I loved watching Faldo, but hey, I find it ironic such a huge man that had such average power is giving a lesson on how to hit it far. Funny. I’d rather watch him hit his irons…
Besides, distance isn’t overly important. If you are playing on a straight par 5 500 yd hole, and if your farthest shot can go 230 yards (low iron/wood) then in 2 shots you’ve got through 460 yards. Next shot is a lob shot to the green and you’ve got 2 shots to play with to make par. If you can drive 300 yards, then another shot going about 190 will take you to the green. Now you have 3 shots to make par. But that approch shot on average might be a little bit more inaccurate.
I hate to admit it but you’re correct. He was so technical that he lost valuable power. His golf swing today is actually a bit poor. At 6ft-5in and being lean and very strong he hits it VERY short off the tee…
I agree fully that he was a good accurate ball striker and one of the best European players period, but in all fairness, three of his majors were handed to him: 87 Open (Azinger meltdown in final 3 holes), 90 Masters (Floyd dumped ball in water on 11 in playoff), 92 Open (Cook missed two foot on 17).
I see your point, Kilo, but would suggest that Faldo made a deliberate decision to sacrifice a few yards to maintain greater accuracy. His driving WAS shorter than the other guys around him but it was so damn accurate and his iron play and putting were so damn accurate that he was more succesful than any of his peers. He won six majors and is the biggest points-scorer in the history of the Ryder Cup; who cares if he “only” drove the ball 260-280 yards or so?
I agree with your points. To even give himself a chance, he had to be near the top. What I don’t understand is why Faldo was not more successful in majors in his 40′s. Some cite lack of distance, but I’m not buying it. That didn’t stop the likes of Kite, Crenshaw, Floyd, or Irwin – none of which were long hitters.
I’m not sure you’re giving Faldo enough credit. Playing well under supreme pressure was another strength of his. He was so relentlessly consistent that others often wilted under the strain, including the three excellent examples you’ve cited. Norman and Ballesteros were more “gifted” players but they didn’t achieve quite as much. It’s a bit like Pete Sampras in tennis. Relentless ultra-professionalism and consistency enabled him to stay ahead of more naturally talented guys.
Vivid memories of two of my friends and I seeing Faldo at wentworth when there was no tournament on, we had just waited 45mins for him to finish practicing his putting, he took one look at us, turned his back and walked to the car park the bastard. We were only 12 at the time.
For a 6 time Major Championship player it’s really hard for me to understand how Nick manages to cut this ball without wanting to. No disrepect to Nick here, but for new golfers coming into the game, is it important that they see this video?
I loved watching Faldo, but hey, I find it ironic such a huge man that had such average power is giving a lesson on how to hit it far. Funny. I’d rather watch him hit his irons…
How short…?
Besides, distance isn’t overly important. If you are playing on a straight par 5 500 yd hole, and if your farthest shot can go 230 yards (low iron/wood) then in 2 shots you’ve got through 460 yards. Next shot is a lob shot to the green and you’ve got 2 shots to play with to make par. If you can drive 300 yards, then another shot going about 190 will take you to the green. Now you have 3 shots to make par. But that approch shot on average might be a little bit more inaccurate.
lol he swings like hes had a stroke..lol..’those who can’t hit it far…become announcers?’…apparently..
I hate to admit it but you’re correct. He was so technical that he lost valuable power. His golf swing today is actually a bit poor. At 6ft-5in and being lean and very strong he hits it VERY short off the tee…
I agree fully that he was a good accurate ball striker and one of the best European players period, but in all fairness, three of his majors were handed to him: 87 Open (Azinger meltdown in final 3 holes), 90 Masters (Floyd dumped ball in water on 11 in playoff), 92 Open (Cook missed two foot on 17).
I see your point, Kilo, but would suggest that Faldo made a deliberate decision to sacrifice a few yards to maintain greater accuracy. His driving WAS shorter than the other guys around him but it was so damn accurate and his iron play and putting were so damn accurate that he was more succesful than any of his peers. He won six majors and is the biggest points-scorer in the history of the Ryder Cup; who cares if he “only” drove the ball 260-280 yards or so?
Yep. Right after they win 6 majors.
ive been hittin long for some time and now i care more for accuracy and control. because i hit it about ½ iron shorter så it doesnt really matter
I agree with your points. To even give himself a chance, he had to be near the top. What I don’t understand is why Faldo was not more successful in majors in his 40′s. Some cite lack of distance, but I’m not buying it. That didn’t stop the likes of Kite, Crenshaw, Floyd, or Irwin – none of which were long hitters.
I’m not sure you’re giving Faldo enough credit. Playing well under supreme pressure was another strength of his. He was so relentlessly consistent that others often wilted under the strain, including the three excellent examples you’ve cited. Norman and Ballesteros were more “gifted” players but they didn’t achieve quite as much. It’s a bit like Pete Sampras in tennis. Relentless ultra-professionalism and consistency enabled him to stay ahead of more naturally talented guys.
Vivid memories of two of my friends and I seeing Faldo at wentworth when there was no tournament on, we had just waited 45mins for him to finish practicing his putting, he took one look at us, turned his back and walked to the car park the bastard. We were only 12 at the time.
now i know why we havent heard Faldo for long time ! He has very poor understanding of swingdynamics !
For a 6 time Major Championship player it’s really hard for me to understand how Nick manages to cut this ball without wanting to. No disrepect to Nick here, but for new golfers coming into the game, is it important that they see this video?