Golf Is Like Life

Sun, 01/20/2013 - 12:00 -- Don Trahan

The Peak Performance Golf Swing is the most body-friendly swing being taught today. Designed to eliminate any of the nagging injuries we so often see in the sport of golf, the PPGS has helped many golfers not only return to the sport they love, but also reach new levels of consistency never before seen.

Al Pelkowski had a back fusion last August. He's in the process of looking for new clubs, as his old ones can no longer be used. He's already given himself a self diagnosis and is thinking about switching to hybrid irons with ladies shafts. Well, golf is just like life. Al most assuredly went to a back specialist for his surgery. The same respect must be shown when switching clubs and using a new swing. You've got to get to the experts!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST OF SWING SURGEON CERTIFIED FITTERS & INSTRUCTORS

Don,

I have purchased some of your products and will be needing some help. I had a back fusion in August. I have experimented with your swing prior and had some decent results. How important will it be for me to be able to move my right ankle? I will no longer be able to use my clubs. I am considering hybrid irons with ladies shafts. Need to get ready for next sesason.

Al Pelkowski

First of all, since Al had his back fused, he's not going to be able to turn much. His swing speed will take a hit as well. I want to address both of these issues. I think Al knows this is the body friendly golf swing. Many golfers who have had back issues find us because they want to keep playing golf, just without the back pain. This swing will also help you avoid hip, shoulder, neck, knee, and ankle pain. A lot of people find us who have never had any of those issues (and who don't want them!) so this swing is similar to preventative maintenance for them. 

The other big thing I want to discuss is when Al suggested going to ladies' shafts. This could be a critical issue, in one way or another. They might not be the shafts that he needs. Senior shafts might be the way to go. The point is that there's no way for anyone to know what clubs they need just by guessing. Self diagnosis, in terms of equipment or your swing, is the equivalent to self diagnosing your health. When you're sick, you go see your doctor. If you needed surgery, you would go to the right specialist. When you're having problems with your swing or clubs, you need to go to the right golf specialist, whether it's a certified instructor or a certified club fitter.

The information you can get from a fitter is something you'd never be able to obtain by yourself. That's why I say golf is like life. When you have issues, go to the experts to find the answers. Self diagnosis will very likely take you down the wrong path that can lead to more injuries and bad golf.

Lastly, Al asked about his right ankle. If you're a righ handed golfer with a sore right ankle, that's actually better than having a sore left ankle. This is because the left foot rolls over and has a lot more action on the ankle. If you've got a bad left ankle, you can open up your front foot to decrease pressure on that whole side. If it's your back ankle, you've got to be able to push off. If you can't do that, then you may need to see an expert and begin a rehab period so you can heal.

Remember...tension, stress, and strain equal pain. Get to the right golf specialist so you can start enjoying the game we all love.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL LIST OF SWING SURGEON CERTIFIED INSTRUCTORS & FITTERS.

Keep it vertical,

The Surge

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Comments

dmwheat4@comcast.net's picture

Submitted by dmwheat4@comcast.net on

Thanks Surge, again good advice. Me IM still looking for a driver, bit has been months now!! Got out yesterday, walked 10 holes, the weather was 53, sun felt so good. Today high is 27 with cold wind, :o((.. Hit my ball good yesterday, did have a few bad hits, hurry to much and kinda over instead of under like skipping a stone, makes me so darn mad when I do that!! I can't believe this spring, will be my 6th year golfing and two or three years using your swing,(time goes fast) I was lucky to find your site that day. Yesterday I practice hitting out of the sand, do I need to take a full swing? Sand is no fun, but, want to learn to hit it right, looks like it going to be a few days before I'll be out again, can't hit a ball in such cold weather and dress like a Eskimo!!

Thanks,
marilyn

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Looks like DJ has vastly improved his putting. Today he has made two of 15 feet, a 7 footer, three 6 footers and a 5 footer among others. He is doing well in other areas too averaging 303.9 of the tee and 75.36 GIR. With two holes left he's had 5 birdies and one bogie and is at -15. This could be a good year:)

Badbobrst's picture

Submitted by Badbobrst on

DJ is off to a good start this year with four rounds in the 60's. He has played well at Pebble Beach in the past, and hopefully he gets a spot there in a few weeks.

Putting in the desert is different than putting at Pebble. Pebble has Poa Annua greens, so putting in the morning is good, and can get bumpy in the afternoon. Let's hope he hits it close regardless and has another good tournament:0)

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Just gave this daily another listen. Thinking about it and here's my 'intention' for 2013; I am going to get back on the lesson tee with Don Trahan.
I am good in the equipment category and golf clubs. It has been two years since I have had the privilege of getting some swing guidance from Surge. Those moments were great and I have benefited much. However with time things change in our swing and physically and other wise. It is time for a tune up.
Not sure when or where yet but think either in Florida or SC would be the choice if finances allow. I'll be saving every extra dime till then but hope to make it happen before fall.
If anyone is considering a similar goal, I can tell you it's worth it beyond words.

barrowcloughr@aol.com's picture

Submitted by barrowcloughr@a... on

do you mean a one to one lesson. what would Don charge for an hours lesson?.
a fair amount i should imagine. i would love that. but aint gonna happen. for one thing i;m in the UK, for another i;m broke. lol

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan on

BC,
Check out the online lessons link under Lessons in the menu at the top of this page. You can do a video and get certified Swing Surgeon analysis much less expensively than going in person.

SimplyGolf's picture

Submitted by SimplyGolf on

Hi Kevin. Ya, really good idea. This sounds really cost effective.

You've been on this site for a while. Has Don ever done a daily on putting?
So, is there a PPPS? lol.

Am aware that it's offered in other places here. Have even heard it discussed with the online Nation. Just have not seen "putting" on a daily. Even though it is not a PPGS, per se, it is obviously quite important, and I know Don has some thoughts on the subject.

Speaking if lessons....perhaps the webmaster of this site can provide lessons on preventing the dreaded duplicate post....duplicate post. Duplicate post.

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan on

Don has a Peak Performance Putting System (PPPS) Video for $19.95 in Surge's Shop. It is more than worth the cost.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

SG,
Now you will say you've seen all the available dailies on putting if you watch these. Make yourself a cup of tea, this may take a while.

https://www.swingsurgeon.com/search/node/putting

BTW, Kevin is right on point. The putting video is excellent along with the other putting secrets video.
Again check Surges shop.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Funny, I've seen your comments on here for several years right? - and still am not sure what your name is. No matter, any how I'm not sure what his hourly is right now but would guess it's 2-$300.00. Yes one on one would be great. For a look at a whole day session which is 695.00 and is 4 hours of instruction and 9 holes of golf with Don you can look through the dates in the lessons section above. Here is an example;

http://www.dontrahanacademyofgolf.com/echelon-club/don-trahan/427

Here's the whole school schedule;

http://www.dontrahanacademyofgolf.com/golf-schools

Cost is relative. You can do it or not or you may have a relative who can send you there, lol!! There are still plenty of people who can afford it and for some it is a lifetime experience. Like I said above, I would like to go again if and when I can afford it. I still work full time and have had the privilege of attending two PPGS tournaments and the included lessons. We'll see how things shape up this year.
Spending the day with Surge (and his top notch staff) is amazing and worth every dime.

Remember, aside from SG's idea, there is another option;

An on line lesson, it's for as little as $38.99 and also well worth it.

https://www.swingsurgeon.com/lessons/online-golf-instruction

barrowcloughr@aol.com's picture

Submitted by barrowcloughr@a... on

cheers robert and others. thanks for taking the trouble. much appreciated yeh sorry about name should have mentioned it before.i have a dream of coming out there and getting a fitting from The Doc and a lesson from The Surge. actually i could afford it but i keep worrying about possible rainy days in the future, but some days i just think ****** it , just do it ! stop being sensible. !

never know could happen.

thanks again chaps . richard in the UK ( PS , cant play at the moment course covered in snow, which doesnt happen that often)

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Well hello Richard,

I have noticed you as a regular part of the Surge Nation for quite a while. I may be the last one to take financial advice from (he,he he...). I am one of those likely to spend the future kids inheritance now verses after my death, lol. That's what life insurance is for eh? I actually was a life/health insurance agent for a couple of years (many years ago) and firmly believe in in it. Any how I know many are unable to afford such dream as yours. You know the pound is doing quite well against our dollar for the moment and we get a lot of lads and lasses from the UK and elsewhere like Aus./NZ and Canada, also from all over the globe. Especially in Las Vegas. Being in the service industries here for over 35 years I've met 'em all.
I can tell you this, I am honored to have met and learned from Don twice over the last 4 years. One of those times was quite expensive when we made a vacation out of it and flew to South Carolina. But OMG Richard, it was worth it by far and was a bit of a dream come true. We made a vacation out of it and visited near by Hilton Head too and surrounding area - beautiful part of the USA. I still have both 8X10 photos of Surge,DJ,my wife and I placed above our fire place mantle. One from 2010 and the other from 2011. Those are precious memories that I would repeat again in a snap. Yes, it is much more than just golf for me. It's a way for me to remember my father and all the joy experienced chasing around golf courses as a lad with Dad. It's like visiting with a wise uncle (Surge) and being around a legend for a moment in our short life. Money well spent? Each needs to be the judge. But for me it was a blast. So if you can, well think it over.............

"Never know could happen".

barrowcloughr@aol.com's picture

Submitted by barrowcloughr@a... on

nice memories Robert, as i say . i havent entirely ruled it out and ' always at my back i hear times winged chariot hurrying near ' so better decide soon ( i;m 60 ) . as John Lennon said ' life is what happens whilst your busy making other plans' wheres the nearest major airport to Surge?

cheers richard in the uk

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Richard,

Savannah Georgia which is about 27 miles from Hilton Head SC and maybe a bit further to Old South golf course where Surge and Greg Macdonald have events on occasion. Doc is only another proverbial 'stones throw' from there too. We actually flew into North Carolina (one of the top 5 prettiest states- in my opinion) and then we took a smaller plane from there to Hilton Head airport, rented a car and drove about 20 minutes to the PPGS golf event. Many options......................
Fly in, rent a car. Visualize baby visualize!
Of course you could go to another location where he'll 'be appearing' this year if you would like to see another part of the country or world.

Agreed that we don't look back and reflect on all our prudent and 'safe' choices. We only have memories at the end so make them good my friend. I've always lived by the credo "these are the good old days" (anticipation- Carly Simon).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NwP3wes4M8
Dang, she's still a fox.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Welcome to the "Broke" club. Hahaha.

There's a lot of that going around. The $900 a month for health insurance is knocking me out of many extracurricular activities right now.

The $20 for the Saturday game is about it. I was winning some money in that game but one of the guys that was always the best ball striker in the world (not much exaggeration) somehow learned to putt so the rest of us are out of luck (at least until he gets the yips again). He shot 9 under Saturday on a cold wet course.

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Steve

I think Donna must have gotten a hugh raise and forgot to tell me. I think she is now making $ 425,000. The reason I believe she got a big raise is because my taxes weren't going up unless we make 450K between us. My checks for the golf shop have taken a hugh hit, and so I know we must be millionaires now.

That is great news. I am going to fly the whole Surge Nation to Surge's house for a week long private school.

Or, could it be that we was lied too. If that is the case, forget the whole idea about the trip to Surge's house.

Keeping it vertical, and counting my millions, in Oklahoma,
Dick

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 on

Dick

"We was lied to"? Politicians do that ? That's never happened before.

It was 15* and windy here this morning, so no golf. Since I can't play I was going to offer to fly to Oklahoma and help you count your money. I have some extra penny rolls if you run short. ;0)

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Lynn

Come on over here pal. I can't pay you anything, but we will play some golf.

Oh yes, and we will eat real good while you are here. I can see it now, the Lynn and Dick nightly updates on golf and where we ate each day.

Dick

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 on

Dick,

What are the odds the Food Chanel would give us our own reality show? We could each gain 10-20 pounds and throw in a few golf tips at no extra charge.

Heck, we make it good cop, bad cop. I'll demo the shot the wrong way (real easy for me) and then you can show our huge audience the right way.

I figure this show should make us both rich. Wait, that might not be good because now we have to start searching for tax friendly states to move to.

I better stop now, I'm getting hungry. ;0)

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Lynn

I think we could get a reality show going, and call it Surge Nation gone wild. They have shows about very thing else.

We could travel the world visiting with Surgites and playing golf, and eating the local food. And, I could try the local favorite cigars.

Like I always say, I think we might be on something.
Dick

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 on

Dick,

I'm not sure the Food Chanel would allow cigars. It's just not PC. If they turn us down, maybe we could get Steve to measure a few angles, draw a few lines, explain why my Pi isn't getting back to square and we could sell the show to the Al-gebra Network. Jut a thought.

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Lynn

That could work. Don't know how long the series could run on that kind of network.

You know Surge says the less angles the better. I think we would be out of angles in one episode.

Dick

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Ya'll catch the latest on Phil M.? Thinking out loud about the 63% taxes he has to pay for 2012 and the future if he stays in California. I agree with him. It's BS.
California was rated the worst run state in the country. Now lots of savy companies and golfers are starting to bail and move to more reasonable states like Florida. I don't care that he makes millions any way. that's not the point. Good for Phil. I praise not condemn the wealthy and successful. Business is business and poor or rich need to act wisely regardless.

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 on

I saw that, Robert. Makes about as much sense as France raising their top rate to 75%. I have nothing against Greece, but I certainly don't want to be them. As a wise president once said, "Big government is not the answer, Big government is the problem".

Taxing your way to prosperity is akin to buying the latest and greatest mongo-headed driver thinking you're going to win the long drive championship. See, I did make it golf related. ;0)

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

Did you guys see the article the state of Texas did in NY? They invited all law abiding gun owners from NY to move to Texas, where their guns are welcome and there is no income tax.

Oh yes, and you can play golf 12 months of the year.

Oklahoma is lowering our income tax and trying to completely phase it out over the next few years. And a lot of us play golf 12 months too.

You folks get you a cowboy hat, a pickup truck, a few guns, bring your clubs and come on down here. You will be asking yourself why you waited so long. I know I ask myself that question every day.

Dick

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Just wait until enough of those cities and the State get so deep in the hole that the rest of us that have had to do without all these years are forced to bail them out. Some of it is already going on with some homeowner bailouts.
(City and State pensions will be next...Mark my words).

Heck of a deal. The people that bought what they could afford get to pay for the people that didn't and the ones that didn't get to live in a mansion while the frugal people live in their shacks. The firefighter in a State that gives them a $20,000 pension will be paying for the ones in a State that gives them an $80,000 pension.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade on

Ya Steve, I am a bit worried about my wife's future pension. She's put in over 22 years as a registered nurse at the county hospital. She has a great benefit package that she has loyally worked her tail off to get some day. Will it be there in 8 years when she can retire if she chooses? Hmmnnn... we'll see. Mean while the government keeps spending and borrowing at an uncontrolled pace. As we know it is often much more about what you spend and not what you earn. Really a mute point now at least for the next 4 years. Scary thing is that we are not far off from the point where more are working and paying taxes than those not working and receiving some kind of assistance. Their vote counted as much as mine. Wasn't shocked who they voted for.
Oh, got to go to work now and help every one else eat and have a cell phone.

Cowboy in a kilt's picture

Submitted by Cowboy in a kilt on

I hope he sticks to his guns on this. Lots of people moved out of NY when they went crazy with their tax rates a few years ago. I would move out of those places even on what I make. If I was making the kind of money Phil makes, I would have moved out of that mess a long time ago.

My favorite modern day president said it best, when he told folks that if they did not like the way a city or state was taxing them, or treating them, to vote with their feet.

If it wrong to move away from a place like that because of their tax rate, what is next? Should we not be able to move because we want to be closer to the beach, to the mountains, to wide open spaces. Next they will say that when a person with that much money moves out, that should be considered tax evasion.

There is just no end to the stupidity.
Dick

dmwheat4@comcast.net's picture

Submitted by dmwheat4@comcast.net on

Thanks so much, miss all, so busy with golf and humane society I can't see the light!!! I love golf,,doing ok, for so reason im turn my right arm over to fast, darn, have to STOP THAT, in a hurry all of the time..

Thanks you,

marilyn

dmwheat4@comcast.net's picture

Submitted by dmwheat4@comcast.net on

It has been awhile since I have been on, to busy!! IM playing allot of golf, doing so much better this year!!! :o) I have tried to remember everything that I have learned from all of you. Thanks Surge and all. IM now hitting with more people and did join a few groups. My drive still goes off to the right allot, I need to work on that. When I set up right my balls go where they should!! I just practice all of the time...chipping the stone on the water and up the tree, which sometime I stop.
Thanks,
Marilyn