12 thoughts on “More Swings Under The Watchful Eyes Of Mike Austin”

  2. Not Yogi (Dave Rao}'s avatarNot Yogi (Dave Rao}

    We must have just missed each other. From 79 to 84, I was a fixture at Studio City. Mike at one end, Joe Norwood at the other with Alan Hale, Gilligan’s skipper taking up the slack. The center of the golf instruction universe. My mentor, Count Yogi, would wait for me in the parking lot, laying on the horn of his showcar. He was banned by George McCallister.

    I could tell Mike was fond of Yogi being they had history all the way back to Chicago. Thanks for posting these gems. Mike never wanted to die anyway. You’re keeping him alive for thousands of us who’ve been inspirered by him calm and violent nature. I loved him awful. See you at “18”.

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  3. ben's avatarben

    Thanks for posting your videos. Humbly, I feel I should tell you that they don’t do what I think you want them to do. Simply on account of not enough visual information. I think all of us biomechanic obsessive golfers would love to see more!

    Thanks

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    1. fcd's avatarfcd Post author

      Ben,
      Thanks for the comment.
      This is just a start. Many had never seen a swing under the tutelage of Mike Austin other than perhaps that of the great Mike Dunaway.
      The initial clips were designed to show the swing in action, provide a small window into Mike’s character and to debunk some of the inaccuracies put forth about Mike.
      For example, I’ve read so many posts in other forums incorrectly stating that Mike only provided “cryptic” instruction. (To me that was simply an excuse for not possessing limited information about MIke or for lack of taking actual lessons with him. ) Mike was far from cryptic. (And I bet that comment bring wry smiles to the faces of former students.)
      Mike’s lessons were intensive and “hands-on” to say the very least.

      Mike was a master at how the body moved. During a lesson he would twist you, pull you, enable motion and disable motion, all with one arm and at the age of 80+.
      In a moment’s notion you would find him on his feet, club in hand, illustrating an essential aspect of the swing.

      If I can generate enough interest, my hope is to go step-by-step through the entire swing. Interspersed will be Mike’s notions of timing and tempo. We’ll cover short game and specialty shots. (Another topic of misconception. MIke didn’t focus on long driving.)
      It helps greatly that people are starting to provide specific input.
      Thanks for the interest.

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    2. fcd's avatarfcd Post author

      Ah, but this is just the beginning.
      The initial clips were to provide a window into how Mike taught, to debunk some of the inaccurate statements made of him (like those that claimed his teaching was cryptic) and to reveal some video of a student under Mike’s tutelage. Other than that of the great Mike Dunaway, I think there is very little clear video of Mike teaching.
      Thanks for the comment.

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  4. stephen's avatarstephen

    As much as I like to watch your swing, it’s the the sound of your seven iron that gets my attention the most,
    mine don’t sound like that , thats for sure.

    Tell us a bit more of yourself , what is your golf game like these days , stuff like that

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    1. fcd's avatarfcd Post author

      Stephen,
      Great observation. In fact, I planned to present a little section on that very theme – the sound of the clubhead meeting the ball. I never heard anyone explain the desired result like Mike. He often commented on the sound of a good hit and it provides a good check for ball striking.

      Mike’s swing, done properly, resulted in a “lively “thwack”, not a “low thud”.
      The desired sound evidenced that “all the energy was in the clubhead” and that you were “hitting the center of that ball with the center of the clubhead”.

      Thanks for the comment!

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    2. fcd's avatarfcd Post author

      Stephen,
      I intend to have a section on that very subject – the sound of the clubhead meeting the ball.
      It was very important to Mike and is a good check on ball striking.
      Mike desired a “lively thwack” not a “dull thud”. The former evidenced the “center of the clubhead meeting the center of the ball” and the fact that “all the energy was in the clubhead”, key points in Mike’s teachings. More to come on the subject.

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  5. David R's avatarDavid R

    Great stuff! Thanks so much for sharing. I would like to see as much of the video as you are willing to offer as well as any of your insights regarding his teachings.

    Thanks!!

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    1. fcd's avatarfcd Post author

      Dave,
      Greatly appreciate the comment. I intend to give out a lot more.
      It really is great that people have such a continued interest in such a great man and teacher.
      Spread the word! Thanks again.

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