Impact Happens: Forget About It

 Linda, We were all here wondering where you were. Just lying here with Linda on our minds. Glad you have found the new site, welcome back.

 JohnJ:

    May not work for ALL -- but for me- hte best shots occur when ABSOLUTELY NOTHING is on my mind from Address all the way to FUS. -- To me swing thoughts are before the setup -- then as much as possible -- CLEAR the mind.

    Keep hitting then STRAIGHT and LONG

    Amos

Steve
I here you about is there such a thing as a easy course the muni I play with my buddies is fairly flat and wide open some trees but not a lot but from time to time I seem to find trouble generally shoot 75 -80 there and shot 3 rounds below 75 there towards the end of last season. My tournament scores are another story. I would be happy shooting 85 - 90 in the tournaments but have been shooting anywhere from 92 - 102 this year.

It is my own fault though. I stopped playing at the end of Oct. and did not touch a club until January to get the soreness out of my back. I let myself get sucked back into the rotational swing and took 3 lesson in January instead of staying with this method by the middle of Feb. my back was sore again. So I have totally committed to the SS swing I do not have a choice if I want to play pain free.

I just have to keep working on it. I have been doing well at the range this year but if I hit a couple of bad shots on the course I lose focus and start trying to think my way through the swing. I have only played 8 times this year do to weather and 5 of them were tournaments.

Sounds good Robert. Maybe we'll even get out to Paiute if possible. Otherwise where ever Amos prefers. 

Kevin&Amos, Glad to hear the xFIXx reports. I have not tried any of my dozen out yet. I still have about 3 dozed Treos left and I'm waiting to make a ball comparison with my new clubs when they arrive. I like the little extra report, but not the less greens biting report. As for working the ball, I'd be happy with the straight ball every time. I have no trouble fading, drawing, slicing and hooking the ball. I just never know when it's coming. Give me a good old always straight ball, and I'd be happy as a pig in slop.

 I think I do the same as I am focusing on pre heavy right this seams to push your right shoulder forward, I have recently though been working on keep the right arm more relaxed than the left and hanging down, instead of almost pushing the club out in front.

It is pretty difficult though to get right when at the range on your own, what you really need is someone who can help you get that set up so you get to learn the feel.

By the way what sort of shot would this create?  feet/legs relatively aligned but shoulders pointing left.  

It seems pretty difficult to almost forget about the ball/impact as it is there and your main focus, I suppose the biggest thought that you need to get out of your head is that by not focasing on impact will make you not hit it, which is my fear.

I guess I need to put this theory to the test when next on the range, Thanks  Surge.

I thought DJ was gonna be up there for a while, I got all excited when he was!.   

Bob

Have a great round.  I have some Homer buckets too.  Doesn't everyone?

Dick

 Robert

You guys will have a blast.  No way to miss on this one.

There is a guy who comes on from Tulsa sometimes.  His son is going to be coming down to go to school here at OU.  I am hoping when he is in town we can get in a game.

I can't wait to hear how this turns out for you guys.
Dick

Lynn42:

   My home course is about 3 miles away as "the crow flies" - 4 miles by road. But I have at least 8 or 9 course within a 10 mile radius of my apartment.  All are filled to capacity in the Winter months -- but compete viciously for players the other 8 months of the year!

    Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG

    Amos

Boog

There must be more money in golf than farming.  I've played 2 courses in PA across the road from each other that were farms, both with some pretty steep elevation changes and a real challenge.  Another in VT that beats the tar out of me.

My favorite course though is in ME and was part farmland and has 3/4 of the holes cut out of the woods.  It's a tough track, but no question the prettiest course I ever played.

I grew up out in the country so you'd think I'd know how to play these courses.  But, then again, I guess GOLF is a four letter word for a reason. ;0)

Lynn42

Steve

I missed that one.  It is refreshing to know there is someone out there who does not see these situations as just another chance to be on TV.

I would love to find out who the reported is so I could write him a personal thank you note.

When was the last time other countries helped us out?  Was Katrina big enough?  What will it take?

Dick

Kevin, it looks like you're bending mostly from the waist, rather than accordioning with a little knee bend at the same time. That's probably getting your weight too far on your toes and leading to most of the other things that go wrong after that.

Mid-summer in Vegas, all of the hotels have deals. And you're an Arizona guy. You'll be fine if we play the round at 2 in the afternoon and it's one of those nice 115 degree days, right? Most of the courses give you free water on the carts because it's really embarrassing when they have to send emergency trucks out to bring in people who've passed out from the heat.

Summer afternoon rounds are much faster here, as well, since there are so few players on the courses. Anyway, let us know. You can always go to my YouTube to send me a private message so we can exchange email contact.

 It is a nice device. Well, I'm heading out for nine before the next storm wave over Missouri hits Ohio. Back later

Look back at the video "Hitting Your Driver" http://swingsurgeon.com/DailyV...

You probably have too much tilt in your spine and may have the ball a bit too far forward.

Hello Dick,

Sounds like a regular "Red Green" production. LOL

Handy mans secret weapon. duct tape!  I actually bought a set of the golf rings.  The web address is http://www.thegolfring.com/

I bought the pink ones, because they were ten bucks cheaper, and part of the money went to breast cancer research.  I always like to donate to things which I enjoy :0)

For alignment sticks, I just use a couple of old shafts.  They work great, and they are free.

Hit'em Long and Straight,
Bob

LOL or Cry! Might as well laugh :) 

Same for me, ever since you first mentioned it. I also as of now, have to click refresh, before my replies will post on the blog page. There be Gremlins about.

Speaking of redneck ingenuity,

I went to The Sportsman's Warehouse the other day, and bought a bag of reloading wads for 28 gauge shotgun shells.  They are virtually indestructable, and they make terrific golf tees.  I think I'll repackage them and sell them to the local pro shops.

Bob

Don another great lesson.
 
 
Dick and the rest of the surge nation that are down south that are still getting hammered with bad weather our prayers go out to all of you.
 
Played 3 rounds this weekend Fri. Sat, played Legendary Run this course is designed with the front 9 being links style each hole is designed after famous links style hole the back 9 is more traditional style designed after famous holes. The rough was brutal at least 5 inches and postage stamp greens which were in very good condition and hard to read the subtle breaks. Shot a 94 Friday with a buddy of mine in preparation for my Saturday tournament at the same course. The plan was to shoot 94 are less Saturday but that did not happen ended up shooting 101 horrible.

The first hole into the wind par 4 hit driver into the middle of the fairway had 220 left laid up to 100 yards because of the wind and small green 3rd shot skanked into the bunker front right of the green hit lob wedge out of bunker 6 foot deep bunker at that thinned it out because of lack of sand in the bunker  over the green up the hill into the weeds and took a 9 on the hole after a penalty and a triple on the second par 4 and it just snowballed from there. I was trying to think my way through the swing Friday and Sat brain overload and that just does not work.
 
Sunday myself and my buddies played the local muni the rough was about 5 inches I be glad when these guys are able to mow on a regular basis and I got right and shot a 78 with 2 missed par putts from 3 feet wanted to watch the ball roll in the hole before I contacted the ball good confidence building round and made it through the round without a sore back unlike Saturday.

Roger

Surge Nation

Is anyone else having a problem with disqus?  When I go on the dashboard, and into replies to me, it says there is no activity there.

Just wondering,
Dick

Robert:  The fishing at Panguitch Lake is AWESOME!  We go camping over there three or four times every year and just sort of hang out and relax.  Nice country, it is!  And by the way, belated Happy Birthday, too! R2

Steve Smith:

   I guess that blows my cover!  LOL

   Or puts the "curse of death" on me

   Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG

   Amos

Amos, count me in. Just make sure you let me know when and where to contact you and excactly what days you'll be here. We'll find  a day and I'll get a tee time and pick you up. It would be my privilege.

Even cheaper, my alignment sticks are the little rails from a folding drying rack that fell apart. Recycling the country-boy way.

Absolutely true. This was pointed out to me by Don last December during the individual instruction we recieved from Surge at the winter tourny. My shoulders were aimed left. It is easy to get set up that way, especially with the longer clubs that we set up more off that front left foot. It happens too because our right hands (for righties) are set up below and sometimes too far under (on a strong grip) and that drops the back shoulder down but also forward of our left and aligned left of our feet which may be correct or aligned right, that's the 'ol double cross or X alignment, not good. I've seen in some of the photos where Don is teaching DJ, he'll gently push his right shoulder back as he gets set up to make sure the shoulders are aligned with the hips,knees and feet all parrallel left of the target.
I have found that the master set up position of the right arm also aids in correct overall alignment. A mirror of friend can tell us if all three "boxes" are aligned in our set up from behind. 

Kevin...nicely done.

That's what I'm talkin' about.

Thanks for that Robert,I think you were right as I had been practicing Dave's tip last week about swinging up at the ball and this has tilted me too much. 

Dick

Whether it's Redneck or Yankee ingenuity it's all out of the "country boy can survive" handbook...lol.  My alignment sticks in the backyard for my net consist of a doormat that I saw at the dollar store for 1.99 that had a red stripe straight down the middle and an area rug that I cut a piece out of to stand on to set my toe line parallel left of my target line.

It works well and saves my backyard at the same time. ;0)

Lynn42

In addition to what Robert Meade says below, that much variation in mishits makes me think you have a LOT of extraneous movement going on in your swing. My best advice would be to find a full-length mirror and practice slowly moving your body through the positions Surge teaches, paying strict attention to minimizing lower body movement and keeping your head steady. Go through the moves in pieces, then in smooth motion until you can speed it up to full swing speed and maintain relative stability.

R2, I actually don't know why I'm so concerned with getting one myself. For now anyway. Mine is in it's permanent place, indoors where I have climate control, and I'm the only user, so I really don't even need one. It would just be nice to have the attainability of adjustments.

FYI, I have just sent a notification to DISQUS through their support link in regards to the Replies to me link not working properly. I will let you know if and when they reply.

In my case, it predisposed me for coming across swinging from outside in and slicing. Getting that right shoulder back and parallel with hips, knees and feet really helped me get straightened out and much more on target.

 Steve Smiht:

   AMEN to that one!

   Amos

Dick

I'm replying from Dashboard and mine is fine. My RSS feed is still messed up and has been for 4-5 days. It shows the same 25 posts with a different name on each one. Beats me

John:  Amos is right - don't clutter your mind with swing thoughts DURING the swing.  Just let it happen.  The Surge is always reminding us that "the set-up determines the motion". If you've done the set-up correctly, the swing will take care of itself.  I personally just focus on making a "perfect" T-finish. If you can do that, the rest of the swing had to be correct to get you to that finish! Hit 'em straight!  R2

Surge Nation

In some of Surge's regular videos he and DJ use plastic hoops to put around the flag on the practice green so they will know when the balls stops within 3' of the cup.  I have been looking all over for those hoops, with no luck.  I have also been wanting to get some alignment sticks.

Well, today I went all redneck to solve those two problems.  I bought two plastic reflectors poles.  I pulled the reflectors off, which left me with 2 plastic sticks almost 4' long by 1/4" wide.  For the hoops, I bought weed eater cord at .105".  I also bought some push on wire splicers.  I can cut the cord at what ever length I want.  When I put both ends of the cut cord through the splicer, it forms a perfect circle.  When I am  done, I just pull the splicer off and roll the cord back on it's reel.

Problems solved,
A country boy can survive.
Dick

Well, our municipal course is 6300 from the tips, but half of the greens are in such bad shape that it's a joke. We have 4 or 5 Pete Dye designed courses around the valley, though, and if you want old-Vegas feel, one of the courses from back in the Las Vegas Invitational days is a public course that's still in great condition. With your ability to hit the fairway, you'd have an advantage over length on a lot of the holes (because the rough on the course is 3 inch deep Bermuda that will make a ball disappear if you take two steps away from it). Robert M and I will figure out which course we have the best chance of keeping up with you. ;-)

I notice more power when I resist with left hip in backswing...does resistance increase as arms lift??

UK Phil,

You may also want to check your driver out on a launch monitor. If you're hitting one club poorly (in this case your driver), it may not be a proper fit for you. "Too high and not far enough" makes me think you may not have the correct driver for your swing if you are hitting your other clubs well.

Soars With Eagles

THANKS TO YOUR GREAT VIDEO'S  AND THE THREE QUARTER SWING I HAD A HOLE IN ONE ON APRIL 16TH AT OKKEHEELEE GOLF COURSE IN PALM BEACH COUNTRY LAKE WORTH FLORIDA. IT WAS THE 7TH HOLE ON THE EAGLE COURSE, I 115 YARD PAR 3. I LOVE THE NEW SWING AND SO DOES MY BACK. GENE ASH GASH120@AOL.COM 

Yipes!!!! The R-bug bit me again :-(

I went outside to video my swing improvements today, but I couldn't find them. However, I uploaded the best 2 views of my not very good swings to YouTube.

Too much lower body motion; left knee kicked in; left wrist cupped; raising up on the backswing; head moving backwards; out of balance on the FUS; body out of alignment. My toes were lined up parallel left, but my hips were slightly right and my shoulders slightly left. I'm a mess :-0

About the only thing I was getting right was the heavy right, although that does not show very well in the video. My tempo must have been a bit better because, even though everything else was wrong, the ball was still going straight and a bit farther than usual. Now I have to get it all together somehow.

I just looked at my face-on video again and I figured out what my problem is. I've been playing and practicing with my golf partner quite a bit. My set-up and swing look almost like his - he is a huge rotational advocate. I may need to not watch him so much any more.

Keith,

What you need to focus on are 3 positions and 1 thought:

Position #1: The set-up - it determines the motion. Get it as correct as you can every time.

Position #2: The top of the backswing - If you are at the limited turn, 3/4 vertical position, then you have done the backswing correctly.

Position #3: The T-finish - If you get to the proper T-finish, recoil, relax, and your belt buckle and club are pointed down the aim line, then everything that came before is correct.

The Thought: Palms perpendicular to the ground - do this from position #1 to position #3 and your ball will go where it is supposed to. Notice that I did not say "Hit the ball." If you have that thought - that you have to hit the ball - you cannot make the proper swing. You set up properly, make the swing, and the ball just gets in the way, and off it goes down the target line - straight, high, and long. All the other Surge points are just checks to help learn to get the 3 positions correct. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Kevin

Amos, happy to hear your fit as a fiddle. All of you after-action reports have me eagerly awaiting the first week or so of July when my schedule eases and I can actually have the time to get out on my home course. I practice at Limestone Springs and will play it every couple of weeks but I consider Cumberland Lake CC my home course, since the 17th tee box is about a 1/4 mile from me as a crow flies. It's a challenging par 72 lay-out with numerous elevation changes as it winds along the hill and ridges of Marsh Mountain.
HG, Boog