AFL Golf Analogies

Scotty X has been playing the great game of golf for decades. When he is not missing putts he is writing stuff about why he is missing putts. Scotty changes putters more often than he changes his sheets. Rain, hail, or shine you will find him on the links lining up a shot. Losing by one stroke in the monthly medal is his bread and butter. Worrying about head movements, weight shifts, and shaft angles is par for the course for this gentleman. Nobody struggles with the transition like Scotty and no one suffers from golfer's elbow and a bad knee like this fella. If god existed he would be a golfer in this golf tragic's philosophy. There are far more than 10 commandments in the rules of golf.

“Almost seemed like a golfer picking up his tee after a good drive.” – John Ralph on Fox Footy describing the after the siren match winning effort of Zac Bailey slotting a goal to beat Collingwood. The AFL commentators are making so many golf analogies they possibly should be paying the game a licencing fee. Golf is obviously a prominent part of these ex-AFL players turned commentators sporting lives. The great game of golf is constantly utilised as an illustrating reference for the important moments in these televised matches of Aussie Rules football. AFL golf analogies and metaphors are enriching the call of the game for fans around the country.

Examples of Golfing Analogies & Metaphors

“Not his one wood.” Translation – not this AFL players most powerful skill, which may refer to his kicking or marking ability. “He chipped that one over the top into the arms of the waiting player.” Translation – a short high kick employed to get over an opponent to reach a team mate. “He needs to fade the kick back from that position.” Translation – the right footed kicker needs a left to right movement on the football. “He drew that one through the goals.” Translation – the kicker moved the ball from right to left. Draws and fades are primarily golfing terms used to describe the shapes of shots and the movement of the golf ball via spin imparted.

AFL & Golf: Brothers in Arms & Legs

In fact, the AFL Community Club site lists on its Alternative Practice Activities and Games page “Kicking Golf Shots”. Here community footy coaches can learn new drills based on alternative sports like golf. Three types of kicks to leads are categorised as 3 iron=low and sharp kicks; 5 iron=long medium height kicks; and wedge=high kicks.

Back in 2016, the Brisbane Lions turned to golf to fix their poor goal kicking woes. Assistant coach Justin Leppitsch told the media, “I know golf’s always been a good analogy with putting and driving, it’s as much a mindset as it is a skill itself. You can stare down the whole fairway or stare down a spot.” Aim small miss small, as they say in the better golfing manuals.