Bubba, why not just hit it straight?

[Deleted member 1147]

Does anyone else think he might just find golf a bit easier, and get a few more victories, if he played a few more "normal" shots?

I know he's self taught and can be very exciting at times but, every time I see him he seems to be playing the most outrageous hooks, slices etc, when it appears he could play a relatively straight one and get in less trouble if it goes wrong.

 

[One Planer]

Wasn't he quoted as saying he can't hit a straight shot?

I tend to agree though.

I love watching how he aims at address - 30-40 yards left/right of the crowd

 

[In_The_Rough]

With the way he swings the club I would be surprised if he can hit a straight shot

 

[davidy233]

Wee profile during Sunday's round had people from his home town talking about him - guy who partnered him during his school years said he had a spell when he hit every shot with a thirty years hook - and was still the best golfer around

 

[Foxholer]

Wee profile during Sunday's round had people from his home town talking about him - guy who partnered him during his school years said he had a spell when he hit every shot with a thirty years hook - and was still the best golfer around

I guess he was long even then!

I don't think many Pros (the Guns) actually hit many straight shots. There's always a little bit of action on their shots, either for control or placement. Bubba's movement borders on the ridiculous though!

 

[palindromicbob]

My game isn't based off hitting fairways, hitting greens," Watson said. "It's not based off a mechanical thing. It's based off having fun, feeling a shot and hopefully pulling a shot off. And Seve loved the game, was passionate about the game, and I hope that comes off - that I am, too. This is how I want to play. If I don't hit the fairway, I'm going to pull this next shot off.

http://www.augusta.com/masters/bubba/

 

[Imurg]

Even a bit straighter would help...
The problem with the way Bubba plays is that when he gets his angles right (Masters) he's as good as it gets, keeping the ball on a string.
But when those angles are a little out he's got no control and the difference between success and failure when you shape it like Bubba is fractions of a mm.…!

 

[Hacker Khan]

To be honest he's a breath of fresh air compared with most of the dull personalities you see on tour. He's as close to box office as you see on the golf tours nowadays where most players play extremely good, but ultimately quite dull golf. Give me a wild hook or slice and a bit of excitement any day.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I like Bubba and the way he plays. It makes for exciting viewing. I'm not sure even he knows where its going most of the time

 

[duncan mackie]

I know he's self taught and can be very exciting at times but, every time I see him he seems to be playing the most outrageous hooks, slices etc, when it appears he could play a relatively straight one and get in less trouble if it goes wrong.

given the number of pro goolfers that set out to hit a straight shot (close to 0) this is more a question of 'how bent' than relatively straight.....

 

[garyinderry]

it was mentioned at the weekend. he really needs to start hitting his wedges straighter. he draws in even the shortest of wedges loaded with spin going sideways when they land.

 

[Pin-seeker]

I'm really not a fan. The commentators go OTT every time he hits a shot.
I put him on par with the 'Mashed potato' guy.

 

[hovis]

I like his golf but boy, he is one mardy bloke

 

[standrew]

He says he has undiagnosed adhd. All his messing with the crowd/caddy wrecks his game. He seems a good guy though and i hope he has more success.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

Personally, I don't think he would have more success hitting it straighter, I think he genuinely loves doing what he does and if he picks up a couple of wins on the way then so be it. I honestly think he would get bored hitting it straighter.

It has long been a belief of mine that he wouldn't have gone on to win the masters had his approach shot on the 18th been from the middle of the fairway. Shots like the one he played are why he plays the game, he thrives on shots like that, he's a showman. He does his thing his way and seems like a genuinely decent guy.

 

[One Planer]

Personally, I don't think he would have more success hitting it straighter, I think he genuinely loves doing what he does and if he picks up a couple of wins on the way then so be it. I honestly think he would get bored hitting it straighter.

It has long been a belief of mine that he wouldn't have gone on to win the masters had his approach shot on the 18th been from the middle of the fairway. Shots like the one he played are why he plays the game, he thrives on shots like that, he's a showman. He does his thing his way and seems like a genuinely decent guy.

I bet his caddie would disagee

He gets so much grief fom Bubba it's untrue. Having said that he's probably used to it by now :rofl:

 

[garyinderry]

he really needs to go for a custom fit. those 10 degree open clubs are hurting his game. he could do with a lesson or two, calm down that swing of his.

 

[jak kez 187]

I'm not that much of a fan watching him play, his swing confuses me too much and when my own swing is a mess it's not the best combination haha

 

[Piece]

Not my favourite player, but he's different and has the art of moving the ball for fun. Very rare ability. I would imagine that seeing him live we'd have a better appreciation?

 

[Hacker Khan]

I'm not that much of a fan watching him play, his swing confuses me too much and when my own swing is a mess it's not the best combination haha

I'm no Sean Foley, but I'd advise not trying to emulate Bubba's swing.

I did see some instruction he did once in a mag and it was hilarious, verging on a trick shot. I genuinely did have to check it wasn't an April fool.

He was showing how he kind of chops down on the ball which is behind his back foot with a 60 degree wedge to get it to pop up if he's in the rough at the side of the green, or something like that. I read and and thought that 90% of the pros on tour would struggle to do it without hours of practice as it seemed you had to hit the ball in exactly the right place or you were screwed. So any amateurs would have no chance.