Bobby Jones holding the Claret Jug after winning the 1927 Open Championship at St. Andrews
Naturally, talent is a big deal when it comes to winning, but talent isn’t just a physical attribute. What’s going on upstairs is also very important. Those attributes may not always be equal with an individual or a team, but there can’t be a big differential.
Below is a bit of “Winning Thinking” from 10 of the best golfers of all-time.
“Any accurate putting is quite impossible when the body is swayed.” – Scotsman James Braid (1870 to 1950), who won The Open Championship five times (1901, 05, 06, 08, 10) and was a renowned golf architect. His courses include Gleneagles Kings, Perranporth, St. Enodoc, Blairgowrie, Royal Musselburgh and East Lothian. He also did remodeling work at Carnoustie, Nairn, Royal Troon and Royal Porthcawl.
“It is nothing new or original to say that golf is played one stroke at a time. But it took me many years to realize it.” – Bobby Jones (1902 – 1971), who won 13 Majors, including the Grand Slam in 1930. At that time, the four Majors were: The British Amateur, The (British) Open, U.S. Open and U.S. Amateur.
“The Good Lord hates a coward, but he’s not real fond of a fool.” – Sam Snead (1912 – 2002), winner of seven Majors
“Work never bothers me like it bothers some people. You can outwork the best player in the world.” – Ben Hogan (1912 to 1997), who won nine Majors: Masters, 1951 & ’53; U.S. Open, 1948, ’50, ’51 & ’53; British Open, 1953; PGA, 1946 & ’48.
“A golfer can’t dictate what his opponents shoot. He can’t wave his arms or tackle a playing partner who’s getting ready to putt. But he can always reach within himself to bring out the best in his battle against the laws of physics and par.” – Arnold Palmer (1929 – 2016), winner of seven Majors – Masters 1958, 1960, 1962 & 1964; U.S Open: 1960 & Open Championship 1961 & 1962. (From his book, Play Great Golf: Mastering the Fundamentals of Your Game.)
“When I come down the stretch, I have always been able to keep myself together. My attention span gets more acute, my focus is better. I’m able to do what I am supposed to do. I’ve always been aware of what my abilities are.” – Jack Nicklaus (Born 1940), who won 18 Majors and was the PGA Tour leading money winner eight times. He was Sports Illustrated’s Best Individual Male Athlete of the Twentieth Century.
“Learn the punch shot. When the heat is on, you need a shot you can absolutely put into play off the tee and onto the green from the fairway. It doesn’t need to be a pretty shot, a powerful one, or one you can work the ball with. Every great player has had an antichoke shot they can resort to when their swing is deteriorating or they’re having a hard time closing the deal on Sunday.” – Johnny Miller (Born 1947), who, over six years (1971-1976), won 17 Tour events, including two Majors (U.S. Open and The Open Championship).
“You hear that winning breeds winning. But no – winners are bred from losing. They learn that they don’t like it.” – Tom Watson (Born 1949), who won eight Majors. His 39 PGA Tour victories ranks 11th all time. In 1980, he became the first golfer to earn $500,000 in a single season.
“Don’t be afraid to be patient.” – Curtis Strange (Born 1955), who won back-to-back U.S Opens in 1988 & 89. All told, he had 28 professional wins, including 16 PGA Tour victories.
“I try to keep my head still on the backswing and downswing. It moves down a little as I strike the ball, but not laterally. Then I release it toward the target after impact so it doesn't inhibit my through-swing.” -- Tiger Woods (Born 1975), who has won 15 Majors and 82 PGA Tour tournaments. His 82 victories tie him with Sam Snead for 1st on the all-time list.
Read, Think & Play Better Golf,
Allan Stark
Photo credits
Bobby Jones with 1927 Claret Jug. Public Domain.
1912 Gallaher Sports Golf #4 James Braid card.
Ben Hogan: Los Angeles Daily News; http://commons.wikimedia.org/;
Copyright Info: Public Domain.
Johnny Miller: ProShooter via Depositphotos.
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