Gary Player Lesson at Mogador Golf Club
In 2009, during the Mogador Classic in Essaouira, Gary Player, then 74 years old, led a clinic full of humor. He moved from putting to the driver while telling stories about Elvis Presley, Lee Trevino, and Arnold Palmer. Behind the entertainment, there were a few simple ideas that he repeated and demonstrated.
To be continued
What the lesson shows
Gary Player starts with the short game: during practice, you have to Always start with short shots. When putting, it's not just about keeping your head down: you have to watch the putter strike the name printed on the ball, and listen. He then points out that everyone has their own arms, their own backswing, and their own finish; Trevino and Palmer aimed differently but ended up in the same spot. The swing should have the rhythm of a waltz—one, two, three—and the most important thing is how to begin the downswing.
In his view, Power does not come from the hands but from the body, just like in karate or tennis: the hands follow automatically. He emphasizes balance at the finish, all your weight on your left side and on the ball of your right foot, and demonstrates this by resisting a push. He also advises players who aren't at a zero handicap to replace their 2- through 5-irons with a club that's easier to get airborne.
The Exercise, Step by Step
- Start your session with a few well-struck short shots.
- When putting, focus on the name on the ball and watch the putter head strike it.
- Count one, two, three during the swing to find the rhythm of a waltz.
- Start the downswing with your body and let your hands follow.
- End with your weight on your left side and the ball of your right foot on the floor, balancing.
- Check your finish position: a partner pushing you should not throw you off balance.
Key Takeaways
Mistakes to Avoid
- Focus only on the driver and distance during practice.
- Keep your head down and don't watch the club hit the ball when putting.
- Seek power in your hands.
- Finish the swing without shifting your weight to the left side.
- Using a 3-, 4-, or 5-iron when you're not skilled enough to hit them high.
Driving Range Mode
Keep it in plain sight, on the rug.
- Start of the session with a few light strokes
- Putting while looking at the name on the ball
- Swing to the beat: one, two, three
- Finish while balancing on the tip of your right foot
Your Questions
Where does power come from, according to Gary Player?
The body, not the hands. He compares golf to karate and tennis, where the body initiates the movement and the hands follow automatically.
What is his putting tip?
Don't just keep your head down; watch the putter head strike the name printed on the ball, and listen to the sound of the shot.
How should you finish the swing?
All his weight is on his left side, balancing on the tip of his right foot. He demonstrates this by resisting a push.
Why does he recommend giving up long irons?
In his opinion, unless you have a zero handicap, irons 2 through 5 are too difficult; an easier club automatically sends the ball higher.
Learn More
Video posted on YouTube by its creator (Gary Player). Best Golf Tips selects and summarizes the best free lessons without hosting them.