Will Technology Make the Difference In the Masters?

Certainly, technology is important in golf. Better clubs and balls have forced designers to make longer and more difficult courses. But despite the accepted thinking, technology is not as important as we are led to believe. In fact, according to the USGA the average handicap has decreased less than one half of one stroke in the last ten years!

If technology was the answer, than why do so many of the top pros (highly endorsed by the best companies with the greatest and latest equipment), choose basic irons instead of racket sized titanium heads and state of the art carbon graphite shafts, while others simply throw their balls on the grass instead of using the latest tees (that are supposed to decrease ball resistance)?

The most important thing in performing well is not technology but talent; knowing exactly how to hit the ball and how to consistently execute the ideal swing best suited to each individual.

Secondly, and critically important, yet almost always overlooked, is structure. No one is born structurally perfect and any degree of abnormality (such as a longer leg or flattened foot) decreases performance, increases the risks of injury, and can later cause arthritic changes.

For example, no one has equal leg lengths, so every golfer is playing out of balance to some degree. A right handed golfer with a long left leg will always find it more difficult to follow through on their swing because in essence they are swinging up hill.

Great athletes have learned to compensate for their structural problems. Arnold Palmer has always had great difficulty completing his swing. Sure, he was great anyway. But how much better could he have been if didn’t always have this problem?

Players like Vijay Singh, Phil Michelson, and Davis Love III, have significant structural issues that put them at a major disadvantage with each and every shot they take. And no piece of technologically advanced equipment can fully compensate for this.

There are many reasons for a sudden decrease in performance, and it’s not always because an athlete “chokes”. Some of the most common relate to structural abnormalities. These problems decrease performance from the onset but take far greater tolls with time.

A few years ago (at the Masters), Rocco Mediate played well for days before completely falling apart. I believe his tight calf muscles cost him the Masters. In 2007, Brett Wetterich played great and then he too fell apart. Brett has significant structural issues as well. You could see his foot flatten (collapse) with each step he took.

Simply watch the way these players walk and stand and compare them to the likes of Tiger Woods and Gary Player, and you will notice a remarkable difference. Tiger is as close to being structurally ideal as any golfer I have ever seen. When you see the incredible turning radius in his swing, remember that to a large extent that is based on the equalization of his leg lengths, which enable him to have a better positioned vertical axis. And I don’t believe Gary Player’s longevity and vitality would be possible without the sound footing his well aligned structure permits. The same is true of Nolan Ryan and all great athletes with long careers.

Technology can and does help. But even the best Ferrari's in the world will not run as fast without wheels and tires that aren’t ideally aligned and balanced!

A former reconstructive foot and ankle surgeon and past Clinical Instructor of Medicine at Emory, Dr. Pack practices at MCG in Greensboro. He specializes in biomechanical structural analysis and works with patients who have arthritis and wish to decrease joint symptoms and remain active. Dr. Pack also treats athletes at all levels. In the 2004 Olympics he had a silver and gold medalist. He also helps the UGA Golf Team (2005 NCCA National Champions). For further information please see www.drloupack.com, drloupack.blogspot.com or contact him directly at 706-454-0040.