Bob Writes To: Greg Norman
Dear Greg,
It might be a good idea for you to prepare a long
list of answers for people who ask you how you shot 78 on the last
day of the Masters. That way you can give a different answer every
time or at least rotate. Here are some suggestions:
- Missed a makeable birdie putt on 17 or would have
shot 77.
- Made a good scrambling par on 18 or would have shot
79.
- Etc., etc.
I have a theory about the mental issue and an observation
about the physical issue relating to this round.
Perhaps you've said to yourself that the best way
to protect your lead was to try to increase it. It appeared to me
that you shot for the pin time after time. #9 being a good example.
Nick Faldo on the other hand played the percentage approach shots
as if he had the lead at the beginning of the round. The severe pin
placements should have dictated that you play the percentage approach
shot on virtually every hole.
The above is theoretical because you where perhaps
attempting to play percentage shots.
There is however a physical issue. By the nature of
your fast and somewhat flat swing you are going to hit some imperfect
shots in the easiest of times and perhaps even more so in the tough
situations.
One option is
to just relax and enjoy it. Some years back I followed Gary Player
in the fourth round in a tournament in
Florida. He had been in a position to win at the start of the round.
By the middle of the back 9 it was obvious that he was not going
to win. He turned around to the gallery and said "people are fighting
wars in some parts of the world and starving in other parts. Here
I am getting paid to play golf on a beautiful course on a beautiful
day. I have nothing to complain about."
You play golf like a ski racer who wins or falls.
So what. That's what you do and you are great at it. Nick Faldo moves
his hands very slowly and has a swing that fundamentally is much
like Lee Trevino's. It's just another way of approaching the game.
Nick's a great player but it's more exciting to watch you.
However, if you would like to bring your errant shots
under better control do the following:
Practice turning the hosel of the club to the right
on your take away. This will keep the blade more on the ball and
will give you a swing plane more like Jack Nicklaus and Byron Nelson.
Concentrate on rolling your left shoulder under you chin instead
of around your spine as this will further facilitate a more upright
plane.
Your left hand grip looks excellent but your right
hand would be in a better position if you carried it more on top
of your left thumb.
Be Happy!
Golfingly Yours,
Bob Mann
|
