Fred Couples' drive looks like a straight up block right shot to me

Tarkata · August 16, 2012

His drive seems to head just right of what you imagine where it should be going, by the line most pro types on TV seem to be doing. I am not trying to rip Fred, the guy owns his swing and it is fantastic to see. But he looks like he is blocking right. Is this an illusion from TV or is he just learned to block right accurately?

SHIVAN · August 16, 2012

A pronounced draw shot, where the player starts it right of target, to land on target, looks like a straight right on HDTVs.

From overhead, or with a shot tracer, you see that it's much more useful than it appears from that 1960's camera angle they start with....

pencilwhipper · August 16, 2012

i see it too.. could be him.. could also be the camera angles? I used to set up 30-45 yards to the left of the pin(thinking i was aimed dead at it) and i would hit a straight push that would go dead at the pin.. then i learned to aim properly and ALL that went away. and if that was the case for Couples, it may be true since many pros struggle with turning their hands over too much..

mark m · August 16, 2012

Couples sets up very open, but I wouldn't say he blocks it. He can play a fade or draw and obviously fully releases - his length is evidence for that. IMO, he is one of the best ball strikers and would've won much more but for a bad back and poor putting. He still is one of the best players to watch.

Trevino, Lehman, and others have a similiar set-up. It's a little unorthodox and can lead to back problems.

lumberman2462 · August 16, 2012

I remember an interview he gave several years ago in which he talked about he played better when aimed much farther left. I think he sets up really open but it's not as severe as it used to be.

Willie Malay · August 16, 2012

Thought Freddie played a fade most times.

anth · August 16, 2012

Played a push fade for most of his career. Aimed well left and pushes it to the right. Trevino did his too.

Apparently since he went to Butch he lines up straighter and can play a draw, but I think he plays best with the push cut

MadGolfer76 · August 16, 2012

Talks about it on Playing Lessons. Don't know if that is on YouTube or something...

hbear · August 16, 2012

In playing lessons he talks about setting up way open. And essentially hitting a big block straight down the fairway.

Tarkata · August 23, 2012

[quote name='hbear' timestamp='1345169318' post='5486192']
In playing lessons he talks about setting up way open. And essentially hitting a big block straight down the fairway.
[/quote]

yeah, that's what I am seeing. He hits that fade but it looks like a block right with a side spin bias. still, he seems so relaxed and...supple?....