Spieth, Day and McIlroy Stick With What (and Who) Works [NY Times]

[nevets88]

I didn't notice this before, in retrospect, pretty obvious, but none of the "big three" have changed coaches. There have been close calls, but in the end, they stuck with their guy. Good to see.

Quote

In 2007, when he turned pro, McIlroy was considered an outlier in golf. His choice to stay with the coach who had developed his game instead of upgrading to an instructor with a higher profile was a mortar shot that shook the foundation of the cottage industry that exists to serve, and feed, the insecurities of perfectionists trying to master an impregnable sport.

Almost a decade later, the third-ranked McIlroy has been joined at the top of golf’s rankings by No. 1 Jordan Spieth and No. 2 Jason Day, who have also had the same instructors since they were juniors.

McIlroy, 26, who will play the first two rounds here with Spieth and Day, was on the front lines of what has become a mini-revolt against disposable coaches.

The trend took off as tournament purses grew, affording players the luxury of entourages. McIlroy, Spieth and Day are throwbacks to the era dominated by Jack Nicklaus, whose coach, Jack Grout, taught him how to teach himself.

“You know, if it’s not broke, don’t fix it,” McIlroy said. “I feel like with Jordan and with Jason, you’re seeing more and more guys adopt this approach that if it has worked all the way through your junior and amateur career, these are the people that got us to this stage — there’s no reason why it’s not going to work going forward.”
 

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/03/sports/golf/coaches-jordan-spieth-jason-day-rory-mcilroy.html?_r=1

[Braivo]

On 3/3/2016 at 11:12 AM, nevets88 said:

I didn't notice this before, in retrospect, pretty obvious, but none of the "big three" have changed coaches. There have been close calls, but in the end, they stuck with their guy. Good to see.

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/03/03/sports/golf/coaches-jordan-spieth-jason-day-rory-mcilroy.html?_r=1

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. I think these guys are wise to stick with what works. They achieved great success with a swing that is now ingrained into their nervous system. It simply comes natural to them and they can adjust based on "feel". 

I have to wonder how many guys have hurt their games by trying to "perfect" their swings and doing more harm than good.