Payne Stewart, the three-time major winner and colorful dresser, was one of his generation’s fiercest ball-strikers. In an older video recently shared by the Golf Manual Instagram page, Stewart revealed a simple tip that helps golfers determine if they are standing too far away from the ball or too close. This article explores Stewart’s technique and the fascinating father-son relationship he shared with his dad, Bill.
The Technique
In the video, Stewart demonstrates the technique using his left hand (assuming you’re a right-handed golfer). First, hold your golf club behind the ball with your left hand. Then, drop the club backward, toward your left knee. According to Stewart, if the club hits just above your left knee when released, you are in the correct position.
Stewart emphasizes that if you are too far away from the ball, the club will hit below your knee. On the other hand, if you are standing too close, the club will hit higher up on your thigh. Therefore, by observing where the club strikes when released, you can adjust your stance for optimal positioning.
The Father-Son Relationship
Stewart’s father, Bill, played a significant role in shaping his golf career. From an early age, Payne and his father were inseparable on the golf course. Payne started taking lessons from his father at the age of four, caddying for him at six, and even beating him at sixteen.
Their bond extended beyond the golf course as well. Payne mirrored his father’s style, putting technique, and approach to life. The two would meticulously go over each round, discussing every divot and examining every shot, even during Payne’s professional Tour career.
A 1987 Sports Illustrated article by Rick Reilly beautifully captures the essence of their relationship. It highlights Payne’s admiration for his father and their shared love for the game of golf. If you are interested in diving deeper into their story, you can read the article here.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
How can I determine if I am standing too far away from the ball?
If you follow Payne Stewart’s technique, hold your golf club behind the ball with your left hand and drop it backward towards your left knee. If the club hits just above your left knee when released, you are in the correct position.
What happens if I am standing too far away from the ball?
If you are standing too far away from the ball, the club will hit below your knee when released. This indicates that you need to adjust your stance and move closer to the ball.
How do I know if I am standing too close to the ball?
When standing too close to the ball, the club will hit higher up on your thigh. If this happens when you release the club with your left hand, it’s a sign that you need to back away slightly and create more distance from the ball.
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