I always stress the importance of alignment because the setup determines the motion in a golf swing. It's almost always the main thing that students need help with at golf schools and lessons. But, let's say that you've got perfect alignment. Your toes, knees, hips, and shoulders are all lined up parallel left of your aiming line but you are still hitting blocks or pulls. What could be causing this?
Roger Baskett sent in a question regarding the issue of ball position relative to his alignment. Even though he feels his alignment is solid, he says he's having trouble getting the ball in the correct position based on the club he's holding. He's looking for consistency, as we all are, so let's go over an easy way to always remember where the ball should be in your stance.
Surge,
I have a question for you about a problem I'm having and maybe others could benefit from your advice. I'm a 67 year old right hander who has found the PPGS and your daily videos to be most helpful. I still have trouble sometimes with alignment but generally get it right. The trouble I am currently having is getting the ball in the correct position consistently during my set up, particularly with my driver and hybrids. When I get the ball too far forward, I usually pull it and when I get it too far back I hit a fade bordering on a slice. I need a system to get the ball in correct position all the time. When I get it right, I hit the ball well. Can you help?
Thanks, Roger
Well Roger, I can definitely help! First of all, the observations that you made are absolutely correct with regards to where a shot will go based on ball position. So, let's start off by defining where the ball needs to be played. I believe in moving the ball in your stance. As you know, we have wide knees, outward pressure with flared feet. The flared feet can sometimes be confusing as to where the ball belongs. We always measure width of stance by the ankles and heels. I believe that we should play wedges through the 7 iron in the dead center of our stance on normal shots. Then the ball starts to gradually move forward with longer clubs.
Many of you, before you found the PPGS, were likely taught to play with your feet dead square, straight and forward. So, why do I ask you to flare them? When your feet are straight the knees lock up, especially the back knee if you're trying to make a turn. We don't turn a lot, but we do need a slight turn. If you tried to turn and your knee cannot externally rotate, it's going to force your leg to start straightening. If your leg starts straightening, your hips and shoulders are getting pushed up, which causes you to move forward ahead of the golf ball.
The issue is that when you used to play woods and you had your feet square the ball was placed just off the instep. But, if you flare your feet and keep it on the instep now, it's going to be positioned too far forward. So, we play woods with ball placement on the heel, then the hybrids might go a little back from that. I think this is a big issue when you start understading the difference of flaring your feet. My ball looks even further back because I flare my feet past the standard 30 degrees that I teach. It's because my feet flare out naturally a lot more than other people.
Roger is right. There's been times when I was standing behind a good player with perfect alignment but they end up hitting blocks or pulls. If the ball is too far back in your stance, it means you are effectively hitting the ball a little too early in the swing. If it's too far forward then you're hitting the ball too late in the swing. This is even with absolute perfect alignment, so make sure to rememer that ball placement is critical!
Remember that the key with flared feet is you have to look down and check out where your ball is relative to your ankles. I don't want anything farther back than dead center, even with a wedge. With a driver, you'll get to the heel, not your toes or instep. The whole system of alignment will crumble without correct ball position.
I've got a new alignment video coming out that will go into extensive detail about all of this, as well as much more. It's aptly named The Ultimate Alignment Video because it goes over every aspect of alignment in greater detail than I've ever done before. Keep an eye out for it this Christmas!
Keep it vertical,
The Surge
If you can't view the YouTube video above try CLICKING HERE. You must allow popups from this site for the link to work.
Comments
Off topic
Just wanted to wish Don, and all the Surgites a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New year. Hopefully the future will continue to bring us the dalies that effect our game so greatly. Recently Don had a daily that talked about head position at address, and how it effected your posture prior to starting your swing. It made sense to me, so I applied the lesson, and lo and behold, it's the best I've swung the club in months! Funny how one little adjustment will make such a large difference in your ball striking. i've been going thru a period where I was just awful with my irons, and my fairway woods, chunking, pulling, topping, and for the life of me, I couldn't figure out what was wrong. Then I saw the daily on head position, and it all went away next time out. I played yesterday, and shot 75 on a course I'd never played on before, and I have to say that this little Item of technique made all the difference. I just wanted to say "Thanks" to the Surge for all he does, and hope that he knows how much I appreciate what he does to help us all enjoy this game we love. Best to all, Mike
Awesome Mike!
Way to go on your 75 Mike. Now that's a Christmas to remember!
Ball position
Thanks Surge. Todays video really followed the K.I.S.S. method. Position of ball is based on the heels (ankles) and not the toes. Well illustrated.
Wanted to throw in one more observation for some to consider for their current set of irons. As Surge says, ball position too forward or too far back can effect direction. Additionally if the lie of the club is off for any iron it can make a bigger difference than you may know. Too upright and ball goes left. Too flat and ball goes right. Ask if you have one (or more) iron that you often hit straight but one (or more) that normally goes left or right of target?? It could very likely be your clubs. Have them checked and adjusted by a professional fitter. Doesn't cost much and would be a super gift to yourself!
If you have never done this, shame on you and your clubs. If you have not corrected your lies and lofts in several years. Do it! Sure bet they're off by a couple of degrees and that's alot. A simple and cheap fix that can mean another green or a missed green.
They are all wrong
Robert
I know we have heard Doc and Surge talk about how almost all the students who show up for schools have clubs that just don't fit them. As the club tech at Dick's sporting goods, I have to agree with them. Most people have clubs which are too long for them, and almost all of them have never had the loft or lie angles checked or corrected. When the irons are set to a proper lie angle for them, suddenly, they are hitting perfect shots. Funny how that works. I have seen iron sets people have been playing for 4 or 5 years that had the loft angles all messed up. Some times there is only 1 or 2 degrees between a couple of clubs and then 7 or 8 degrees between the next two.
Get you clubs checked out folks, and make sure they fit you and your swing.
I don't care how good a shot you are, if your arrows are bent, you won't hit what you are shooting at.
Dick
The truth about Length, Lofts and Lies
Dick
You know it's funny to me because most "get it" here on the blog that many have clubs that are too long (particularly the woods and driver). However, for some reason I can almost bet that most have still not had their lies and lofts checked, not just in the last few years but EVER. (Tell me I'm wrong fellow readers).
If it's because they think, "Oh well, my sticks are older anyhow and heck with my game it isn't going to make much of a difference anyhow." If that's the case then they don't think highly enough of themselves or this game to do one of the least expensive and most important yet over looked fixes there is. Like you said Dick, a couple of degrees can mean a lot down field. One fitter stated that most amateurs irons are too flat and just a degree or two more upright might help get rid of that push/slice. Of course they need to have it done right dynamically on a lie board to know for sure if they are too upright or flat.
And lofts? Most would be amazed that the lofts are often not "as advertised". Just because it says 56 on the bottom of the club or that all clubs are gapped say 4 degrees between each club doesn't mean it's so. "Hmmmn.........
So that's why I hit my 6 and 7 iron nearly the same distance" And, " Wow" (says another), "I have always fought against hitting my 8 iron way right of the target." Lies, lofts? Yes really important to check and adjust.
Very cool job you have now Dick. Working with golf clubs all day, ah the life:)
Here's again, is one of the best videos on why and how lies are adjusted.
I hope everyone will watch this;
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBNCM_-zxA
For every one out there to whom this applies, Don't let another golf season go by without knowing if your lies (and lofts) are right for you on your clubs!
Loving life
Robert
I have always, like yourself, loved working on my clubs. Getting to help others is very rewarding. The video was well done. I hope Surge and Doc covered their ears when he said be sure to hit down on the ball. One thing he did not add, when he said if the toe is down it causes the face to be aimed right, was then you need to also take into account that when the toe hits the ground first it slows down and puts the face even more open. It takes a bad situation and just makes it worse. The opposite is true if the heel is down and hitting the ground first.
One thing I like about Dick's is that we do a free fitting for EVERY set of irons we sell. I was totally surprised how many people, including guys who have been playing for 40 or 50 years, have never had a fitting. They say the difference between men and boys is the price of our toys. If you are fixing to drop a grand on a set of new Titleist AP 2s, and they are not going to fit them to you, just do yourself a favor and walk away.
Like OJ's attorney said, if it don't fit, you should quit, or something like that.
Dick
new or not so new
You are so right Dick. I would only add that whether new or old, everyone should have their irons checked and lies/lofts readjusted periodically. Depending on how often you play they should be redone every few years. Even if they were fit and adjusted when new. They don't stay correct. So if you spend 1000.00(or more) or 250.00 on e bay or otherwise clubs that are new or used must be checked and adjusted for your swing for lies and lofts checked for accurate gapping.
That is if you want a chance to play your best.
Old backs need adjusting, so do old clubs
Robert
As the folks near our store are getting used to the golf shop, they are starting to bring in their old clubs to be gone over. We do fittings for them, help them find the right grips, and they leave happy as clams. I have never figured out that saying. Are clams really that happy. But, darn I got distracted, they leave happy. As long as they are in good shape, old clubs can still work just fine if they fit you.
Dick
Lie angles
Nice video reference, Robert; even if he did get confused on upright vs flat a couple of times. I'm getting mine checked for the 6th time after the first of the year. I've found that I don't connect with the ground near as much as I did before PPGS, so the lies weren't as far off last June as they were before. I expect them to only be one degree off; two at the most.
great
That's great Kevin, you set a good example for all golfers in that regard. I hope more take it seriously too. Many just don't know what a grand improvement it makes.
Happy Holidays to you snd yours
An FYI
Kevin, I'm sure he actually was not confused on upright verses flat. Remember, he was not talking about the shaft angle of the swing. So if he had only had an iron club HEAD in his hand it would have been less distracting perhaps and more visually understandable. So if you actually watched again you'll see that in order to illustrate toe down he has to make the angle of the club head tilted toe down. In doing so it made the shaft more vertical and upright. So the golfer in this case would indeed need the club head (where hosel meets club head) bent more upright to match his swing. Why? Because the bottom of the head is striking on that toe because the club head is too flat(in relation to the 62* angled shaft) as he stated. As it turned out in his case the 62* angle needed to be bent more upright to 67* because it was too flat at 62*. And of course vice versa for toward the heel first contact. To illustrate for us what a club head (again not the shaft) looks like when coming through and striking the ground, he had to flatten the angle of the shaft. However the look of the haft was not suppose to be our focus but rather the head. It can be confusing only if we get the shafts action mixed up with the head. Hope that makes sense to you and others re-watching it and under standing what upright and flat HEAD is as illustrated.
Here's an example of a fitter using a super KISS explanation by mainly focusing on the head only and what a toe mark verses a heel mark means. In fact if you liston to each explanation they both say the same thing, a toe mark indicates a club is too flat and a heel mark indicates a club is too upright.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tP022i_93tU
again
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wBNCM_-zxA
Kevin, I know you are quite knowledgeable and I think you have said you're kind of analytical and more A personality, right? So I hope this comes across correctly.
Hope you're enjoying your Christmas day
Fried brain
Thanks, Robert. You are correct. As music director at my church, this is my second busiest time of the year and my brain is almost fried. I need about three days of vegetating to get thinking clearly again. Hope you are enjoying your day as well.
Understood
No problem Kevin. Hope you get to vegetate soon! lol!!
Adventures of an amateur fitter:
I am having a good day. Cindy and I actually did our family dinner and exchanging of gifts with the kids, my brother and sister and extended family last night at my nieces home. Today all is peaceful at my home aside from the clanging of tools in my garage. I am in the process of fitting my new Mizunos (actually new to me but not brand new) they are used but in 8 of 10 quality condition. Any how I have removed the furrels and then extracted each of the heads off (4-gw/ 8 clubs).When I took all the heads off this morning I found that they were all tip weighted. 6 of 8 tip weights came out with the shafts but I had to drill (bore) out the tip weights from inside the hosels on the 8 and gap wedge. Was a snap. The shafts I am replacing are the dynalite R300's (actually would have been a fit for me too) with the new Rifle Project X 5.0 which are a stiffer R. Any way next I am cutting the shafts to my needed length. That takes special care and measurement. Having two other current sets I am familiar with my wrist to floor and my optimal lengths but I will re-check it all any way before cutting the P X's. Like Dad said, "measure twice and cut once". Then the grips go on and finally tests on the lie board and final adjustments to both the lies and the lofts. I'll let the heads (epoxy) dry over night before I add the grips. Enlows did not arrive yesterday so needed to weight until tomorrow any how to add grips. So my day? If it was much better I'd get arrested, he he he :) Happy as pigs in a mud bath!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KhZT8bG7F1s
Yeeeeeeehaaaaaa !!!!!
Looks familiar
Robert
The scene in the video looked very familiar. Finally figured it out. Now, the only question I have is how did you get your hands on a video of one of my family reunions? Us Razorbacks love a good roll in the mud.
Well, I got my white Christmas, loving it,
Dick
Update on fitting
After finishing my Removal of the JPX iron heads off the shafts they arrived with I cleaned out the hosels really well and then I both FLO'd and spined all 8 PX 5.0 shafts. With all marked on masking taped about 3 inches off the tips I locked them down tip up (one by one ) and put the heads on. Starting with the 4 iron and working my way to the GW. Left drying heads up. Mean while I thought my Enlows had not arrived the 24th but lo and behold they had only not to my door but through normal mail. we found them last night and it was Christmas again!
I got the yellow ones and they look great. Later today after the clubs cure several more hours I will butt trim the clubs to my prescribed lengths and then add the grips. I won't be able to test them out until tomorrow.
Today is Cindy's Birthday (yes the day after Christmas). She wants to "go play!!" so we'll likely hit muni and walk 9 or 18 as she enjoys her new Datreks D-Light golf bag (only 4.5 pounds). Of course we both have trolley (push/pull) carts. She got me a new one so that's my other new toy. Going to be around 50* F. with light breezes so Spring weather compared to most of the country.
One thing I did find interesting when checking each shaft for FLO and spine is that normally they are not found at the same place on each shaft. I have the weighted laser for the FLO. Normally there is always one position that is clearly the best. So did that for each then with over kill as I do I then used my spine finder too. On almost every shaft the best horizontal oscillation flat line was one quarter turn clockwise. So I then re attached the FLO laser first at the each point at both the FLO point and the spine point to decide with gave the smoothest side to side line when twanged side to side. (see videos). The winner became the line for the point to square my leading edges with. It's a bit of a time consuming refinement process that in the long run may only make only a small difference but is worth the detail if it helps me be just that little bit more consistent. Of course the idea is to help us get back to square intended impact with the least wobble during the swing on the most stable plane.
The videos below help us see why we might want this done and why the actual visual Flat Line Oscillation (FLO) is more important than the most prominent spine.
In this video the fitter finds the spine and then the FLO using an actual fairway head. The good thing about this way is you could do it with only a clamp at the grip end as illustrated.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Pw6NLt-rNo
This is the weighted laser tool I use;
http://www.golfmechanix.com/OpenVideo.asp?src=http://blip.tv/play/AYKDyy4C
http://www.golfmechanix.com/OpenVideo.asp?src=http://blip.tv/play/AYKKhFsA
This is actually the way I use this tool to find the horizontal oscillation flat line. I find that the best side to side oscillation flat line is rarely the same as the spine so I go with the laser visual in the end. Fun stuff and really not that expensive or hard to do if you're a golf nerd hobiest like me.
BTW. that web site has some really awesome tools and toys for fitters amateur or Pro.
http://www.golfmechanix.com/default.asp
Merry christmas
Its the invisible man here, signing off. Hitting the road today to spend christmas with family. Would like to wish Surge & family a very merry christmas & a happy new year. Thanks for another year of great golf lessons & never ending inspiration
Merry Christmas
Invisible man, hahaha, like that one Russty Kiwi. Have a safe journey both ways mate. Fire appliances and ambulances flying past our place increased over the last days : - ( Have a safe,Happy and Fulfilling Christmas and New Year. Used to go to Whangamata for the holidays until the beginning of 2003! Golf and BBQ's, fresh fish from our golf mates. Happy Days. DH in NZ
Merry Christmas
A very merry christmas to you & your family DH. Roads are fairly quiet here compared to normal.No one wants to go camping while cyclone Evan is still hanging around. All the best for the new year. PMGAS
Merry Christmas
Glad to hear that Russty Kiwi, I can understand the reluctance to not want to go camping with Evan hanging about. Just checked my ball positions on the deck and nearly choked with embarrassment! My "lying eyes" or for whatever reason, my driver was 2-3" towards the centre of my stance at address!!! The 7iron was 2" inches forward of centre. Checked all my longer clubs, and found that the 3W and 5W were spot on, but the Rescue was quite near the middle of my stance. Spent some time modifying an alignment device I cobbled together some time ago. The base of it is the width between my heels at address.Now it has an 'aiming arrow from it's centre. Another one is about to be added to the leading edge, giving me driver position and 7 iron positions. Noted: For me that distance between them is one foot width or 3ball widths. Once I checked the correct positions. It was much easier to judge the distances with my heels as a reference point. Just using the club in hand butt end of the grip pointing at the ball gave me an instant feedback. Now to trial it next time out. Christmas Day if my raddled old carcass behaves itself hahaha.
PMGAS yourself. A different course for the holidays will be fun. DH in sunny non cyclone rain so far ; - ) Wellington, NZ
Ball Position
DH: Very interesting comments! As I viewed todays video and read your input, I thought about our master set-up mantra, GBSAPS (for the newcomers, that's Grip, Ball position, Stance, Alignment, Posture and Swing). Over the past couple of years, i've managed to ingrain it so that for every shot, I automatically (and quickly) think about each step, in order, and as long as each step is correct, the shot does what I planned it to do. Anyway, hope you have a very nice, warm Christmas. I'll go out and build a snowman for you - sounds like we are getting a lot of the dreaded white stuff here in Utah. Take care and keep the reports coming. R2
My skiis
My skiis are ready R2. Be hitting the slopes in a couple of weeks in southern Utah.
Merry Christmas pal:)
Merry Christmas
RM: The snow at Brianhead is REALLY good and deep now. Should hold for your trip. Be careful, drive safe, and have a super Christmas! And thanks for all your great input on the blog! Take care, R2
Merry Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Zh-yR0pbmU
And Happy New Year.
Merry Christmas
Steve: I hope you have a great Christmas. Thank you for all your comments on the blog. It is good to have knowledgable Surgites like you to help us understand the PPGS! Take care and as always, hit 'em straight! R2
Hope yours is a good one
Hope yours is a good one Steve. Draws down the center for your 2013!
Wow.... thanks for adding that nativity peice. beautiful.
Resolution
I actually already put my 2013 golfing resolution in place about a month ago and so far it couldn't be better.
It is short and simple, "Don't fight what's very easy for me".
Ball position
A most welcome video today Surge, many thanks.
Still not swinging at the real wee white monsters. Neck and shoulders coming right, so patience is all that is needed.
The light went on after watching today's pearls of wisdom. I can't swing, but the down time will not be wasted. I have aiming arrows, 7iron and Driver already out to practice and see what differences it makes to my sometimes 'lying eyes'! Maybe it has not been my lying eyes, just my method of using my toes as the point of reference?
Christmas Eve here in NZ, and the population, like Russty Kiwi, 'Hit the road' to spend the time with family and friends. To all Surgites doing the same thing, where ever you are, have a Safe, Restful [except for golf ; - ], Peaceful and Fulfilling Christmas and New Year. To all those who are serving our nations away from home: God Bless You All and may He keep you safe from harm. DH
Merry Christmas,Surgites!
Though I haven't posted in ages, I do keep up with the blog. A variety of health issues have curtailed my game for the moment but I try to keep myself connected to the game reading as much as I can on the subject. I just finished reading "The Inner Game of Golf" by Mr. T. Gallwey. I found it to enlightening to a degree. Play the game,don't let the game play you and have fun and enjoy your time on the course.
Mainly,I wanted to wish you all a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Welcome home pal
Boog
Sorry to hear you have been under the weather with the health issues. It is always a great pleasure to hear from you. It has been a bit since I have been on regularly too. But, as I am sure you already know, the Surge Nation always welcomes us prodigal sons back home.
I hope you are on the road to recovery.
Hope your family is doing well, and you folks have a wonderful Christmas.
Semper Fi,
Dick
Merry Christmas
Boogmc, Merry Christmas to you and yours old son. Know that feeling. Old age never comes alone eh? And the sins of our youth and military service catch up to us with a vengeance. I hope that your health issues are soon a thing of the past. My old carcass is being a little insubordinate too at present. Like you, I can't swing, I read, check alignments, putt if possible etc. Having fun, enjoying the clean fresh air and exercise are brilliant bonuses to this frustrating but fascinating game. Have a prosperous and healthier New Year Boogmc PMGAS, I intend to ; - ) DH in NZ
Booger
We have missed you Boog. Thanks so much for dropping us a Christmas note. Hope you, your son and whole family are well.
Have a very Merry Christmas and I hope this new year brings you better health my friend.
Take care and please stop by more often,
Robert Meade
Merry Christmas
Boog: Great to hear from you! Hope you heal completely soon so you can start enjoying this great game again! Have a very Merry Christmas and stay in touch. R2
Merry Christmas to me
Well, I think Coach said it in the shortest and most to the point way he could when he was asked how he liked the Enlow grips. He just said they are still on his clubs.
Being cautious about putting "new" stuff on my clubs, I just ordered one. I got it put on my new Titleist 913D today. The closest thing they offered to my Oklahoma State orange is tangerine. Now my driver looks like I have a hugh carrot on the end of the shaft. After allowing it to properly set up after installation, which seemed like a decade, I took it out to the driving range. I am in love boys. It felt great. I hit a bucket of balls, went and putted for an hour, and then went back and hit another bucket. I was concerned about being able to get the club face closed with the realllllllllly big grip. That turned out to be no problem at all. Was really hitting them good. Found that it actually seemed easier for me to shape the shots with this grip. I had a lot more control. I have been kind of stuck with the choice of straight, a draw, or a fade. Today I was able to control whether I hit a little, medium, or a lot of draw or fade. That will add a lot of shots to my bag to choose from depending on what I need.
As soon as got home, I sat down and ordered the 14 grip set. I found that with the shipping charge, Surge's Shop is cheaper than the manufacture's shop. Besides, I always want to support the Surge Nation.
On a separate note, I finally got my Scotty Cam putter. I putt face on, so I have been looking for one of their 50" Big Sur. I was looking at @ $370.00. That was a bit steep for me right now. One of the pros from one of our other stores called to let me know they had taken a used one in on trade because of the new anchored putting rules. It looks like brand new.
I got it for $ 150.
So like I said, Merry Christmas to me,
Dick
Enlow grips
Ha ha ha - fun stuff Dick!! I got my 14 "orange" Enlows the other day so I was delighted to see your comment about having a "hugh carrot on the end of the shaft". My thoughts exactly! But man, do they work. I honestly had no idea a grip could make such a difference in ball control. So far I've put them on five of my clubs. Only tried them at the range once, but there is a noticeable difference in feel and ball control. And, it turns out I don't need a new bag after all. I have a Palm Springs bag with a 10" top, and it holds them just fine. Anyway, take care and have a safe, peaceful Christmas. R2
Old bag, new bag, I don't care
Roy
We need to find us a guy with them in red, and a couple in green, and we could make a rite pretty salad. Glad they worked for you too. I was surprised how easy it was for me to get my hands around back to square at impact. Glad you found, like I did, that you had extra control. I know some of the guys have concerns about them all fitting in their bags. They will all fit in mine too. I have the big OSU Cowboy cart bag from Sun Mountain. I have to say though, that if they would not fit in this bag, I would have found one they would fit in. Or, I would have just shoved them all into a gunny sack and when on out and played so golf.
Thanks for you warm wishes, and I wish you all the same my friend.
Blessing from Oklahoma,
Dick
Really enjoying my morning cup of tea and reading
............all tha nice comments from R2 and Dick about the Enlows. Santa says my 14 new yellow ones should be arriving today- Christmas Eve. 'Was the night before Christmas' and Robert and Cindy were all smiles! Her new bag is expected today too. I ordered all 14 grips without hesitation for my new build my own Mizunos. Excited I am!! I have been used to the real BIG boys for quite a while now using the Jumbo Max (which are still a great option). Now I'll have both. Is that greedy? Me thinks not:) Happy days ahead shoulder be damned!
TO ALL THE SURGE NATION HO HO HO!
MAY YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR AND LIFE !
Regardless of life's challenges ahead!
Peace to all my fellow Surge Nation pals
To Don,DJ and all the hard working family and crew at SwingSurgeon.com,
Thanks for all you do!!
Merry Christmas Surge Nation
I pray for safe travel, great times and memories, and great eating for all the folks in the Surge Nation. Please don't forget to check in with your family here to let us know you make it back home safe and sound.
I want to say for the countless time how much you folks all mean to me and my family. Your thoughts, support, and prayers for us over the last few months mean so very much to us. Your friendships and your virtual hands on my shoulder has helped more than you can know.
The weather folks are saying we are going to have a white Christmas. Yippie.
Merry Christmas, and Happy Holidays to all.
Keeping it vertical, and hoping for a white Christmas, in Oklahoma,
Dick
Merry Christmas Surge Nation
As I write this, it is 5-30pm on Christmas Day. Up and on the course at 0650am : - ) A different start to the big day. Had a great round and came off the course soaked with sweat [high of 80degF forecast.Felt more like 100degF +] We were the first on the course and breakfasted in the shade at two places on the course during the round. Some players called us through after they had cut across onto our hole. They had given up as it was too hot for them~! One of the guys was literally soaked to the skin! When we got home, everything went straight in the wash.
The ball position video paid off big time. I only hit one bad tee shot and one so-so one in the round. In both cases recovery shots were great.
Played well under my handicap. Long may it continue. A very different Christmas morning Dick, but a cracker all the same.
Have a great holiday. Now I have to get lie angles etc past her who has to be obeyed hahaha! Glad to see you are in good shape and spirits. God Bless and stay safe, well and happy. Semper Fi and In Arduis Fidelis DH in hot NZ
From one extreme to the other
DH
Glad it turned out like that my friend. Those rounds are the ones we cherish. It is supposed to snow here today, and give us a white Christmas. The low this morning is supposed to be 12 with a high of 25, Wednesday is a low of 15 and a high of 22. Won't be any golf for me this week, looks like the high for the next week might be 40.
During the summer here we had 63 days of over 100. I don't really pay too much attention to the temp, but too far in either direction is no fun.
Have her watch the video about lie angles Robert posted.
Thanks for your thoughts, you know they are mutual,
Dick
White Christmas
Dick,
In the news today here, it says that yesterday Xmas Day had a high of 29degC the hottest Christmas Day since 1934! Oh! for a White Christmas. Loved your kitchen raid. My son and his wife just left. I now have Xmas ANZAC Biscuits, miniature mince pies,Black Pepper Peanuts,Cadbury's assorted mini bars and a mini fruit pudding [which weighs a ton!!!].....etc to get rid of ; - ] hahaha. I will be rationed sure as eggs are eggs hahaha.
DH
Merry Christmas
Here's wishing everyone a joyous Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!
Merry Christmas
Just wanted to take a moment and wish all the Surgites out there a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Thank you for participating in this great blog and helping one another learn the PPGS. And as always, hit 'em straight! R2
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to Don, Doc, and DJ and families. What a bunch of great guys willing to share their knowledge and expertise to so many of us that love the game.
God Bless
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Robb60,
You took the words right off my lips. Don and all the guys at PPGS and Swing Surgeon are great with willing to share their knowledge.
I too want to wish Don and all of his group and all the Surgites The best of the holiday season. May the new season bring to us a higher understanding of the PPGS swing.
Hal, SC
Ball Postion
The ppgs has improved my game by 10 to 15 strokes, my ball placement never seems to move more than an 1" or 2" from center, if I move the ball to my heel with the driver I tend to hit low flyers or worm burners (maybe I'm doing something wrong). I keep waiting for a ppgs instructor to pop up in San Antonio I would love to have a pro check my swing and show me what I need to do to hit the ppgs properly or improve on what I'm doing.
Video assessment
You should consider going through the process of having one of the PPGS instructors assess you swing by video. It has worked very well for several of the followers.
He went too far this time
It is war I tell you. It is just after 11 PM here in the heartland of America. I just got a call from the deputy sheriff who lives on the two acres next to us. He was driving by our spread on his way home from work. He wanted me to know that he saw Santa up on my roof trying to get down the chimney.
I told him thanks for the call, that he should get his eyes checked, and hung up on him. Just my luck, he drove by while I was up on the roof fixing a string of our lights that had went out.
Must have thought that because it is real cold here and I had on a couple of heavy coats. I mean it, those coats are hugh.
Now I am depressed and thinking about going to raid the fridge for a midnight snack. Donna has been baking all day. How convenient, she just went to bed. I know I will feel better after some fudge.
I just got back to the man cave. Donna left milk and cookies out for Santa. Since I have already been mistaken for Santa once tonight, I just helped myself to them. All is well in my kingdom now.
Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night,
Dick