Hey all you weekend warriors that might be challenged by some old injuries or challenges from advancing in age. BTW, we all want to be advancing in age, the alternative is not an option. Let me tell you why the Single Plane Swing of Moe Norman is the answer to your golf aspirations. Our attention to the ‘short game’ fundamentals allows you to become extremely efficient player where ‘physicality’ is not required. When executing our single plane putting and chipping techniques, the issue isn’t ‘direction’ it is just the ‘distance’ you want the ball to travel.
Now a bit about myself, after being in business for 30 plus years I moved on to a second career in golf instruction. I earned membership in the PGA and have been a Graves golf Instructor for the past 11 years. Just like many of you, I played basketball and baseball all through high school, but my body was built more for football. So, from Southern California it was on to Notre Dame in 1972. (Do the math.) I was fortunate enough to be on the 1973 National Championship team and a starter at Right Tackle in 1975. Yes, both Rudy and Joe Montana played on MY team. It was a great experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Unfortunately, that ‘fun’ catches up with you as father time moves along.
When you can’t run or jump anymore, you stop playing basketball, softball and tennis. What a blessing this was, I was forced to find a sport that I could still play, and still compete and most importantly have fun playing. Golf has allowed me to continue my passion to play, teach and coach. The twelve years I was coaching high school golfers, every player used our Single Plane short game fundamentals. There was never in any ambiguity in my teaching methods, and year after year my teams were the best in the league when they got close to the green. I found I could affect their games the most by continuing to focus on the scoring shots. Our ‘mantra’ was, keep the ball in play and score when you get close.
Over the years and through the surgeries, the swing speed has decreased and the distance along with it. The ‘stiff’ shaft has been replaced with a ‘regular’ shaft. I’m sure the senior flex is not long off. The 4 and 5 irons are not in the bag anymore, but the 4 and 5 hybrids work even better. Trying to hit a bucket of 100 balls with my ‘full swing’ is not even contemplated anymore. With the Single Plane Swing, as soon as I feel the correct ‘sequencing’ I’m good to go and now it’s time to practice the ‘short game’.
Pat J Pohlen, PGA
Head Pro / Director of Instruction -RiverView GC, Santa Ana
Licensed Instructor- Graves Golf, Moe Norman Single Plane Swing
Masters Degree in Coaching, Concordia
