Smoothing It Out: Whose Swing Is Silkier, Ogilvy or Els?

For too long, "effortless swing" and "Ernie Els" just went together. He is the Big Easy. He's 6-foot-3 with the ability to smash the ball off the tee, but you'd never know it from the tempo of his golf swing. If Anthony Kim's golf swing is the samba -- quick, solid and exhilarating -- Els brings his power in the form of a waltz.

After spending much of the past week sitting in the middle cushion of my leather couch, watching hours upon hours of the Accenture Match Play, I have basically talked myself into believing that Geoff Ogilvy's swing has taken over Els'. Is it possible the Australian has surpassed the South African for effortless golf passes? Let's dive in.

First, here are a couple of videos of each swing, taken from nearly the same angle. Ogilvy's is obviously a tad more upright, but the guys have compacted their swing so perfectly that the motion looks like they barely create any power at all. Take a look, with Els first and Ogilvy second.





Okay. Now watch the videos again and do this. Count the steps of each of their swings. Both are exactly the same. Club set, back and through. There is zero wasted motion in either swing (even in the follow-through, which is pretty incredible).

I really believe Ogilvy makes the swing look easier. The guy's swing matches his demeanor, and it is a sight to see. While Ernie might still be the Big Easy to everyone, Ogilvy's swing looks more like the kind that won't break down in the coming years.

What are your thoughts? Do you think one makes the game look a little easier than the other?