I’ve been a fan of Bruce Lieztke for years now. When I first heard he didn’t like to practice, and even play much for that matter, but was still an awesome player I liked him instantly. When I watched him play it was even more impressive. Despite having an unconventional swing, he hits the ball as well as almost any golfer alive.
Even today, when I’m out on the course struggling (which happens more often then you’d think) I revert to my “Lieztke” game plan. This involves me aiming to the right and playing with a leftie slice/fade. It’s a little ugly but the ball usually finds the fairway and I’m back in the game.
The following video is from Jim McLean. While I don’t agree with everything he says, there’s some great stuff in here on an awesome golfer. Watch the video below. (sorry about the short ad before the video plays – I have nothing to do with the advertised product)
Sidenote: I don’t know if this is true but I heard a story where Lieztke’s caddy placed a banana peel inside his wood cover after the year’s last event. The joke backfired when the caddy removed the cover on the first hole of the next year’s first event. The persimmon wood was completely rotted and destroyed. Good ole’ Bruce hadn’t touched his clubs during his end of year break. I can’t imagine any of today’s players having the same mindset.
Lieztke is certainly a seriously good golfer who simply plays the game and I wish more players would adopt the same approach. The most profound thing in the video are the parting words by McLean,
“for gosh sakes we hope that a teacher in modern day wouldn’t take a young Bruce Lieztke and ruin that golf swing”
Something for all teachers, mentors and coaches to think about.