Old School Analysis by Bill Harmon with Ron Kaspriske Jay Haas does not have a modern golf swing. In this age of teaching, where the big muscles are believed to be the true engine of the swing, Haas is living proof that the hands and forearms still play an important role in knocking the ball down the fairway. Jay's swing is the result of three things: (1) a weak grip, (2) an address position where his shoulder line is nearly parallel to the ground (instead of angled so the left shoulder is considerably higher than the right) and (3) his uncle's problems hooking the golf ball. A bit more on what Jay mentioned on the previous page: Bob Goalby fought a hook his entire career, so when it came time to teach Jay, he taught him to swing with a weak grip. Hence, Jay fades the ball, and when he does miss a shot, it's more often a block to the right than a hook left. The nearly level shoulder position at address sets up Jay's unusual backswing. He takes the club well outside his target line (highlighted photo above). Notice, though, how he takes the club back on one plane, albeit a very steep one, and corrects the path on the way down. He's able to do this because he shifts his lower body toward the target during the downswing. Then, before impact, he stiffens his left leg and allows the hands and forearms to roll the clubface over into a square position. I would not recommend this swing to everybody, because it requires a great amount of practice, timing and athleticism. Jay is more a swinger of the golf club than a hitter of the golf ball. You don't need a textbook swing to play this game, even at the highest level. Bill Harmon, No. 42 on Golf Digest's list of America's 50 Greatest Teachers as voted by his peers, works with Jay Haas and fellow PGA Tour pro Billy Andrade. He is director of instruction for Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif., and teaches at the Harmon Golf and Fitness Club in Rockland, Mass. The Haas file Full name: Jay Haas Born: December 2, 1953 Birthplace: St. Louis, MO Height, weight: 5-10, 180 Turned pro: 1976 Driver: Titleist 983K, 9.5 degrees loft Clubhead speed: 115 mph Ball speed: 165 mph Launch angle: 10.5 degrees 2003 Driving distance: 279.2 yards