German Tour players` recent history-part 1

Please note all images are under copyrite and can only be used with the agreement of the owner Bill Knowles

Alexander Czeka

Čejka was born in Czeckoslovakia in 1970. Leaving his country as a refugee he became a West German citizen in 1980.

This year in 2021 Alexander Czeka surprised everyone by winning two events on the PGA Tour of Champions.

After winning the Regions Tradition he followed on by winning the second PGA Tour Champions Tournament at the Kitchen aid senior PGA Championship in Southern Hills Country Club, Tulsa Arizona.

Czeka joined the European tour in 1989

1995 Hohe Brücke Open (European Tour), 1995 Volvo Masters (European Tour), 2002 Trophée Lancôme (European Tour),

2014 Pacific Rubiales Colombia Champ (Korn Ferry Tour), 2015 Puerto Rico Open (PGA Tour)

A no-frills swing oozing simplicity. Being of smaller stature, Alexander Czeka`s lower center of gravity and economical footwork form the basis for a repetitive motion. He has always possessed a swing that could win tournaments.

Alexander Czeka film

Many teachers are surprised that Alexander Czeka never achieved more-take a look and see what you think.

The following are sets of swing sequences taken in 1992 by Bernard Cooke from a translated article published in "Golf magazine."

Bernard Cooke text: Thomas Gögele appears to make a good athletic swing on the driving range. However, on a closer study using high-speed photography, it became obvious his foot action was hindering the flow of his swing to the finish. I would recommend he allow his right heel to rise slowly at and after contact.

Bernard Cooke text:

Sven Strüver has a number of qualities in his swing but is struggling with a fundamental error in his set-up.

He extends his right arm too much at the beginning. It causes him to put too much pressure on his toes.

I would recommend he "sink" his wrists at the beginning and maintain a taller posture a little more back on the feet towards the heels. This will reduce an over upright backswing and allow his left side to clear more naturally on the contact and after.

Sven Strüver film

A high-speed film recording of Sven Strüver taken in the eighties.

Oliver Eckstein film

It is worth remembering that Oliver Eckstein had his best performance on the tour when he finished sixth in this event-The German Open

Translated Bernard Cooke text:

Oliver Eckstein has the physical attributes to be able to hit the ball a long way. The problem is he is not only NOT using those attributes, but he is also carrying faults that cause much inconsistency and wayward ball flights.

I would recommend he stand taller and extend his knees more at the address. He could also create a slight inward pressure from the feet up to the knees.

This would give him more right leg resistance at the backswing completion. Instead of a "soft" left arm and buckling knee, he would create resistance and width.

The lower body would become more responsive and the forward movement would be far more synchronized.

There is no doubt that both length and accuracy would become greater.

Bernard Cooke

The photography and text material are all from my mentor Bernard Cooke. It is worth remembering that thirty years ago was a very different time in teaching. At this time Bernard was able to analyze players better than most, if not all of his colleagues.

He was years ahead of his time.

Footnote from Bill:

The German players were not particularly well-coached at the time.

Since this time International teachers and common sharing have brought the German teaching level up to the same standard or better as all other associations.

It is only a question of time before another German player or two achieves the highest levels.

For part two click on the Link