[12 piece bucket]

Bucket,

I think that most tour players play their normal shape shot most of the time. Most guys don't curve it much with the irons. Almost every player is altering trajectory based on conditions. You may have heard Bones and Phil talking about "Stock, Pelz, etc." I don't know all their definitions, but they are talking about manipulating trajectory and fullness of shot. Many players will hit the ball up against the wind (cut into hook wind) to control line and distance. They also manipulate spin especially with the wedges.

One thing to avoid is what I call "Fancy Play Syndrome." Like hitting a chip cut seven instead of a normal eight. Why try to do something special when you normal shot will do. Sometimes you have to, but let that be the exception--especially if you are a weekend player. Along those lines, the best strikers design their basic shot to work for most shots--medium trajectory--with the ability to go up or down.

Some guys shape it more. Kenny Perry--big draw. Bubba Watson--shapes every shot. He's a fancy player--kind of old school--but it fits him and his game.

Most of the adjustments are being made to land the ball a certain yardage. You are trying to account for what the ball does after it lands. Will it skip, stop, or spin back? That adjusts your target number. Maybe the shot is 165 and the greens are firm. So you decide hit it 158. I don't think they get mechanical there. They have trained it. Some might think the number in their heads, others would try to feel the pace or length of swing. I guess you guys would teach PP#3?

My basic thought would be to design a basic ball flight that does not need much adjustment throughout the round other than taking off a few yards. Then spend your time learning and practicing all the manipulations inside 115 yards. Most tour players hit their wedges (partial shots from fairway) relatively low. They feel it is easier to control distance with low ball flight.

As far as mechanical thoughts. I think it depends on the player and how well he is playing. Some guys would have a special thought to cut it or hit it down. If a player is fighting his swing--which happens more than you might think--he might have a key that he thinks about. Many guys don't really understand what they do or why but they know how to adjust to make the ball go at the flag. Or say the main flaw (whatever the cause) is the get fast with the lower body, a player might think "quiet legs" walking into the shot.

A far as just bombing it. The guys swing pretty hard. Maybe full out only a few times a day, but still pretty hard. They definitely pick their spots. On thing most people don't know is when to let out the shaft. My theory is opposite of what many might think. Alot of people swing hard on long par fours and short par fives. On these holes, it is critcal to be in the fairway, because you have to hit long iron, hybrid, or wood. The time to go after it is a long five par that you can only reach if you smash it, but you can still lay up OK if you miss fairway. Short par fours where you can get close to the green is the other spot. There is no reason to swing extra just to get one club closer.

I'll say more later. Welcome your questions. Maybe a new thread if you like. There are some other caddies that read this forum who might chip in.

Dude . . . this is SOOOOOOOOOOOO good. I'll be happy to start another thread . . . but you need a FORUM of your own. Amazing stuff!

Thanks again!