Instruction From Tour Pros - Do As I Do, Not As I Say

[Golfingdad]

We've had many a discussion here on TST in regards to advice from tour pros.  A common belief is that if a tour pro says it, it must be true.  The counter argument to that, one that I certainly buy into, is that tour pros fall into the category of "those that do" and not "those that teach."  They know how to do it, but they don't always exactly know what it is that they are doing.  Here's a prime example: Apologies for the bad sound.  He first demonstrates his "what NOT to do swing" and here is a still shot from the A8-ish point of that swing: Next, he demonstrates the "proper" technique for the shot (presumably his "hinge and hold" deal?) and here is a still from the same point in that swing: Now, last, but most definitely not least, here is the same position of the swing where he actually hits the ball, successfully, over Dave Pelz's head: I think that it's very important that we look at what tour pros do (5SK anyone?) to help us learn and get better, but I do not think it's necessarily important that we listen to what they have to say. ;)

[joekelly]

What is that?  A 68* wedge?  I can use a 60* pretty good and pop it up and over the bush.  Swing fast with lots of confidence.

Anyway, i always ask folks to stand aside when i play my shots.

Looks like Phil has lost lots of weight.  Good for him.

[Ernest Jones]

Great find Barney. The pictures really hammer it home. Wonder what Phil would say if he stumbled across this thread? Probably accuse you of being a witch or something.

[iacas]

Great find Barney. The pictures really hammer it home. Wonder what Phil would say if he stumbled across this thread? Probably accuse you of being a witch or something.

I think that Phil would probably admit that feel isn't real, and also probably say that he knows more now than he did then (and be telling the truth).

The constant "appeal to authority" on "a Tour player says this" are tiresome, and this is why.

Thanks @Golfingdad . Good post.

[Golfingdad]

What is that?  A 68* wedge?  I can use a 60* pretty good and pop it up and over the bush.  Swing fast with lots of confidence.

No idea.  With Phil's skills, though, it could just as easily be a 60 opened up.  Heck, I wouldn't be shocked if Phil could do this with a 50* wedge. ;)  (I would be shocked if somebody was willing to stand in front of him though)

The constant "appeal to authority" on "a Tour player says this" are tiresome, and this is why.

LOL ... when I was writing that post I even opened up another window to get the Fallacy poster on screen so I could remember the name of that one.  Found that it was "appeal to authority" but then just ultimately decided not to use it.  (It was almost midnight after all)

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I should also add that it was aired during School of Golf with Martin Hall and Sara Brown (as KROQ would say here: ding ding ding) and he parroted a few of the things Phil said in that clip as well. I like Martin Hall, but was disappointed that he agreed with parts of that.