BobbySchaeffer
New
Wouldn't it be fantastic to still have Homer around and be able to bounce ideas off of him? He never intended or assumed that all the answers for golf were to be found in his landmark book TGM. He would have enjoyed the feedback from all of you, especially the world-class players such as Steve Elkington and the top teachers like Brian and Lynn. I believe it's a disservice to Homer not to continue to GROW what he started with TGM. For example, Homer would have been fascinated with how to amp-up the horsepower of "The Machine" through some of the cutting edge physical training techniques that are now being incorporated by many of the serious competitors. After all, it's not that new graphite shaft in your driver that is your REAL equipment! Perhaps more on this topic at a later date.
The real genius of a Gregg McHatton or a Ben Doyle is being able to take science and words and APPLY it to the student through innovative techniques. Application is the key. The student that "does the work" will find himself improving.
I was hired by my dear friend Sally Kelley to conduct the official TGM seminars in the late 80's and early 90's -- I felt quite honored. I was introduced to TGM as a teenager by the legend, Gregg McHatton, who soon after sent me to Ben Doyle to continue my education -- what a lucky start for a kid, and I am forever grateful to my two mentors. I was fortunate to have competed against some of the finest players in the world, including Els, Lehman, DiMarco, Tiger and countless other top players. What I learned from many of them about the playing of the game was priceless.
I will share with you some of thoughts from a book I'm working on tentatively titled "The P's of Golf". A big chunk of it concerns TGM. Basically (as Ben would say) I have restructured TGM into 3 key areas in which to practice; PIVOT, POWER PACKAGE and PLANE. I find this format more accessible to the layperson which, if they so choose, can lead to deeper study of TGM and other works.
In brief, the student can imagine the PIVOT as "chop off" my head and arms and everything else from the bottom of my feet to the top of my shoulders comprise the pivot components. Included in PIVOT training are various drills and techniques designed to allow the student to build a more more powerful and effective pivot.
The POWER PACKAGE is comprised of the role the arms and hands play in the golf swing. This includes not just the pressure points, arms, educated hands, flying wedges, etc. but specific ways to train and APPLY.
Once the student works with the first 2 P's then we get him to find, and more importantly FEEL the proper plane (in fact, if you work properly with the first two P's the proper plane may just "show up"). Drills and techniques that I have developed, along with insights from my fellow golf professionals follow.
Some of the many other P's that I explore include, but are not limited to, Physical fitness, Psychology, Putting, Power, Planning, Practice, Precision....
I'm not trying to replace TGM, but I am trying to contribute and make it more accessible to Golfdom. I know I don't have all the answers, and never will, but I'll heed Homer's advice to "continue the search!"
I'm looking forward to feedback from all of you.
Good golfing,
Bobby Schaeffer
The real genius of a Gregg McHatton or a Ben Doyle is being able to take science and words and APPLY it to the student through innovative techniques. Application is the key. The student that "does the work" will find himself improving.
I was hired by my dear friend Sally Kelley to conduct the official TGM seminars in the late 80's and early 90's -- I felt quite honored. I was introduced to TGM as a teenager by the legend, Gregg McHatton, who soon after sent me to Ben Doyle to continue my education -- what a lucky start for a kid, and I am forever grateful to my two mentors. I was fortunate to have competed against some of the finest players in the world, including Els, Lehman, DiMarco, Tiger and countless other top players. What I learned from many of them about the playing of the game was priceless.
I will share with you some of thoughts from a book I'm working on tentatively titled "The P's of Golf". A big chunk of it concerns TGM. Basically (as Ben would say) I have restructured TGM into 3 key areas in which to practice; PIVOT, POWER PACKAGE and PLANE. I find this format more accessible to the layperson which, if they so choose, can lead to deeper study of TGM and other works.
In brief, the student can imagine the PIVOT as "chop off" my head and arms and everything else from the bottom of my feet to the top of my shoulders comprise the pivot components. Included in PIVOT training are various drills and techniques designed to allow the student to build a more more powerful and effective pivot.
The POWER PACKAGE is comprised of the role the arms and hands play in the golf swing. This includes not just the pressure points, arms, educated hands, flying wedges, etc. but specific ways to train and APPLY.
Once the student works with the first 2 P's then we get him to find, and more importantly FEEL the proper plane (in fact, if you work properly with the first two P's the proper plane may just "show up"). Drills and techniques that I have developed, along with insights from my fellow golf professionals follow.
Some of the many other P's that I explore include, but are not limited to, Physical fitness, Psychology, Putting, Power, Planning, Practice, Precision....
I'm not trying to replace TGM, but I am trying to contribute and make it more accessible to Golfdom. I know I don't have all the answers, and never will, but I'll heed Homer's advice to "continue the search!"
I'm looking forward to feedback from all of you.
Good golfing,
Bobby Schaeffer
