Born 1934 in London, England
I was always impressed with the swing and striking of Neil Coles. His swing was so simple to watch and as unassuming as the man himself. Many Europeans felt he was one of the most underrated players on the Tour. It is also often mentioned his fear of flying held him back from competing overseas; otherwise, he would almost certainly have established his polished game on the American Tour successfully.
The Ryder Cup was an event where the amiable Londoner confirmed his ability to compete with the world`s best. He accumulated a 5-6-4 singles record in eight Ryder Cup appearances, and tied for most singles points won in the event's history, and that all in a winless period for the Great Britain/Ireland team.
Coles had a successful career in European golf, winning 29 important tournaments between 1956 and 1982. After reaching 50, he won a further 14 important Seniors tournaments between 1985 and 2002, winning his final European Senior Tour event at the age of 67.
Looking at the swing film it is clear that he has done most of his learning on his own. Although not uncommon in past times, Coles has a wonderful natural swing. Also, a closer view based on comments Coles himself made in the mid-sixties, opens up a small box of interesting details.
No doubt about it, he IS the most under-rated British golfer; absolutely unbeatable in money matches on the Surrey courses.
At the risk of sounding like a grumpy old man (which wouldn't be ar from the truth) I miss the skills the players from his era and before displayed. The way they worked the ball, varying flight and spin to reach pins or avoid strategically placed hazards. The game today disaapoints me in that regard. Too much emphasis on length and the mentality of "we'll gouge it out of the rough with a wedge anyway." I was blessed to be able to see Peter Thomson and even Norman von Nida as a very old man. The scores they put together with the equipment and agronomy knowledge of the time were quite remarkable.
Totally agree Perry. Neil Coles was such a great fairway wood player, especially his two wood-when do they need a fairway wood to the green today?
For me, the swing of Neil Coles and players of that era are not much different from today, and as long as we swing an implement in front of us to hit the ball sideways it will stay that way- the small differences in modern mechanics are encouraged by equipment evolution. I know I am stating the obvious to you though, thanks for the comment.
Love the simplicity of the action. It was a different game then.