A Blast from the Past: The Legendary Jimmy Ballard – “The Father of Connection”
Jimmy Ballard, a disciple of Sam Byrd, revolutionized golf instruction with his connection-based swing philosophy. Byrd, a rare talent who played both MLB baseball and PGA Tour golf, learned his theories from none other than Babe Ruth!
Ballard’s methods were sometimes considered controversial, as they challenged conventional teachings of the time. However, his approach helped major champions like Hal Sutton, Curtis Strange, Sandy Lyle, Seve Ballesteros, and his longtime student Rocco Mediate overcome severe back problems and still find success on the Champions Tour.
Critics point to the lateral move in his backswing, which some see as a sway. But in reality, his swing is body-friendly, easy to learn, and incredibly effective for many golfers. While golf instruction has evolved with advancements in biomechanics and technology, there’s always something to learn from great teachers of the past.
What do you think of Ballard’s swing philosophy? Have you tried incorporating “connection” into your swing? 🤔⛳️
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