Ben Hogan’s swing in the 1964 filming of Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf against Sam Snead

Ben Hogan’s swing in the 1964 filming of Shell’s Wonderful World of Golf, during his legendary match with Sam Snead, is often regarded as one of the purest and most iconic examples of the golf swing ever captured on camera.

By that time, Hogan was 51 years old—but age hadn’t dulled the precision, rhythm, or power that defined his swing. The Houston Country Club served as the backdrop for this rare televised exhibition, and Hogan’s ball-striking in this match became a masterclass in control and technique.

What Made Hogan’s Swing So Iconic in This Match?

1. Precision Ball-Striking:
Hogan's swing was rooted in consistency. Even in this later stage of his career, he hit fairways and greens with laser-like accuracy. Observers often note how crisp his contact was, with a sound and flight that separated him from nearly every other player.

2. Compact Power:
Unlike modern players who rely heavily on athleticism and clubhead speed, Hogan’s power came from perfect sequencing. His swing was compact, controlled, and efficient—proving that mechanics could rival raw speed.

3. Legendary Lag and Impact Position:
One of the most studied aspects of Hogan’s swing is his ability to generate tremendous lag coming into the ball, leading to that classic Hogan impact position—hips cleared, hands ahead, shaft bowed, and clubface square. That was on full display during this Shell match.

4. Poise and Tempo:
Hogan's tempo was smooth and deliberate. Watching him swing in the Shell match is like watching a metronome in motion. He didn’t rush anything—everything had purpose.

5. The Look:
Golf purists will tell you—there’s something poetic about the way Hogan looked over the ball, the way he held his follow-through, and the way he seemed to carve each shot with absolute intent. The black-and-white footage from this match only enhances the timeless feel of it all.


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For golfers, Hogan’s swing in this 1964 match remains not just a highlight of golf history—but a standard of excellence. It’s a perfect blend of discipline, geometry, and grace. If you've never watched it, it’s worth finding a clip and seeing for yourself why the Hogan swing is still the model students and pros study today.