Since you have gotten to Mac, I'm sure you have seen, and been around, Tour players and good ball strikers. So, in comparison, how good does Mac really hit it? Also, Mac seems like an interesting person...someone I would definantly like to talk with someday...and I was wondering what way, if any, I could get in contact with him someday?
How good does Mac hit it...Well, let's put it this way... when I was working with Keith Clearwater in the 1999 US Open "my wife" and I watched Tiger close-up, really close-up and he really can move it. Since he was next door with Mark O'Meara our vantage point was pretty cool("inside the ropes of the driving range"). We got to see greatness up front and center!!!
The following year my wife and I went to our first symposium in Palm Springs and my wife ....my wife who knows both the Golfing Machine and the MORAD stuff commented on how Mac's impact "Sounds Different from Everyone Else!" and his "Control of the Ball is Amazing!" ...Different from Tiger Woods....She said all that needs to be said!!!
Side Bar ....How many people do you know that can hit draws and fades left-handed with the "backside" of a right-handed Taylor Made Rescue club and call the shot before hand...Ask Mr. Jack Lumpkin...He was right there with us watching this feat!!!
Brian: I can't dispute whether Mac said TGM was "tragically flawed". At the January symposium he said TGM was "60% good". He did not elaborate on the comment, but I thought he might have meant that, in his opinion, about 60% was needed for practical application for the golfing student. Who knows, but I didn't hear him mention anything about flaws.
MGJordan: Mac resides in Palm Springs. I don't know how to contact him. He gave me his email address after the recent symposium but I don't think he would like me giving it out. For what it's worth, I sent him an email after the school and it went unanswered.
Mac said he would publish his research soon, probably within the year and will have a software program to accompany his findings.
My AI, Ted Britschgi, has also stated that Mac compressed the ball more than anyone he ever saw, creating a unique cannon shot sound.
Although he couldn't hit full shots due to his injury, I did witness Mac hitting flop shots greenside using a 2-iron! Something to behold... He worked with Seve for years and, in fact, teaches his short game method as the model.
Since you have gotten to Mac, I'm sure you have seen, and been around, Tour players and good ball strikers. So, in comparison, how good does Mac really hit it? Also, Mac seems like an interesting person...someone I would definantly like to talk with someday...and I was wondering what way, if any, I could get in contact with him someday?
Matt, we had several Macophiles at our Pine Needles workshop. I also know a few in my area. If you like I'll ask.
Since you have gotten to Mac, I'm sure you have seen, and been around, Tour players and good ball strikers. So, in comparison, how good does Mac really hit it? Also, Mac seems like an interesting person...someone I would definantly like to talk with someday...and I was wondering what way, if any, I could get in contact with him someday?
Matt, we had several Macophiles at our Pine Needles workshop. I also know a few in my area. If you like I'll ask.
If you would ask around, I would appreciate it.
From all accounts I have heard of Mac, he is a little crazy. This is the exact reason I would like to meet him. Most people I have met who seem a little "off" really are the most intelligent and interesting.
I know Mac gets bashed a bit on the forums, but he must be on to something. Whether or not he is, I don't know, but those who have worked with him seem to gain something valuable.
Mr. O'Grady sets up very low with the hands and bends over quite a bit(first axis tilt). I have noticed that he does not maintain the first Axis tilt through the ball... i.e. the spine angle straightens(more toward vertical) some. Is this what he wants? If so, what is the reason?
Lagster: I think what may be happening is that Mac believes the pelvis must release through impact. Watch the video of Hogan and you'll see how the pelvis is thrust forward and up, as though he is putting his fanny into the shot. Question: Is this procedure mentioned in TGM?
Annikan,
I have always admired Keith Clearwater's game, could you elaborate on what happened to him, what you worked on with him? I would love to know his stroke pattern and some of his game thoughts.
I worked with Keith for only one season....traveled to CVS Charity and the BC OPEN....and of course the 1999 US OPEN..
When you're working with a Touring Professional it's like tuning up a Formula One Race Car....You don't have to build anything ....it's already built....
Keith has had great instruction throughout his career...He worked with Ben Doyle throughout college and Mac O'Grady, Phil Ritson and a whole host of others!!!!
So, I really didn't do much except I felt that he had some hitting mechanics and swinging mechanics mixed up!!!! I didn't really teach him any thing except perhaps consult with him on a few things...He knows what he's doing !!!!
I feel that Keith...Has a tendency to rise up out of his forward bend a little prematurely which shifts his plane-line and/or deliverylie cross line to the right causing some errant blocks and hooks....
But trust me....even Ben Hogan stated after Keith's round of 64 at Colonial that Keith Clearwater can really hit it and can really play!!!!....
What's holding him back..Not his body like so many are quick to blame ....cause that "dude" is not only strong, but Flexible ...Perhaps his putting and scoring skills ... Definitely not his technique!!!!
I think he now works with Robert Baker....Personally, I feel he was at his best when working with Mac....But He might choose to disagree....I still pull for Keith!!! In this businesss you can't take things personally if they don't work out....Look at Tiger and Butch .... That got peronal ....Not Good for either party!!!
Keith has used in my opinion, Swinging for his Longer Toys and Hitting for some of his shorter shots....
Some of my concerns were his Wrist Action, Elbow Location, and Shoulder Motion Components were more for hitting, Which lead me to beleive he used a lot of Hitting....But I look back now 6 years later and recall a lot of swingingas well!!!
I do not believe that you will find the extension of the spine and tailbone from impact to finish any where in the TGM....
However, it is "imperative" that you find ...." The Spine and Extemities" by Hoppenfield ... I believe Stanley Hoppenfield....Most College bookstores have this for the study of Exercise Science and Introduction to Biomechanics...You will learn a ton about the Human Machine and all the different range of motions, styles of motion, and most importantly Planes of Motion of each of the 13 Major Joints...
Remember TGM has multiple centers....Well each joint has a center!!!!