On Saturday April 12, 2002 Ryder Cup winner Phillip Price came to our Golfclub München Nord - Eichenried for a short golf clinic. Of course we went there too to see such a great player in a private atmosphere. Robert met Phillip Price already when he did his scientific research on eye movement while putting during the BMW International Open. Surprisingly Mr. Price remembered Robert again and even asked him about the results of his research.
Indeed Mr. Price proved again that he is one of the most sympathetic players on the tour. As a real gentleman he responded detailed to all annoying questions asked by the spectators and Robert.
Especially Robert was interested how a world class player like Phillip Price controls his ball in different situations. Therefore Mr. Price explained his technique he is using when he has to go for a distance which lies between two clubs. Actually he chocks down on the grip a little bit and does a full swing. He said he always wants to do a full swing to keep more or less the same feeling.
In addition he showed how to play a controlled draw and fade by lining up differently. He said professionals use a draw or fade depending on the shape of the hole. Only if he is having a bad day and his feeling is not that good he contents on a straight ball flight.
Mr. Price also presented a simple way to hit the ball further from the tee. You have to tee it up higher and to try to swing on a wider plane. Moreover, you have to hit it harder. Mr. Price mentioned that it is often said that you don´t have to hit it firmer if you want to get more distance. But for him it is nonsense.
At the end he played four holes on the course. Robert got the chance to play with him the first two ones. While it was relaxed fun for Mr. Price Robert got pretty nervous on the first tee off with all the spectators and a great professional watching. But his tee shot on that hole was like always. He pushed it to the right in the rough. From there he played an iron six close to the green and had a good approach from 30 yards. Before Robert´s putting Mr. Price announced he will watch Robert´s eye movement: Another reason getting a little bit nervous for Robert. However, Robert had a good putting day and saved par. Second hole is a 201 yard par 3. Once again Robert was lucky and hit his iron 3 perfectly. Only 6 feet were left for his birdie putt. And indeed, he made a birdie! Mr. Price only played a par.
In other words, Robert was one shot better than Ryder Cup Winner Phillip Price after two holes!
Luckily he didn't have to continue and to show his real golf. Other flight partners
played the next holes with Mr. Price. Anyway, it was a great day experiencing
such an excellent player! At the end Alexandra and Robert received two by
Phillip Price signed caps as a nice reminder for a beautiful moment.
Mr. Price thank you very much and good luck on the Tour!