Article #16
To meet this week's teacher, or to purchase a copy of MUNIE ~ The Jitterbug Collection, go to www.oneputtpress.com/
Dear Jitterbug Gang:
"What is the difference between a great shot-maker and a great golfer?"
Keith Singleton, Seymour, Indiana
(Jitterbug, Mr. Vaughn, and Lord Berry respond)
Jitterbug:
Let's say, for argument's sake, that there are two types of professional players:
On the left, you got guys who usually hit the fairway, usually hit the green, and once there, roll the ball pretty good. Guys like Scott Verplank, Fred Funk, Joe Durant, and Kirk Triplett fall into this category. These are the great players who, because they're very seldom in trouble, don't rely on a succession of great shots to keep them in the game. In fact, they might shoot 68, and not hit a "great" shot all day.
On the right, you got guys who seem to always be in trouble, guys who must hit great shots. They miss a lot of fairways, miss a lot of greens, but nonetheless, but seem to always find a way to get it back. These are guys like Arnold Palmer, John Daly, Seve Ballesteros, Lanny Wadkins, and Phil Mickelson. You know these guys because they make up the highlight reels, even on days when they are nowhere near the leaderboard.
Mr. Vaughn:
Shot-makers, in general, play more with their eyes and imagination, and not so much with mechanical swing thoughts. Shot-makers pride themselves on getting out of trouble, and because of their go-for-broke style of play, have a lot of opportunities. These guys can take it really low, but can also shoot 80, so they put up with a lot of scrutiny for the way they manage their games.
Lord Berry:
Let's not forget that some players simply thrive on taking chances. I mean, the law of averages may suggest that risk takers would be well served to not take so many risks, but who's to say these players would even maintain an interest in golf if confined to the cage of prudent play? That said, the average golfer can learn more watching the guys on the left.