Steve Pratt's Hit it longer.com

I think I can fix Charles Barkley's swing.  No, really.  I'm not out of my mind!  Put the straight jacket away - neither Charles nor I need it.

If you are one of the few who have never seen Charles Barkley's golf swing before, then get some tissues first, because you're going to laugh so hard you'll cry:

Wow.  Have you ever seen anything like that?  That is a broken club waiting to happen.  But Charles is actually capable of making a very smooth and powerful swing.  Watch:

What an amazing difference.  In fact, on one episode on the Golf Channel, I was astounded to watch Charles Barkley reach 118 mph with a 300 yard carry - all with a very smooth and effortless swing  - into a golf simulator.

According to Charles himself, the problems developed when he started playing in Pro Ams for PGA and Champions Tour tournaments, and celebrity events where other famous athletes and actors compete. 

Barkely got very anxious about the spectators lining the fairway as he felt really scared over the prospect of hitting someone with a drive.  And you've seen how the fans line the ropes at a PGA Tour event - it's almost like driving through a narrow chute.  This takes a lot of confidence and would make the average amateur very nervous.  And don't forget the expensive houses with very large windows that line many courses - yes he was worried about those too.

So was born the most famous hitch in sports history.  But I believe I can fix it.

The answer is long drive.  Charles Barkley must become a long driver.  At the REMAX World Long Drive Championships in Mesquite, the 'grid' or fairway is 68 yards wide with no spectators standing anywhere near harm's way.  He could basically just let it rip without fear of breaking anything.   Just swing for the fences Charles.

Could Barkley compete against the world's best long drivers?  I believe he could.  At 6'4" and a stocky 255 when he was in playing shape, Barkley was one of the most powerful players ever in the NBA.  I attended at least 20 games where he was playing, and watched him dunk over 7 footers and outjump them for rebounds regularly.

If he can swing 118 smoothly with a standard length driver, I think he can easily get 130+ with a little coaching.  He is still an incredibly strong and powerful athlete.  Eventually, he will get more used to not stopping or hitching the downswing, and it will carry over to the rest of his golf game.

Although Barkley is the butt of many golf jokes, and has learned to laugh and have fun with it, he admits that it does hurt deep down, and that he does have a desire to be a decent golfer.  And nothing would be better for the sport of Long Drive to see Barkley compete!

So if anybody knows Charles - send him this article!  What do you think?