An Interesting Conversation

This is an email conversation I recently had with Bob Kumpula, Conner Kumpula’s father. Conner is the Oregon Amateur champion who has been working with me online for about a year. His swing, as you will see in the upcoming online lesson, is simply awesome, one of the best I’ve seen. When the swing gets that good the topic of shot selection and course management becomes quite important (much less so when you can’t hit the ball where you are aiming). Here Bob (and Connor) asks a very pertinent question:

Wayne,
Thanks for the recent lesson. Conner wanted to ask you one last question on shot making during the round. He would like your opinion on trying to keep it simple and hit the same shape and trajectory on every shot or try and shape shots to for what the course is calling for on the shot. He is wondering if tour players are consistently trying to hit the same shot because statistically it shows it is a better way to play. I am copying Conner on this question if you want to reply directly to him.

Thanks, Bob

Hey Bob: my preference is to build a swing that hits the ball straight. Curved shots are more aggressive as you are bending the ball toward the pin or into the shape of the hole. If you want to be aggressive you curve the ball by changing the path (body alignment) and the face (grip) while keeping the swing on plane to the body alignment. Most tour players don’t curve the ball much in general but can move it both ways on call. A straight shot aimed left of a right pin will have a putt at it if executed properly. I would suggest practicing on the course and comparing an attempt to curve the ball with a straight shot. It is always nice to feel like you can bend the ball but you have to decide when to do it and commit to the shot.
WD

Thanks Wayne. I have always thought that you want to build a swing that can move it both directions. Accomplishing the shape of the shot with stance and alignment like you are talking about. Essentially making the same swing. I read somewhere that Tiger’s routine on the range was hitting something like an 8 iron. Two low draws, two medium height draws and two high draws. All at the same target. Then doing the same with a cut and ending with 3 straight shots with those same trajectories. I actually watched him do some of this on the range at the US Open at the Olympic Club. It was amazing to watch! With shaping the ball, I always thought that a player could take more conservative lines off the tee and into greens always keeping the ball in play and never short siding yourself. Using the ground contours to make the shot easier when possible. Like I told you on the first lesson, Conner has never played a straight shot historically but it could simplify things. That is a good way of putting it. Only play a shaping shot when you have to be aggressive or really defensive.
Thanks again, Bob

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