Peter... experiment #1 started it all!

I think it was about 6 months ago when I first read E1. I tried it a few times occassionally, no big deal or breakthrough though. I was about to give up golf when I read someone else - not sure who now - that taught you to hold the angle by pulling with the right hand middle fingers against the thumb and shaft. I used that technique to do your E1. And one more ingredient, once you have the angles using these thoughts, you NEVER let them go, something about "swinging angles".

Now I am an experimenter. I have tried hundreds of "keys and tips" before and everyone lead to dissappointment after 15 minutes, one round, on the outside - a week. Well after 35 years of experimenting with "keys" your E1 "lead" has provided 6 weeks of outstanding range balls and 10 rounds of truly enjoyable golf with narry a shank, top, slice, hook... NADA. Nothing but straight, and probably 2 clubs longer. Not sure I will ever need to experiment any longer, I would like to establish a handicap now.

And I am in balance, my swing is slower looking, I can take a divot and most importantly, I have no thoughts about what I am doing (lead with hands, feet, hips, arm, earholes etc.). It just happens. The only bad part is that my poor putting sticks out like a sore thumb and for the first time in 35 years, I have spend most of my practice time working on a pendulum stroke.

For others out there that are skeptical about this theory, I strongly suggest you give it a try, it does not take long. In fact: we had just started a Hawaii vacation, on the first day it was doomsday, shanks, tops, weak hits and a score in the hundreds. I told my wife that the vacation was a waste and I would never play again. She convinced me to go out the next day, and it was then that I started this technique. Only one hour on the range, and I hit Makena. Only one mi**** all day, poor putting and all, I shot 88. Each of my next 6 rounds same vacation - with 20-30 mph trade winds - I was in the 80's. Best round 83. (BTW - I have never been below 80, but usually shot from 85 - 98 for the past 10 years or so.) I waited to report this until I got home, hit the range for a few weeks and try playing again - which I did a few days ago. Same result, works like a champ.

Frankly, I am not sure I am fully SA - as I have been since 95. My setup is SA all the way. But. when you create this tension by pulling back and holding, it is VERY difficult to maintain a firm grip through impact. I have not video'd this yet, but if I am not in a good benchmark position at 6/100's I will be amazed - based on the ball flight and the divots.

Anyway, thanks Peter.