Fred Couples Amazing Iconic Golf Swing / Full Range Session w/ Analysis 👍👍
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- Опубликовано: 22 авг 2024
- Driving it a LONG has always come naturally to Fred, but now he's hitting it straighter than ever. Some of that's the new equipment, but he's also improved his mechanics with Butch Harmon. Fred's swing is less dependent on timing these days, and that's made the driver probably his best club. Fred's also more comfortable hitting the driver at different speeds. Now he might bomb it on a par 5, but on a tight par 4, he'll smooth one out there at 80%. One thought that has helped Fred with the driver is, "Smash It", but he doesn't mean swing hard; he simply tries to compress the ball with a dead-solid hit. That image works at any speed.
At 64, Fred Couples still makes it look effortless! It's hard to believe it has been 30 years since Fred Couples won his Masters, and the fact that his golf swing looks as smooth and powerful today as it did then only adds to the confusion. In a word, his action is relaxed, starting at address and remaining so all the way to his perfectly balanced finish. Working with Butch Harmon starting in 2010, Couples has lessened the distinctive lift in his takeaway with a lower and wider sweep back that starts the club more along the target line, rather than outside. This allows him to accomplish a deeper, fuller turn. "We had him setting up with the clubhead a foot behind the ball, getting a head start on the takeaway," says Harmon. "He even played some rounds like that."
Couples' improved takeaway also has reduced the amount his driver shaft goes across the line, pointing right of the target, at the top. The result of these changes is that Couples now swings down on the correct plane, with the club more in front of him, not trapped behind his right side. When Couples was prone to dropping the club behind him, he had to release his hands aggressively through the hitting area to square the clubface. That pronounced inside-out action held the threat of a hook, which he counteracted by opening his stance and playing a fade. But he still missed too many fairways. Now with a more on-plane swing, Couples clears his left hip -- a move he still executes as quickly as anyone in golf -- and he's free to fully release his body and swing the club down the line. He hits one fearless draw after another. "We also watch his ball position, keeping it back, which squares his shoulders to the target," says Harmon. "From there, he can turn it over for more distance." For the guy who has always made it look ridiculously easy, it seems easier than ever.
Saw him up close once debating with his caddie 87 yards or 89 yards and at the time I couldn't believe they didn't know the yardage Freddie swings comes up a little short turns to the caddie and says you were right it was the 89 yard swing not the 87 yard swing and that's when I realized I was never going to be a pro lol
There is a fairly famous instructor that works out of Texarkana that played college golf with Freddy at Houston. He came to the same conclusion after never seeing Freddy miss-hit a ball during the three years he was a teammate! 😳
@@RollYourRock wow ! Is that true? Freddy very well could have been the best golfer of all time. He reminds me of a modern-day Sam Snead
@@andrewmanzano4792 Absolutely true! - That instructor went by the name of "Slicefixer" years ago on GolfWRX.
There's a great video on RUclips somewhere with Freddie talking about exactly that topic. Meaning how he nails down the exact yardage with any club. If I remember right, it's from a Golf Channel thing he did years ago.
Basically he has two swings that can be applied to any club as far as power is concerned, and then additionally he opens the face of the club to one of a couple different spots. With those two adjustments, he can basically hit any yardage by just switching clubs. It was interesting.
@@hlf_coder6272 Good post, thanks for taking the time! Cheers! 🙂
Strangely satisfying to sit and watch 10 minutes of Fred Couples' practice swings...poetry in motion!
Satisfying and perhaps even helpful before heading to the course?
I could watch that swing all day. The most beautiful swing I’ve ever seen.
Watch before playing. If for nothing else the rhythm alone.
@@RollYourRockWhat is really amazing is that Freddie let's all these guys bust their ass at the gym seven days a week, then gets off his sofa goes to the first tee and drives it right past them.
@@silverfox5319 True, but Fred is one in 1 million. One of the most naturally gifted players ever...
still swinging the same in his 60's is wild, one of the best swings of all time
I'm just mesmerized by such tempo, finesse and grace. 🤔
Maybe it will work its way into YOUR swing... 🤔
i went to the Masters a few years back and saw Freddie and Tiger during a practice day. Freddie has always been one of my favorites because of his swing. Seeing him in person was simply amazing!!!
Thanks very much for sharing your experience! I'm very envious!
😎!!
John Daly has the more extreme version of Fred Couples swing... its actually a very easy swing to learn when you realize that at the top of the back swing, your left wrist can be cupped.... and you initiate the downswing by pulling your elbow down to the ribcage and the swing naturally finds its path through the ball...
You're preaching to the choir, my friend… for better or worse, it's the way I swing.
Owner and innovator of the greatest, most fluidly graceful swing in the history of golf, Mr Fred Couples.
What he does with a golf club is probably not something that can be taught or mimicked, and there probably won't ever be another player in the history of the game that allows the club to efficiently do so much of the work when hitting balls.
It's his own unique body structure, state of mind, and practical evolution in the sport from the very moment he first picked up a golf club, that combined to create what he is.
I have been trying to adapt my own personal swing to be more like his, all the while knowing that I probably won't come anywhere near as close to doing so as I would like.
Good luck in your quest… Cheers! 🙂
I might pick Louie Oosthiesen's swing as the smoothest along with Ernie Els tho I'd definitely settle for Couples as well. All 3 are pure silk.
@@mikerodrick2430 Another one to not leave off the list is Larry Mize. ruclips.net/video/iRGfFUNA0cE/видео.html
@@RollYourRock True, & Payne Stewart.
@@mikerodrick2430 Absolutely... and we shouldn't forget "Slammin" Sammy Snead
That swing is perfection
He has an amazing sense for rhythm and tempo. 👍👍
this is like chocolate to the eyes
I like that! 👍👍
Best description I’ve ever heard. I’m stealing that lol
You said it perfectly. It’s the most eye pleasing swing in the history of the game IMO
I remember watching him hit a driver from the eleventh tee at the Masters in 1984, never having seen him up close before. The ball rocketed down the right side of the fairway like a rocket with a sound like an air compressor, which was rather unusual at the time. Never forgot that feeling.
That's awesome!
And no glove makes it better :-)
Boom Boom 💥
That's an awesome story/image! Thanks for sharing! - Cheers! 🙂
Awesome description. Thanks .
Nobody makes it look easier than Freddy! Great upload
Agreed!
As the great Peter Alliss said; Fred Couples has the ‘disposition of a black lab’ So relaxed
Love it! - Peter Alliss was a real beauty!
Saw him at the open in kent in about 1987 ish. His swing has not changed. So fluid and smooth.
slow is smooth; smooth is fast. He makes the swing look incredibly easy.
Like nobody else ever has...
What I want to know is with such a smooth lazy looking swing, why does he have back problems? Many others have back issues as well but their swing speeds are outrageous along with their body positions at that speed. The human body wasn't designed for golf, given the twisting, tilting, & side bend of the spine. Look at Woods, Jason Day, DeChambeau, Brooks Keopka & others who have chronic back pain & other injuries shortening their careers or constantly playing with pain. The problem can only stem from the teachings of today's golfers where speed & power are the goals. Players from past generations scored just as well without 120 mph swing speeds & didn't have back problems or other types of injuries either. Anyone who's teaching young kids to try to swing as fast as possible should be banned from teaching kids. All they're doing is setting the kids up for future injuries if they continue to play over a long period of time.
@@mikerodrick2430 I think the decades of teaching to resist in the lower body and torque the upper body has been horrible and has resulted in many shortened careers.
@@aaajjworm Couldn't agree more!
I remember thinking decades ago that Mr Couples had a smooth, if not the SMOOTHEST swing in golf. Watching this video of him all these years later has me coming up with a different thought...the golf club is not something he holds in order to strike the ball. Rather, the golf club is truly a PART of him. Not an extension or tool...
I love your take on Freddy's swing.
It's blows me away that Freddie says he's hitting it as hard as he can. It's more noticeable that he really is and that he has speed with the woods. But when he's hitting a 9 iron it looks like a 40% speed practice swing.
The man is clearly wired differently than all the rest of us.
Freddy is a great example of this. Most pros hit driver and woods 80% of max because the goal is distance. Mid irons down 40-60% because the goal is distance control, accuracy, and clean ball contact. When you look at Fred, his back swing and follow through is the same with all the clubs in the bag. Not so with many other pros.
@@roberthaar good observation! 👍👍
@@roberthaar Love to hear theyre hitting it at 40-60% and im at 80-90 yet purely just because of how centered they hit the ball they hit the same if not farther
@@CB-rv2lj yeah, I hate it when I say that... 😂
I was gonna make a long post. But you can't put into words the class of the man. The coolest fella to ever pick a club out of the bag
No need, you said it all right there! 👍
That is the smoothest golf swing i've ever seen. wow.
Smooth golf swing, smooth personality and a very smooth lifestyle...
I guess we should all try to get smoother... ???
@@RollYourRock you're one of my favorite people on RUclips. Aren't you an older gentlemen too? I absolutely love what you do for all of us. Humble gentlemen with a love for passion and golf. Thank you so much sir!!!
@@andrewmanzano4792 Thanks, Andrew. That's very nice of you to say. I'll be 77 on my next birthday... Happy Trails!🙂
Boom Boom still has the trophy swing.. it’s like poetry .. so effortless
True enough… I fell asleep twice while recording this! 💤💤
he does look like the guy on the top of the golf trophy.
Smooth as warm butter. Doesn’t get any better than Fred!
Agreed! 👍👍
That swing he can do that forever .....so smooth..... effortless .
Yup, he was certainly blessed. Let's hope his back holds together for a few more years.
The Lower body and hands release in sync through the ball to generate a smooth, snappy and powerful swing!
👍👍
What a swing, the only thing me and Freddy have in common is no glove, I wish it was the tempo 😂. Great upload, thanks.
"No Glove" is a start! - I'm glad you enjoyed the video. Cheers! 🙂
Freddie and I wear a belt.
That's it.
Like watching ballet.
Freddy tells the story about why he doesn’t wear a glove: When he was young he went through golf gloves very fast given how much he practiced and played. He had a limited allowance and couldn’t afford to buy lunch, golf, and new gloves as fast as he was wearing them out. So he stopped wearing gloves.
He also got nabbed for applying the five finger discount.
yes, golf gloves are annoyingly costly (and I've stopped wearing one for nearly 20 years for the similar reason :)
@@beefcake0354 You might want to consider these: www.bionicgloves.com/StableGrip_2.0_Golf_Gloves They wear like iron and provide a solid grip like no other.
@COCCO MAN Great story! Thanks very much for sharing. - Cheers!🙂
You guys are also missing another factoid…. He actually sprays his hands with Arrid Extra Dry before each round. I read about it and I also do it. It is amazing as I sweat a lot. You have to give it five minutes to dry before you start the round. It also preserves gloves although you don’t need to wear a glove!
The club is part of him, it's so effortless, everything is in sync ❤
Freddie will forever be my favorite golfer of all time.
What's not to like! 🙂
This is the golf swing we should all have been taught. how many coaches out there are saying you should restrict the hips, you dont need the big hip turn if you watch how his right arm moves in the backswing, its the most natural move when throwing.
Nice theory, but not 1 person in 1000 can get their lead arm into the position he does. He is insanely flexible, his left shoulder isn’t human, it’s like an action figure
@@jefffawcett Love the comparison to an action figure! 👍👍
The swing that last a life time,beautiful tempo and timing and guess what the ball goes just has far
If you're like me, have you ever noticed that you play better after watching Freddy?
You cannot really teach that swing. Just a natural.
@@tomdallas3690 Exactly. His elbow breaks the rules but becomes the defining part of his velvet swing
Freddie and Louis have the most effortless looking swings with so much power and compression
Do you try to pattern your golf swing after anyone in particular?
@@RollYourRock I want this swing.. I swing like Charles Barkley. lol.
@@chon_jung 😂 Actually, Sir Charles is swinging much better these days. So that's not a bad thing. * You may want to consider investing in an Orange Whip to see improvements in your rhythm/tempo. This training aid will also improve your flexibility, which is integral for the rhythm you're looking for. Good luck! 🙂
The prettiest swing in golf...
Agreed. There are several others I like, but none as aesthetically pleasing as Fred's.
I've been a fan for over 30 years.
NO GLOVES👍
Me too, and yes!
My all-time favorite swing and golfer!
👍
Ultimate swing goal.
It's always good to set goals! Good luck...
It’s like looking at a beautiful woman. It almost hurts to look at because you know you will never have it, yet you still can’t look away.
😂😥
Fred Couples and Bobby Jones! The two smoothest golf swing of the game🤩
What a beautiful swing .
Yeah, it never gets old watching Freddy's swing. Perhaps the most gifted ballstriker ever.
FREDDIE'S SWING LOOKS SO EASY ! - yet all these years later and so many envying it -- it has never been duplicated.
👍
I like the game and style of Fred Couples. Rolls Royce of Golf. Maybe slower than few Ferraris or Ducatis. But style wise the best. All seniors get courage of playing good golf just by seeing Freddie playing. 👏👏👏👍👍
Good post! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! 👍
I know some golfers that would take a loan out to have Fred Couples swing ! It's poetry in motion!
The phrase, " Poetry in Motion" fits Fred Couples golf swing perfectly
I could keep watching this all day long
Please, feel free... 🙂
when i watch him swing it's like how can that be, amazing and so much fun to see.
Now you understand how we feel about your voice! 🙂
@@RollYourRock i do have a good singing voice but...different guy. a name like mine i have found to be almost like john smith.
@@steveperry1344 Yeah, I can imagine... 🙂
Recently I heard Freddie tell this story about why he doesn't use a glove. When he was a kid, his parents only gave him so much money to play and gloves were $7 each. Playing in Seattle, a glove would get ruined quickly. Not having enough money to buy another glove, he decided to steal some and got caught. After that, he decided wearing a glove wasn't worth it.
The stealing part of that story it was a myth.
Couples was always one of my favorites growing up in the 80s. Never a glove!
very effortless. love it
Kinda puts you to sleep, doesn't it?
dont watch this to get ideas on how to swing your golf club. Fred Couples is not you or me or 99.9% of golfers in that he is very loose limbed in his shoulder joints. Right handed golfers take your left elbow and lift it to your right ear until the whole shoulder turns. The point of your elbow wont get very far past the center of your vision. Couples can put his entire left bicep in his mouth, even at the age of 60. He also has very loose hips so he can basically pick the club up and it falls into the the slot just by shifting his weight to the lift. Couples' whole move is so effortless that he doesnt lose the feel of the club in his hands like most of us. That gives him touch for days. It's a miracle the guy only won a single major considering that he was born with a body that is seemingly designed to swing a golf club.
The rest of us , and even most professional golfers need to be concerned with posture, stance, alignment, tempo, grip, plane, path etc. if we want to to maximize our consistency as ball strikers. Trying to copy Fred Couples will only get you into trouble. He picks the club up out of plane, he makes a late turn that again only works if your shoulder joint is missing a bunch of connective tissue, and then he drops the club on the ball with a lower body shift that can't be replicated unless you look exactly like Fred.
Colonel, I knew there had to be a reason why I can't swing like Freddie. Thanks for clearing that up!🙂
Fred Couples, Ernie Big Easy Els and Vijay Singh. Loved to see them 'Golf is Easy' swings...
Three good picks for "Golf is Easy" swings... Cheers!🙂
He may not be as smooth but I like the look of Payne Stewart's swing. The tempo of it and the finish, especially on the irons.
@@takaorobinson8719 Agreed! - One of my favorite all-time swings! Cheers!🙂
I have always enjoyed watching Freddy play. His game is effortless, he came to PHX to play here on champions tour and I had a chance to follow him . I was something to see him play.
I'm not sure what it is about simply watching Freddy play golf, but I always play better right after... I believe if we all tried to integrate Freddy's rhythm/tempo into our own games, we would be highly rewarded... Cheers! 🙂
Poetry in motion, bit like Sam Snead, just fantastic timing and grace!
ruclips.net/video/Oy_ArpznZUs/видео.html
Also like Snead, a real prick
Swing so smooth it could butter my morning toast
😂
0:43 Only Freddy's belly prevented a lip lock ...lol
You're killin' me here! 😂🤣😂🤣
So many people spend so much money for Golf lessons when their main problem is simply the most important thing: The Grip. They try to fix the swing, the movement, everything... but they're fixing something that is not wrong. Their problem is that they're simply holding the club too tight. Hold it loose and you will finally start hitting Golf balls.
Probably have to disagree with you on this one... I like relaxed/oily wrists, but a firm grip. You need to "own" your grip at the top.
I should have actually specified, because you're right!!
To me, it's firm fingers. But loose wrists and hand palm!
@@mariooo88 Don't let your trail hand/palm/thumb pad come off the grip or off the top of the lead hand's thumb. This is absolutely essential for delivering a square/consistent clubface. Yes, Bobby Jones took his trail hand's palm off the grip, but that was BOBBY JONES!
My wife likes to put on a video loop of a roaring fire on our TV during the day to relax. I’m proposing we put on Freddie hitting practice balls.
LOVE THAT!!! 😂
Freddy's swing matches his attitude. Effortless
Yep, he's Mr. Smooth at everything...
That's the swing you get when you make the deal with the devil. Just awesome.
Crossroads!
I haven't worn a golf glove since a friend of mine asked me if I'd wear a leather jacked on a hot day in order to control my perspiration. I just carry a towel and dry my hands before each shot.
That makes perfect sense to me! - I'm just the opposite… my hands are overly dry and need to add a little moisture occasionally...
@@jackcrosley6316 You're lucky!
Have you ever tried leather grips?
No one looks better in green than he does.
2024も予選通過期待してます。
Agreed! 👍
Gorgeous swing. Too bad you have to putt on Tour to win, though. No telling how many wins Couples would have racked up.
Yes, there's always that pesky putting thing that seems to get in the way!
Freddy is the only guy that deserves to be in the conversation with Hogan for the smoothest/greatest swing ever.
Freddy's a "beauty", no question!
Name a smoother, more effortless swing in golf history and I’ll kiss you on your elbow.
You're safe! 😂
Everyone... Welcome to Tempo Town!!! Where Fred Couples is the mayor!!!
Where are we going today, coach?
He could swing in his sleep, so chilled
💤💤
Buttery smooth.
The most iconic golf swing is the one that wins the most tournament's. Jack and Tiger. I always liked and rooted for Couples and still do. Having a textbook swing doesn't always translate into wins. John Daly has more major victories than Freddie. Lol.
John Daly... yes, another iconic golf swing! Another truly gifted swinger of the golf club. Actually lots of similarities... Cheers! 🙂
Just use Golf Pride Tour Velvet Grips and carry 100 grit sandpaper in your bag. Sand them quickly after every 3 or 4 rounds. You won’t need a glove.
Would this technique work even if you had schweaty hands?
Buttery smooth
Hogan and couples greatest swings ever
Those are two good choices, but the question is whether you're talking about aesthetics or functionality...
If you want a smoother swing, here's a drill from Paul Wilson. It's called the 2/3 drill. Use your 150 yard club, make your usual full swing & hit it only 100 yards. You can do it with any club as long as you're only hitting it 2/3 of your normal distance. It takes a bit of getting used to but try it. It definitely makes a difference.
Davis love Jr used this drill when teaching his son how to play within himself.
An addition to this is do your full swing as slowly as you can. My last lesson was to teach me totally effortless swing and started with my 8iron going full swing as slowly as I can as relaxed as I can like I’m falling asleep as it’s going round me. Within an hour I was able to draw 140 yards with literally next to no effort it almost feels like your just allowing it all to drop around you 😂 in a year of lessons this has been the pivot point in me realising how the real golf swing (similar to couples ) is done and it’s mental as it feels like you’ve suddenly gained total picture of where the balls coming off the face as your now feeling every bit of the club feedback where as before even the slightest tense through the swing switched all that feedback off
@@lilvfr400boy Sounds awesome!
@@mikerodrick2430 Paul Woodhouse pga prof is my current teacher 🙂 mans a genius he told me a while back he follows a process and now I’m seeing just how good it actually is. Last lesson will be a game changer for me
63 ... still sweet and pure
Wouldn't it be nice...
His left foot is pretty open, his swing is effortless, so smooth.. oh now they are talking about ‘flaring’ the lead foot… I’m 38 and in good shape but I’m not very flexible. Just how my body was built. Maybe I should try that
You're certainly not old at 38, but anyone struggling with flexibility issues should consider opening up their lead foot...
not only does he hold the club loosely, but every muscle in his upper-body is incredibly loose.
look at his arm position at the top of his backswing, you can't get there if you have tension in your body
Yes, Sir!
@ my age of 62, I always wished for Greg Norman's Looks in his prime, & Fredy Couples' swing...
Seems fair enough...
My favourite golf swing of all time, Full stop.
Mine too! ...and he's cool doin it!
Actually Fred said he doesn't wear a glove cause his parents wouldn't buy him any when he was young. So he just stopped then.
There are several conflicting scenarios.
O man this is relaxing
💤💤 did you say something?
I want that swing !!!!
Or I will take Ben Hogans swing!! Just fluid and beautiful! I wish he could wing just 1 more Masters, showing everyone what talent looks like-- even at his age!
Guess I have A LOT OF WORK to do!!!
We all do, my friend... Cheers!🙂
My favourite poet
As ol' Peter left to play a quick nine
His nagging old wife began to whine
"Its golf or its me!"
"And with that I agree!"
His lawyer told her just where to sign....
Sorry, I just couldn't help myself... 😂
Love Freddy! Seattle local 😎
I lived in Seattle when Freddy was playing junior golf.
Many comments are touched but off. If you understand Freddy's string, what's the purpose of ever wearing a glove???
Huh?
Freddie was never interested in trophy's. Making a dream living out of golf is good enough for him.
his swing is an optical illusion.
Hmmm... 🤔
Read Ben Hogan's "Five Lessons" - one of them is to, as they put it, "flare out" the front foot. The story about why he doesn't wear a glove - as Freddy himself tells it - that when he was a kid, he couldn't afford gloves at the rate he was wearing them out, and started pinching them. He got into trouble by getting caught, and decided to just not wear gloves any more.
Hogan, yes! - also that story about Freddy seems the most believable. 👍👍
Beautiful butter swing for a 62 y.o..10/3/59..The OP lists him at 61, the announcer at 2: 01 says he looks good for a 59 y.o. He has a swing that will look like that for years to come.
It's all very confusing, isn't it?! 🥴
@@RollYourRock Not really...He still has a sweet swing that's been about the same for more than 40 yrs and at 62 y.o, it probably won't change for some years to come.
@@1Mannco Hopefully, not! 👍🙂
@@RollYourRock It'd be nice to see him play for more years to come with that beautiful butter swing.
@@1Mannco 👍👍
A swing like that will never make the cut at the 2023 Masters tho…
I agree, and especially at who is advanced age!
As a motorcycle cop, I always wear gloves, even in the summertime. And as an avid golfer, I wear a glove. My right hand is almost colorless. But my left hand looks like it’s been dead for 30 years. LOL.
Now that's funny!😂 *Thanks for your service! 👍👍
@@RollYourRock Thank you!
So smooth, they all look like practice swings....
I've always thought exactly the same! 🙂
1:12 that's the smoothest 176-yrd swing ever. Couples has always been my No. 1 when it comes to swing tempo. such an eye-candy
Freddy makes it look pretty easy, doesn't he?
That glove story is 100% false idk who that guy is
100%! 👍
Michael Breed…Top Shelf Douchery
Never seen anyone keep their head as still as Freddy. Seriously, it's as if his head is superimposed on his body
Speaking from personal experience, the older we get the more stable, or should I say, immobile are necks become. 😂
Boom boom
Just goes to show that you don’t need to be swinging like Happy Gilmore to hit the ball far in golf. Having great timing and rhythm to your swing is way more important.
The smoothness/rhythm of his golf swing disguises he's amazing clubhead speed. Truly a gifted player.
90% of the LPGA swings harder than Freddy.
Visually, anyway…
From Fred's own mouth...as a boy he was caught stealing a glove & decided not to use them after that. True story
Not true! - he quit wearing gloves because it was costing his family too much to keep replacing $8 gloves.
fred's backswing seems like he stays quite still and he has a big shoulder turn but his hips hardly turn and his feet seem flat on the ground yet he hits it a ton.
"I'll take some of what he's having"!
@@mattbecham597 Lotta tork there! - Do you think that may have led to his back issues?
Pure class.
One of a kind!
How can a swing be so reminiscent of butter.
melted
Kirk Minihane creaming his jeans watching this
Without question! 😂
Couples said I never answer the phone. I get the feeling whenever I do that someone someone will be on the other end. 😂
I've always loved that quote! 😂
Is his bad back just bad luck or is his swing somehow physiologically flawed?
That's impossible for me to say, but then again, who doesn't have a bad back if you play golf?