Friday, July 6, 2012

Hogan's turning point

I have spent the past few months reviewing films of Babe Ruth and Ted Williams.  My observations revealed that their power source is essentially their buttocks.  I recall many years ago talking with Tom Kite asking him how he managed to hit the ball so far for an average size guy.  He said, without hesitation, "I hit it with my butt."  I recall laughing.  I know that Hogan was a real student of Ted Williams.  I started looking closely at Hogan's body motion remembering the important points John Schlee shared with me.  Hogan talked at length with John about his "turning point".  If you look at Hogan's swing you will see him literally almost sit on his left heel when he reaches the top of his swing.  You'll also notice that he has his back to the target.  This sitting motion places his center of gravity over his left heel as he is backing into the shot, literally.  Once his body is set over the turning point he turns his buttock hard to the left as he drops the back of his left hand down to the inside quarter of the ball letting his hands and arms fly away from his body and up.  This is why on page 88 of his book Hogan said he had to move the pane of glass since he was swing out and away from his body.  If his imaginary pane of glass wasn't move the club head would smash it.  To review, turn your back to the target as you swing the club under and up to the top, sit on your left heel as you drop your hands in front of you, and turn your butt as hard as you can letting your arms, hands and club whip away from your body up and through the ball hitting the inside quarter.  It takes a little practice to get the timing but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Mike
www.benhogan.ws