- Publish date:
Big Play with John Elliott
WHO: David Toms
WHAT: 234-yard five-wood to within two feet
WHERE: Par-5 11th, La Costa
WHEN: Semifinals of the Accenture Match Play
WHY
The most impressive aspect of David Toms's win at the Match Play was how he maintained his sweet, smooth swing tempo throughout the week. The length, pace and plane of his swing were the same on almost every shot, including the five-wood that set up his second straight eagle during the semifinals.
JOHN'S TIP
My Spin on Perfect Tempo
Hold a club parallel to the ground with the toe pointing down (top). Spin the club counterclockwise 180 degrees so that the toe points straight up (bottom). Pause. Spin the club another 180 degrees so the toe points straight down. Practice this until you can stop the toe straight up and down every time. Then address the ball with the toe pointing down and hit shots by spinning the clubhead back to normal at the top of the backswing.
John Elliott teaches at the Golden Ocala (Fla.) Golf & Equestrian Club and is a Golf Magazine Top 100 Teacher.
... AND ANOTHER THING
"How come the U.S. gets blitzed in the Ryder Cup, yet two Americans reach the final of the Match Play? Last week they were playing for themselves and the money."
TOP 100 TEACHERS POLL
Tiger Woods's goatee: Keep it or lose it?
Keep it 31%
Lose it 69%
"Adios, man. It makes him look way too old." --Mike Perpich
COLOR PHOTO
COURTESY OF ABC (TOMS)
FOUR COLOR PHOTOS
ANDREW GOMBERT (ELLIOTT, 4); TODD BIGELOW/AURORA (BACKGROUND)
COLOR PHOTO
ROBERT BECK (WOODS)
