Quote:
Originally Posted by 'Hamas' Jenkins
I don't know. Most of the guys who have played well as they have aged have had an upright swing (Vijay, Nicklaus, Phil, Kenny Perry, Tom Watson). Bubba has that, but he also has the worst balance of any tour-level player ever. Phil's balance is comparatively really bad for a tour pro too, but his short game is so good that he's always been able to get away with it. Vijay didn't have great balance either, but he hit 10000 balls a day.
Where Bubba will get in trouble is his putting. He's among the best on the tour in longer putting because that is a much more feel-driven stroke, but he's one of the worst players from 5-15 feet because he doesn't have enough time to square the face. He's also a pretty mediocre iron player if you look at his GIR %s based on distance.
He's definitely unique. He probably has one of the five best sets of hands ever, so maybe he can stave that decline off longer than most.
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It basically boils down to timing and how it's accomplished. Bubba can be off at times, but his hands are so great he can save himself. He basically survives with distance. He's not a great iron player, ball striker, putter (he's obviously not bad, he's a damn major winning tour pro) in terms of others on tour.
I don't think upright vs flat will bother longevity as much as other things. Usually the upright guys are better iron players and can struggle with driver, but he's unique in that regard.
I'm taller so I'm more partial to upright swings tho so there is that