To win 90 times around the world you have to have all the skills and Sele Sterosterotos got that.
The swing was as flexible and beautiful as any, the word Swashbuckling always comes up when describing the Spaniard’s style of play, and he had plenty of tee length.
Years ago I spoke to Bernard Gallacher and I spoke Selde’s discipline on the Tee and he was quick to point out that in his early years, that his driving began to break down, that Balletos’ driving was more difficult than anyone else had done.
In another interview, his CADDY at Lytham Dave Muserrove said that his speech as a Park hero was full of exaggeration and only referred to a few.
Obviously we don’t have the math we do on those these days but we all know his greatest strength was around the green. Think of his many good shots and they will involve chip shots that won’t go in or nearly do.
When he won the 1983 majors his last shot was a chip-in 18. It was a four-jet win and the green jacket was secured but the touchdown was another matter.
Five years later at Littham, his second open success, he produced one of his best chip bodies when, on Monday, he rose to the occasion as a shocker to secure a 65 with Nick Price at the price of nick.
Wedge Guru Bob Vokey always touts the Selet as the best tool for the short game. The Spaniard is incredibly specific with his bag setup, at the beginning of their time together the Spaniard would only have his 56˚ bag in his bag.
It is interesting for the baletotos who like their wedges to get a modest angle – ‘Shot Shot, short club’ – so they are made two degrees to help hit the club under the club.
But the most striking feature of the Spaniard’s short game was the simplicity of it all. It might have looked sexy but, in reality, it wasn’t and he couldn’t only launch more spins when he really needed to. Therefore, in the sand or in the sand, he drove, he would play differently, in the event that everything will be played as if it were a long throw.
The whole idea was to get green and let go and use as little as possible.
In Sele’s words
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzob3qzp1u
In a short game video made in Dubai he explained his low chip and high chip basics. And, obviously, they’re very similar, it’s just a different club.
“I will choose the sand wedge. The reason for that is because the position of the PIN is very close to the Fringe. And again, I will choose the edge as the reference point.
“Now, let me show you the process. First, I take the position, the feet are very close together. The feet, knees, hips, shoulders aim to the left.
“After that, I put the weight on the left, a little. Again, I keep my clubface slightly open. I move my hands forward.
“And, it’s written set on the left heel. Now, I’m ready to hit. I’m not going to use any wrist, I’m going to try to carry the ball above the rim.”
And the bottom one?
“Now, we have the same shot, the same distance. But, I’m going to choose a different club, a 9-iron.
“This club has less loft. The reason for that is because I have more greens to work with. And again, I’ll use the edge as a point.
“The method is very similar to the sand wedge. The only difference, again, is the pando.”
