Bobby Jones distinguished himself, not only as perhaps the greatest amateur to ever play the game, but also as one of golf's most famous teachers. Who hasn't seen some of his How I Play Golf or How to Break 90 films, made in the early 1930s by Warner Brothers? (Many of you may not know that Jones gave up his amateur status when making the films. Otherwise he wouldn't have gotten paid!)
I found this particular driving tip in a book by noted Jones biographer Sidney L. Matthew simply called Bobby Jones Golf Tips. (My copy includes the subtitle Secrets of the Master and was published by Kensington Books, in case you're interested.) This tip comes from pages 48-49, from an article called An Easy Solution to Extra Yards, and I'll just quote a couple of key paragraphs:
If one will take the trouble to take a look at, he'll observe certain things which are feature of all true swingers of a golf club. First, that the posture of the body at cope with in all fairness erect and that the location of the ball is close to enough in order that there's no want to stretch out for it; 2d, that the toes aren't separated so widely that the motion of the hips is restricted and that they may be now not rooted into the ground. The whole photograph may be considered one of apparent ease and comfort, entirely unfastened from pressure of any type. And that is the beginning of a swing so as to get distance and control.
? It is not an excellent concept to strive for the final period off every tee, however it's miles a great component with a purpose to produce a few extra yards when they may be wanted. But this additional can by no means be had through stretching and slugging. On the contrary, it's miles acquired greater effortlessly via increasing the turn and use of the hips and shoulders. When Jones wanted a bit greater distance off the tee -- and he become considered a fairly lengthy driving force in his time -- he centered on addressing the ball in a way that permit him live relaxed and bendy. He stood fairly tall together with his feet a snug distance aside and the ball close sufficient that he did not have to attain for it.
The idea was to make it as easy to show again and through as possible. This allowed him to turn his hips and shoulders freely, consequently making it easy to swing the club quickly with out seeking to "slug" the ball.
That's quite clear, don't you watched? It's a method that is to be had to any golfer at any talent stage, and you could exercise it for free to your outside (simply stick a tee within the ground in region of a ball). I like that kind of tip!
The photograph came from the Atlanta History Center website.
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