Retrofitting Golf Clubs

Fri, 04/27/2012 - 20:11 -- Don Trahan

Today I'm back with Greg MacDonell and Dale Moser, as we continue our discussion about club fitting and what Dale did to each of our students' clubs. I always say fitted clubs are the way to go but Dale shows a great reminder that some of your clubs don't have to be replaced. Instead, the club can be retrofitted to fit you and the rest of your set.

This was the case for one of our female students. The last iron she carries in her bag is an 8 iron. She then drops down to a 7 hybrid iron, but wasn't able to hit it very well. Dale measured the club and it was a full two inches longer than her 8 iron. In this case, Dale recommended she cut the club to match more closely with her irons. Other adjustments must be made after cutting a club down so having Dale's shop so close will again prove very useful. This is a great example of retrofitting golf clubs that you already own but can be altered to fit your game. Sometimes golf clubs are close and the fitters only need to make slight changes.

Another interesting statistic that came out of the golf school was that all but one student got their drivers cut down by Dale. The reason the last one didn't get his cut was because he already had it done before the golf school!

Our PPGS Certified Fitters always work with you to get the best possible results. Sometimes only small adjustments are needed, but the important thing is that you get your clubs checked.

Be sure to check back tomorrow as we will wrap up another fantasic golf school here at Old South Golf Links.

Keep it vertical,

The Surge!
Don Trahan
PGA Master Professional

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Comments

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

I looked at the perfect club website the driver as far as I can tell there is no choice in shaft flex.
edit
The flex is regular plus for everybody.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

Are those as measured or as marked? Robert Meade and I proved again last week how you can't trust markings when we measured my 52* gap wedge and found out it was 50*--identical to my pitching wedge. So much for gapping. ;-) We also found that my 2 iron and 3 iron were both 22*, but were 6* different in lie angle. Explains why I can hook my 3 iron, and can use my 2 iron as a "don't go left" club.

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 (not verified) on

Dick,

Thanks for the update.  God brought you this far and God will get you through it.  We in the Surge Nation will steady your shaky knees and make sure your salute is sharp.

I ask one favor.  Please thank Sgt. Dick A. Lee,Jr. from all of the Surge Nation.

Godspeed, Dick.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 I think sometimes the game makes us take a step (or two, or three) backward just to put us in our place. LOL

Our greens are so bumpy and so inconsistent from one green to another right now that there's really no chance to bail yourself out of a bad game with the putter.

The only way to score is to really hit it close, which is not necessarily my forte. Even on the good days about all I'm getting is two or three birdies. May end up being for the best because I am either going to have to get better with the approach shots or get used to losing.

I'm beginning to wonder if Ron is keeping the greens like that on purpose because he can't putt a lick but is as good with approach shots as anyone. He shot 6 under yesterday and nobody else could even come close to that on those greens. The rest of us depend on making a few 8 to 12 foot putts to compete.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

No choice in anything. Just a one size supposed to fit all club.
Might as well buy a lottery ticket.

Bobsisk's picture

Submitted by Bobsisk (not verified) on

i'm sorry for your loss Mr. Lee.
thank you and your son for your service in the Marines .

army golf is left ,right ,left ,right
Marine golf is strait down the middle!
----respecfully----
-bob sisk-

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Matthew 28:20

"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen."

The Lord will be with you brother, and so will we.

J Bernet's picture

Submitted by J Bernet (not verified) on

Surge,
Can you give data about the degrees each hybred club shoud have from a standard 7 iron up to a driver?
Thanks,
Jim.

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

I seen Alabama had four players go in the first round of the draft. The Bengals took Kirkpatrick.

I actually did buy a lottery ticket tonight for mega millions.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

I would say that his life expectancy isn't very good around here.
Too many hawks, foxes, bobcats, and coyotes and being white and unafraid is not a good combination.
(Unless it's in the arctic).

T Medley's picture

Submitted by T Medley (not verified) on

Dennis,

One additional item of concern is proper WTF measuring to the correct wrist break, this link will help with that.
 http://www.angelfire.com/pa/TW...

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

1  14* to 16*
2  16* to 18*
3 19*
4  22*
5  25* to 26*
6  28* to 30*
7  31*

As you can see, there is no standard.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 Yeah most people thought they would have 5 but Upshaw got passed up and went in the second round.

Bengals may have messed up with Kirkpatrick but time will tell.
I thought he was overrated and should have been a second round pick and Upshaw should have been a first round pick.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 The Knight Rippa hybrids I have are 22 degrees for the three hybrid and 25 degrees for the four hybrid.
I hardly ever use those clubs but they actually work just about right to replace those irons.
I have hit three hybrids that were more "normal" at 17* and 18* but they go to far to match up very well with my other irons.

TinaB's picture

Submitted by TinaB (not verified) on

Hi Dick,
My thoughts join the others as you and your family grieve the loss of your son.  I start crying every time I read the blog.  Scripture says the Holy Spirit groans for us with words we cannot express, and He is groaning mightily right now.  Travel safely,
Tina

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Weird question here:

Do any of ya'll know much about pigeons?

There is a white pigeon wandering around out in the yard and it has a couple of tags or bands around it's legs. It's not afraid of me and every time I start drilling holes in the trailer I am working on it comes up to a foot or two away and stands there looking at me. He went in the barn a few minutes ago and had a look around and came back out and went back to strolling around the yard.

Would it be somebody's pet or a homing pigeon that thinks this is home or what? LOL

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

I don't think he will come in and start they need depth at that position. They did sign a couple of free agents they almost ran of DB last year 2 of there starters went down early in the year and were gone for the season. 

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

As a kid my neighbor(another kid) would catch dozens of pigeons and after a few weeks cut them loose and shoot them with his pellot gun. Ya a real loser. Las Vegas was a much more rural town then. We had 3 horses, chickens(fresh eggs yum!) rabits, turtles, a couple ducks,gerbals,hamsters, of the several dogs, cats, an owl once, parakeets and Im sure I left something out. All that right in what is now considered the middle of town.
Backyard was long enough to hit a 9 iron to the back corral fence. Took two hours to mow. Good memories:)

Ken Pryor's picture

Submitted by Ken Pryor (not verified) on

I have a question about your favorite subject; alignment. In the set up everything is parallel left, but when you put your right hand on the club at address, being right handed, your shoulder moves naturally out of that alignment. Because you reach below your left hand. Is that right are or are we suppose to force the right shoulder back to keep the shoulders in perfect alignment with the toes?

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

It could be a pet, but more likely it's banded for research purposes. Clearly it's used to humans so it's most likely lived in a coop and wonders why you haven't given it any food yet.
That or it's one of those super-secret spy pigeons sent by the CIA to discover your secret to playing so badly and still breaking par. ;-)

Dennis Dahl's picture

Submitted by Dennis Dahl on

Hi Surge, I have very short arms, and am trying to find out what length shaft for my driver. I went into a Golf shop and they had me stand beside a Ping chart. Well the salesman yelled out "hey guys come and look at this!" I was off the chart. When standing straight my middle finger, bottom of my middle joint is 34 inches from the ground with my golf shoes on. Could you tell by this how long should my driver shaft be? As well where does one start the measurement from?
Thanks, Dennis (big fan) from Langley BC Canada.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

Hey Dennis,

If you click on this link and scroll down to the second chart it will show you what the suggested length club you would need for your  wrist to floor measurement.

You would need to get your wrist to floor measurement to use to chart.
http://www.swingsurgeon.com/Ho...

P.S. To measure your club the measurement is with the club soled on a flat surface and measured from the floor to the butt end, not just the shaft but the overall length, club head included.
http://www.angelfire.com/pa/TW...

P.S. again:
The article says that you can't measure a club with a tape measure and you have to have a "yard stick" to get an accurate measurement.
Not true. Anything that can be measured with a yard stick can also be measured with tape measure as long as the tape measure is stiff enough.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Robert,
So true on the lofts and lies. As you know I've been adjusting mine. Got em all farly close to just right now. I had over compensated and noticed that my pw was leaving shots about 15 feet left at about 100-105 yards. I flattened the lie about 1.5 degrees, now at 64* and 48* loft. Today I took dead aim and was straight at it. Missed the 6the foot putt but at least I have more confidence on alignment. Doing my best to illiminate any excuses clubwise.
I can now say with measured certainty that my wedges are 48,52,56,58,and 60*

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 Your shoulders should stay on a parallel left line along with your feet, knees and hips.

Your spine will tilt back and your weight pre-loaded heavy right and those two things should allow you to reach lower with your back hand without opening your shoulders.

If your arms are hanging down naturally it should just be a tilt and not opening of the shoulders.

 If you are too far from the ball and have your arms extended out in front of you there will be much more tendency for the front shoulder to open because you are having to reach forward as well as down with the back hand.

Zanedodd's picture

Submitted by Zanedodd (not verified) on

Surge, Tell Your students to go to perfect club.com and get a driver that is designed from the ground up that works. I did and I am very glad that I did.Works from the get go with your swing.

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Steve, you're correct with the 'game makes us take a few steps back'. Naturally after my 74 I have'nt been on for the last two weeks. Like one of your 'laws'. A good round is normally folllowed by one or more bad ones' especially if we tell other folks how we are finally 'getting it'. This mornings' 41 was an example.
Weather here is perfect though. Good rounds, bad rounds, it's good to be playing golf. Just like a box of chocolate:)

Thechasers's picture

Submitted by Thechasers (not verified) on

Surge,
In today's video, there was a reference to clubfitters in the Chicago area.  However, the list provided through the "PPGS Certified Fitters" link doesn't include anyone in the Chicago area.  Are there some fitters in the Chicago/Milwaukee area you can recommend?
SGC51

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

Hey, I am in the middle of town and we have a neighbor with chickens. I crow back at the rooster when I walk my dog past that house in the mornings. Our immediate neighbor used to keep birds in coops in the back yard, but released them when he lost the house in foreclosure. Turns out one of them was a roadrunner, which now runs around the neighborhood.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

Adding to what Steve Smith said, the right elbow droop that turns the inside of the right elbow skyward in the master setup position brings the right shoulder back and down to keep it in alignment as long as you are not overreaching for the ball.

Michaelm Go Cats's picture

Submitted by Michaelm Go Cats (not verified) on

Dick, I am so sorry for you and your family. The tremendous loss of your son will be difficult, but rely on God at this time. My prayers are for you and your family. michaelm

Kevin McGarrahan's picture

Submitted by Kevin McGarrahan (not verified) on

 No standard indeed.
My hybrids are 17* (a 2), 20* (3-1/2?), 23* (4-1/2?), and 26* (5-1/2?).

Dick Lee's picture

Submitted by Dick Lee (not verified) on

Surge Nation

This is going to be a quick update.  First let me say that there is simply no way for me and my family to express our heartfelt gratitude for your support and for the way you have shared our grief.  It is no surprise to me. That is what I have come to know as my family on this blog and all across the Surge Nation.

I am flying to Maryland in the morning to be there when my hero comes home.  It is such great comfort to know that all of your thoughts and prayers are going along with me.  My son will arrive at Dover at 6:10 PM (E).  I will be back home on Monday evening.  I will know by then what other arrangements will be made. 

I will keep you advised as to when and where he will be laid to rest.

Let me end by saying that from the very top dog, to those folks who read the blog every day but we normally don't hear from very often, the Surge Nation is a CLASS ACT.  I have never been more proud to be a part of this family. 

It is folks like you all that made my son proud to defend, and ultimately lay down his life for.  I will be proud to welcome my boy home, not only as his father, but also as a member of this blog family.  I know you will all be there with me, you will help my shaking knees keep me standing, and my trembling hand to render a salute as he is unloaded.

Thanks for all you do.

Love,
Dick

T Medley's picture

Submitted by T Medley (not verified) on

I'm not sure about the left thumb yet. I went through a short period of gradual improvement and now the improvement is very slow, if any at all. It is still very sore while and after golfing. I was told it could take up to a full year for total healing, and I'm probably not helping it any with the golf, but I'd rather suffer the pain than not golf.

As for the golf I'm all over the charts. I was fortunate to have a 43 in this evenings league round, which is the lowest since the surgery. I think my greatest fault is lack of quality practice, just too much other stuff going on this spring.

As for the Hybrids, (Robert F), I haven't actually measured them myself, but they were built last year by my PPGS citified fitter, so I'm assuming/believing they are correct as marked.

MikefromKy Go Bama. Go Irish's picture

Submitted by MikefromKy Go B... (not verified) on

First Major of the year rained out yesterday did get to play today. 
Cold,windy and wet got caught in about a 10 minute rain today after 4-5 holes. Rough day shot 76 scrambled for a bunch of pars. Hard to pick proper club the ball was not carrying that great today. 

Figures I was just out side the wind quit blowing and 65.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

May work better than most of the off the shelf drivers for most people just because it's shorter but the odds of it having the correct shaft are still a crap shoot.

To say that driver, or any other driver, works with the Surge Swing is painting with way too broad a brush. There are way too many individual dynamics from one person to another, even when using basically the same swing. I'm sure Doc or another fitter will speak for themselves but I would be surprised if they would recommend a one size fits all golf club.

If it works for you that's great but I've hit the jackpot with an off the shelf driver before myself (pure luck). Haven't been as lucky since then.

T Medley's picture

Submitted by T Medley (not verified) on

 When I was a child my Uncle was one of those Homing Pigeon nuts. I don't remember what the bands were, other than for identification purposes, perhaps it's a homing pigeon, looking for a handout.

Steve Smith's picture

Submitted by Steve Smith on

 Weather perfect here.

Yesterday played worse than I have played in at least 5 years.
Today played pretty well.

Go figure!!!!

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

Seriously?  We have a net work of fitters certified to fit golfers and you think Surge should go and recommend a "one size fits all driver"?  No way.  No loft options, no shaft options, nothing!  Glad it works for you but what a chance to take.

Roy Reed's picture

Submitted by Roy Reed (not verified) on

Dick:  Thank you so much for the update.  Just want you to know how very proud we are of your son for the ultimate sacrafice he made for each of us.  We are with you each step of the way - you can do this.  God bless you and your family; each of you are in our prayers.  R2

Bobtrumpet's picture

Submitted by Bobtrumpet (not verified) on

 Mr. Lee,

Words cannot express the sympathy I have for you and your family at this time of loss. For what it's worth, you, your son, and family are in my prayers and thoughts. May God bless you and yours, now and always.

Roy Reed's picture

Submitted by Roy Reed (not verified) on

Steve:  What a strange game this is.  I also played the worst game I've played in a looooong time on Friday.  Put 4 balls in the water on a 146 yd par 3 that I generally hit every time.  Shot a 51 which is just plain bad for me.  Everything just felt wrong!  Yesterday I played the same 9 holes and shot a 35.  Couldn't miss and every putt was down the barrel.  Go figure!!  R2