The 2008 AT&T Classic
Click here to watch video analysis of the leaders
This “Classic” has been played in one form or another dating back to 1934. The original version of the tournament was named the Atlanta Open and was won by Ky Laffoon in 1934 and then Byron Nelson won in 1945. The event then played as an Invitational, back to an Open, and then became a Classic, while still bearing the Atlanta name. There were some pretty distinguished winners through these tournaments leading all the way up to 1982. Bob Charles, Jack Nicklaus, Hale Irwin back to back, Larry Nelson, and Tom Watson were some a those champions. The tournament changed names a couple more times before it had it’s longest stint as the Bellsouth Classic. This event ran from 1992 until 2007. This will be the inaugural year of the 2008 AT&T Classic. Tom Kite won the first Bellsouth in 1992, which helped lead him to his US Open win that June at Pebble Beach. John Daly won in 1994, Tiger Woods in 1998, and David Duval in 1999. 
The new millennium has been owned by Phil Mickelson. He won in 2000 and had back to back wins in 2005-2006. He has been the only player to win back to back years since the event moved to Sugarloaf, and also the only player other than Hale Irwin to ever do it. In the field this week there are a number of players who will be exciting to watch:
The TPC Sugarloaf For many years this event was held at the Atlanta Golf Club. Unfortunately like many venues in the 1990’s they were becoming obsolete with technology. The PGA Tour felt that was the case with the AGC and looked at the new course that Greg Norman was building as a possible new location. Norman was in the process of building his first course in the United States as a private club for designed for members play only. That quickly changed when the Tour stepped in and changed the name to the TPC of Sugarloaf and asked for a golf course that would challenge the world’s best players. Like many times while playing, Norman delivered a gem, and the tournament has been here ever since. The course plays as a par 72, 7293 yard parkland course. It is a beautifully tree-lined layout with 3 natural streams and 2 lakes that come into play throughout the course. It therefore plays as one of the more scenic inland courses on the tour schedule. It also has a quite a lot of elevation change which brings in a distance control element for the players. There are several fun holes to watch. The 8th hole is a 245 yard par 3. The average tour player will need to hit a fairway wood or long hybrid to get there. The trick is that if the greens are firm the players will need to bring it in high so that it will stay on the green. The 13th hole is a drivable par 4 at 310 yards. It is a huge risk reward tee shot as there are bunkers and collections areas that will lead to difficult up and downs for birdie. The 18th hole is a great par 5 finishing hole. It is 576 yards and there is a chance to get home in two with a long drive down the left side. It will take a solid second shot with water lurking. This will put a little extra thought into the player’s minds with the tournament on the line. I hope you enjoy the 2008 AT&T Classic. Please remember to check back here before the start of the 3rd round for my Tour Tips of the leaders. Return to the Home Page from the 2008 AT&T Classic
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PGA Tour Winner Quick Lesson
Congratulations to Steve Stricker on his victory at the 2012 Hyundai Tournament of Champions.
I believe the commentators said he has won 9 times in his 40s. That is amazing!I also agree with Sir Nick and Johnny Miller that his swing will be copied in the future. Technology has reduced the need for hand action in the golf swing to generate power. Watch the old videos of Bobby Jones to see how much action he created compared to that of Steve Stricker.
A great objective for any player is to eliminate any unnecessary movement. Stricker does a great job of that. His hands stay very quiet on the backswing. His wrists hardly hinge at the top of his backswing. You can see from the above video that his backswing is all shoulder turn.
His downswing starts from the hips and he simply turns everything through the golf ball at the same time. His hands and wrists release naturally without any effort. This is a great way to have a consistent rhythm through the golf ball on every shot. This swing delivers enough power to win on Tour.
European Tour Winner Quick Lesson
Congratulations to Louis Oosthuizen and his victory at the 2012 Africa Open.
Louis burst onto the scene with his dominating performance at the Open Championship. Many have predicted multiple wins for this player. His victory this past weekend is likely one of many to come.
In the video above pay really close attention to when the video ends. Take a look at his left foot. Notice how all his weight his on his left heel. This is a great sign that he has cleared his hips properly.
One of the key reasons for starting the downswing with your lower body is to clear your hips out of the way to create more room for your arms to swing through impact. It is a great indicator as to how well you cleared your hips, when almost all your weight is on your heel.
If your weight is leaning on you toes or even the middle of your foot then you have not rotated and cleared your hips enough through your downswing and past impact. You really want to feel the pressure of your weight on your heel like Oosthuizen.
Make sure you start your downswing with your lower body. At the top of your backswing; either pull your left knee or your left hip (right handed player) towards the target. Also make sure your hips keep rotating through impact and into your finish position with your weight on the heel.