Cheryl Cassidy has been using the Peak Performance Golf Swing for nearly two years and has expressed her excitement in the progress she's been making. But, she wrote in a question that I think a lot of you may relate with.
"Loved the daily tip about placement of the club head. I've been watching your dailies for almost 2 years, and love the instruction. It has helped my game tremendously. Can't wait to focus on the driver today with the tip. I still have a problem with my downswing coming down left of my target. I'm pretty sure it's because I start my swing with my right shoulder. Could you please give me a swing tip for keeping my right shoulder still. Thanks again, you're a Godsend for we oldsters with back issues."
Well, Cheryl, usually when a student of mine has issues with the transition to the forward upswing it starts with alignment and the setup position. In order to keep that right shoulder in the proper position, you've got to make sure your setup is sound. In the Master Setup Position, the right arm (or back arm) should be under the left. This gets the backswing started correctly into the catcher's mitt and up the tree vertically. Also, take a look at your alignment. Sometimes your target line and aiming line can be working against each other causing you to "X" yourself out. This results in the muscles pulling in different directions while losing power all at the same time.
Another issue that can cause you to come down left of your target line is when your backswing is too big. When you get too long at the top it leads you to grab the club and pull it down causing an out to in swing. This is typically an issue if you are consistently losing balls to the left.
Some instructors may suggest that they don't want you to use your right hand. But I say that using your right hand can help you stay vertical and control the backswing so that it stays in the 3/4 range. So, be conscious of what your right hand is doing and be sure to control the length of your backswing.
One last tendency for swinging over the top is starting the transition with your upper body instead of the legs and lower body. I see this a lot. Remember that the bump starts with the lower body and the arms fall freely all while keeping in dynamic motion.
If you're having trouble figuring out why you keep losing balls to the left and your swing just doesn't feel vertical and on plane, try looking at some of the things I've discussed. Any one of these issues could be the only thing standing in the way of hitting it longer and straighter!
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Another great lesson
Don another great video lesson.
On another note its great to see DJ play great golf 2 days in a row. Now finish it off this weekend if not win keep it in the top 10 get your card and enjoy the hunting season and get some fishing in.
Thanks Surge. Over the top
Thanks Surge. Over the top once was a major challenge for me but I haven't had that for a long time since learning the PPGS. Great reminders about why and how to over come it.
Yes DJ played super again today with a nice birdie birdie finish for a 67. Let's keep it going and have a strong week end. Not only two weeks in a row making the cut but he is really improving with the putter now!
Congrats to DJ on a T4. He's
Congrats to DJ on a T4. He's improved his lag putting the last 2 times out (including bombing a couple from over 30' this tournament). He's been doing very well from 11' to 20', a range he has previously shot poorly from. His 5-10 foot range was terrible though, and the 2 missed 3-footers alone would have put him into the top 125 for his 2013 Tour card. Argh. One more week to do well enough (top 12 or so) to guarantee his 2013 card. Good luck DJ.
Straight Arm to avoid swinging over the top
Love your comments as you cover so many causes for each problem. Doesn't the bent leading arm in the back swing also setup a swing over the top. When I bent my arm it caused pulls and slices. I use GOLFSTR as a brain trainer to keep my leading arm straight. Then swinging from the inside with a straight arm gives me more power and straight hits.
Right arm position
This tip really helped me out today. I checked myself and my right arm was higher than the left and my shoulders were open. I stayed aware of that all day and had one of my better rounds of the year.
DJ Trahan
Awesome round today.
Good luck Sunday
Phillip
DJ'S ROUND
The Golf Channel did a nice interview with DJ following his round today. Hopefully he has a good round tomorrow and a possible win.
I saw that also, very nice,,,
I saw that also, very nice,,,,,I watch golf channel allot,,,,
sold out
It was mentioned a few weeks ago that Doc might be coming to Aussie in November & I thought that if he went to Brisbane, I might try to head over & stay with my sister in Brisbane. Last night I see that Doc's going to Aussie, but he's already sold out. Great response from Aussie, but a pitty he could not add a couple of days on for New Zealand. Maybe next time eh.
How about D.J ? Watched the last six holes on shot tracker, & he birded four of them. I guess the extra pressure of having to do well to keep his card has really sharpened his senses. Hope he can keep up the form tomorrow
Good News on two fronts
Great video, will get to that in a tick. DJ tied third after rd 3 after 66,67,66!!! Yeeeeha! Go get 'em DJ!
Weather here atrocious, typical holiday weekend weather : - ( Gale force winds and lots of the wet stuff, boohoo!
The video was timed just about right. Normally I eventually figure out what has gone wrong myself. Today worked out my problem just before watching the video.The video was a timely reminder to just do it right!!! My last trip to the course started with three sublime drives on the first three holes. Second shots the same. Then on and off periods : - ( Now know that the problem was NOT turning in the takeaway!!! After all I had done to eliminate that.So back to the drawing board it is for moi.
I was very pleased with the ball striking when I was swinging correctly, with all clubs in the bag. So knowing what to do. As Surge says after a bad shot, "Who cares, just do it right!" Wilco over and out! DH
Surprised by a small plaque at the course
For those Semper Fi! guys on this PPGS website.
My last trip to the course I espied a small plaque just to the rear of the 17th tee. It commemorates that during WW2 until late 1943 the course was closed to golf and became a US Military Camp, containing elements of the US Marine Corps!I had been unaware of this connection [Dick Lee and others a surprise indeed : - ]
It transpired that there may have been as many as 8,000 or more marines and personnel were stationed there, until the went up to continue the war against the Japanese in places like Guadalcanal [where I went in 1991]. Also of note was a train derailment, where these very marines used their heavy equipment to help New Zealanders to clear the tracks.US Navy medics stationed where I now live also assisted.
After the war the camp buildings were demolished and concrete parts were buried in the main. Some pieces however can still be seen on the stream sides around certain holes on the course. In future these will remind me of the huge debt of gratitude the world owes to all those brave young men. God Bless America. Semper Fi!
Maybe Surge should consider coming to New Zealand. Australia is good, but New Zealand is a golfer's paradise.
Just a wee piece of history which allowed folk like me to play this fascinating game. DH
Great tip Surge, thanks so
Great tip Surge, thanks so much, I do think once in awhile I get that right arm higher, need to stop that. Didn't get out today, but, for sure tomorrow,,,will do drill, keep right lower and skip the rock, that is what really helps me, under the ball.
Saw DJ's interveiw on Golf Channel, very good and good luck to him tomorrow,,,
We have good teachers....
Thanks again, I love golf,,wish I could have learn when I was very young, but, then, I would not have talked to all of you,,,,so now is the right time,,,
added congrats to DJ
Way to go DJ!! Super finish again, looking forward to him keeping it up Sunday.
His whole game is sharp but especially his putting.
Great and not so great!
Great finish, DJ - 4 rounds in the 60's. Not enough to keep the card, but should give you great things to build on for next year. Proud of you.
Edit: my apologies. I forgot there is another week. Good luck, DJ. You've still got great things to take away from this week.
Well done
Congratulations DJ, very well played. Hard to believe its not enough for a card
DJ Trahan
DJ Tied 4th! Yeeeeha! Hope that keeps him safe for next year on the tour. Well done laddie.
Good to see Steve Smith is as helpful as he usually is.
Gale force winds here, would be OK downwind hahaha! Keep hitting them long and straight [especially if you turn your shoulders and BUMP knucklehead!! I hear me boohoo]
Good luck DJ,,,you are doing
Good luck DJ,,,you are doing great!
I played today, but, was not really on my game, why does the mind take over your golf???? Nothing bothering me, my mind was not really into it,,,darn,,,,
See what tomorrow bring,,,thanks so much..
Coming over the top
Thanks Surg for the answer to my question. I was so surprised when I checked my latest daily and heard my name. I will definitely do my best in making sure that I follow all your tips on the subject. I have felt myself turning my upper body before the down swing; now I'll really be conscious of this so as to correct it before it happens. You're the best!!
Cheryl Cassidy