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Tom Kite
Born 1949 in Texas
Winner of the U.S.Open in 1992
Tom Kite with his coach in the nineteen eighties Peter Kostis.
Tom Kite took up golf at the age of 6. Born with an analytical mind he has always taken a scientific approach to the game.
As a result, although repetitive, Kite's swing would never win a prize for the prettiest action on the tour. The early film shows a Kite motion that many would find poor. A small sway to the right with the hips on the start back, a 'cupped' left wrist at the top of the back swing, and of course an extreme reverse 'C' at the finish.
Kite's first teacher was the legendary coach Harvey Penick. Known for his pragmatic approach, Penick interfered little with the natural movement of Kite.
Instead, Kite was encouraged to work very hard on his short game.
Consequently he developed a short game that would later make him one of the most consistent players of all time. One of the 'hottest' players of the seventies, Johnny Miller, was convinced Kite was the best there's ever been in this area. Kite joined the tour in 1972 where he established himself as a consistent money winner.
The Kite swing fifteen years later in 1988. The hips are not shifting to the right anymore and even more noticeably is the reverse 'C' has been replaced with a modern conforming straight back finish. Kite had 37 professional wins on the tour. Although he only won one major, the U.S.Open of 1992, he was runner up in the Masters twice, and second in the British Open once. Kite entered the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2004
Tom Watson
Born 1949 in Kansas City.
The kid from Kansas City will go down in history for his eight majors,two Masters, one U.S.Open, and five British Opens. He will also be remembered for some of the most absorbing man-to-man battles ever captured on television with Jack Nicklaus. Although Watson never took the crown of best golfer ever he certainly tortured Jack Nicklaus, the dominant player of the late nineteen sixties and seventies. The fierce competitiveness, coupled with his innocent looks, earned Tom the nickname "Huckleberry Dillinger."
In particular the British Open of 1977 at Troon was the battle
that will always be remembered. The Championship, later called "The dual in the sun,"was eventually won by Watson, one shot ahead of Jack Nicklaus. The Tournament turned into a matchplay event on the last day as the two gladiators played at a level that left the rest of the tournament field back in the distance.
This high-speed film was taken while Watson was at the peak of his career.
There was virtually no change to the swing you see on the film throughout his playing days. The very high hands at the top of the swing, followed by a powerful leg drive and a clear late acceleration after contact.
Like many players of this era Tom had a reverse 'C' finish which was not a mistake as it was more as a result of his lower body drive rather than holding his right shoulder back. Watson maintained this mannerism to the end of his competitive days.
For an even earlier film of the Watson swing click on the link
https://www.billknowlesgolfart.com/post/tom-watson-space
Craig Stadler (The Walrus).
Born June 2, 1953
A popular figure on the PGA tour Stadler had the nickname Walrus because of his stocky frame and large moustache.
Stadler started golf when his father bought him a small child set at age four. As a young man he excelled at school golf and won the 1973 U.S.Amateur while still at University. Stadler joined the professional ranks in 1976 after leaving college.
The Stadler swing was a very quick-tempo motion with a high powered leg drive on the forward swing. Teachers would criticize his right elbow position at the top of the backswing, but there are no signs of anything non-conforming in the contact area.
Standing alert to the ball Stadler touches his upper-body lightly with his upper-arms to the elbow joints. From there he creates space according to the lie and length of the club being used. The backswing could have coiled or wound up a little more, but he has a perfect extension and sets his right hand nicely under the shaft. Although he is moving at such a high tempo he is in no hurry to get back to the ball. The final picture shows a perfect release as his arms and body motion continue on to the finish.
Stadler has a total of 30 Professional wins with 19 of those achieved on the PGA Tour.
Fred Couples Born October 3, 1959.
