The Impact Zone
 

Recently released, The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett & And Brumer.

Anyone reading it?

On second pass through it. I think Bobby Clampett has a winner here. I think he has done an excellent job.

Give credit to The Golfing Machine, Homer and Doyle for much of his approach and success. Does I think a good job of introducing TGM concepts with a practical approach.

I would strongly recommend it, he has some very helpful suggestions. Also the ideas from the introduction, concentrating on impact dynamics over swing style is worth the price of the book alone.

Sounds good. I'm looking forward to reading it if amazon can ever get their act together...

I cancelled my pre-order with Amazon & got mine from Buy.com in one week. Couldn't wait another month. Just rec'd and started reading it ...looks good so far.

Thanks i'll give them a try.

I got my copy via Amazon, I ordered it on the 3rd, they shipped on the 5th, I got it on the 7th...

Maybe there is a high demand?

ordered mine from Amazon last night-----email this am states it is shipped and on the way!

I just got a copy and look forward to reading it. I just retired and haven't even had time to read a book! Go figure?

Believe it or not, the best place to order books for price, cost of shipping and fast shipping is none other than "WALMARTS"

The Impact Zone, a Must Read
 

Picked it up on Friday and been reading it this weekend.

His theme is Dynamics (Imperatives) over Style (Component Variations) + A mantra of: 4 inch forward of the ball swing bottom (based on his research he is convinced of this measurement)
Or at least this is the way I've understood it so far...
Love the way he organizes the chapters
Starting with putting (Flat Left Wrist) on to Chipping, Pitching, Full Stroke
There is a lot in here.
Great stuff on lag and hitting down on the ball.
Some great anecdotes: Hogan, Snead, Nicklaus
Much of it is pure Doyle
and many ref to Kelley and TGM
If it's marketed well it could be very influential to help publicize TGM
Interesting read so far...

On my third pass through.

I would not equate dynamics to TGM imperatives. There are only 3 imperatives and Clampett has 5 dynamics. Granted it may appear that way, I beleive he refers to them as essentials. Just like his approach to learning seems to parallel Homer's 12-5 (basic, acquired and full motion). Ben Doyle has a similar approach and I am not sure which came first since it wasn't in the first edition.

The Dynamics

Dynamic #1 - Putting: "The Flat Left Wrist at Impact"

Dynamic #2 - Chipping: "The Forward Swing Bottom"

Dynamic #3 - Pitching: "The Loading of the Club on the Backswing"

Dynamic #4 - Swinging: "Lagging the Load Through the Impact Zone"

Dynamic #5 - Swinging the Club Along a Straight Plane Line Through the Impact Zone.

Learning the 5 Dynamics
1. Putting
2. Chipping
3. Pitching
4. Full Swing

Load, Store, Lag I thought was present extremely well. Including the possible faults associated when lost.

Sustain the Lag...A biggie which I beleive he may be the first to actually provide the insight on how this is done or not done.

The main theme being 'The Impact Zone', 4 inches in front of the ball is low point (divot's deepest point).

Interesting that Clampett advocate a pivot and some wrist cocking on the chip. (granted the cocking is minimum, but this and the pivot is contrary to TGM in the conventional sense. Though in re-reading a number of threads, it might be that this has been mistated regarding the pivot, shoulders on that back stroke and hips on the downstroke seems to be supported)

His approach is to fix the path, then the clubface.

He does give credit to a number of people, but two are done more than the others, TGM(Homer) and Ben Doyle.

His use of swing vision does provide some compellling evidence to back up his positions.

This book is targeted to swingers, thought with some adjustments it could support hitters as well.

His drills are very good. Most focus on the bunker, no ball, then ball. Immediate feedback.

I think it is a keeper and re-reader...This has to be a classic for TGM, in fact I would go so far as to say that it is the only book I have read that does put TGM into English that the average golfer should be able to grasp.

Fantastic review Martee!

Nothing about the right forearm?
 

Noticed that he never wrote about the right forearm? Also, there is a picture of his setup and he is not even close to having his forearm on plane. Does Doyle not teach this?

aiming point 4 inches in front of the ball
 

I would like TGM experts to expound on the aiming point that Clampett emphasizes in the book. I have read the first 3 chapters so far. While I understand that the "thrust" of the proper impact is down/out/thru the inside aft quadrant of the ball, I find that if I direct my eyes to the aim point 4 inches in front of the ball as Clampett shows in his book, I seem to run the risk (when swinging) of failing to completely release accum #3, resulting on occasion in a shank or weak slice. I feel sometimes like I am coming into the back of the ball with the little finger side of my left hand rather than a F/L/V wrist. Hopefully this description makes sense.

Need to experiment with this a little more I guess, we are still on mats where I live which limits divot evaluation anyway.

What about the idea of aim point 4 inches in front of the ball? Yoda?? Ted??

You can go to the gallery and see exactly what he teaches. TGM is all about options. Clampett has his forearm on plane at impact as well as anyone.

Perhaps after reading the rest of the book Clampett's view on aiming point will make more sense. I think he covers that better at some point in the second half of the book. Clampett basically says that a person has to experiment with aiming point. It is entirely possible that 4 inches in front of the ball is too far for you. Someone like Brad Faxon may do well with an aiming point slightly behind the ball as crazy as that sounds considering how bowed (convex) his left wrist is at impact (at least the photos I've seen).

Aiming Point / 4 Inches
 

Clampett IMO big thrust regarding the Aiming Point, is to get you to STOP focus on hitting the ball.

Remember the Aiming Point is where you drive the hands too. The hands lead the clubhead. The four inches IMO is where the Low Point of the golf stroke is or should be for max compression and this was done by testing.

From the top of the golf stroke the hands are directed in a straight line to the aiming point. Now this actual Aiming Point can change based on the golfers swing speed and length of golf club used. Though it may seem that Clampett has said 4 inches, this is where the low point is, the Aiming Point may actually differ and thus the reason for the Bunker Drills.

TGM in 6-E-2 states you have to experiment to find your Aiming Point.

TGM doesn't define a Low Point per-se, in TGM states you don't have to take a divot. Clampett also pointed out that divot depth varies by individual, but the deepest point in the Divot, the Low Point, should be 4 inches in front of the ball. Interesting that his ball position places the ball back just about 4 inches from what TGM defines as the Low Point (Left Shoulder/Primary Lever).

Right Forearm
 

I have struggled with this right forearm on plane at set up. If the right forearm is on plane at Impact/Fix Impact, then you move to adjust address, will it still be on the same visual plane? I think not.

Clampett has done wonders IMO to cut through a lot of the Fog, eliminate the 'style' factors and define (some will say copied or redefined) the Essentials, that is what he refers to the Dynamics. He doesn't attempt to even start giving a dot to dot description. The alignments and motions of the Dynamics are pretty much universal for any swing motion. The concepts of Pivot, Building Lag, Storing Lag, Delivering Lag break the golf stroke down in such a fashion that a golfer should be able to apply and he provides simple drills that don't require any fancy expensive high tech junk. The only thing he didn't use was a dowel.:crybaby:

Also I believe, at least for me it takes a number of readings to get all of what is in it. He doesn't use the term to trace the plane, but he does define the golf clubs relationship/alignment throughout the golf motion to the plane line (which he refers to as target line) for example.

He in less than 100 words has explained how the feet, knees and hips function including the effects to the rotational and lateral motion of the pivot.

Yeah, after 2 plus readings and pages of notes, I really find this to be a good INSTRUCTIONAL golf book, I can't say that for the other 400 plus books in my collection, there are few that are my favorites but this one is at front of the pack.

Which are your favorites?

By the way, do you have a shelf full of videos too?

Well I have a shelf full of videos as well and almost all of them are collecting dust as well.

Ben Doyle's video is probably my most watched video. Realizing it was intended to teach the 24 component per-se it did wonders for me when studying for TGM authorization. I liked his approach, chip, pitch and punch. It tracks with 12-5 theme. Clampett I think has taken this to a new level with his approach. Putt, Chip, Pitch and Full Stroke. Marry that with his description of the dynamics and the drills, I would think any golf instructor has the sound basis to teach new golfers or re-engineer a golf swing.

I have a lot of vid clips from the internet. Probably my most watch one has been Jeff Hull, for a pseudo informal vid, the info in it just packed. The complimentary one with Ted Fort is just as good, it really depends upon if you are a swinger or hitter. Follow that up with the Martee Makeover Vids I have and that gives one a great start and insight to the golf swing.

Other clips, such as Yoda demoing the impact bag, the dowels, etc. are preiceless, they convey concepts and provide great visual images IMO.

As for books I have a personal book shelf that sits next to my reading chair. It has the following:

My List not in order of significance but by category

Golf Swing Instruction

- The LAWs of the Golf Swing by Adams, Tomasi, Suttie (Unfortunately not an easy book to read, it take a lot effort but once mastered the golfer is on his/her way to a golf stroke for a life time)
- The Golfing Machine by Homer Kelley (This book IMO should be limited to instructors, it is not like any other golf instruction book that has been written and it is NOT a HOW TO BOOK).
- Power Golf for Women by Jane Horn (Golf instruction for women, key point and focus is that women rely on Technique vs a male athletic qualities)
- How I went from 28 to Scratch in One Year Playing Once A Week at the age of 70 by John Youngblood (A structure practice/playing routine that relies on your knowledge of the golf stroke to some extent)
- The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett (Have only read it once but this is a keeper. This is IMO an excellent book for Golf Instructors and Golfers)

Golf Mental Instruction

- The Easy Way to Lower Your Golf Score by Allan D. Starr (This may be the quickest way to lower your handicap)
- Golf How Good Do Want To Be? by Bill Kroen, Phd (I don't subscribe to the swing instruction, but another book that can definitely lower your score if read and appied)
- Every Shot Must Have a Purpose by Pia Nilsson & Lynn Marriott (Think Box / Play Box and drills, IT SHOULD BE MUST FOR ALL GOLFERS who want to play good golf)
- Golf In The Kingdom by Michael Murphy (How to fully appreaciate your love of the game while playing)
- I Found the Golf God by Dori O'Rourke (Easy to read, filled with key information on mind over matter)

Coffee Table Golf Books

None on the shelf, they are on the coffee table, nightstand, etc. There are many books on the history, golf course design, etc. that are always worth a read. Heck after all if its about Golf, it is worth at least a read.

Sentimental Hold Over’s

- Ben Hogan's Five Lessons The Modern Fundamentals of Golf (Probably a hold over but I have more writing in it that it has text) #1 thought - Any golfer is capable of breaking 80.
- Gary Player's Positive Golf (haven't read it in 10 years or longer)

As to a 'How To Golf Swing Instruction' book, IMO there is not one that is for every golfer that is easy to read, understand and apply. The closest are the one's I have listed, but it is difficult. The Impact Zone may in fact come close, but I have only read it and not studied it.

So I am a golf junkie...:rolleyes:

Kudos To Chuck Evans
 

Just received my copy of The Impact Zone by Bobby Clampett and Andy Brumer. I'm just now getting into it, but it is nice to see the name of Chuck Evans in the Acknowledgements. :salut:

If anyone hasn't listened to the podcast of the "radio" show on Chucks site with Bobby Clampett you should. Two quality people, oh and they know a little bout golf as well.

Sounds like an interesting read. Might have to find myself a copy soon.
Alex

Many of us have been reading, discussing, learning about ALL TGM mystifying areas thanks to Lynn Blake. Ever since Yoda got the swamp wired and shared his passion- everything has been different.

I'm waiting for the book since none have reached the book stores near me, but some of the best stuff has been written already.

Now this will be interesting
 

I await your review of Clampett's book, Yoda. :salut:

But am more anxiously awaiting your own book. :rolleyes:

UPP in too windy to play Ohio

I have read a little over half of the book. It's really good compared to most of what the mouth breathers the Golf Channel pimps out.

I think he has mixed up aiming point and low point and impact hand location. He kind of covers himself with the whole "experimentation" deal . . . which is of course what you have to work out.

You can pretty much approximate where your low point will be if you go to fix and note where your left shoulder is. Low point is going to occur basically where your left arm is in line with the left shoulder assuming of course that you are using the left shoulder as the center of your stroke (not the right elbow or left wrist). Low point could be 4 inches in front of the ball or maybe not.

Based on Clampett's description of Aiming Point, I think he has opted for option 2 where by the ball is moved but the Aiming Point is constant (for him what he believes to be Low Point). By using this method the release feel is constant for all club shaft lengths:

6-E-2 . . .
Three procedures are available to compensate for this:

1. move the Aiming Point forward or aft of the established Ball location. This Aiming Point procedure seems more easily acquired if introduced as a Feel. At the top of the Backstroke – even at End (10-21-C) – mental construct a line form the #3 Pressure Point to the Aiming Point. Let a careful Downstroke direct the thrust precisely along this line. Hitting or Swinging, direct the #3 Pressure Point strongly downward per 1-L-9, 1-L-10, 2-J-3 and 6-C-2-A to insure the “Downward” element of Three Dimensional Impact (2-C-0). That is – TRY TO DRIVE THE BALL INTO THE GROUND, NOT INTO THE AIR. If you don’t KNOW that you hit down, assume that you didn’t. The Hands must ALWAYS take one of the Delivery Paths (10-23) but even with the Circle Path, the Thrust is still a straight-line EFFORT toward the Aiming Point. Even “Tracing” (5-0) must not disrupt it.
2. move the Ball forward or aft of the established Aiming Point per the previous page, using the Hand and Club guidance procedure presented for 1. above. So the Ball Location changes required for a Push or Draw per 7-2 must exceed the changes required by this procedure before Plane Line Rotation should be employed by the “True” Swingers. As usual, though, Clubface manipulators have their choice of either procedure – that is the 1. or the 2.
3. “Open” or “Close” the Stance per 10-24-F.

But hey I think it's fantastic that he has introduced this concept to the golfing public and pressure points and loading to boot.

But to answer your question on the 4 inch thing (and I am unfortunately very familiar with a 4 inch thing) . . . experiment with it. I'd say 4 inches MAYBE for a wedge or 9 iron. But that seems a bit forward to me. Aiming Point is where you are directing THRUST NOT THE CLUBHEAD. I think if some people took his advice to keep the left wrist cocked as long as they can and use an Aiming Point 4 inches in front of the ball for all clubs . . . you could have MAJOR problems. That's just me.

Good for him for talking up the Machine and introducing some of the concepts that would probably spook some golfers. Bottom line Bobby Clampett without question had Accumulator Lag and Clubhead Lag in copious amounts. There's a pic in the book where he's slap loaded up the shaft like one of my buffet plates. That's worth the price of admission.

Back to picking my nose.

:laughing9 :laughing9

Be sure of using a aiming point!:thumright

The big task for you would be to reach high point, but I am sure you can do it. Now would you use arc or angle of approach? I would suggest a thrust on a straight line.:-\"

Report back your findings!\\:D/

I don't know why this brothers me, but it really does. Where in the book does he state that the Aiming Point is 4 inches?

I must have missed it. I beleive he starts on p 37 about aiming point. There is one place on pg 38 he states about its' exactness or preciseness doesn't have to be 4 inches, which the 4 inches is in reference to the bottome of swing (Low Point). On pages 40,50,51,59 and 201 he identifies/defines Aiming Point and again no 4 inches.

Can someone help me out here cause for whatever reason this is getting to me. This is poping up across all forums and no one seems to have identified the exact quote. Maybe it is a bit awkward wording in one area of the text but within the book, after reading it, if anyone still has the idea that he is talking about 4 inches for the Aiming Point, well I don't know.

A little help or can we put this to rest that he doesn't say that?

I read it the same way you did Martee.

I don't think Clampett says that the Aiming Point is 4 inches in front of the ball. But radlink54 read it that way. I could see how a person could get confused by reading the Aiming Point and "swing bottom" passages in the book. I don't think Clampett has misrepresented it necessarily but it is confusing particularly if this is your first exposure to the concept.

Don't get me wrong. There is A LOT in this book to like. I just think that part is a bit foggy.

What do you think about the whole "keep the left wrist cocked as long as you can" thing?

I don't want to poor mouth Clampett. I think he's good for the Machine, good for the game and miles ahead of 98% of the instruction books out there. I'm just trying to be objective.

Keeping the wrist cocked, read very careful as he did not say force it to remain cock, he stated let the pivot transport and lateral/rotational motion uncock it.

This book is about swing styles, there are areas that don't track for hitting styles IMO.

I think some TGM circles will have issues in the lack of preciseness that they often equate with TGM.

As I read it, Clampett was quite clear that this wasn't about styles and their variations. I think many will have trouble making and maintaining this paradigm shift.

He does offer some style/variation suggestions, but the concept of The Impact Zone is to stop being ball focused, compress the ball with power, and sound alignments.

Aim Point and Swing Bottom getting confused appears to be that not uncommon or we have a few people going around and spreading the word cause I was surprised that I have seen this on almost every forum where they are reviewing the book. As I have given reference to pages, I am surprised that there can be confusion, my only conclusion is that they are skim or speed reading and not really reading. But I could be wrong

I am not sure I agree that Clampett is good for the Machine, but I do think Clampett is good for Golf with this book.

One part of the book was particularly enlightening for ME, the concept of cocking the left wrist.

I have been so focused on a flat left wrist that on video my wrist is arched big time at the top of the swing with no wrist cock. I think this also goes back to keeping the left wrist flat and "dynamically flat" that 12pb educated me on a few weeks ago. By consciously trying to just let the left wrist be cocked by the right elbow. I have made some progress, we'll see how it goes.

I personally like the book and like how Clampett presents the Machine. Especially, the idea of looking past "stylistic" stuff and focusing solely on the dynamics.

Martee, in your opinion, why is Clampett not good for TGM? Not trying to flame or anything, I would just like to know. Thanks in advance.

I like the book and will be giving it as a gift
 

This is one of the few golf books (and I have them all) that I would buy for my friends. Good information that no one else outside of TGM discusses much but they should.

I have gotten through the book once (got it last Saturday) and plan to get through it again this week.

I love it. His explaination of aiming point is great and Clampett is quick to point out those that provided his training (Ben, Chuck, etc).

Good read. Highly recommended.

Just got the book. It could have used more pictures. Also, his description of aiming the hands 4" in front of the ball is somewhat mystifying. At address for chipping, the hands are already at least 4" in front.

He doesn't describe aiming the hands 4" in front of the ball.
The 4" measurement is related to middle of divot / lowpoint not aiming point.
I agree with you it is a little confusing, but he does not state that.
he believes aiming point must be experimented with to find Your aiming point.

Aiming Point is effected by the type of release and the golfer's hand speed, ball position, and club length. Experiment with those factors. Direct pp3 thrust to the aiming point and HIT DOWN. The clubhead will Lag behind the Hands and strike the ball.

The TGM Renaissance Man
 

Bobby is not your normal guy. He's not only one of the greatest ballstrikers in the world, but also changed jobs mid-career into one of the best worldwide commentators. Knows what to say and what not to say on que.

He knows and loves the book; Loves Homer and Ben, but admittedly hasn't experienced all that TGM offers. Haven't we all. :)

IMHO, he experimented with procedures that didn't fit his swing and it didn't work out to his advantage. At the highest level of competition who can blame him and let's admit it, the wealth of information contained between the two yellow covers is hard to resist.

He's a gifted player and person. Not a teacher in the true sense, but knows the book very, very well.

Would love to meet him one day, but personally I think the green guy has it all figured out.

Bobby has natural golfing talent. He is an Angle Hinging Swinger- go figure- that compresses the ball second to very few. It is a shame that his melt down was at the Open in front of the eyes of the golfing world. A student of Ben Doyle, Bobby spoke with Homer on the phone many times but never took a lesson with him in person. Ben and Bobby both carried TGM in full view of the public for many years.

But Bagger, you are Ker-rect! Nobody explains Homer like Yoda. We have been GREATLY spoiled to have so much given to us these past few years.

Angled hinge swinger.. can u please explain the procedure a bit please Mike?

Thanks

Just a comment Homer made about his swing after young Yoda pointed it out. It is the rhythm of his clubhead. I don't know much more about it. Sorry.