Swinging and Hitting

[Jimmy A.]

Does anyone here find that it's easier to swing some clubs and easier to hit others? I'm finding that I have an easier time hitting my mid to short irons (as opposed to swinging them) but, if I try to hit my long irons or woods, I tend to push it right. The problem that I think I have with swinging my short irons is that I seem to have a difficult time getting my right hand aaaall the way over to low point (beneath the left shoulder). However, using right arm thrust, I get it there no problem and, typically, strike the ball pretty well. Now, with my woods and long irons, it just seems like I can't do anything but push the ball unless I use a swinging procedure.

Another question I have here is, has there ever been any dominant players (I'm talking major championship winners) who were hitters? I've been somewhat reluctant to allow myself to be a hitter at all because it just seems that all the greats have been pure swingers. If there is any truth to that, then it would seem that swinging is the superior procedure.

 

[cdog]

When i hit, it is usually with the 7I to my wedges, although i will swing them too.
At times i will hit with my 7 wood, but mainly my long irons and woods it's always swinging.

When you ask which is superior, I think thats up to each individual, if you hit your 9I better than swinging it, then hitting is superior for YOU.

I think it's good to hit and swing, it's more tools for the tool box.

 

[bendet3]

I wouldn't say that swinging is superior to hitting it's just that before people starting looking more closely to what Homer Kelley had found (i.e. there is another procedure other than swinging) everyone taught and was taught to swing. Tiger for instance was taught by his dad and no doubt Earl probably had no exposure to Homer and thus taught Tiger what was popular, the swing. I think that it also makes a difference that as a young child learning to play the game, you typically don't have the strength to "hit" but you have the flexibility to "swing" so that is what you adopt. I would hold up Kenny Perry and Darren Clarke as 2 hitters who are as good as any swinger. I believe that many think that Craig Stadler is a hitter and he has a Green Jacket. I would attribute the lack of "hitting" Major winners to this fact, rather than swinging being a superior procedure than hitting. (Kenny Perry hits it longer than most on tour, and straighter than most, it is his putting that has kept him from winning majors IMHO). If you like to hit, do it.

 

[Perfect Impact]

Swinging IS mechanically superior to hitting. The latter requires muscular action "down the line" -- between the main source and the object being thrown or pushed (the clubhead). It is similar to someone interfering with a slingshot action by touching the cord between the hand and the rock.

Pure swinging is absolutely more efficient. "My hands just hold on." JN

 

[Brian Manzella]

Keeny PERRY???

I'll have to have Craig ask Matt K. if Kenny tries to hit.