GOLF

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XX, Issue 162, 28 June 1930, Page 1 (Supplement)

GOLF

BOBBY JONES’S STYLE. HOBTON SMITH’S APPBECIATION THE following criticism of -Bobby Jones’s stylo by Horton Smith, who himself qualified well up the list in the British Open, is one of unqualified appreciation:—“To me, he says, “Jones has the most impressive goll Btvlo in the world. I hke the great display of freedom that is so «Pr ar '"‘ in ever” swing he makes. He has d much to improve all golfers uy nis very standardised principles, lie uses a verv elose stance for all shots his feet being very close together. This seems an aid in gaining freedom as he is not locked or cramped as some players are who are inclined to spread their feel widely apart. Ho has a Wonderful pivot, his *“<?< g • nicely as his hips make a graceful and complete turn. One of the main fac tors in his game is the complete turn he makes on the back swing He breaks in every joint, thus prudue ng ..sc ami rhvtlim. When he makes the full turn going back, he is almost sure ;n be correct coming uown. lailurc eomplet'' the turn on the back

swing would destroy’ much of his power and smoothness. My observation is that Jones uses his left hand to perfection. It seems to guide the path of the swing and is very powerful throughout. The average golfer loses valuable aid by failure to concentrate on the action of the whole left side. The positive way’ Jones hits every shot from the drive to the putt is indicative of freedom and confidence, two essential features. Jones hits very few shaky or indecisive shots. Another of his many assets is the ability to concentrate, and be almost tense mentally and still show no signs of physical tension. I was greatly’ surprised to find Bob’s clubs as light as they are, especially the putter. This seems unusually light, but. it allows one to hit more sharply, which is a good thing, at least in my observation of his putting methods. Before watching Jones 1 had read and heard of his supposed weakness in mashie-nibliek pitches. This idea w(is exploded at Savannah and Augusta this year. I don’t believe he has any weakness, but if there is one, in my opinion, it. is a verv long iron. However, anyone who plavs a spoon as he does, has no necessity" for many shots with :■ long won. His game is a valuable standard fur [ell golfers.”