Hey all! I spent a few hours yesterday reading everything I could find on this topic, but I still have one unanswered question which is driving me nutz.
What function does the angle in the wrists serve at address and throughout the swing (Mike Bennett in the white shirt below) and why is S&T not compatible with straight wrists (Kirk Junge - blue shirt )?
To my mind having a straight line, as Kirk Junge teaches, seems simpler, but in my reading I found a post (link below) where Tom says not to mix and match. Good advice but why? Straight seems like a simpler way to get to impact to me.
https://sagutogolf.wixsite.com/sagutogolf/forum/main/comment/5c0217c3-bd73-3595-abc5-cdd341171f7d?postId=609148cae9aa1900155eb7d2
Can @Tom Saguto or someone please explain this to me? If I don't get an answer soon I'm going to develop an ulcer.
Thank you!
Yes indeed, and having in the fingers further facilitates the proper wrist hinge - an important source of power and accuracy.
Also, if you notice in the shot shaping chapter ("Circles and Cones"), we can adjust the vertical shaft angle at address to influence curvature. A straight-line setup relationship does not afford us that opportunity.
Glad to know that your belly is feeling better!
@benjamintullis - I thought about making you sweat it out a bit just to see if you develop an ulnar ulcer ultimately, but I deemed that motive ulterior...
Although there are some distinct differences, I have heard from golfers who have been successful in melding S&T with the "Moe Norman" style as there are definite shared features - particularly within the realm of the very centered, connected, one plane, weight-forward nature of both methods.
Though it's not something I teach, I think if you go about it intelligently you can make a "hybrid" model work. You just have to be cognizant of the differences and what they mean. For example, in your comparison photos you can see that the "Bennett setup" is perhaps more facilitative of the prescribed up and down hinging/unhinging of the wrists. Also, note the difference in shaft planes established at address. Aside from likely having to get your lie angles adjusted to get to that straight line setup, consider that the stock S&T shaft plane is pre-oriented to create desired depth in the backswing so that we can maximize the tremendous force of angular momentum. Also, the more upright shaft angle will affect the vertical plane in the swing, and as such this will modify the "Grid" as it relates to shot shaping.
Now then, pop an antacid or two and let your ball striking be your guide... 😎
TS