides the swing. That reinforces my point! Ernie's record both on the PGA Tour and internationally proves that things like shot selection, course management, short game etc. aren't the reasons he's not winning. Els' record by year for ball striking: 2007: 71st 2006: 149th 2005: unavailable 2004: 92nd 2003: 38th Els' record by year for driving accuracy: 2007: 139th 2006: 171st 2005: unavailable 2004: 185th 2003: 161st I see no evidence at all to support the original claim of him having the best swing. If anything, he's won in spite of mediocre (by tour standards) ball striking.

[ILLZ]

OK, fair enough. You're defining "best" swing as whatever swing allows for the best ball striking. I'm defining "best" swing as which swing is mechanically and physically the most likely to produce the best ball striking. You're basing your opinion on results while I'm basing mine on theory. Agree?

[niblick]

OK, fair enough. You're defining "best" swing as whatever swing allows for the best ball striking. I'm defining "best" swing as which swing is mechanically and physically the most

Agreed.

[Chilidipper]

I like to pride myself in the fundamentals of my swing. I have an athletic build and long muscles in my back and arms allowing me to properly bring the club back into the slot without much motion in my wrists and hands. Since i have reconstructed my swing, I have seen a drastic change in my ball flight. Instead of hitting high, weak fades, I now hit lower, strong draws. Not to mention the distance gained. I don't have to swing as hard to achieve the same results.

Adam Scott's swing is on plane the whole time. Even Tigers swing has a break down at the top, but he regains plane on his downswing. Anyway even with Scott's perfect swing he can't beat Tiger or get as many championship. I guess Tiger is just a freak

[Clubswinger21]

Is the "perfect" golf swing overrated? Obviously you want to maintain the basics throughout your swing, but if you have a little dip or slide or whatever, is that really a big deal? Is all this "Oh my god, I must re-do my swing compeltely!" crap overrated?

I've been thinking about that. My swing isnt pretty by anyone's standard, and ball striking consistency is an issue for me. Mainly because I have back issues, I am currently struggling with disc issues. I believe my swing is constantly changing to compinsate for pain. Eventually if i want to keep playing this game which i feel i can become very good at, i think i will have to get surgery which I believe will completely change my swing.. hopefully for the better.