John Gallagher Cack-Handed Professional Golfer – Episode #17
Posted on 16. Nov, 2009 by Andy Brown in Golf
In this episode I visit Scottish professional golfer John Gallagher at Swanston Golf Club, just South of Edinburgh. He is unique in that he plays “cack handed” (cross handed), meaning for a right handed golfer his right hand is above his left one. Watch the video to see this self taught method in action and how we may all be gripping the golf club the wrong way!
John currently plays on the EuroPro Tour, though successful qualification in the final stage ( top 35 and ties over 54 holes from 16-18th Nov) of the Alps Tour this week will mean a full schedule next year playing in Austria, Belguim, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Slovenia.
John has been a professional for 9 months, following a successful amateur career including winning the 2007 Scottish Amateur Championship at Prestwick Golf Club, where he beat Keir McNicoll in the final 4&3. Prior to this in 2005 he reached the final of the 2005 Amateur Championship at Royal Birkdale, beating Lloyd Saltman in the semi-final.
John is sponsored by:
Swanston Golf Club – Swanstongolf.com
Ping Golf (equipment) – Ping.com
Bunker Mentality (clothing) – Bunker-Mentality.com
Morisons Solicitors – Morisonsllp.com
He is is very grateful for their financial assistance and support, along with other private individuals. This certainly alleviates some of the stress of being on tour and allows him to concentrate more on his game.
John and everyone at Swanston Golf Club made me feel very welcome and I wish him and the club every success over the coming months.
Finally, the Question of the Day:
At what age did you start playing golf? Please leave your comments below and we’ll have fun reading them!
Bill Pickford
21. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, My three brothers and I started playing golf when my footballing father broke his ankle and was allocated a walking stick from hospital- this was our first (painful) club.
That was 55 years ago. We all continue to play and golf has been our bond throughout the years as we meet up two or three times a year. At 63 I play off a 8 handicap.
Today I organise the seniors Mondays and Fridays at Beadlow Manor with Mondays strokeplay and stablefords Fridays are reserved for team games. The team games are all new concoctions and are particularly popular as they favour and encourage the longer handicappers.
The message is that golf keeps you fit, competitive, involved and happy no matter your age.Bill
irman
21. Nov, 2009
hi… i started playing golf at the age of 30..now by next year already almost 3 years but the way i look at it.. sometimes it just make me want to quit the game… when i play with my friends..it sometimes okay… but when i join the local tournament in my club..wow..it realy shamefull.. last 4 months..i was the no 1 from the back!! hehhe..but i think since i like this game… i try not to give up…
Paul
21. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Good to see that I’m not the only one with that grip. I am now 50 and have played for the last 2yrs consistantly. I am a natural left hander who plays right handed with that grip. I had to use dads clubs when I was a child following him round the local course at Clyde, in the south Island of New Zealand he was right handed so I just used what was availiable to me at the time. I play off a 25.0 having come down from a 28.7 in the last 2-3 months after coming across your website and following the advise that u gave notably the early wrist break on the backswing this took me from a gross 94 to an 82 average and helped me to win my first ever 36 hole tournament I was stoked, thank you for that looking fwd to further improvements hoping to go to the mid teens by halfway thru 2010. Still struggle with the slice tho when fatigued not sure how to overcome this. ??
Cheers for your help, rgds Paul
Ray Kendall
20. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Been off the radar lately due to ill health all Ok now.
I have played with 3 cackhanded golfers since I started they are all good golfers too. Good luck to John, I started at 50yrs and played the 1st year as a righty switching a year later to lefty,Thought the game the most ridiculous game ever invented but being stubborn I persisted at it and got down to a 5 h/c now 65 and on a 9.6 and hoping to improve.
Keep up the good work Andy.
Ray
Ray Meehan
19. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
That got my attention I started at 16 with that very grip over here in Ireland its called the hurling grip from our national sport which I played,it was not until great pressure came on me from fellow members of Limerick golf club in which I am a member that I changed to the proper grip!
Sometimes I wonder!
Mandla
19. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy
John Gallagher, is incredible.This video made me realize that the game of golf is very broad. I started at age 35 yrs and now I am 41 yrs.
Thankx for the video.
Mandla
Eddie
18. Nov, 2009
I sometimes putt cack-handed, but I’ve never thought of using all my clubs this way – worth a try !
I started playing golf in 1965, aged 12, but it has only been in the last ten years that the “bug” has really got hold, and I play all the year round – twice or three times a week April to October, but sadly can manage only once a week in the winter. So I can’t wait until I retire !
Thanks, Andy, for all the good tips by email and video.
Derek Harmer
18. Nov, 2009
Started pitch and putt at 58.
Played my first 18 hole at 60.
Getting the hang of the wrist break and taken two off my handicap.
Kind Regards
Derek
Jack
18. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, I started playing golf at the age of 40. I never got better than a 14 handicap, and this year 20 years later I can’t get to play often enough my handicap went up to 18+.
Hopefully the 4 magic moves will help.
John
18. Nov, 2009
I played golf from aged 14 to 17 and then lost interest when i couldn’t break 90. I played with friends who were twins and one was cack handed and now 32 years later i hear he scores high eighties low seventies so no problem with grip there.
I took golf up again four years ago and was at 15 handicap last year but up to 16.6, I’m average of mid eighties but have been in seventies four times on low par courses.
Brian Cassidy
18. Nov, 2009
I started playing with some cut down clubs my neighbour gave me when I was age 5, in Troon, Ayrshire. No one showed me how to hold the club and I, like John, have played this way (cack-handed) ever since. I tried the conventional (wrong) grip for 2 years and gave up because I couldn’t hit a barn door at 4 paces! Won a few things since then but never quite made the professional ranks and I wish John well for the future and hope he shows the rest of the pros that they’re all holding the club the wrong way!
Rick
18. Nov, 2009
I started playing 3 years ago as a 52 yo. Can’t get enough and can say I know have a 15.8 handicap. I love seeing this video. Proof that there is no one swing that is correct for every one. I love the fact that I practice swinging like this when I find myself off. Never could have believed you could really play with this swing as well as he does though. awesome video.
Thanks Andy
Colm
18. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy , I have 2 brothers who are scratch golfers and they use the cack grip … but we call it the hurley grip here in south west ireland . they are self thought too as no pro could advise them . good to see john making it as a pro .
Helen Aylett
17. Nov, 2009
That was really interesting, I will try it. I started playing golf at the age of 16 in 1968. Very few young women played golf then, I think there was only one other young girl at my club Stanton-on-the-Wolds, Nottinghamshire. I have always loved playing golf but only got down to 18 handicap for about two weeks. I currently play off 23. I had an hip replacement 4 weeks and I hope that will ultimately bring back a sparkle into my golf. I now live in Australia and have had the opportunity to play some very challenging golf courses.
bruce hobbs
17. Nov, 2009
Interesting. I started playing at 57 after having a stroke which affected my left side so I play one handed which has necessitated some experimentation , so I am into change and know the feeling of different. Really enjoy your efforts, very entertaining
dorairaj
17. Nov, 2009
Started playing at 56 with a h/cap of 23. Went down to 11 and now playing off 17 at 72. I have enjoyed every moment of it. I used to putt cack-handed. We are all inclined physiacally in different ways. One should follow what comes naturally for maximum effect.
Do enjoy reading all the information from you Great work Andy!.
James Talbot
17. Nov, 2009
I started when I was 63. I had played a couple of times in the mid 80s but stopped on the advise of my Doctor that it was hurting my back.
I am addicted now and have been playing the Par 3 for 3 years ( 5 handycap), with a couple of rounds on the par 72 track which I shoot around 108.
Don Degan
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Thanks for all the great golfing emails and videos for the past year.
I’m still working on The 4 New Magic Moves and hope to start playing again in the Spring.
I first played golf in 1963. I was 23 and recently drafted in the Army.
I am now 69 and plan to play more now that I am retired.
I remember a guy named Lefty back in the mid 60’s who played crossed handed, and it work well for him.
Thanks again,
Don
Simon Leach
17. Nov, 2009
The following is perhaps not quite appropriate to your John Gallagher cack handed golfer video but hope you find this interesting. Have you heard of Jon Fitzgerald? He progress from a 15 handicap amateur to the professional ranks (maybe) can be monitored on http://www.thebacknine.com and other places.
I recall pros in some of your early John Richardson emails saying this could not be done and certainly the learning curve is steep. Not only is there all the physical and mental techniques of golf, there’s all the experience of how to approach a big tournament (amateur or professional) – club competition this is not! Usually the pros learn this in their late teens. This guy is 42 and not there yet though he is down to a very creditable four in 18 months.
Skip Youngdahl
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I played a bit with my Mom at age 12, but nothing after that. Strangely, she wound up marrying a PGA Club Pro, but I played with him only once, due to living far apart. Then at age 69 I met this beautiful woman who told me that if I wanted to date her I had to play golf. Well, the rest is history. She created a golf monster who plays several times a week, almost always with the lady who is now my bride of two years. We take several golf vacations every year. Golf has created a new and happy life for me. Let’s not talk about the handicap though!
Skip
Simon Leach
17. Nov, 2009
Contrary to your email, a cack handed golfer is not weird to me at all. At our club we have an “Ian Chivers” who plays cack handed to a respectable 1 handicap and used to be, I believe, a creditable player in Welsh amateur circles.
Does this show there is more than one way to skin a cat? What about Eamon Darcy and Hubert Green (remember him?) for example? Their swings are not orthodox but get the job done very effectively.
However, I would be wary of setting out to be non-orthodox – this could lead a golfer up a blind alley that may not work under pressure. It is not a case of the swing technicians necessarily being right or being wrong but with each golfer being physically and mentally different trying to execute a difficult manoeuvre and how they manage to solve it (or otherwise). This is one of the great things about golf – no one ever has quite got it sussed!
Shaun Changuion
17. Nov, 2009
I started swinging a club at the age of 10 in South Africa-Pietersburg. I was playing on and off up to the age of 18.
I started playing again last year at age 26 and was playing from a 12 handicap up until 5 months ago. I’m playing from a 7 after reading your book and upplied wat I needed and am still cutting down on the strokes. Thanks!
Best regards
Shaun Changuion
John
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
enjoyed the video, nothing unusual about the grip,gaelic hurlers use that grip as norm so when irish golfers start they need to switch to the “proper grip”. left below right is a very natural swinging grip .i wonder how your shinty players hold their sticks?- I hope things work out for john on tour ,enjoyed looking at his swing lovely rythem to it.here’s to seeing him on the main tour.
john
Brian
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I started playing aged 7 at Royal Lytham -got my first and only letter from the secretary for slow play aged 8 -David my partner lost his ball and went back to the tee to play another and held up two proper and older members -so we both got reported to the Wing Commander Club Secretary and both got letters this was 63 years ago when Golf Clubs were very different.
Had my first lesson for 62 years this year
Henry A. Webb
17. Nov, 2009
Hola Andie,
I started at the age of 60. Now I’m 68 with a handicap of 18,3. Your videos are amazing and I read all your e-mails. But in the game of Golf everybody has something of his own, as to the Spanish saying ” cada mestrillo tiene su librillo”.
Best wishes
Henry
Gordon Hill
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Really enjoy all the comments.
I started at age 24 while stationed at RAF Kirknewton just outside Edinburgh in 1964 in the American Air Force.
I bought a set of wooden shafted clubs from an old Scotsman
(wish I still had them) and was hooked. Best I ever did was
a 10 handicap, but am now 70 and still can play to 13.
By the way, my wife’s cousins brother in law is the head pro
over at Royal Musselburgh.
Have enjoyed your tips via the emails.
Thanks much,
Gordon
david ross
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, great video! just goes to show that we are all different and for most of us the perfect swing will never be, more a case of working within our limitations! By the way i have cut 4 strokes off my handicap in the last two years since using your program. Keep up the good work. For the record i started playing nine years ago and just wish i’d started sooner!
Francis
17. Nov, 2009
Didn’t Vejay Singh start out ‘cack-handed ‘ and then change to conventional grip?
Started at 68 when I retired, been playing now 3 years – just had a good day today – won the interclub S/F with 45 points – nett 63 so quite happy!!!
Devlyn Fraser
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I started golf in 1967 at age 11. Today I am an EGTF Coach teaching out of Umkomaas Golf Club (near Durban), home of Tim Clark and Garth Mulroy, both on PGA Tour.
Cack-handed is not new or unique. The technique is used a lot in baseball and especially Bandy (ice-hockey with a ball) played in Sweden. In golf, the most famous exponent was Papwa Sewgolum a South African of Indian origin, who won the Dutch Open in 1959, 1963 and 1965 – also the Natal Open in1965. Today many South African Indian golfers emulate him and have great swings. As do other golfers of different ethnic groups. The real benefit is in the short game and putting, with left hand leading – that’ s why so many great golfers, eg. Padraig Harrington employ this grip, when putting. I wish John Gallagher every success !
PS. I have a regular grip.
Rob
17. Nov, 2009
Andy, Is John naturally right or left handes when he only uses one hand. E.G., to write or use a hand tool.
Rob – Perth Western Australia
DANIEL BROWN
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Great video. I think I will give that grip a go, it looks fun.
I started at 45 years of age. I’m as crap now as I was then ha!!!!. But golfs about having fun. I average 88/90 so it/s always nice to be out on a course. I live in Bangkok, we have some of the best golf courses anywhere. If you ever get here look me up.
Rgds,
Daniel.
Richard
17. Nov, 2009
I started playing when I was 37. Far too old begin this fab game. Lowest handicap was 10, now off 15. The years are catching up on me!
Best of luck to John – what a wonderful tempo he has. I shall watch out for him. Thanks for the videos.
Ananth
17. Nov, 2009
Somewhere I read that Golf is a lefthanded game played by right handers!
Grant
17. Nov, 2009
He has a great swing. I can’t wait to try that grip tomorrow at the driving range. Who knows? I started playing at 12 years of age. Love the game!
Damon Adkins
17. Nov, 2009
Cool Video! I started playing golf when I was 54. I am now 58. I play left-handed. Thanks for the videos. I play in the mid to low 90’s.
Damon Adkins
Colin Webby NZ
17. Nov, 2009
Started playing when I was 37, now 40 something and on a 20 handicap. I was down to a 14 at one stage but work committments and a new family member stop me practising as much I’d like!
Love the tutorials Andy!
Yeo Kim Lock
17. Nov, 2009
I have been playing golf for the last 40 years and the lowest handicap I got was thirteen but then I have since detiorated and can hardly play to 22 which I am now at.
Tried your “New Four Magic Moves’ (which I borrowered) which worked for a while and then it is back to hitting century scores. Shall I give up or is there any hope for me. Can I try this new grip?
I am 62, physically fit but have a small frame though.
Mark
17. Nov, 2009
thanks andy started playing at 22 yearsold, I’m 37 now stopped for a few years but the bug came back.im right handed but play left handed,ever since picking up my first club, but i keep rh 7 iron in my bag for when in the woods or near trees and can hit ok with it should i consider changing to right hand as epuipment is a lot easier to come by.
Thanks
Mark
mickee
17. Nov, 2009
Started playing 2yrs ago at 62 years young, I shoot in the low 80’s now and plan on the low 70’s with in 2yrs. , Everyone that asks about my play say I will never do it which is great because it just makes me more determined!
Chip
17. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at age 13. My first lesson was at a smallish par 3 golf course on a Naval Base in San Diego. I can remember some older guys telling me that Sam Snead, during WWII, gave exhibitions and lessons from right where I was standing and, at that moment, receiving a lesson. I felt like I was on hallowed ground.
Francine – search out a pro who you trust and are comfortable with (important!), commit to taking a series of lessons, work extra hard on chipping and putting, enjoy this beautiful sport.
Gerry
17. Nov, 2009
I took up the game at 44 years of age. I never really got serious about it until I retired 4 years ago. I now play 5 days a week from April until Novenber. In fact I played today , a bit chilly but nice. I play to a 10.4 index. If I had a short game I think I could play to about a 7. Still drive the ball 260. Guys complain all the time. That is the first time I have ever seen that grip other than putting. I’d never try it, might hurt something.
Tom Cleland
17. Nov, 2009
Probably the first game was when I was 10. I can remember how frustrating it was. So can my father, who would not allow me to become a member until I played to a 25 hcp. So as 16 yr olds we drove everywhere to every country and public course.
At 50 after 10years absence from golf I started again 3onths ago. My game is rapidly improving. The problem is my head- it plays golf like a 16yr old!
Bill Bridges
17. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,I started playing golf this year and I am 55.
In the five to six months I have been playing I have had six professional lessons.Now I am trying to get to grips with the nEW Four Magic Moves. Finding it difficult at the moment but it has only been a month so I am still practicing when I can. I am hooked on the game,wish I had started at an early age. Found the video very interesting as I am left handed.
Thanks.
Wilson
17. Nov, 2009
What John showed here only re-enforced what I have quietly believed so far : that the left hand should be dominant over the other (for a right-handed). By gripping like he did, I believe one’s gonna have a lot of feeling in the left hand in the grip and during the swing.
I have now golfed for 3 years, and still haven’t had a lesson from a pro. I am playing with 10.6 hcp, yet , I feel, I have only learnt (thru’ trials and errors) maybe 5% of what’s there to learn.
Thanks for the video…I am going to try a few more theories out of this grip.
Francine
17. Nov, 2009
Enjoyed the video! I have been playing for a few months now,started playing at 60, and am having a great time. Struggling with the game; but after talking to people who have played for years, it seems this is the norm. What is the best tip you can give me? It will be appreciated. Thanks.
newell
17. Nov, 2009
hi Andy
I played several years with a cross handed player [cack hander is a new term for me ] who was a very good golfer and he was a champion Canadian at one time. However, he was human and had to practice many hours like any good golfer .
It does not make one a better golfer, in my opinion, but with lots of practice it may make one focus .It also must be started at an early age.
Laurence
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, I took up golf at the tender age of 47 as I was an avivid Rugby Union player, being born in New Zealand what other sport was there and IO always thought golf was an old man’s game until I had to give rugby away and was invited to [play a game of golf and have got hooked lined and sinkered. I absolutely love the game and wish I had of taken the game up so much earlier. Learing things all the time.
Dallas
16. Nov, 2009
Ive tried to show my son whose is left handed to change his stance and tee off from the right side which i believe is his strong side. This shows that it can be done. Thanks for the videio
golferoo
16. Nov, 2009
Great video Andy . What a hidden gem, swanston looks well worth a visit, even for the views alone.
I started in my early 20’s, it was the thing to do in business, espcially if you wanted a legitimate friday afternoon out of the office! I got the bug though and havent put the clubs down since.
John came accross as a great guy and his swing looks so smooth. I wish him every success and will keep an eye out for his results.
Ed Hara
16. Nov, 2009
I first got on a golf course at the age of 14; but never really got in to the game until I was 54. Never was interested and was really into racketball until the doctor told me to quit cause my knee was swelling up when I played. I’ve had surgery on my left shoulder and have not played for over 5 months. Injured my shoulder on landing during a sky dive.As for the grip, I did play with someone who had the same grip. He could hit the ball long but it was always a big slice. The positions of his hands were more neutral, guess that caused the slice.
Dennis Little
16. Nov, 2009
I started when I was 45 because me knees were begining to give way and I couldn’t play squash and run. I am now returning to full time golf at the age of 68 after missing 4 years while I have had both knees replaced. My handicap has went up to 11 from 8 but I have lost a lot of distance off the tee. I can hit a wedge 100 yards but I am lucky to hit a driver 170 yrds. Why?
Dennis
Tony
16. Nov, 2009
I didn’t start playing until after I turned 50yrs and wish I had started when my father introduced me to golf at age 15yrs. Play to a 22 handicap and looking to bring it down under 18 and already have a hole in one to my name. Great game and love every minute I am on a course.
Bill
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at the age of 36 (38 yrs ago) I have already peaked, but getting closer to shooting my age for 18 holes. I play 60 to 100 rounds a year, have played in about 12 states (US) and stopped one year to pose at the statue of Payne Stewart (my fave) at Pinehurst NC.(didn’t play). I am hooked on courses designed by Donald Ross, fortunately there are several in my region, and I always look for D. Ross courses when I travel about.
Glen Smith
16. Nov, 2009
Excellent Video as usual Andy.
I started playing seriously at around my mid-twenties,still trying to improve! A friend in our society plays cack handed, it looks really strange but effective.
Good luck to John, I hope we see him competing on TV soon.
Patrick Reid
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I started playing on my 40th Birthday at Top Golf last year December. It coming up to my anniversary and I’m just so addicted. I’m off to Arizona this week and hope to get in a few rounds and visit the Ping factory. Like most people starting in their late thirties, early forties, I wish I had started much much earlier. I have gotten my son started now, he is 10.
The email tips have really helped with my practice at the range and on the course.
Thanks very much.
Keep up the good work.
Patrick
Peter Benson
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing at sixty getting better but have a real left hand slice i play golf left hand and do everything right hand.
I got my a driver that was a10.5 offcut and seems to go better
i might try that style and see if it works.
jerry
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy. Very interesting this grip from Mr. Gallagher.
I started at 25 (15years too late!) but the good part is: how.
We dumped 9 truck loads of crude oil in the Lbyan dessert (before Kadaffhi) no damage to nature we figured , because we just pumped it up from below. So we had our 9 holes and every time after playing very dirty shoes!
Have fun
Jerry
Reg Snooks
16. Nov, 2009
Had to quit soccer when I was 28 knee probs, looked at guys at a near golf course, yes I’l have a go.Took 6 lessons, and on the third lesson the pro let me put my right hand on the club. Took to the swing very fast and fell in love with the game, The people around me asked why golf its an old mans game, I’m 77 yrs now and still walking and swinging. An may I say the envy of many younger players, they ask how do I get the big drives still. Maybe it was those 6 lessons before I ever played the game.
John
16. Nov, 2009
I started at 13
Paul
16. Nov, 2009
My brother-in-law also plays cack-handed. You have never seen somebody hit the ball so straight. He’s 58 and hits driver about 210 yards straight down the middle on every hole guaranteed. He’s impossible to beat off his 19 handicap.
Mike Black
16. Nov, 2009
I occasionally putt cack-handed as it enables a straighter swing, but as for the rest of my game – no I couldn’t possibly…..!
Wesley
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing 6 years ago when I was 54. After playing about 15 months I had a great round and said to our greenkeeper afterwards that I thought I had got this game sussed and his only reply was “Think again” and how true it is. I cant get my handicap below 22 but I enjoy playing golf, i have made numerous friends all over the world and I have 2 holes in one in competition play. I think “Head” and “course” management is the key.
[CJ] Johnson
16. Nov, 2009
I was 58 years old when I started playing.When I was in the Metallurgical Heat Treating Business,they needed me for a foursome in a Chamber Of Commerce golf outing. I am 77 years old now and live in NC USA.
There is a left handed lady at our golf club that plays Cack- handed and she just won some kind of A senior Championship. Here in the USA we call that [ cross -hand.]
Take care and God bless.
CJ
Joe Huard
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Yes, a very interesting swing John has. I wish him luck.
I started golfing at 21; and now I am 61.
My best round was an 80 twice.
Brian Dickenson
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, we have a Vet at our club on the Wirral who plays exactly like this. He is a low handy-cap player winning many competitions.
He hits his drive a long long way.
Keep up the good work.
Brian
Donal Delaney
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
In Ireland this type of grip is known as the hurling grip and is common enough with guys who played hurling in their youth — hurling is a bit like shinty in Scotland –a very skillful game. Former hurlers are usually good competitive golfers.
Donal
Clive
16. Nov, 2009
Played with an old wood shaft 7 iron in the local farmers field until he chased us out. I was 7-8 years old then and now in my 70’s. The grip does look/weird and different but it works and the swing looks normal and smooth. good luck to him.. Clive.
Gene Meyer
16. Nov, 2009
In the early days of the Senior Tour there was a `tall slender Black golfer who played cross-handed. I can’t recall his name but he had some success and may have won one of th early Senior tournaments. He also had a leg ailment and limped and was allowed to use a cart. I saw him at a tournament at Plum Creek, south od Denver which was a TPC course at the time. Gene
Daniel
16. Nov, 2009
started playing nonstop 8months ago after a succesful hip op….still only in my 50s…but playing best golf of my life…it’s never too late to take this great sport up!!
Bob Delahunt
16. Nov, 2009
Hello Andy:
Thought I was an old sod when I started, until I read some of the comments I was 43 when my son 17 wanted to golf, my problem was I play left handed and at that time there was very little golf equipment that was any good since then there has ben quite a surge in left handed equipment and I guess because of the Pro’s that are lefties as for your video just as long as you have tempo and rythmn does not matter what song you dance to.
Hugh Copeland
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I started playing golf when I was about six but only once a year when we went on our summer holidays to Rothesay. I really started to play proper golf when I was about fifteen and now at 62 years old I still love the game. One of my mates plays cack-handed too it may look odd but he is a very good player. He putts left handed with the same grip.
Shuggie
willie
16. Nov, 2009
That was very interesting, obviously John Gallagher done just what he wants to do. Good on him.
ron
16. Nov, 2009
lo andy,
Started playing at 50. could not keep up with my 10 yr old son at footie, so we started playing golf,I have been playing for 17 yrs, got down to 23-24 handicap. 2 yrs ago changed to the early wrist cock, down to 18 now,and hoping to improve, as I think I can.
Cheers ron
Eddie
16. Nov, 2009
Just goes to show you its not what you do but the way that you do it ??? I started at 25 and have been doing it lots of ways for years ( yuck ) but thanks to you I somtimes land on the short grass – faiway – i think you call it
Tom
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
Interesting instalment.
Well, they all are in their own way, I guess.
I seem to remember a guy on the BiG Break playing cack-handed, and he did pretty well, nearly won, I think.
A question for John: do you feel like you have more freedom to concentrate on the mental side of the game, or less? Does that help you, do you think, or not?
Anyway, good luck to you.
It’s also interesting to see the way the series is developing; you getting more confident on camera, better production.
Don’t lose that quirkiness of yours, though.
It’s a refreshing change from the over-produced programmes and personalities in the golf visual media.
Tom
Andy’s Reply:
Hi Tom,
Many thanks for your feedback.
I hope to produce many more shows and I am hoping for a sponsor to allow me this luxury whilst they receive significant exposure.
All the best.
Cheers
Andy
Alan
16. Nov, 2009
Started playing 4yrs ago playoff around 10 or under. Played some high level sports had an injury, thought try an armchair sport golf never had a lesson and I am cack handed & cack footed but it worked to my advantage in competitive sport they can’t work me out glad there others like me.
John
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing when over the age of 50. When I am good, I am very good, when I am bad — not enough pencil lead to add up my score.
To all who look aghast at cross handed golfers, one of the most famous and successful golfers played cross handed.
Andy knows who, but I ask that he not reveal it for a while.
The purpose of the grip is to swing the club so the face is square by the time it reaches the ball. Strong, weak, double overlap, single overlap, baseball grip, or cross-handed, they all serve the same purpose and no one grip fits all.
John
george
16. Nov, 2009
Pretty cool! I have a friend who, until now, is the only cack handed golfer i know about. He is very effective with it and hits it a long way.
Guy Wilson
16. Nov, 2009
I played golf in college and then did not hit a ball for 40 years. My son in law talked me into playing when I was 66 and I was hooked again. I am now 68 and play once a week. The competition is great even though I struggle to break 80.
Rick Tod
16. Nov, 2009
I started golf at 21, right out of college. For years I had a world class slice and wondered what the left side of the golf course looked like. I have now corrected the slice and got my handicap to 8. I’ve also found you can get in as much trouble on the left side.
I will try the new grip, but just wish I had the smoothness of John’s swing.
Brad Ballantine
16. Nov, 2009
Andy, I was in my forties when I started playing golf. I’m now 53 and can’t get enough of the game. I live in N. Minnesota, so we have a very short golf season here, winter really sucks because we can’t play golf.
Simon
16. Nov, 2009
Wow that looks weird…. but so natural!…. to him.
Must be an extra effort for his competitors to concentrate on their game rather than watching his!
Good luck to him, hope he goes well seems like a nice guy.
Andy’s Reply:
I think you are right Simon!
You are dead right, John is a great guy and I’m crossing my fingers to the next 2 days at the Alps Tour Q School.
Delmar Yennie
16. Nov, 2009
I was 30 years old and a brother in law took me golfing and we played 9 holes. I was back of or under bushes and trees all most every hole. I shot 80 for 9 holes and he said I don’t suppose you will ever want to play this again. I told him i was hooked and I knew I could learned to play better then that. I have shot in the low 90’s but never broke
90 yet. I still love the challenge of it all and still trying to learn. Thanks for your help.
Sonny
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at age 35 and have now being playing for four years. I am a 12 handicap and hope to play off single figures early next year
danny ferguson
16. Nov, 2009
started playing at 5 years of age(cack-handed)and switched when i was 11
Bob Grignon
16. Nov, 2009
This is very interesting. I am wondering if this is easier on one’s back?
Rick
16. Nov, 2009
Started at 19, thought it was the dumbest game around!! One month later had my own set of clubs. Been downhill ever since!!
Mel Jones
16. Nov, 2009
Started golf at age 53 when the football/cricket and tennis body gave up.
Got persuaded to join local club by a mate –then 3 weeks later he ran off with another woman– leaving his wife– and me high and dry . Well I haven’t had many lessons only a few tips -Got down to 12 handicap and have been seniors captain.
Still think its mostly “in the head “.and course management.
Enjoy your emails although some my comp wont open
Thanks from a 70 year old boyo
Carl
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing at 23, and got down to a 8.3, that was many years, and pounds ago. I’m almost 60 now, where did the time go, I now carry a 14.6, and a large spare tire. Thanks Andy. By the way, I was wondering if John starting playing cack-handed, or did he switch over to it , and why.
Andy’s Reply:
Thanks Carl for taking the time to comment, it is much appreciated.
To answer your question, John has never gripped the club any other way. It felt natural to him and he never changed the way he played.
Cheers
Andy
James Grinyer
16. Nov, 2009
I only started golf at age 50. I’m now 67 and play to a 17 hcp.
I was interested in John Gallager’s grip.
Did you know of the South African Indian professional by the name of Papwa Sewgolum had an identical cack handed grip. He won the Dutch Open several times in the 1960s, and now has a golf course named after him in Durban, SA.
You can learn more about him on Wikopedia.
Apart from John and Papwa, I have only ever come across one other player with this grip when I palyed against him in a Kent Vets league match.
Andy’s Reply:
Cheers James, I will take a look at Papwa Sewgolum.
David Powell
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at 32. I remember telling my buds that a good athlete like myself could master a simple game like golf in a couple of months at most. This started a long and perilous adventure and I still think I can master golf at 69 years of age.
Rick
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at age 45. Man how I wish I started as a teenager. I’ve been trying to get my son to play with me, unfortunately I like to play at the crack of dawn and he’s a teenager. He’s not into getting up so early. I’m 53 now and have a 20 handicap.
Bob Crawford
16. Nov, 2009
Thanks for the clip. Interesting. Weird grip, classic swing. Bob C
Joe Hardy
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf when I was 48, I am 65 to day and enjoy the game very much. I enjoy your your tube tips.
Thanks
Cheers,
Joe
Bob Crawford
16. Nov, 2009
Andy: That weird and fruit for thought. The swing is the thing. He does have a classic swing. Has he influenced anyone to switch?
Bob C
Andy’s Reply:
I don’t think so Bob, but I will ask next time I see John.
Dirk Bertens
16. Nov, 2009
I started golf when I was 33 years old, but stopped playing when I started my own business, which is now 9 years ago.
Picked up golf two years ago and wanted to see how far I could get in my golfing abilities.
Today I’m still strugling with my grip, my stance and the correct placement of the club on the grass.
Nevertheless, I managed to get down to 4.6 Hcp, but I feel that scratch should be the target;
Why does everyone tries to teach a golf swing instead of finding your golfswing.
I think it is quite amazing what this guy has done so far with his special grip.
Thanks,
DUSTY MILLER
16. Nov, 2009
I started playing golf at 41(big mistake should have started when i was two. i might be able to play well now) First proper round was at Addington Court near Croydon London. Played with a work colleague who played off 14, It was pouring with rain i had no waterproofs. After nine holes he said to me do you want to pack up now because i was soaking wet!, he had waterproofs. I said no way this is my first round and i will swim if i have to. I then burst out laughing when he sighed and lit a HAMLET CIGAR and we carried on. Shame it would have made a great advert for HAMLET CIGARS. What a great day that was for me i was truely hooked on golf after that.
Regards Dusty
P.S. My colleague on that day has sadly passed away, he died of a heart attack on the 14th hole at Cousdon Court and they spread his ashes on the 6th HOLE which was his favourite.
Tom
16. Nov, 2009
i started when i was 14 and im 16 now so iv been playing just over 2 years and my handicap is 5 now im going to have to give the cack-handed grip ago.
Dave Reid
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy,
I have enjoyed your tutorial videos very much!
They have helped me cut my h/cap by a couple of strokes but it’s early days yet………just practice now.
Cheers
Dave
Ron
16. Nov, 2009
Hi Andy, Just goes to show that it does’t really matter how you do it as long as the club face is square behind the ball at impact it will still work and give the right result and the execution of the shots are still as good as with the conventional grip.