I consider myself something of an expert on swing changes. I should be; I make at least five every time I play. Curiously, this leads me to somewhat under achieve. At least that's what I prefer to think; the alternative (complete lack of talent) being too horrible to contemplate. I was therefore appalled to read that Lydia Ko, the world’s best female golfer at 17, is making changes to her swing. Why? Dearest Lydia please don't do it, therein lies the road to destruction. Ask Colin Montgomerie, Martin Kaymer, Seve Ballesteros or Matteo Manassero. If you're the 'greatest golfer the world has ever seen' (arguably), you might manage two successful overhauls, but sooner or later this wonderful game bites back and those who take liberties with it do so at their peril. Isn’t that right, Tiger?
Are you familiar with The Compressor, or DST (Delayed Strike Technology) club? It's a new training aid that's catching on faster than the Apple Watch. It features a curved shaft and a HPAM – or Hand Position Alignment Marker (no new item of equipment can be marketed without a certain amount of gobbledygook!). The idea is that it encourages you to set up as closely as possible to your impact position, with the hands leading the clubhead. Its inventor, Robert Cordle, a professional golfer, spent three years researching the theories and techniques of all the greatest ball-strikers in history. He then took seven attempts at devising a machine that would bend shafts to exactly the right angle, to ensure that the hands would lead the clubhead at impact. Top players and coaches, including the likes of Justin Rose, Henrik Stenson, Butch Harmon and Pete Cowen are all enthusing about it and it's remarkable to see how many Tour players are putting it into instant use in their practise routines. I've seen many training aids come and go over the years, but none have enjoyed the immediate and widespread recognition that The Compressor seems to be garnering.
Could it be a tool to rescue Tiger Woods from the depths of despair? Can he find the old Woods at a treeless St Andrews? He didn't so much miss the cut at Chambers Bay as totally fail to show up. His slide from grace now bears a horrible resemblance to the once great Seve Ballesteros, who ended up listening to so many different ideas his own innate ability was drowned in a sea of well-meaning misdirection.
As for Chambers Bay, I've yet to find a player who thinks that the USGA should take their Open back there. Shame.
