by Zen
Absolutely agree. Doesn't mean that coaches have no place in golf. Just that they should remain in the background. Let the players reign! Always!!

by Bob Jasien
Unlike 99% of the responses, this is to completely agree RE: pro's swing coaches. Pros can/should give their coaches credit for helping them thru a bad stretch, maybe getting their head back on straight, etc. in their post match interviews. But the network coverage, on-course reporters, extra behind-the-scenes stories turning these guys into celebrities is garbage. The player doesn't execute, he doesn't win - the coach has very little to do with it either way.

by Del
It is time you get a writing coach, as your ideas are about the level of a 1st grade student. Too bad you aren't on the PGA tour as I am sure you would be able to win several majors without any coaching. Those that can't compete must complain. I guess I have read your articles for the last time.

by John Hahn
Read the column by Chris Baldwin re: current pros overusing swing coaches. I suppose he would know that this is the road to golf failure, given his many victories on tour, including the _____________, the ______________, and the...uhh, can anyone help me out here? I'm sure Chris Baldwin has won *something* on the tour, but I'm drawing a blank at the moment.

by avcguy
I don't even know where to begin, but that article is just plain stupid. Media guys like you, just like to hear themselves talk. Make news out of nothing, you guys are worse than politicians.

by charlie marshburn
Lee Trevino said 'when i find one who can beat me i'll listen.'
Ben Hogan said ' golf can be learned but not taught.'
Tiger had a better swing at 16 when his father was his teacher. It looks like a karate chop now and is about as sweet as a spoonful of alum. He makes the same mistake every time with his driver. He pushes it 20 yds right. Why not aim 30 yds left and push it to the middle of the fairway?
Butch Harmon couldn't break 90 at your local muni. Hank Haney was so bad he could not take his game out in public.
Ledbetter is the biggest fraud of all. he is ruining Michelle Wie. She was better at 14 than she is now and her parents ought to sue for thieir money back and get a restraining order to keep him at least 50 miles from her. So, as you can read, i have a very low low opinion of gurus and the upper middleclass neurotics like Johnny Miller and Phil who use them.

by Mike Coleman
Excellent article, but is it that the media brings the personal coaches to the forefront and makes them a part of the game or is it the players. Ben Hogan constantly worked to perfect his swing through observing others and being observed. It is unlikely that he did it all by looking in a mirror. It is also likely the media wasn't there every time he picked up a club to practice.

by Mark
Yes but Curtis Strange left Jimmy Ballard after back to back U.S.Opens
because he wanted to take his game to "another level". Well it worked. We never heard from him again. Same with Sutton until he returned to Ballard. Alan has it right, course management is what it has to be about. If you are on tour you should have a very simple concept of what your swing is so you can just get the ball in the hole. Fundamentals win , Jack Nicklaus showed us that. He never flat out overhauled his swing, just minor adjustments in setup to accommodate his aging body; ditto Tiger.

by Alan
The proof will be for how long Phil/Butch stay together and what they accomplish durning that tenure. Kinda like Butch/Sundance robbing all around the southwest - very successfully mind you. If Phil wins one major this year plus another couple events he's had a super year. If he wins two majors then give LOTS of credit to Butch. Dave Pelz has already helped Phil loose his love affair with the 60 degree on every greenside shot and that has paid dividends. I guess Rick Smith just couldn't get through to Phil, especially course management. From reading articles I think Butch will hammer Phil on playing smarter from tee to green. "IF" Phil can really become more consistent in course management, the way Tiger has done more naturally, then watch out - GAME ON for #1 in the world.

by Rick
Where were you during those years? If you paid attention during the 80's you would have heard of Jimmy Ballard with Curtis Strange or Hal Sutton or Hank Haney with Mark O'Mera in the 90's among others. They were quite popular but don't fit your blog/sensationalism/fluff culture. How many times???

by Sean
I love it Chris! I stopped watching golf channel post game because I was sick of that over-hyped over-weight flatulent Phil suck up Dave Pelz trying ot sell short game videos everytime he is asked to comment on Phil's round.

by GK
Chris,
Anyone that can find a way to rip Mike Krzyzewski in a golf column is ok with me. You are spot on in that the best three weeks in sports are now ruined- littered with Coach K and Dickie V ads.
But besides that, you make some good observations about the PGA player/coach (guru) relationship. As long as golfers are willing to pay large to attend these name instructor golf academies, schools or clinics, Butch, David, Rick and the others are going to find a way to get in the spotlight.

by Art VanDalay
Great article and I am in total agreement! Thanks for your refreshing candor.

by Mike
Golf is one of the few sports that no matter how much help you receive prior to the 'big game,' when the time comes it is entirely on your shoulders. Your opinion implies that we, as fans, should also be upset with the old man that provides us with the bucket of balls at the driving range.
-Mike

by Brian Laud
Chris,
I hope that no one is actually paying you to write this drivel!
It makes me wonder whether or not you have ever played a competitive sport. I speculate that the answer is no.
Bria