Announcing 'The Complete Hogan' by Jim McLean

The legacy of Ben Hogan was recognized by the publisher John Wiley and Son's as an outstanding theme on a new book.  Here it is, a photo of my advanced copy of the book.  It looks great and as Jim states '...is very powerful' and 'unique'.  I worked with Jim McLean and the terrific folks at Wiley for two years from concept to yesterday when it came in the mail.  Included are lots of personal insights and stories from Jim about Mr. Hogan and many of his competitor friends and rivals.  The book is a blend of film study and photo swing sequences from the legend's competitive prime years.  I do believe our efforts will help all players who are or will be working on their golf swings so they can continue to enjoy the most rewarding game on the planet. 

Doral Golf Resort and Spa on the sales block - again

Looks like Doral is going to be sold again.  Not sure that is good news.  Maybe for the new owner it sure could be.  Not sure the members are too happy about it all.  There could be major changes to the venue including a redesign to the practice range, rerouting some of the courses/holes, and a shopping center where the Great White sits.  Ouch!  Signs of the economy or just good business.

So who has $200 million to sign on the dotted line.  I read an article indicating Donald Trump was buying it but apparently there is still room for someone else to own the resort and all its goodies.  Three golf courses, a resort complex, practice range, tennis center, new ball room/business center, sophisticated spa, renouned Jim McLean Golf School location, jogging trails, fishing lakes (including bass, snook) for the angler.  Let me check my savings account!

Sure hope its all for the better.....

Ben Hogan's Legacy shines brightly in 2011.

The city of Fort Worth is beaming this December with the announcement that their municipal golf course complex is the site of their successful First Tee Program and the location for the Grand Opening of the Ben Hogan Learning Center.  Several press releases over the past few weeks point to a December 10 opening date and a funders dinner on December 8.  It should be quite a gala on both dates.  You can access more information about it from the Ben Hogan Foundation website at www.BenHoganFoundation.org.  

New Book!  We have been diligently working on some projects that will complement Mr. Hogan's Legacy.  The first is the publishing of the new instructional book The Complete Hogan (Wiley and Sons) in January 2012.  Author and renouned golf instructor Jim McLean presents a complete description of Mr. Hogan's excellent golf swing from the golden years of 1946-49 prior to the catastrophic accident.  Its a terrific accounting and visual demonstration of his swing from multiple views.  There is a view for the 'lefty' golfer as well.  I am excited that we are bringing this out for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Also included are numerous interesting stories that Jim has picked up over the years from taling to Mr. Hogan's friends and fellow competitors. 

Giving my Androie a test for updating the blog site.

Ben Hogan - Circa 1968

I thought I would share this video clip of Mr. Hogan on the practice tee from around 1968. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJVzLZU_R_c&feature=player_detailpage

It really shows how smooth and effortless his swing was almost 20 years after the accident when he was well into his 50's.  This was what his instructional books, 'Power Golf' and 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' were all about.

Happy Holidays!

Motion Capture Shoot for the 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' by Ben Hogan new Wii game and dvd

It finally happened!  The motion capture session last week was completed in Michigan, during a blizzard, with outstanding golf swing models and professional golfers Jared Isaacs and Maiya Tanaka.  Here is a link from the local Michigan CBS affiliate that came by the studio to film part of the events of the week.   The Detroit Free press sportswriter came by and also did a fine article on the proceedings. 

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2010/12/16/ben-hogan-golf-game-made-in-troy-royal-oak/

The shoot was directed by a fantastic directer, Mark Soderwall, who brought a wealth of experience to the project from his previous work with Atari, EA Sports, and Lucas Films.  What a great professional.  I know the production is in great hands. 

I spent 3 1/2 days on site to help/assist the director on all things pertaining to Ben Hogan and provide intensive coaching to the golfers on matching subtle elements of Mr. Hogan's swing.  Jared is a long standing Master Instructor at the Jim McLean golf school at Doral in Miami, FL and was able to adjust his swing pattern to more close replicate the desired motions.  He achieved an excellent match that both I and Dave Kindred, the section President from Michigan's Southern PGA Section, were quite happy with. 

Maiya and Jared were terrific in their respective roles.  The director was able to elicit a wide array of golf movements for both on-course and off-course scenes for the Wii game and for the instructional dvd and interactive website.  They both were quite animated and their personalities will show through in the final product.  It was sure fun to watch.  Those reflective markers on their spandex suits glow quite nicely like light bulbs when taking flash photos!

Photos from the shoot will show up here on this blog in the near future as well as on our Facebook page.  Right now you can follow some of the threads on the current Facebook pages for the production company, Pixofactor.

Tiger going for stack and tilt instead of Five Lessons-Hogan?

It looks like Tiger remembered how to putt today.  now  he is trying the foley  version of stack and tilt.  Chamblee says it looks like Hogan?  Nope.  Look again  Brandel.