Sometimes I describe the Peak Performance Golf Swing as having a little bit of turn and a lot of lift. I also demonstrate the swing before every daily video so that you can see it in action. But, one viewer wrote in to say that he doesn't think I'm swinging the way I teach.
As you'll read, his comments are valid as to what he's seeing in my swing. But, he's confusing the message in the way I relay the swing thoughts. So, today I'm going to clarify all the proper swing positions while showing them at the same time. That way, there shouldn't be any confusion going forward.
Hi Don,
On another topic, I notice that in each of your videos you begin by hitting a shot. In every case I see you turning your hips and ending with your chest facing the hole. But in many of your talks you say we don't do that. Rather we should maintain facing the ball and just do a small bump as we turn. What I see is not what you say?
Gary
My goal is that today's video will clear up any confusion you may have had with relation to what I say and what I do. There is a turn in the PPGS, but it is a limited turn. Good luck!
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
Brutal Open
Wow, the boys were having a brutal day in Scotland. Windy? Not bad though however with the weather warm and the Links golf course dry and fast it was crazy to see where many of the balls were ending up. When Tiger finished this morning it looked like he may be tied for 4th or fifth place by days end. But one by one everyone backed up until Tiger was in the first group for Saturday. Bump and run - bounce and roll all day baby. Some were hitting 3- 5 irons close to 300 yards. They are just having a super difficult time predicting run out. I actually really enjoy seeing how they have to use all the creativity they can muster to golf the ball into the hole. So many 3 and 4 putts. Snedeker pulled a Snedeker and 4 jacked from 3 feet. Phil and Zack also 3 putted from close to the hole. They are already referring to it as the "Snedeker Shimmy"
http://www.sbnation.com/golf/2013/7/19/4538738/brandt-snedeker-gif-dance-british-open-2013
My wife said I was so rude for posting that! Oh well I couldn't help myself. golf can be such a cruel game.
We'll see what fun the rest of the Open brings.
Mean while looks like Cindy and I will brave the 105* temps to get in one more round of golf this evening. Our muni is playing quite a bit like a bump and run course as it is drying out. The fairways are fast and the greens are beat up, getting burnt out and bumpy. Seems few ever fix their balls marks. I almost always fix a half a dozen every hole I play. I have always felt it a badge of honor to 'have to' fix a ball mark if I caused it. I always want to see how far my ball moves from where it lands too. Guess we all learn to play but not all learn golf etiquette. Picked up another dozen new or near new tees off the tee boxes again and found two brand new balls. Are they generous or careless? In any case we appreciate the generosity. Three of the tees are those really strong plastic ones that can last many rounds.
Hit 'em straight friends:)
$80,000 Camera shot
JIC, you missed it. Take a look at this shot of the day from the first round.
http://www.businessinsider.com/golfer-hits-camera-at-british-open-video-2013-7
video
Cool stuff Terry. hey, could get your link to play the video of the camera break.
Maybe this one will work;
http://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-british-open-20130719,0,1415460.story
BTW I received the Re Thinking golf book and have been enjoying it immensely.
Video post
Thanks for the other link. I knew you would enjoy ReThinking Golf. I intend to put it to use this winter with a complete return to the basics and the purchase of a couple full length mirrors. I am presently about half way through The Pro's Edge, recommended by Surge. It is also full of good exercises, which can be done inside, to improve one's putting. I hope to make this winter a productive one. Perhaps next spring will not have as much winter rust as past winters have had. At any rate it will keep me occupied with golf while the snow and cold are present. We hit 94* today with a real feel of 102, not quite up to the Vegas temps, but getting close and far to hot to suit me. I have been playing in the heat lately with good first halfs and lousy 2nd halfs. I am generally sweated out by the turn and struggle to perform. My next outing will be Sat afternoon with a return to the low 80's, temp wise that is, and hopefully score wise as well.
On another note, as mentioned by another poster, I too have replaced my Enlows with a return to the Chamois Jumbos. I recently purchased a Taylor Made R1, and found that I hit it far better with the Chamois than the larger styles. It took some trial and error to get all the settings tunned in, but I'm getting an extra 20 to 30 yards from my old driver. I then decided to switch my others back for more consistancy. It was actually just my hybrids, since my irons were always the chamois, due to bag restriction.
To all those whom we haven't heard from for a while, I hope life is treating you well and you're managing to chase that little white ball around some. From a hot and sweaty guy in Ohio.
Playing Good
Terry and Robert: good post friends. Terry - do you use the jumbo grips because of large hands? I was thinking of trying the Enlow grips because I have arthritis issues in the knuckles of my right hand. I have really liked the Chamois regular grips - thanks to the surgites who plugged those. I hear ya about the heat - I played on Tuesday 94, heat index 103. Played the last five holes with no glove, gloves were soaked. Long par 3 189 yrds - knocked 3 wood to 3 ft for birdie. Shot 82 (+12) not bad for the conditions. Played today at Timberwood - 39 on front tied my best, 82 for 18 missed my best by 1. Tee to green best ever 10 GIR's. 4 three putts and two bad chips. Should have shot in the 70's. Ball striking has been pretty good last 5-7 rounds.
Surgites - have any of you have feedback on the Rocketballs Stage 2. I am thinking of getting one because I can change the loft and it has a weight hole so I can change the clubhead weight when I cut it down to 43".
Surge - excellent daily as usual. DJ - keep up the good work 7 under through 7th hole in third round.
Hit em well friends.
Jerry - Warren, MI
Rocketballs
Jerry,
Sorry so late on the response. I too have no feed back for you on the Rocketballs (1 or 2).
I have played the golf ball and do like those but haven't used the clubs.
Short of getting fit for the right driver (and I do recommend that) trial and error can be fun if it is not too expensive. I have a garage full of drivers. Personally I am finding that the shaft makes as big of a difference as the head. I recently replaced the shaft on a Taylor Made Burner driver that was given me a few years ago and added the same shaft that had worked best for me with a previous driver. So length, swing weight, total weight, torque- it can all matter. I think that is a large reason many of us might buy a new driver from a golf store that is a name brand but we can never quite hit it well. Why? Because all of the dynamics can make a difference. I haven't bought new clubs off the shelf that way for 4 years now. It seems a waste of time and money and poor golf. Let us know what you decide to do and how it turns out.
Good luck on your grip choice too. I am fortunate in that I can now build my own clubs in my garage including switching out grips by air compressor. I wear a large glove and really like the Jumbo Max grips.(they actually make a slightly smaller version for average hands, I use the med/size JM). I also have arthritis have found the JM's to be really helpful with that and for my game. My second choice (when I occasionally go smaller)are the Golf Pride Tour Wrap/jumbo.
You can find a better price if you do a search but here are a look at those two.
http://www.jumbomax.com/no_flash/index.html
http://www.golfsmith.com/product/30024684/golf-pride-tour-wrap-2g-jumbo-grip-(+1/8
Thanks
Robert:
Thanks for the reply. I would love to get fit but financially not an option. Nearest PPGS fitter is in Ionia, MI about 2 hrs away. If I could get a full set I would go there, but not for one club. I am going to try to get someone at Golfsmith to help me find the right selection. What I need is a driver that 1. I can change the loft to 12-13 degrees. My swing speed is about average (85-87) so I think that would help me. 2. Has a weight hole so I can add weight to the clubhead after I cut it down to 43". I think I will try either the Golf Pride grip you recommended or the Chamois Jumbo. Some rounds the fingers get really stiff and sore. Playing twilight tomorrow, hoping to carry the last round results over.
Again thanks for the reply and your help - greatly appriciated.
Play well friend,
Jerry
Doc
Do yourself a favor, Jerry, and email Doc about a long-distance driver fitting before you buy a random club at a big box place. The cost is not significantly different (my driver from Doc was less expensive than most of the major OEM drivers, and the shaft was already the right length--no need to cut it down).
New Driver
Jerry
I just want to second Robert's suggestion. I went through a couple of OEM drivers and wound up cutting the last one down and reweighting it with limited results. I finally did the wise thing and did a long distance fitting with Doc. Less money than my last driver and it fits. My swing speed is about the same as yours and Doc came up with the right arrow for this Indian. The man knows his stuff.
Chamois Jumbos
Jerry;
No on the large hands. I wear a medium size glove. I have arthritis in my hands as well as the rest of my body and the softness along with the extra size seem to help with a firmer grip, resulting in less soreness after a round. I was using the Enlows on my driver and 3-hybrids, but found myself going to too much of a palm grip insteade of in the fingers. I like the consistancy of all grips being the same size, except my putter, it's a Super Stroke 85.
Like you, I have been having problems with keeping my glove and other hand dry. I generally have three gloves in use and hanging/drying on the cart frame. I try to rotate them per hole and sometimes per shot, in an effort to keep them dry.
Sorry, but I don't have any feed back on the Rocket balls drivers. I do like my R1, though. It has an Adila 55g M-flex shaft
Terry:
Terry:
Thanks for the reply. I wear medium gloves too. I will stick with the grips I have. I might look at how much larger the jumbo grip is and try it with the driver I am going to buy. Can you adjust the loft on the R1? The stage 2 - on the 10.5 model you can change the loft up to 13 or 14 degrees. And does it have a weight hole? The driver I am using now is 10 degrees cut down to 43" and I have not added any weight to th clubhead. Have been very inconsistent all year, but today was OK, kept it in play.
Thanks again and play well sir.
Jerry
Gloves and grip
Terry,
I too have arthritis in my left hand and neck. I apply some virgin coconut oil pre-and post round [excellent for sunburn, and I use it to prevent sunburn as well].I was on anti-inflammatory drugs,long term for years. Stopped taking them years ago and have not needed them. Still not as supple as I used to be, but can still climb like a mountain goat at 72 years of age! On the subject of gloves, try to source gloves made from kangaroo skin. It grips well even were the club grips soaking wet! The brand I have are: 'HIRZL'. Another option, a cheaper one, but brilliant for sweaty hands and grips. Go and buy a pair of ordinary cotton gloves [I bought 12prs in China for peanuts], they are brilliant in sweaty or wet conditions. Your choice whether you wear one only on your lead hand or both. I have tried both ways and they are fine. My r7 adjustable driver has been benched for the time being. Retro-is the way to go for me. Couldn't believe the results with my old favourite wooden 5W. The wooden driver showed promise and the 3W has been added to the bag for our next outing.
On the coconut oil for your arthritis. On my 2nd finger left hand, which sometimes curls up and locks, almost in the 'crimp' position, I massage oil quite vigorously into the area, am now able to grip the club grip well with it.
The oil itself once massaged or applied, and a quick cursory wipe with a tissue and there is no oily skin at all. My eldest daughter in England, has arthritis everywhere. I suggested she give coconut oil a try. I was told, 'Dad, I am already on my 8th jar!!!' Now here was I thinking I was doing her a favour by telling her hahaha!
I too was holding my club too much in the palm of my left hand, which led to pulls......etc.
Good Luck on your next foray on the hallowed turf. Another quake of 5.8 disturbed our Sunday morning lie in this morning : - ( DH
Gloves
DH:
I have looked at the Kangaroo gloves before, rather pricey as I recall, but I may check them out again on ebay. I happen to carry brown cotton gloves in my bag for cold weather play. I will give them a try when out later today for an afternoon round. It is a cooler 85 today with a real feel of 92. As for the arthritis, I too have it all over, a gift from my mothers side. I have been using the coconut oil for some time now, ever since you first mentioned it. I also take daily RX's for it along with a couple Aleve before each round of golf. Stay safe, sounds like a whole lot of shaking going on.
Gloves
Terry,
Kangaroo gloves are pricey. My daughter bought them in UK and sent them to me. During last Summer here I used a cotton glove occasionally and two on occasion. Never had a problem. Just cheap cotton ones and they worked well. It is raining here at the moment so golf is out of the question.
Yesterday we had a bigger quake of 6.8 and it went on for a while. Opened a few cupboard doors etc but no real damage for us. The Central Business District in the capital Wellington was a different matter. Lots of the high rise office buildings were evacuated and many remain 'off limits', including government ones. Victoria University is closed. Several buildings were flooded from higher floors downwards due to burst water pipes etc. All rail traffic has been suspended until further notice. Latest news is to expect more, possibly stronger quakes for the next few weeks! B*gger!
Nothing in the rules of golf about relief etc if you are set up, swing and then.....shake-shake-shake...as you swing through the ball then? Oh! Dear.On a more serious note,our thoughts and prayers are with those realy affected so far.
Take care Terry and keep on swinging, improving and hitting them longer and straighter consistently. DH
DH
Taylor Made R1
Yes the R1 loft is adjustable from 8-12*, it also has face angle adjustments from neutral to 4* open or 4* closed in 1* increments. It also has two weight ports, one a toe weight and the other a heel weight. I was able to bag a slightly used one for a very good price. They made me an offer I couldn't refuse. Prior to this I was using the R9 model, it has two weight ports to adjust, but nothing else.
Thanks Terry for the reply -
Thanks Terry for the reply - I'm going to Golfsmith this week to look for a used driver or a new one, will let you know how it goes
Hit em well friend :)
Jerry
Philip!
Congratulations to Phil Mickelson. He came through fantastically.
Was interesting early on how Paul Azinger commented that Stenson was hitting the ball really straight as he was now swinging very "upright" and finished facing the target rather than way left as most pros do now a days. He finished second and looked good until Phil birdied 4 of the last 6 holes.
Phil used a 3 wood several times like on 17. That's another way of saying "a smaller headed driver with more loft". Hmmmmnnnn... where have we heard that advice before? Right here on SwingSurgeon.com
Philip!
Robert,
Arose during the night to watch it live. Well worth the early call. First man in history to win the Scottish and then British Opens. Well done to a class gentleman.
3Wood indeed? Just put mine back in the bag to trial after a day with the Driver and 5W convinced me to do so. Raining here at the moment after another quake early last evening of 6.8 magnitude. Caused some chaos, but we are OK so far thankfully. Keep on hitting them longer, straighter and more consistently. Stenson played very well, as you said. The young amateur Fitzpatrick did very well too. I thought I heard he was from Helensbrough. The Golf Channel said 'English Amateur'? Hello! Helensbrough is in Scotland! Typical. hahaha DH
GC
DH, don't let me get started on the ineptitude of the Golf channel coverage. Any how, we had a few heavy lightning/thunder storms here in Las Vegas. The other night over 700 lightning strikes I heard. However compared to your 6.8 shakes and seemly continual down pours life here is a piece of cake even in 110* summer heat. i shall never complain again. Take care my friend. I am always inspired by such a positive attitude and zeal you have for this life we have:)
Smiles all around:)!!!
Phil
Gotta be happy for Phil, Robert. He's a class act. Correct me if I'm wrong, he took his driver out of the bag for the Open.
Yes, no driver
Lynn,
Agree 100%. Phil is a nice guy. Ernie won last year and a good man too.
Interesting that going back over the last 3 years the Open winners were 42,42 and 43 years old (including Darren Clark). Of course I felt like I was at my prime at 45 so they don't seem old to us,eh? How about Woody Austin at 49 winning the other PGA event today?!! Pretty cool:)
A reSURGEnce
Hi Robert. These "experts" may be providing unintended affirmation & accolades. The PPGS Nation may seem an odd band of misfits...but the upright element in particular seems to be enjoying a re-SURGEence at the moment. (sorry-couldn't resist that one.)
Enjoy it, Don Trahan.
And to the expert commentators..... we smile and we say...."You are correct with some of your "new" insights. Hello? We've been trying to tell you."
Phil....you are one blessed and incredible human being and athlete.
Confirming
Nation, I almost forgot to mention. The Ridge is my home course here in Auburn, CA. Great course, staff, with a Payne Stewart statue/memorial to greet you.
Was at the range the other day and observed an instructor there trying to help his student stay out of the SBG.
So the instructor said to his student ( I kid you Not) "have you ever heard off a guy named Don Trahan?" LOL. I just about fell over....
They worked on getting to the toe line, then going up, and also on the "butt against the wall" concept, ie, introducing a more vertical orientation.
May I say, this student, within a few minutes, was starting to light it up.
2 elements, about 10 minutes, and dendrite building was underway.
I'm telling you, the waves are on the horizon and are starting to roll in....
GC
Hi again Robert,
Typo or brain fried! That quake was 6.5 not 6.8 boohoo! Still not pleasant. My mate in Christchurch corrected me and rightly so. Rain eased off for the time being, but the next few days are forecast to be the same. Ho-hum ; - ) There isn't much point in being negative about something we have no control over Robert. Wind has returned, it may help to dry off the ground. Need practice in the wind as well. Love the challenge. May manage a swing session on the golf mat later. My slower swing cadence taking the club back 'toe up' by rotating my forearms to do so, makes me keen to get out and see the results. Patience laddie, patience! Good Luck on your next foray to the hallowed turf. Keep on living every day.....etc Smiling as I tap this out. : - ) Next In Bee Park in 10 days for another chance at an Open ; - ) DH
Quake
Caught your latest quake on the news, DH. Glad you're ok. Just proves there are worse things than my high temps and humidity and your rain. Our weather finally broke here in NJ today so I'm hoping to chase the little white ball tomorrow. I like your suggestion of a more deliberate BUS as it seems to get me more consistent solid contact and seems to help me swing through rather than at the ball. When I slow my swing it seems to encourage a more equal use of both arms in my FUS, rather than my tendency to let my right hand to take over. It feels like much less effort with more consistent results. Time will tell. Hope your weather improves.
Bent back on follow through
Hi guys, not too sure where I can put this comment.
I'm starting to get back into the PPGS (had a long complete absence from golf but just found out my dad entered me into a charity tournament on thursday!) and getting the hang of it again.
One thing that's always bothered me though is when i follow through, my back is bent to the right, not vertical. On a clock (pivot point being bottom of my spine) I'd be at about 1 o clock, as opposed to 12 o clock straight up.
Is that a bad thing?
Thanks
Callum
Lean
Leaning to the right at the finish of the swing could be from a few things. It's not an optimal position, though. We want to finish standing straight up facing the target. Likely possibilities are that you have too wide a stance, or that you're experiencing a reverse weight-shift. Either way, your right side is not releasing completely to allow you to get up straight.
Ah, i'll keep my vigilance up
Ah, i'll keep my vigilance up then as occasionally it causes sharp discomfort.
Thanks for your help Robert!
Why Phil won
And what we can learn. I have posted references to the "state of mind" web site before. Nearly everything I've read or used from there has been very much congruent with Don's thinking. Very little is ever about swing mechanics but rather the focus is mental coaching. What they share for the mental side of golf has been very helpful for me. Of course they are a business too and offer purchase opportunities for products but the articles and insights are gratis.
Any way I receive updates from them and just got this one about Phil and the Open and what we can learn and use from his experience.
http://golfstateofmind.com/why-phil-mickelson-won-the-open-and-what-you-can-learn-from-it/
Back to Surge every time
Hi Surge
I am sorry to say I did not approve your swing principles, even though I hit my best golf shots when I followed your instructions. It must be mental as I keep trying different swings including your previous partners coaching and make a fool of myself. I was inconsistent at best on handicap of 18. When ever I am in a tight situation I always tried your swing to get out of it, more often than not I get out unscathed. I have learnt my lesson and now I just do what you have taught and needless to say I am on the money all the time.
Thank you and warm regards
Das Balgi
Australia