As the saying goes, “there is more than one way to skin a cat.” This saying perfectly applies to the golf swing. While there are those with picture perfect swings – we’re talking Messrs Woods, McIlroy, Oosthuizen & co – there are plenty of other ways of getting that little white ball into the hole in as few shots as possible.
Proof of this lies with the likes of Jim Fuyrk, Bubba Watson and, from years past, Eamonn Darcy and Arnold Palmer who are all the metaphorical puddings in this case.
As a frustrated weekend warrior with what I would say is a passable swing, I thought I’d have a look at some of the most dodgy swings in golf and wonder just how the hell these guys are so damn good!
Let’s be honest, these are swings only a mother could love!
Jim Furyk – Former US Open Champion, 16 time PGA Tour winner and former World Number 2.
David Feherty once said Furyk’s swing looks “like a one armed man trying to wrestle a snake in a phone booth”…to make things even stranger, Jim also employs a double overlapping grip!
Jim Thorpe – 3 time PGA Tour winner and 13 time winner on the Champions Tour.
Johnny Miller once described Jim Thorpe’s swing as having more moves than Kung Fu. This is definitely a swing only a mother could love!
Eamonn Darcy – Four time Ryder cup player and multiple European Tour winner.
Darcy probably has the swing with the most moving parts in it in the whole of golf. Quite how he was so consistent from the mid-1970s all the way through to the early 1990s is a mystery. It must all be in the hands!
Bubba Watson – Former Masters Champion, 4 time PGA Tour winner and one of the longest hitters in golf.
As we all know now, Bubba plays his own brand of golf, shaping the ball every which way, which requires some serious contortions from time to time. The immense distance he hits the ball also requires a pretty lengthy back swing and some seriously goofy foot action!
Arnold Palmer – 7 time Major champion and one of the game’s true greats.
“The King” was one of the first global golfing superstars and won more tournaments on the PGA Tour than all but four players in the history of the game. Known for his grip it and rip it style, Palmer’s swing wasn’t exactly picture perfect, especially his famous follow through.
Now let’s have a look at what must be THE worst swing the game of golf has ever seen…Charles Barkley may be an NBA Hall of Famer but this video is conclusive proof that athletic ability in one sport doesn’t necessarily translate to another!
Ouch!