"The lip."
A swing study of Jerry Pate Born 1953 in Georgia
When you win a major as a 22 years old rookie you are likely to feel confident about your abilities. Jerry Pate was the youngest winner of the U.S. Open since Walter Hagen, Jack Nicklaus, and Bobby Jones, who all achieved the same feat at the same age.
With a swagger and a confident smile, Pate had no problem showing everybody how confident he was. His cockiness and good humor (he would tell people later he was actually not so sure about himself ) earned him the label of "mouth of the south," and it was Jack Nicklaus, after listening to the constant quips and theatrics who simply called him "The Lip." Unfortunately for big Jack, in the same year of Pate`s Open win, he was forced to endure the rare indignity of watching a rookie squash his title chances on the last day as Pate finished with a 63 in the Canadian Open to win his second title of the year.
Jerry Pate not only talked a good game but played it as well. Many admired both his ball-striking ability and silky smooth swing. The film above (taken in the same year Pate won the U.S. Open, 1976) may display the reverse `C` that ages and dates a swing to the seventies, but a closer look shows near-perfect swing mechanics. Long and flowing, the action of Pate was esteemed for its quality by all swing experts of the time. It may be that the 9-year-old Jerry was influenced for life by the black caddies of his local club, as he would spend hours watching their natural swings while they practiced in the early hours of the morning. Starting the game at about six years old the infant Pate was exposed to a competitive platform, as all of his five siblings were active golfers. In addition, both father and grandpa played off scratch! His education as a golfer was mostly visual rather than verbal, and intuitive before technical. Jerry would particularly enjoy the visits of the top Professionals who would visit his club to give exhibitions. He especially remembered a visit from Julius Boros, who had a wonderful smooth swing himself.
Leaving his teens behind Jerry was still not really sure of how good he was and preferred to take the safe road of studying business in college. It was only his significant amateur successes that convinced him that he could compete professionally and was capable of beating anyone.
Jerry Pate went on to win a total of 8 PGA tour events and represent his country in the Ryder cup team, but his career was cut short as a torn shoulder muscle destroyed his beautiful flowing action. He returned to golf in his later years and joined the senior tour (winning one event) after successfully changing his career to broadcasting analyst and course architect.
Jim Colbert-1974
Born March 9, 1941
Jim Colbert turned professional in 1965
He won eight times on the PGA Tour, including twice in 1983 when he finished a career-best fifteenth on the money list. As a senior Colbert has won 20 tournaments on the Champions Tour, including a senior major championship, the 1993 senior players championship.
He never won a major although he came closest in the 1974 Masters when this film was taken. He started the back nine on Sunday a shot back and missed a short putt for a birdie at the 10th hole and failed to recover.
At 5ft 9 inches tall Colbert was not the longest off the tee and created a game to suit his strengths, something he always recommended others to do.
Colbert was inducted into the Kansas sports hall of fame in 1998
Ben Crenshaw
Born 1952 in Austin-Texas
Ben Crenshaw joined the tour in 1973 and won 19 PGA titles throughout an illustrious playing career. The most notable achievement was the two-time Master's wins. He represented America four times and captained a successful team in 1999.
Ben`s swing was a long and flowing action, Although this film only records a wedge shot it demonstrates a movement without effort. Ben`s swing is natural and uncomplicated, a result of using sound mechanics.
Famous coach Harvey Penick contributed the most to Ben`s game and is given credit for his beautiful putting stroke.
Ben was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002
Mike Hill
Saw Bob Toski playing at Dalmahoy, Edinburgh, in 1965. He wasn't called Mighty Mouse for nothing, hitting the ball phenomenal distances despite his slight stature. Great player and coach.
I always thought Ben had the best looking grip of any golfer. When I watched him in the 70's there was something different about him. He had the look of an athlete - not just a golfer. Loved those Walter Hagen Haig Ultra blades he used to play. Beautiful set of irons.