Bob Charles Swing Analysis: An All-Time Great Lefty

The left-hander from New Zealand won the Open Championship in 1963 among some 75 assorted professional wins, including 6 PGA Tour and 23 Champions Tour events, among them 2 senior majors. What struck me most watching his swing with the driver is the perfect impact position with the shaft lined up with his right arm (leading arm) well past impact, much like you now see in players such as Jordan Speith, Dustin Johnson, and Brooks Koepka. As is the case with most players from his era he stays well behind the ball at impact, and in fact has moved backward almost a full head with his upper body. Chances are he had to do this to get the ball up in the air given the equipment of the day and the fact that his hands were so nicely forward and sustained past impact. I also like the way he barely lifts his front heel, putting it right back down just a hair forward of where it started. His upright backswing and extra high finish seem to correspond with the extreme length of his legs compared to his upper trunk. All in all, a swing of great rhythm and power that helped him to a Hall of Fame career.

[@richyclubsport5155]

Love these old swings, i honestly feel most amateurs would play better with these type of swing, look how long they played pretty injury free

[@TitleistGuy]

Good one Wayne, these OGs had swings that with today's equipment would have them dominating.

[@daveweigand5935]

As a lefty myself thank you for Bob Charles swing analysis. Would really like to see you do an analysis of Steve Flesch swing. Steve’s swing is one of my all time favorites.

[@bjohnson515]

1963 British Open.... actually known more for his putting. Asked once by an amateur ...."how do I stop missing left with my putts?" Charles said "Aim a little more right"

[@bjohnson515]

Have you done Middlecoff or Jerry Barber or Mike Souchak ? Great swings forgotten.

[@geoffmcmillan8720]

Bob had a good base to hit from…size 16 golf shoes

[@kevinrochelle6353]

Its very close to Nicklaus and Monty's swing, hi fade every shot, take it outside and get the shaft almost vertical, then hold firm through impact. Very dependable swing, one way miss.

[@johnhue8933]

Wayne, When you were doing the video I asked this question in the live feed, Was Bob Charles a left hander or a right hander who played lefty like Phil Mickelson. The was a reply that said he was a natural right hander. What are your thoughts on players that play the other way and what are the advantages and disadvantages of doing it?

[@waynedefrancesco4423]

Once you put in time when you begin the game it's almost impossible to switch sides. Many people inherit clubs when they are kids, which is why there are more lefties who play righty. I once taught two Canadians who played lefty but were right handed. It was because they played hockey, and left wingers got more playing time. Both had problems with their trail arm action, because the golf swing is a throwing motion, and your dominant arm is your trail arm. Players who reverse that are supremely talented and would have been great either way. It certainly is not an advantage to play with your non-throwing arm as the trail arm.

[@nscollay]

Hey there, here's Bob talking about he is right-handed kzbin.info/www/bejne/faelo3mnZ7imr7csi=zF4-7_Ak8bPDrLqt&t=162