Do you think that the changes in equipment since Sneads days have altered swing mechanics? Do current shafts assist the player today more than the fairly primitive steel shafts of 60 years ago? Even the best tour players at that time rarely hit 280 yard drives whereas a 10 handicap today can do it all day long. I think equipment has changed the swing and going back to lessons of old might be detrimental to low handicap players today. But it makes for an interesting debate and an opportunity to learn.
Robert, it is an interesting topic, but I think there is an assumption that distance is the only thing that matters, and if the technology isn't supporting the ball going farther, then that technology is obsolete or primitive. I would actually argue the opposite, in that the older technology was far superior for hitting the ball straight and controlling draws and fades with a much more technologically sophisticated golf ball that spun a lot more and had fantastic responsiveness.. something tragically missing in the modern plastic golf balls. How is it I can go out with 60 year old golf clubs and shoot 66 while a typical guy half my age with a bag of "modern" clubs shoots 86? For accuracy and ball control the shafts from the 50's and 60's were excellent.. and heavier clubheads slowed acceleration rates from transition and put more feel into the hands of the players which is the lifeblood a great golf. Courses were tighter from the tee and greens much smaller requiring accuracy over distance. When they had the US Open at Merion a few years ago.. they didn't exactly "tear it up" out there did they? .... with all the so called technology and equipment advancements.
