3Jack's Translation of TGM: Part 4

In part 4 of my translation of TGM I will actually be going over parts 4, 5 and 6 in List #1 in the Preface since these sections are somewhat brief.

Section 10-0 gives a brief introduction to Chapter 10. In Chapter 10 it goes into the 24 components of the swing (aka, the golfing machine) and each variation of each component. Homer explains his system of number designation.

The first number is the chapter. The second number is the basic component. The 3rd digit, a letter, is the variation of the component.

So, when somebody refers to 10-1-E in 'The Golfing Machine', which is the cross hand grip, it basically reads as 10 is the chapter, 1 is the basic component which in this case is the basic grip, and E is the variation of the grip which in this case is the interlocking grip.

If I were to look for the baseball grip in TGM, it's designation is 10-1-B. Same chapter, same component, just different variation. If I wanted to look up 'single plane shift', that designation is 10-7-B. So, that designation has the same chapter (10), but a a different basic component (7) and then the variation of that component is the letter B.

At the bottom of page 134, Homer just gives the reader a listing, in alphabetical order, where the reader can find each basic component. For instance, 'Address' has a number '9' next to it. That just means that to find information in regards to the Address position, you have to go to the 10-9 section of chapter 10.

All Section 11-0 shows is a listing of each component in Chapter 10. This is listed in the exact order that Chapter 10 does it, whereas at the bottom of page 134 Homer lists each component alphabetically.

Sections 12-1 and 12-2 go over the basic component checklist for a basic 'hitter' (drive loading) pattern and a basic 'swinger' (drag loading) pattern. I made a sample checklist for own my swing in a previous post. Peter Croker also goes over 12-1 and 12-2 with GSED Paul Hart in parts 6 and 7 of his TGM Downloads.

CHAPTER 13 (NON-INTERCHANGEABLE COMPONENTS

Quoting the book in page 231

Stroke Component Variations are not all 100% interchangeable with the rest of their category by their very definition. Some are interchangeable only in an awkward way -- or within certain limits -- or for certain special purposes.

Homer is talking about that not every component variation can be used by a 'hitter' or a 'swinger.' Some component variations that are meant for a 'swinger' can be used for a 'hitter', but only in an awkward way or with certain limits or for special purposes. Essentially, there's always the rare exception to the rule, but you really need to get hitter components with a hitter pattern and swing compoments with a swinger pattern.

Incompatible components are faulty construction -- mechanical improprieties, not legitimate variations.

Imagine the swing like an automobile. If you try to put diesel gas into a 4-door Honda sedan, it will spit the gas out because the compatible component is unleaded fuel. Or if you were to put the tires of a Cadillac Escalade on Prius, it may work, but it may not provide optimal driving and would be a bit awkward.
However, if you read a lot of Lynn Blake's posts over at his forum, he talks a lot about how everything is not as cut and dry when it comes to components of the swing. He got this from his mentor, Homer Kelley, who mentions this in the last paragraph of 13-0 that 'personal preference should be considered, also.' If one component seems too complicated, then add the compensations to make up for it.

For instance, if you're a 'swinger' who cannot master the horizontal hinge action, you may want to employ a stronger grip and/or utilize a closed stance with a square clubface and/or start employing a 'hitter' pattern by using a drive loading procedure instead of a drag loading procedure.

All of which I will get to in future translations.

But, there's nothing really different in this translation that in the previous translations. TGM is not just about components, variations of those components and matching those components together. But it's about CUSTOMIZATION and working through the 'puzzle' to find that customized swing and the components of that swing that work best for each individual golfer.

It's very much like watching a football team and popular instruction is the football coach who tries to find players who can fit their scheme whereas TGM is the football coach that tries to get the scheme to fit the players' skills and abilities.




3JACK