Face vs. Path

[Lifter]

Thanks to modern science, we know that the face influences 85% of the starting direction and path influences 15% of it. BUT.......isn't it far easier for a golfer to consciously influence path rather than face? It seems to me that good golfers strive to influence the path of the clubhead and they react with instinct to adjust the clubface during the milliseconds before impact.

So path is done consciously while face is done subconsciously (reactive instinct). Is this accurate or is another description closer to the mark?

 

[spktho]

As Brian has said, the difference between tour players and the rest of the golfers is superior club face control. As far as the swing goes all body influence to the club head is over at about last parallel in the downswing. To an extent both factors are conscious to a point in the swing and both are unconscious at a point during the swing. But, get the club face consistent, then change the path to your desired shot is probably the best way to go.

 

[lia41985]

Brian's take:

We have basically two ways to "Zero Out"...

The Toms way: Swing where you are aiming and hit down enough to Zero Out.

The Shields way: Aim straight and swing left enough to Zero Out.

Neither is "easier" or "harder"....but some golfers do 1 better than 2, and some golfers do 2 better than one.

Of course....there is a 3rd way:

Snead: Aim right and swing LEFTER YET and zero out.

Yes I know Snead didn't aways zero out—but he did sometimes!

Peter Kostis's take: YouTube - Lee Trevino

 

[mgranato]

You, the golfer, aren't making any conscious adjustments (sub or otherwise) right before impact. Anything you might feel about that point in time doesn't get to the brain until the ball is already gone. I think it was Dr. Zick that said something along the lines of, once the clubhead gets below the shoulders there's not anything you can do to adjust what its already set in motion to do.

 

[wulsy]

You, the golfer, aren't making any conscious adjustments (sub or otherwise) right before impact. Anything you might feel about that point in time doesn't get to the brain until the ball is already gone. I think it was Dr. Zick that said something along the lines of, once the clubhead gets below the shoulders there's not anything you can do to adjust what its already set in motion to do.

For sure after a certain point its going to be impossible to CONCIOUSLY adjust whats been set in motion, especially at higher speeds, but it is surely much later than "below the shoulders".

The club is still being influenced by the golfer through impact because the golfer can still influence what his body and arms are doing. Surely nobody can dispute that?

 

[wulsy]

You did say "conscious adjustments (sub or otherwise) right before impact" admittedly.

 

[chrisutpg]

Well, look at it this way; Even tho face is more important, it SHOULD be easier to square the face on a good path, i.e slightly inside to on line back to inside. If you are from outside, to inside it is much easier to leave the face open to adjust for this mistake.

So in other words, it would be easier to teach path than anything else correct?

 

[westy]

orbit
its such a great word.
or-biT.
clubface control is elusive, back of the lead hand.......