The video from Golf Digest is called The Science Behind Gordon Sargent’s Insane Swing Speed, but I’ll just call it what it is – A Recipe For Disaster.
I’ve already (long ago) pointed out that any real science that looks at the X Factor notion of Jim McLean infamy concludes that it is physically unsound and puts golfers at a higher risk of back injury, but why quibble?
In fact, why don’t we just refer back to the very same Golf Digest pushing this video about Gordon Sargent’s golf swing and what they had to say about the X Factor back in 2019?
I kid you not – this piece was literally titled:
“Study shows modern golf swing causing more back injuries to players, and at younger ages”
I’m not messing about – that’s the title of the article.
And therein, it says:
… a group of doctors from the Barrow Neurological Institute make the case that the modern “X-factor” swing favored by many professionals may hit balls harder and farther, but it can also put extra strain on the spine.
Comparing today’s players with legends like Jack Nicklaus and Ben Hogan, the doctors maintain today’s players are more muscular and have more powerful downswings, and this can put increased force on the spinal disc and facet joints, which leads to repetitive traumatic discopathy…
… The group continues that, not only are current golfers experiencing more back injuries than their predecessors, but that they are victims to such issues earlier in life than non-golfers in their age range.
I could have bolded that entire quoted piece, such is the fire-alarm urgency of what relayed here – we’re not talking about things that are bad for your golf swing or game, but literally life-changing injuries and chronic conditions from simply swinging a golf club in this manner.
Now, watch this video from Golf Digest about Gordon Sargent:
… and tell if there is even a whisper of a caveat here advising watchers that this is a mechanically-unsound and dangerous way to produce speed in the golf swing.
Here is a direct quote from the narration at 3:20 of the video where the gent says, very un-ironically, I might add:
… and that X-Factor stretch is super-important – because it torques the muscles in your body into a tight, tense knot ready to blow…
Ready to blow… you don’t say…
Hey, it’s their phrasing, not mine.
Let me add that virtually every golf swing involves a separation of the hips and shoulders if performed correctly – it is the attempt to exaggerate this separation (and the video expressly tells you that the greater the separation, the better), which is the death knell for one’s back over time.
Forgive me if I repeat what I’ve said before – the only time you should ever hear the word “torque” being used in relation to golf should be in reference to equipment (shafts).
Looking at Gordon Sargent’s golf swing action, which is what the video is actually about, I’m only reminded of Will Zalatoris and how everyone loved his swing, until they didn’t after it broke his back and he had to re-tool in order to continue playing golf for a living:
WAX Golf 
Young and invincible…until they aren’t… Some top-flight players, degrade over years before the damage hits home. Tiger Woods is the poster child for physical degradation over time. And then there’s Anthony Kim who lasted but a few years before taking a big insurance settlement for his blown up back. The aforementioned Will Zalatoris is back but his back is a tender hot mess. And how about Aussie supernova star Jason Day?
The pain boss, the pain….but then again, these guys are hawking magazines, not sound, repeatable, injury-free golf swings..
“… these guys are hawking magazines, not sound, repeatable, injury-free golf swing…”
Nailed it right there, Peter! Just as the PGA of America’s job description is to monetize golf instruction and not to improve students.
It’s all about the money, not about sound swinging.
So you’re telling me that they once talked about how bad xfactor is, then turn around and tell us how great it is? Malpractice much?
“So you’re telling me that they once talked about how bad xfactor is, then turn around and tell us how great it is? Malpractice much?”
You have also nailed it, MMJ. I have been saying for years now that teaching the Modern Golf X-Factor method of swinging is tantamount to malpractice. Also, that anyone holding a kinesiology degree who espouses same holds a degree not worth the paper upon which it’s printed, because the first rule of kinesiology is mechanically-correct and physically sound motion.
But hey, I’m no talking head nor am I an instructor with a stable full of broke-back golfers. So what do I know?
Another fantastic post. Thank you. I started copying Jack’s grip and swing 2 years ago when i read a copy of Golf My Way. I only manage a half-swing but the ball comes off the club pretty well. Thanks. Paul ________________________________
Very welcome, Paul – you can’t go wrong picking Nicklaus for your swing model!
Yes. The greatest is always a great role model. ‘Hands ahead of the ball. Eyes behind it.’ I love Max Homa’s swing – seems pretty orthodox / old school to me – especially his left foot position. I believe that’s where a lot of Jordan’s problems stem from – his ‘slidey’ left foot. That and his ”coach”….. Keep up the great work! ________________________________
Cheers, Paul – I’ll continue doing my best! 🙂