From Deseret News archives:
Ex-Y. golfers gather for fund-raiser
It's more accentuated than Sergio Garcia's wiggle, but shorter in duration by an hour or two. But for the PGA Tour star, who just played in the President's Cup for the Internationals, it stands out from all other routines in the professional field.
"It works," said NBC golf analyst Johnny Miller. "Mike Weir has one of the smoothest swings you will ever see on a golf course."
The 2003 Master's Champion explained the pre-shot ritual Monday during a clinic at the Cougar Classic at Riverside Country Club. There, more than 25 former Cougar All-Americans took part in the affair to raise money for BYU's program under coach Bruce Brockbank and out of respect for retired coach Karl Tucker. Those players included Champions Tour rookie Mike Reid, Hall of Famer Miller, Weir, "Disco Dick" Zokol, Keith Clearwater, Barry Willardson and Dean Wilson.
Weir said his waggle came from a drill he used to do to break himself from a hockey slapshot move he developed as a hockey player in Canada.
"I used to close the clubface because of my hockey swing at the puck and I'd struggle getting any of my shots with 6, 7 and 8 irons to stop on the green because they'd go so low and roll. This helps me keep the clubface open through my swing and it works."
Weir, Reid, Wilson and Miller all gave golf tips during a clinic prior to a five-man scramble tournament Monday. Miller acted as emcee, and as he is known for during TV broadcasts, had plenty of zingers.
Praising Reid, winner of the Senior PGA Championship this summer, Miller noted Reid's reverse "C" swing produces a "super, super straight shot" and is fashioned after the straightest players on Tour including Fred Funk. "The super straight shooters have very flat back swings," said Reid. "The face of their club is square to the target for a long time."
Miller noted Reid has the flexibility of a 14-year-old and asked Reid if he'd kept the same weight today that he had when he played at BYU in the 70s. Reid said he'd gained 10 pounds.
"That's because of the money in your pockets," Miller said.
Wilson, who shot a 63 first-round score in the Buick Invitational, has a swing described by Miller that's in the "smooth hot butter sweet" category.
"Wilson's backswing has the club right over his right shoulder. The secret to a great golf swing is the get the club even with that right shoulder. If you don't, you might as well stay home and play with your computer," Miller said.
