Jeff Mann, a doctor who loves to study the golf swing, and is not a teacher or player, ripped me and TrackMan up today on another forum.
"I actually think that this video shows that Trackman has little value.
Brian has an inconsistent swing in terms of clubface/clubhead path through impact - despite a consistent swing pattern (reverse slot swing style). On his third shot he pulled the ball left because of his inability to consistently generate an appropriately accurate clubhead path and clubface orientation. The Trackman readings simply confirm that Brian cannot control his clubhead path/clubface orientation consistently from swing-to-swing.
Now, if Brian has an inconsistent clubhead path/clubface orientation from swing-to-swing, then can you imagine what will happen with a 20 handicap golfer. His Trackman readings will vary considerably from swing-to-swing, and that 20-handicap golfer still needs to learn how to move his body/arms in space. I don't need Trackman to pick up gross errors in clubhead path and clubface orientation at impact in a high handicap, inconsistent golfer.
I think that Trackman may be invaluable for a professional golfer who is trying to fine-tune his swing, but I still cannot understand why it should be deemed to be useful for an inconsistent, high handicap golfer.
Jeff."
I have talked to Jeff on the phone, and he is a smart enough guy, but he is WAY WAY OFF on this one.
So I let him have it:
JEFF: I actually think that this video shows that Trackman has little value.
BRIAN: I have been teaching 28 years, and I think it is the single best thing ever invented.
I said the same thing when I did not own one, so this is NOT marketing.
As much a golf swing junkie as you are Jeff, if I gave you one, the world may never hear from you again.
JEFF:
Brian has an inconsistent swing in terms of clubface/clubhead path through impact - despite a consistent swing pattern (reverse slot swing style). On his third shot he pulled the ball left because of his inability to consistently generate an appropriately accurate clubhead path and clubface orientation. The Trackman readings simply confirm that Brian cannot control his clubhead path/clubface orientation consistently from swing-to-swing.
BRIAN: That is just wrong.
Do you think I was trying 100% on every shot?
I was trying to make swings that were a little sloppy and then show how I could fix them quickly.
One day soon, when the TrackMan combine is out (an 80 ball test that everyone from Tiger to Mr. Fanerkle will take and have a score on) you'll find out how well old Manzella can hit it.
Right after the video, I took the 10 ball APPROACH TEST test from 160 yards out.
I would normally use a 7-iron, but it was cold and I was using range balls, so I used a 6.
Here is my score:
Trackman gives you points for how close to the hole you get, and then assigns a "a handicap" to the scores.
For example a hacker would make like 20 points, and TrackMan would assign those shots a handicap of 35 or so.
My handicap for the 91 points...+10
You are WAY OFF on all this Jeff.
Just like the goofballs who make fun of the D-Plane's importance.
I'll accept your apology on my swing and your despise fro TrackMan any time.
BTW, I hit 13 of 14 fairways today at English Turn in the wind.
Must be that loop.
Any suggestions?
