Lorne Rubenstein wrote an article this month for SCOREGolf, A Zone Worth Finding, about a book by Former PGA Tour winner Bobby Clampett, The Impact Zone: Mastering Golf's Moment of Truth. It's the one book Rubenstein read this year, or in many years, for that matter, that says very little about the swing itself, and plenty about the moment of truth - impact.


Golf Impact Shot by photomudger at flickr.com

Rubenstein introduces Clampett's own introduction in his book. "You’ve probably heard that the most important six inches in golf is between the ears. Though the mind unquestionably plays a key role in the game, the most important six inches in the swing truly take place through the Impact Zone - meaning the two inches before impact through the four inches after it. After all, they don't call impact the golf swing's Moment of Truth for no reason."

Each of us, including the tour pros, have different looking swings, a unique style, a signature swing. But when we hit quality shots, we all look the same at impact. If you want to make an impact in this game, think impact.

Clampett shares that, "if we could somehow change the way the game is taught, and begin working from the ground up with a focus on the golfer's swing dynamics, and with the goal of moving their swing bottoms four inches in front of the ball, we could begin to make some real progress - progress that would both grow the game and make it immeasurably more enjoyable for those already hooked on playing it."

Read that carefully. Clampett encourages a swing that bottoms four inches in front of the ball, not at the back of the ball. This is exactly what Fred Shoemaker told our group during an impromptu clinic at Bandon Dunes last month. Assuming our swing bottom occurs naturally near the center of our chest (on an even lie), this indicates that a well struck ball should be placed behind our center (back in our stance). Try experimenting with this and notice where your divot starts - well in front of where the ball was.

Looks like a book I might consider taking a look at!

Labels: Articles, Bobby Clampett, Fred Shoemaker, Impact, Instruction, Lorne Rubenstein