Ms Creamer's win at the Samsung was her fourth of the year. She has 13 top tens as well. For the year she's 2nd on the LPGA Tour with 318 total birdies, has hit 70.2% of greens in regulation, and is 3rd in putting with 1.76 putts per green in regulation. With a little more length off the tee, perhaps 10-20 yards, she could make a real go at the top spot over time. She's averaging 246 yards with her tee balls which leaves her 1 to 2 clubs more than Ochoa on her approach shots on par fours and prevents her from reaching many par fives in two shots. She either has to lengthen her back swing, a risky proposition at best, or find length with increased club speed by delaying her release longer on her downswing. At 5'9" she's capable of creating the arc and release to squeeze some more yards. Ochoa has a "Dalyesque" look at the top as if she could look to the left and see her driver head. It's a move she's perfected over a long time period and not one I'd suggest. Works great for her though with her impeccable timing and athleticism. On the other end of the scale is a player like Morgan Pressel, whose skills are the match of anyone, but her anemia off the tee prevents her from having a realistic chance on most pro courses.
Hats off to Paula. She's the bright star in the group of American players at the moment. Things have a way of turning around though as is being seen some on the men's tour. Keep your eyes peeled for the next crop of great young players. They're out there, we just haven't met them yet.
Til' next,
It is great to see Paula's success. The longer back swing is a tough proposition though. I'm shortening mine now, but I know that on my longest drives I usually see the club head over my shoulder. Lorena has it down, but mine often resulted in great inconsistency off the tee. Hmmm, maybe that's why they're pros and I'm not!
ReplyDeleteSometimes it helps to concentrate on a "firm" lower body and not too much hip turn to reduce a back swing. Women in particular are usually more flexible than men. Their swings get a little "loose".
ReplyDeleteA shorter back swing leads to more control and increases hits in the center of the club face. That can produce surprising distance. It is tough! I'm trying to reduce mine. Video is also a great help. What we think is a 1/2 back swing is typically much more. Video doesn't lie!
Guess it depends on your flexibility but I'm a proponent of a full back swing up to almost having my back face the target. Not for everybody and you have to guard against swaying. But, yeah, I love her swing.
ReplyDeleteJack,
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's ideal. You can turn your back to the target, achieve a full shoulder turn, and still not have the club past parallel at the top of the back swing. Well, maybe you can. I'm not quite as limber as I once was.
Thanks for the visit!