Big Play WITH MITCHELL SPEARMAN

Stewart Cink owes a debt of gratitude to Ted Purdy, whom he beat
in sudden death by hitting a terrific 74-yard wedge shot to
birdie the fifth extra hole

ANALYSIS

Purdy played a key role in Cink's victory, and I'm not referring
to the slew of putts that Purdy missed on Sunday. Years ago, when
Cink was at Georgia Tech, he saw Purdy, who played for Arizona,
hit a great iron shot in a college tournament. Cink was so
impressed by Purdy's swing and how on-plane and fluid it looked
that he incorporated elements of that swing into his own. The
result is that now Cink effortlessly generates power and
precision with one of the most free-flowing, balanced and
rhythmic swings on Tour.

THE TIP

GO FOR THE FLOW

I teach rhythm and fluidity by having students do the Flow Drill.
After addressing the ball, lift your club a couple of inches
above the turf and, keeping the grip pointed at your chest, move
the clubhead forward so that it's a couple of feet ahead of your
hands (left). Begin your backswing from that point, passing the
clubhead over the ball during the takeaway. This will help you
create momentum and a free-flowing motion.

AND ANOTHER THING...

"Paul Casey will snap Europe's five-year victory drought in the
majors by taking one soon."

******

"I RECENTLY watched Sergio Garcia practicing intensely at Lake
Nona, and he is hitting the ball better than ever, so I expect
him to go on a winning tear soon."

******

"The talk about Tiger Woods's having peaked is absurd. Woods's
best years are ahead of him, and he should break Jack Nicklaus's
record of 18 majors."

COLOR PHOTO: ERIK W. RASCO

COLOR PHOTO: COURTESY OF CBS (CINK)

COLOR PHOTOMONTAGE: ERIK W. RASCO/BACKGROUND (JIM GUND)

Mitchell Spearman teaches at Manhattan Woods Golf Club in West
Nyack, N.Y., and is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher.