'The Ben Hogan Collection'; The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'; Ben Hogan

Announcing 'The Complete Hogan' by Jim McLean

2012-01-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

The new 'The Complete Hogan' by Jim McLean from Wiley and Sons is now available in Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, Books A Million, etc. The hard copy is terrific and it is also available for digital downloads on the Amazon Kindle and the Barnes & Noble Nook. The instruction emphasis is descriptive of Mr. Hogan's prime swing motion from the late 1940's when he was winning everything and called Mr. Golf by the press. There is well over 100 photos taken as stills from actual film from that time period. Its the best swing photo sequencing of Mr. Hogan's classic legendary swing. It took over two hears from concept to completion of the work.

Anyone who has ever swung a golf club will enjoy this photo sequence analysis of Ben Hogan's golf swing. Whether its wishful thinking, nastalgia, or part of an effort to improve a golf swing I think the book will provide lasting benefits, enjoyment, and appreciation.

This is the cover and back cover slides. It should be on the shelves in bookstores by now and can be downloaded digitally at any time.

Announcing 'The Complete Hogan' by Jim McLean

2011-12-23T06:27:00.000-08:00

The legacy of Ben Hogan was recognized by the publisher John Wiley and Son's as an outstanding theme on a new book. Here it is, a photo of my advanced copy of the book. It looks great and as Jim states '...is very powerful' and 'unique'. I worked with Jim McLean and the terrific folks at Wiley for two years from concept to yesterday when it came in the mail. Included are lots of personal insights and stories from Jim about Mr. Hogan and many of his competitor friends and rivals. The book is a blend of film study and photo swing sequences from the legend's competitive prime years. I do believe our efforts will help all players who are or will be working on their golf swings so they can continue to enjoy the most rewarding game on the planet.

Doral Golf Resort and Spa on the sales block - again

2011-11-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

Looks like Doral is going to be sold again. Not sure that is good news. Maybe for the new owner it sure could be. Not sure the members are too happy about it all. There could be major changes to the venue including a redesign to the practice range, rerouting some of the courses/holes, and a shopping center where the Great White sits. Ouch! Signs of the economy or just good business.

So who has $200 million to sign on the dotted line. I read an article indicating Donald Trump was buying it but apparently there is still room for someone else to own the resort and all its goodies. Three golf courses, a resort complex, practice range, tennis center, new ball room/business center, sophisticated spa, renouned Jim McLean Golf School location, jogging trails, fishing lakes (including bass, snook) for the angler. Let me check my savings account!

Sure hope its all for the better.....

Ben Hogan's Legacy shines brightly in 2011.

2011-11-26T08:49:00.000-08:00

The city of Fort Worth is beaming this December with the announcement that their municipal golf course complex is the site of their successful First Tee Program and the location for the Grand Opening of the Ben Hogan Learning Center. Several press releases over the past few weeks point to a December 10 opening date and a funders dinner on December 8. It should be quite a gala on both dates. You can access more information about it from the Ben Hogan Foundation website at www.BenHoganFoundation.org.

New Book! We have been diligently working on some projects that will complement Mr. Hogan's Legacy. The first is the publishing of the new instructional book The Complete Hogan (Wiley and Sons) in January 2012. Author and renouned golf instructor Jim McLean presents a complete description of Mr. Hogan's excellent golf swing from the golden years of 1946-49 prior to the catastrophic accident. Its a terrific accounting and visual demonstration of his swing from multiple views. There is a view for the 'lefty' golfer as well. I am excited that we are bringing this out for everyone to enjoy and learn from. Also included are numerous interesting stories that Jim has picked up over the years from taling to Mr. Hogan's friends and fellow competitors.

2011-03-13T14:22:00.001-07:00

Giving my Androie a test for updating the blog site.

Ben Hogan - Circa 1968

2010-12-24T13:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would share this video clip of Mr. Hogan on the practice tee from around 1968.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJVzLZU_R_c&feature=player_detailpage

It really shows how smooth and effortless his swing was almost 20 years after the accident when he was well into his 50's. This was what his instructional books, 'Power Golf' and 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' were all about.

Happy Holidays!

Motion Capture Shoot for the 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' by Ben Hogan new Wii game and dvd

2010-12-24T06:24:00.000-08:00

It finally happened! The motion capture session last week was completed in Michigan, during a blizzard, with outstanding golf swing models and professional golfers Jared Isaacs and Maiya Tanaka. Here is a link from the local Michigan CBS affiliate that came by the studio to film part of the events of the week. The Detroit Free press sportswriter came by and also did a fine article on the proceedings.

http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2010/12/16/ben-hogan-golf-game-made-in-troy-royal-oak/

The shoot was directed by a fantastic directer, Mark Soderwall, who brought a wealth of experience to the project from his previous work with Atari, EA Sports, and Lucas Films. What a great professional. I know the production is in great hands.

I spent 3 1/2 days on site to help/assist the director on all things pertaining to Ben Hogan and provide intensive coaching to the golfers on matching subtle elements of Mr. Hogan's swing. Jared is a long standing Master Instructor at the Jim McLean golf school at Doral in Miami, FL and was able to adjust his swing pattern to more close replicate the desired motions. He achieved an excellent match that both I and Dave Kindred, the section President from Michigan's Southern PGA Section, were quite happy with.

Maiya and Jared were terrific in their respective roles. The director was able to elicit a wide array of golf movements for both on-course and off-course scenes for the Wii game and for the instructional dvd and interactive website. They both were quite animated and their personalities will show through in the final product. It was sure fun to watch. Those reflective markers on their spandex suits glow quite nicely like light bulbs when taking flash photos!

Photos from the shoot will show up here on this blog in the near future as well as on our Facebook page. Right now you can follow some of the threads on the current Facebook pages for the production company, Pixofactor.

Tiger going for stack and tilt instead of Five Lessons-Hogan?

2010-12-02T16:39:00.000-08:00

It looks like Tiger remembered how to putt today. now he is trying the foley version of stack and tilt. Chamblee says it looks like Hogan? Nope. Look again Brandel.

Sports Talent Agencies engaged for Ben Hogan swing model casting call

2010-11-12T11:31:00.000-08:00

The original casting call has become more official and organized. Our Michigan production company, Pixofactor, has engaged sports talent agencies to conduct the casting call to enhance the talent search for an accomplished golfer. One agency is based in Michigan, Sports Studio Casting. Here is their link.
http://sportsstudiocasting.com/

The other agency is in Los Angeles, Athlete Source Casting. Here is their link:
http://www.athletesourcecasting.com/

Details of the casting call can be accessed from either agency. The Michigan agency has an online signup and video upload system (free) which is convenient.

The LA agency is both local to LA but does cater to out of state talent.

Generally, the what is being searched for are accomplished male and female golfers who can demonstrate/imitate Ben Hogan's golf swing from 1948. Samples swings can be found on YouTube and some links are found in this blog in earlier posts. The physical characteristics of the golfer is also very important due to the nature of the data to be used from the motion capture process. Height range from 5'5" to 5'10" and weight no greater than about 160 lbs.

Currently, the motion shoot in the studio is scheduled for mid-December and will run about 4 days with prepratation and studio time involved. This is the same technology used to develop graphic action in movies and for realistic video games.

All of this is part of the development and production process for the modern evolution of Ben Hogan's 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'. A lifelike 'avatar' of Ben Hogan will star in the dvd version of the golf instructional book, on the interactive instructional website, and in the Wii game as well as mobile device applications (Iphone,iPad, Droid, etc.).

If you are interested, you should contact these two casting agencies directly. I know we attempted to manage this a few weeks ago but this new method is certainly much better for all involved.

Ben Hogan Swing Model Casting Call for 5 Lessons Project

2010-09-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

Well we are finally at the beginning of the projection phase of the 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' by Ben Hogan avatar project. A schedule is now under development for the production activities and one of the first things we need to do is select a swing model for the motion capture shoot. The location will be in California and should occur within about a month from now. The shoot will take most of a day in the motion capture studio.

We are looking for:

o Male: 5' 7" tall +/- 1" 150 lbs. +/- 10 lbs
o Age: 18 to 45 years old and very flexible
o Amateur or professional
o Able to demonstrate via video clip an 'exact' replica of Ben Hogan's golf swing circa 1947. Need two views, down the line and face on.
The golfer should contact me directly. If you want you can forward this contact information if you think someone would be interested.

My contact information is: mcctee@aol.com or by cell at 305-297-6276.

The data from the shoot will produce a 'wire frame' or 'bones model' showing the motion of the golf swing. The data will later be supplemented with laid on CG artwork to perfectly resemble Ben Hogan circa 1940-1950. This moving lifelike avatar will be the basis for the new Five Lessons DVD, interactive website, and Wii instructional golf application.

Ben Hogan, Vera Cellars and JanKris Winery 2010 Ben Hogan Legacy Wines

2010-06-30T10:34:00.000-07:00

The Ben Hogan Legacy wine label is just about to bring their 2010 vintage to market. The highly successful new wine label features a variety of delicious wines. I enjoyed a tasting experience with them at last year's White Hot Gala in Fort Worth, the charity event presented by PGA Tour star JJ Henry on behalf of his JJ House Foundation and The Ben Hogan Foundation. The wines were wonderful with the merlot being my favorite for the evening. Here is the link to the site. I will also add it to the side bar here along with other links that I think readers will be interesed in.
http://www.benhoganwine.com/

There are a variety of packages and special offers on the website and they will ship directly to your door. Matt Talbert the owner told me that they were very successful and well received over the past several years and the offerings are increasing each year. I am not a wine expert but I believe the wines are well received by those in the know. I heard also that the wine is being served at Colonial Country Club and Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth for the members there.

Next time out to California I hope to visit the winery and enjoy the pastoral atmosphere. We have provided some photos of Mr. Hogan from our archives here at McTee's Champions. They wil appear in the packaging and marketing materials this year.

Here are a couple of picture of a past year's offering.

Interview regarding the production story for The Ben Hogan Collection dvd set

2010-04-16T17:06:00.000-07:00

This was just posted from an interview I had with David Wogan on www.SellBox.com. David is well known in the golf industry for his www.golfyellowpages.com directory.

The picture above is not David but a full size statue of Samuel Clemmons. It looks like an interview so I thought it is appropriate. The other fellow is me, just chatting and practicing my interview style. The statue is located in a riverside park in Fort Worth Texas, just a stone's throw from Colonial Country Club, the site of this years Colonial Invitation PGA Tour event. I do wish I was going to be there as in prior years. It is a wonderful tournament, a great venue, and a tradition on tour that truly stands out.

Here is the link. The history of the production process for 'The Ben Hogan Collection' is provided in the interview as well as some tips to others who want to produce media content.

http://www.sellbox.com/2010/04/tom-you-really-need-to-do-something-with-this/

Ben Hogan Life Magazine Photo Gallery from 1955 'Secret' Photo Shoot

2010-04-16T08:24:00.000-07:00

Life Magazine has a great archive of photos from all aspects of life on this planet including some great shots of Ben Hogan. There are some out takes from the shoot they did for their August 8 article on Ben Hogan's secret that did not make it in the magazine. Browse their archives and see some really rare photos. I am sure they will be glad to sell copies to you if you are interested.

If you browse their archive you will find photos of Walter Hagen, Gene Sarazen, Jack Nicklaus, and other champions.

http://www.life.com/image/79157952/in-gallery/23641/golf-magazine-10-great-golf-pics

New Ben Hogan golf swing on YouTube posted - Circa 1968

2010-04-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I was reading some discussions about the one plane and two plane swing recently and the discussion referenced Ben Hogan. Even though Hogan described the backswing plane and the downswing plane as slightly different in his book, 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' the discussion was still looking for some clarification. It brought to mind this clip from my personal collection that shows the path of the club head and club shaft for Hogan's swing while he practice on the driving range. It is one of about 10 separate swing clips that show pretty much the same thing, some with irons and some with driver. Enjoy

New Ben Hogan golf swing on YouTube posted

2010-04-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

I just posted a video clip from the 'Ben Hogan Collection' archives to YouTube. Mr. Hogan is practicing in front a group of admirers prior to a tournament. The view is from behind Mr. Hogan and he is using his driver. A great viewpoint for golf professionsl on the PGA Tour (e.g., Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson, etc.) and amateur golfers to learn from. Mr. Hogan almost always hit the fairways and greens even in the demanding course setups of the US Open he won.

Here is the YouTube link:

'The Ben Hogan Collection'; The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'; Ben Hogan: Jackie Burke, Jr. talks about Ben Hogan

2010-04-02T08:02:00.000-07:00

'The Ben Hogan Collection'; The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'; Ben Hogan: Jackie Burke, Jr. talks about Ben Hogan

Jackie Burke, Jr. talks about Ben Hogan

2010-04-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

In our production of the 'Ben Hogan Collection' DVD set we had the opportunity to interview Jackie Burke, Jr. in early 2006 when he was down in Miami teaching with Jim McLean at Jim's golf school at Doral Golf Resort.

We did our filming in one of the conference rooms in the Doral main building. Mr. Burke told a lot of stories about Mr. Hogan and responded to a film we showed him taken at the 1967 Masters during a practice round. Mr. Burke, Gardner Dickinson, and Mr. Hogan were playing together and the film depicted their shots on several holes. It certainly brought back memories for Mr. Burke and quite a few interesting stories about Ben Hogan. These are included in the 'Legacy' dvd documentary that is part of the 'Collection'.

Mr. Burke is shown in the photos conducting instruction on putting for several of McLean's instructors at the Great White Course at Doral. It was a real treat for all of us and especially the instructors. I hope they all could appreciate the opportunity they had to hear what a great champion had to say about putting and the short game. He does not mince words that's for sure. Mr. Burke was one of the best putters on tour in the 1950's. He currently resides in Houston and continues to operate the Champions Golf Club there.

Also, during that week Mr. Burke went out on the course and demonstrated his remarkable golf skills even at the young age of 80+. He can still outdrive most amateurs as he striped drives over 250 yards on the course and practice area!

Promo Reel for the 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' by Ben Hogan DVD

2010-03-06T11:24:00.000-08:00

We created promo reel for the 5 Lessons project. It runs about 10 minutes but really tells you about what we are working on. I hope to have a new WORKING link up on this site soon. The old link stopped working for awhile, not sure why but it will be back up. I may end up putting it on YouTube as an option but not sure of that track. The promo reel is very well done and provides a terrific look of several components of the project, from the DVD to the website and some of the special features that will be available including an iPhone app.

We are also working the art work for Mr. Hogan's Avatar for the Five Lessons project. I am receiving the 3rd version today or tomorrow and will try find a way to post it as well. It is still a work in progress!

Cordially,

2010-02-07T13:22:00.000-08:00

Many advances on getting 'The Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' by Ben Hogan to dvd. We are finalizing our promo reel that provides a great overview of our project and the applications we are devloping including the dvd and interactive website. We also are looking at some TV shows for 'The Making of the Ben Hogan Avatar'. We also put together financing packages for investors and sponsors as we move along. The 'Ben Hogan Avatar' is almost ready to hire a sports managment agent!

I promised some photos of the Ben Hogan Exhibit at the USGA's Golf House in New Jersey. These shots were taken during some of the filming of 'The Ben Hogan Collection' 3 dvd set. Its available on Amazon.com and select golf retailers. Ask for it.

This is a quick post and a couple of the photos are turned sideways. I will fix them later. Andy Mutch was the museum curator. The fellow in the white shirt and tan pants holding holding Ben Hogan's driver that he used in 1953 to win The Open at Carnoustie is me. That was a real treat, getting a feel of that historic golf club!

Ben Hogan Trophy

2009-10-07T09:04:00.000-07:00

As promised here are some more photos of the amazing trophy presented to the winner Dave Schultz and Colt Knost of the inaugural Ben Hogan Invitational in Fort Worth last month. The detail in the crystal is quite fine and duplicates the original casting very well.

The Ben Hogan Foundation is in the process of creating some new castings in bronze as well. The first photo is from an exhibit at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth where the original casting was shown to the public. Ben Hogan felt so strongly about the importance of a good grip on the golf club that he dedicated 17 pages in his book, 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf''. We should should take note of this precision when we put our hands on the golf club. Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods use an interlocking grip while the rest of their grip fundaments are the same as presented by Mr. Hogan.

There is a nice video clip on YouTube showing an older Mr. Hogan demonstrating the key points in setting his grip into place as well as some of the actual feelings he gets when its properly done.

Ben Hogan Foundation Charity White Hot Gala

2009-10-01T12:57:00.000-07:00

The charity gala was a huge success for the Ben Hogan Foundation and the Henry House charities. The Foundation is building a Ben Hogan Learning Center in Fort Worth, similar in concept to the Tiger Woods Learning Center in California. It will be located at the local municipal golf complex that already serves approximately 10,000 kids in their First Tee Program. The Foundation also supports the First Tee Program.

We were one of the Gold Sponsors for the event. They ran a slide show of the sponsors in photo #1. Next is one of the floral arrangements using original Ben Hogan golf clubs from the 60's as part of the display. Next is one of the ice sculptures that served as a table. David Feherty was there with his wit and stories about Tiger Woods and one of our severely injured service men who was a star at a recent Tour event when he met Tiger. The two paintings are on 6 foot canvases. They were painted on the spot as the artist spun them around on their mountings to creat likenesses of Tiger Woods and Ben Hogan. A shot of the crowd pouring over the silent auction items and finally the Proprietor of JanKris Winery from California who launched Ben Hogan Label wine selections, Merlot, Chardonet, and a Cabernet. All very good and well spoken of in wine circles. My choice was the Merlot!

Ben Hogan Invitational Golf Tournament - Winner David Schultz

2009-09-29T09:43:00.000-07:00

Last week The Ben Hogan Foundation and The Henry House Foundation hosted the 1st Annual Ben Hogan Invitational Tournament at Shady Oaks Country Club in Fort Worth Texas. The winner was Dave Schultz, a local prodigy that is currently 21st on the Nationwide Tour's money list. He and his partner Colt Knost put down a 9 under par round at the championship venue on a windy day that was just plain perfect. The galleries were treated to the antics of 8 tour professionals who enjoyed a fun round of golf while continually blasting each other with trash talk. PGA Tour champions Rory Sabbatini was a great instigator as was Harrison Frazar who sported a pair of shiny irridescent bronze golf shoes. Mark Brooks, past PGA Champion, held his own both on the course and with trading barbs.

The Invitational raised funds for The Ben Hogan Foundation that sponsors various charities in the Fort Worth area including The First Tee Program, Folds of Honor, Camp Bronco, and the Cook County Medical Center. The Ben Hogan Foundation plans to build the first Ben Hogan Learning Center in Fort Worth at the Rockwood Municipal Golf Course Complex. Already, a new practice area has been established that includes a large grass tee as well as mats, a putting green and deep sand bunker area. Also, a nine hole junior course is operational. The site of the building has already been marked off and a large rendering is displayed on an outdoor sign located next to the site. Contributions can be made at their website, www.BenHoganFoundation.org. I will upload some images in a later post.

Now, look at the prize trophy. It was made from an actual cast of Ben Hogan hands holding onto a golf club. The details are perfect and the professionals were simply playing for this coveted trophy. The respect for Mr. Hogan was evident throughout the event and especially when talking about winning this trophy. I took multiple photos of the 8 pounds of crystal in order to preserve the moment and be able to later do a detailed study of Mr. Hogan's grip. I will post that study here at a later date.

Also, on Sunday night before the tournament the two Foundations held a wonderful 'White Hot Gala' event. I'll share some of my photos of that event later. Everything was in white including everyone's attire for the eventing. The big suprise was watching 3 large (6'x6') paintings completed in the space of a half hour and later auctioned off to happy attendees.

More to come!

Ben Hogan on the Ed Sullivan Show

2009-08-28T08:45:00.000-07:00

I just found this terrific old clip that was posted on YouTube a few weeks ago. It is from the Ed Sullivan Show that originally broadcast in the 1950's and 60's. I actually watched this show when it was originally shown but was not a big golf fan at that time. I was just a kid then.

Hogan beats on Ed Sullivan a little by doing an impersonation of Sullivan's golf swing. It is very funny and shows a side of Hogan that was never really appreciated by the public or the golf writers of his time. This was a comedian Ben Hogan, a role he enjoyed with his close friends.

Also, and another really great part of this is a swing drill Hogan used and demonstrates here. It is similar to the one shown in the 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf' and is a good way to get rhythm and a sense of what a good golf swing should feel like before all the technical swing thoughts jump into it.

This is the URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cr-b7OsZjF0

Golf Swing Fundamentals for Tiger Woods: See Ben Hogan

2009-08-17T08:50:00.000-07:00

I am really stumped. For the life of me I cannot see why our golf announcers/writers/teaching professionals simple defy common sense about golf swing fundamentals as demonstrated by Ben Hogan. Too often I hear or read that Hogan was the best ball striker ever. Ask Butch Harmon. Ask Gary Player. Ask Jim McLean. Ask Tiger Woods.

Then, in the same sentence/breath I hear or read that a golfer cannot copy his swing; his grip and his 'secret' would only work for him and would only 'confuse' a golfer and/or simply create a really big slice. The fact is that Hogan went from a very strong grip in the evolution of his swing to a more neutral grip and finally into a weak grip that he used to hit his power fade. A shot that went left to right only a few yards and started off on line.

It should be relatively easy. There is new technology in the instructional arena. There is a perfect model. There is video analysis. There is biomechanical analysis and instant feedback. There are excellent instructors that advertise that they teach the 'Hogan' swing. There are motivated students of the golf swing who are willing to put in long hours of practice and dig it out of the dirt for themselves. There is video. There are excellent instructional books from Ben Hogan himself, 'Power Golf' and 'Five Lessons, The Modern Fundamentals of Golf'. There are detailed photo swing sequences.

So, the question is where and who has an exact replica copy of Ben Hogan's golf swing? If you have it or see it, let me know!

Hogan Swing from 'The Ben Hogan Collection' on YouTube

2009-08-13T17:33:00.001-07:00

I have seen many of the swing clips we used in 'The Ben Hogan Collection' set appear in YouTube.com over the past couple of years. We produced the dvd in order for all golfers to enjoy Mr. Hogan's swing. Here is a link to one of the postings that actually did some justice to our original and copyrighted production.

This posting does not condone the illegality of the postings on YouTube of copyrighted material.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XNgMNK3CtWU

Check it out. It is a really good sequence of swings by the legendary Mr. Hogan.