Questions about golf and genetics

[Chilidipper]

I have a theory based question for you cerebral golfers.

Questions 1. Why do some individuals excel at some parts of their game and struggle at others. For instance I practice my irons 3-SW 90% of the time but my driver and chipping are the strengths of my game. Putting coming in a distant 3rd, but iron play is decent but well below the rest of my game. Why is that?


Question 2. Do you feel certain body types predispose themselves to excelling at certain parts of the game regardless of how hard they try in those certain parts? See above for an example.



Thanks for answering my questions in advance.

[lamebums]

Not sure. Perhaps someone can answer this question for me as well?

I can crush a drive 300 yards, but miss a putt from three feet - and then miss the next putt coming back, also from three feet.

The upsetting thing for me is that I know there's no voodoo spell on me that has cursed me to putting poorly forever. I know there's no lid on that hole. But, by God, I can't get the ball in the hole.

(Above all, putting requires little to no physical strength, whereas driving...well, yeah.)

[allin]

I believe people tend to focus on the part of the game at which the derive satisfaction. Since I am a short hitter the short game is where I can excel.
Obviously eye hand coordination and feel are plusses in the short game, strength and flexibility advantages for full shots. Both benefit from balance, focus, relaxation, and a bit of creativity.

[niblick]

The full swing, the finesse wedge swing and putting are really three very different actions, so it makes sense that everyone would be more naturally adept at one of the three more than the others.

I generate alot of clubhead speed for a high handicapper, but I get alot more satisfaction out of sticking a wedge in tight than I do from occasionally hitting a drive 280. So the wedges are where I put in most of my practice time. I don't think I'm genectically gifted in any part of my game.

[ILLZ]

The full swing, the finesse wedge swing and putting are really three very different actions, so it makes sense that everyone would be more naturally adept at one of the three more than the others.

I'm not sure I agree with this completely. I think pitching/chipping and putting are very related. They're both feel oriented and rely on technique much less than any other aspect of golf. I contradict my own thinking, however, by being a superb chipper and a terrible putter. Go figure.

[iacas]

Questions 1. Why do some individuals excel at some parts of their game and struggle at others. For instance I practice my irons 3-SW 90% of the time but my driver and chipping are the strengths of my game. Putting coming in a distant 3rd, but iron play is decent but well below the rest of my game. Why is that?

Perhaps you overthink it. That might work for some people, but doesn't for you. Or, your swing is naturally good for woods, but not as good for irons, which require a slightly different swing.

Question 2. Do you feel certain body types predispose themselves to excelling at certain parts of the game regardless of how hard they try in those certain parts? See above for an example.

No. There are all body shapes on the PGA Tour. Some of the same shaped players hit draws, some hit cuts, some hit it low, some hit it high, some are good with wedges, others with drivers.