Tiger vs. Sam Snead (2 very different golf swings and what’s best for you)

You have probably heard the phrase, “I want to be like Mike.” This is a reference to wanting to play basketball like the great Michael Jordan. Kids all over the world began wagging their young tongues out while going for a picturesque lay-up. Not wanting to think about the many tongues that got accidentally bitten as a result of this phenomenon, this article will tell you why you shouldn’t want to be like Tiger Woods.

Tiger has developed a new swing over the past two years. His swing has been carefully constructed since he dropped the coveted golf coach, Butch Harmon. It must be said that this is most definitely not a diss on Tiger. He’s truly great, and I am no one to judge his decision to change his swing. He wanted to get better, and felt the change would help him get there. Has he gotten better? I’ll let golf commentators everywhere debate that. Instead, I will analyze his new swing, and tell you why YOU and I should never attempt to replicate it.

The key to an accurate repeatable golf swing is many things. Spacing, flexibility, strength, balance, and several others contribute to a swing. The problem I have been witnessing lately is the need to be like Tiger. Even club professionals feel the need to sell this swing. The problem is, no one has the time to master his difficult swing. He has made his swing more difficult to replicate. Instead of trying to be like Tiger, handicappers should be learning from the great Sam Snead.

Click this link to see Tiger’s old swing: This is a beautiful example of how to swing a golf club. His arch comes up at a higher angle; look again at where his elbow is pointing on his backswing. Pointing slightly behind him, it helps his swing arch remain rather high. This is much easier to repeat for a handicap golfer. The problem lies within his new swing. (Again, I am not saying Tiger shouldn’t do it just you) His back elbow is now pointing at his back hip. This levels off his swing arch, and adds more torque behind it. It is a much more difficult swing to master.

Click here to watch Sam Snead’s swing: There is only one word for these two swings, effortless. This is what we should be trying to replicate. As repeatability goes, it is much easier.

Now look at a still to see the difference in Tiger’s new swing: Notice how his elbow has dropped and is now pointing to his backside hip. While allowing for more tension in his muscles to be created, it encourages slicing the ball. For everyone other than Tiger, it will introduce an inside-out swing. This is a major downfall for players before attempting the Tiger swing. Why make your swing harder?