Brian Manzella
Administrator
Here ya go!
The REAL Ben Hogan!
- Thread starter Brian Manzella
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Woody-B-Dub
New
Many of you have posted comments on here about Ben Hogan without really knowing much about the man or what he was about. So many people claim to have met Mr. Hogan or have been in his presence in some way. If I had a nickel for every time I have heard that, I would be a very rich man.
I have been an employee at Mr. Hogan's home club, Shady Oaks C.C. for over 15 years and currently serve as the club's Head Professional. Needless to say, I have met him, shook his hand, talked to him about golf, tournament golf and the swing.
Mr. Hogan lacked a lot of the natural ability that many of his contemporaries possesed. He was awkward, shy, slight of build, yet determined. Mr. Hogan was not an athlete in the true sense of the word, he was a golf pro. Once he learned to create the leverage of a much taller man in his swing, Mr. Hogan began to posses the ability to hit it further than anyone, if he chose to. In his late 50's and early 60's, many great players played with Mr. Hogan that were maybe 20-30 yrs. his junior, i.e. Lanny Wadkins, Ben Crensahw etc. all would tell you that depending on the situatiom, Mr. Hogan could suddenly hit a drive 30-40 yards longer than he had all day at will. He could also turn around and hit every club the same distance if need be.
Many pros were fascinated by Mr. Hogan. Nick Faldo once spent nearly an entire day trying to get Mr. Hogan's attention. Finally, he had an oppurtunity to ask the question he had been dying to ask him: "What do I need to do to win the U.S. Open?" After a lenghty and awkward pause Mr. Hogan replies: "Shoot the lowest score" End of sentence, end of meeting, Faldo dumbfounded.
I have been an employee at Mr. Hogan's home club, Shady Oaks C.C. for over 15 years and currently serve as the club's Head Professional. Needless to say, I have met him, shook his hand, talked to him about golf, tournament golf and the swing.
Mr. Hogan lacked a lot of the natural ability that many of his contemporaries possesed. He was awkward, shy, slight of build, yet determined. Mr. Hogan was not an athlete in the true sense of the word, he was a golf pro. Once he learned to create the leverage of a much taller man in his swing, Mr. Hogan began to posses the ability to hit it further than anyone, if he chose to. In his late 50's and early 60's, many great players played with Mr. Hogan that were maybe 20-30 yrs. his junior, i.e. Lanny Wadkins, Ben Crensahw etc. all would tell you that depending on the situatiom, Mr. Hogan could suddenly hit a drive 30-40 yards longer than he had all day at will. He could also turn around and hit every club the same distance if need be.
Many pros were fascinated by Mr. Hogan. Nick Faldo once spent nearly an entire day trying to get Mr. Hogan's attention. Finally, he had an oppurtunity to ask the question he had been dying to ask him: "What do I need to do to win the U.S. Open?" After a lenghty and awkward pause Mr. Hogan replies: "Shoot the lowest score" End of sentence, end of meeting, Faldo dumbfounded.
Brian Manzella
Administrator
So Brent (Woody),
Did Hogan ever give you a lesson? (Of course I know this answer)
Did Hogan ever give you a lesson? (Of course I know this answer)
Woody-B-Dub
New
All of my lessons were in passing in the hall or the locker room. He would always ask you to "show it to him" You would then say "what?" "Hit it" he said. Of course, no club, nothing. Then you make a real sheepish, slow swing. He says no "hit it" you begin to swing harder, harder, harder as he claps, screams, and cheers. Once dizzy, the lesson is over.
Tom Bartlett
Administrator
He meant...Someone who REALLY knew Mr. Hogan was going to tell you about him and answer any questions you may have about the man.
Brian Manzella
Administrator
Brent (Woody),
Lots of books have been written about Mr. Hogan.
Around his club, do the members and staff like any of them?
Lots of books have been written about Mr. Hogan.
Around his club, do the members and staff like any of them?
Woody-B-Dub
New
Yes, the new Hogan book by Dodson goes into his life at Shady...surely you can ask something a little harder hitting?
shootin4par
New
how long did his range sessions really go, and did he really hit it at the person with a shag bag like it said in "afternoons with hogan"
Woody-B-Dub
New
When he got tired of hitting at the shag bag, the shag boy became the secondary taget looking into the sun mind you, needless to say, a lot of Shady Oaks bag boys were hit...by accident or on purpose, you choose...
Brian Manzella
Administrator
Harder hitting, huh?
Ok, In your opinion, what made Hogan great? and what is the BIGGEST misconception about Mr. Hogan?
Ok, In your opinion, what made Hogan great? and what is the BIGGEST misconception about Mr. Hogan?
shootin4par
New
what kind of things did he do during practice, any drills, shafts, water bottles. could you also elaborate on his preshot routine?
Woody-B-Dub
New
The biggest misconception was that he was gruff and bitter. Truly he was a very private man, but with a great sense of humor and would often poke fun at himself referring to himself as Henny Bogan frequently. What made Hogan great was his ability to know how to out work all of his peers to a point where they would stop to watch him hit balls...
Brian Manzella
Administrator
Shafts and water bottles????
*gasp*
*gasp*
Woody-B-Dub
New
Mr. Hogan respected Claude Harmon more than anyone. No water bottles in his day, no cameras.
Hands, clubs, grass only.
Hands, clubs, grass only.
Tom Bartlett
Administrator
Brent, Did BH play in any money games? If so how did he do?
Tom Bartlett
Administrator
Also, describe his equipment.
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