I'm sure most of you are busy watching your favorite NFL team today, as the new football season gets underway. But, there's still plenty of good weather left this season, so I'll bet the majority of you still plan on playing some more golf before putting the clubs away. Many golf leagues will also be wrapping up soon, so it's important that you post your best scores of the year when it counts!
With all that being said, I'm going to take some time today and talk about playing golf with any sort of physical limitations. The good thing about the Peak Performance Golf Swing is that anyone can succeed with this swing. My goal is to help every golfer build the best setup and swing they can to maximize the laws of physics. The PPGS is the only swing that marries physics and physiology together. That gives me flexibility to be able to work with every golfer, regardless of their physical abilities.
One Surgite wrote in with some very unique limitations. He doesn't have any rotator cuffs, so his ability to lift the club is very minimal. Nevertheless, he still knocks it down the fairway and on the green at a very consistent pace, and all at the age of 85.
Good Morning, Don,
I am one of your "Self taught" students since we do not have one of your certified teachers and/or equipment gurus in our area. Many years ago when I was in the Navy Air Corp, I had a severe accident that required the removal of both of my rotator cuffs. My arm movement is quite limited as a result of this. On my backswing (I'm right handed), I cannot get my left arm horizontal to the ground...I'm probably 10-15 degrees short! And the follow thru is about the same. My drives are 175-180 yards with a good roll, nine iron is about 75 yards, etc. Is there some modification to your "Method" that will allow me to get more distance? I keep the ball in the fairway and very seldom in serious trouble. My handicap is 19 from the Senior Tees. I play golf twice weekly. I'm 85 years young! I could use some "Words of Wisdom."
You are the best, hopefully you can help.
Sincerely.
globob
Even though we teach a specific method, this swing truly is for everyone. Adding more loft to your clubs or using different shafts could help you gain some distance. Perhaps even a different type of ball could get you rolling down the fairway a little farther. Honestly, the fact that globob says he's usually in the fairway and seldom in trouble tells me that he's doing pretty darn good already.
I hope when I get to be 85 years old, I'm hitting it as far as globob off the tee. Try a few of the things Doc and I suggested, but otherwise keep doing what you're doing!
Keep it vertical,
The Surge
Comments
While we're vertical
Playing golf for a long time as long as we're vertical, and knowing Surge and his sense of humor I am sure he meant vertical and not horizontal on our backs and 6 feet under! Congratulations globob on still playing some good golf at 85, wow. As far as the LL shaft I bought the Maltby LL's for my wife's Maltby driver that has 15 degrees of loft. She now hits that driver a consistent 150 yards all day long. Very good for her 65 mph driver swing speed. I will post the link for it if any seniors or others are interested in getting it.
http://www.golfworks.com/product.asp_Q_pn_E_MA0106_A_cn_E_672
Softer shaft and more loft. Whatever keeps us in the game. I also am still able to hit the 4 iron well and in fact have taken all the hybrids/woods out of the bag for the moment. i am going with the 3 wood and 5 wood still. I know the day will come when I have to make the changes as the swing speed drops. No problem. Do what ever it takes, "as long as we're vertical".
while we're still vertical
Robert;
AMEN Brother!
just let me add two more thoughts : 1) Play the appropriate tees for you skill level and ability. I am a BIG believer in "Play it forward". Never ceases to amaze me at the number of people that play the blue (or even the whites) that really should be on the Yellows, or possibly even the reds!
2) develop a good short game. Amazing what that does for scoring low.
Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG
Amos
That's right Amos
I play the middle tees on most courses except the shorter golf courses. I see the same thing all the time here. Guys teeing off from the back tees, swinging out of their shoes and then miss-hitting their drives usually way right and short. Dumb. Until I start breaking par weekly (and I don't think that will ever happen), I have no pleasure in par 4's feeling like par 5's and I still get it out there 250 most of the time. Yes, tee appropriate means logical scoring opportunities and faster play.
And you Mr. short game master got it right. That is why I am so bent on improving my putting and of course the 100 yards and in game.
While we're vertical
Hahaha! While we are vertical indeed Robert, hahaha! Well this 72year old codger was out in shorts [folk should have worn sunglasses as the white legs would have blinded them] in the sun, with a stiff, cool breeze on some of the early mountain goat holes ; - ] Hitting some of the best shots in a very long, long time. Off the tee with the driver and 3W, up the middle in no trouble at all. Had left clubs out of the bag to lighten it for my 'caddy' Took out 4iron,7iron and LW. I am glad I did. It made me more realistic and had to manufacture shots, which made it much more enjoyable. Ball striking was super! The 5W was was smoking hot. It amazed me how far the balls were going with hardly any effort. We played very quickly and on the 12th hole, "DISASTER" struck!!!!! Off the tee, chose the 3W which was performing impeccably. Swung through the ball up to the T finish and recoil. Swinging through up and over the left shoulder and the head of the club hit me in the butt and the shaft struck my left shoulder blade. On the recoil the shaft of the club was bent like a type 'bracket' on a keyboard!!! It didn't spoil the day at all really. I just can't wait for the shaft to be replaced, so I can use it again.
Slowing down has made quite a difference to my overall game. I figured out, I was not lifting the club up soon enough and as soon as I did.....Woweeeee! Sheer bliss.
Even with 3 clubs I left out, I didn't use the SW or the 23deg Rescue club [one of my favourite clubs] On the last hole I decided to play a half 5iron laying up before the creek. I hit a shot with about as much back and through swing as globob and was stunned at the accuracy and the distance. I did the same again for my final shot to the green and nailed it too! A lesson filed away for the next round ; - ) 18 holes to remember! Patience and a different 3W for the next round. Mind you the 5W's distance would be OK of tee or fairway. My flexibility with one reconstructed shoulder and the other one acting up occasionally and arthritic neck, is better than ever hahaha! Well oiled hahaha! DH in the sun
Strength
DH,
Don't know your own strength eh? Broke the shaft over your shoulder?! Wow!
Glad to hear you've had some sunny days and are feeling good:)
Keep it in the short grass!
Similar Golf Swings
How does the Peak Performance Swing differ from the Square to Square Method?
Square to square
There was a video done on this recently. Go to the top right of this page, under login, & type in square to square, in the search box, & see what comes up.
Use the search feature on our
Use the search feature on our website! Box in the upper right hand corner of the page.
https://swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/%E2%80%9Csquare-square%E2%80%9D-vs-surge-swing
Terry, Phillip, Booger............
And any others purchasing or waiting to receive the L2. I have another link to a very cool head cam video of setting up and using the putter. Thought you might want to save it and have it available to review on occasion when practicing.
Pretty cool clip. Enjoy!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dsx4WUyK0jQ
L2 Putter Arrived
Robert,
Thanks for the extra video. My putter was waiting at the front door when I arrived home around an hour or so ago. I've been playing around with carpet putting for about 30min and so far I'm impressed, especially with the shorter 2-3 footers. I am glad that the stroke is easy with a left hand low grip, as that's been my grip of choice for several years now. I will try it out on the links tomorrow morning during our Wen round. I'll have to try and get there early for some time on the practice green.
Awesome!
Cool Terry, merry Christmas came early for you, well kind of :)
I hope it clicks for you as it did for me. Because you have already been using a pendulum stroke with a similar but lighter putter I think it will come along fast for you. How about the alignment lines and the "stands alone" aspect? Is that too cool or what? You may find judging length of swing to be the biggest adjustment. I made a 50 footer on the last hole on Friday. It was one of those that was tracking from the time it left the face. Glad your favorably impressed already. Well built tool. Enjoy and keep me posted. Keep reviewing both vids as they will make more sense after your golf day tomorrow.
L2 Putter Arrived
An early Christmas present as Robert said Terry. I was sold when I saw the ads. It was my 'caddy' I now have to convince. With my beloved 3W in for reshafting and re-gripping [after only been re-gripped VERY recently] after breaking it, it will be an uphill battle.
I occasionally use the left hand low grip and a pendulum stroke. So it will be interesting to hear your feedback. The 2-3 footers are the twitchy ones usually when something is at stake. Go well. DH
L2 Video
Real cool, Robert. If I were in line to get a different putter, this would probably convince me. However ...
I have a putter that I got from Warrior Golf 6 years ago. It has an offset shaft (35-1/2"), attached at the heel. It's face balanced and has three small white "balls" in line with the center of the face. The head is "solid titanium" (supposedly). I'm not sure what the weight is, but it is fairly heavy compared to my Taylormade T.P.A. XIX blade putter, which balances halfway between face and toe balance. I tend to push almost all putts with the XIX, while almost 99% of my putts with the Warrior are dead on line where I aim. Unfortunately, I have been inconsistent in the past picking the proper line. I've hit some really great putts, including a miraculous one up a steep 5-foot slope at a 45* angle to the top of the ridge where it came to an almost complete stop and then rolled straight down the slope into the hole for a birdie. That was to close out my opponent 3 years ago in the traveling league I played in.
Now, however, since all I can do is practice putting, I'm getting more consistent at picking my line. I went to the practice green today. I was intentionally picking different lines and speeds to see what would happen. A couple of other golfers were also putting and must have thought I was an easy target, since the majority of my putts were missing the hole. They asked if I wanted to play a putting game for a quarter per hole. I accepted (seemingly reluctantly) and took every hole and their money. I only missed 1putt out of 36 but they missed their putts also.
I got good news on Friday when the doctor said surgery will not be necessary. I have 2 more therapy sessions this week and 3 next week. If all goes well between now and then, I will get to start chipping again. It looks like 3-4 weeks before I can start full swings. I can wait - the short game should be really good by then.
Keep it vertical,
Kevin
good news
Really good news for you Kevin. Keep up those rehab exercises and sounds like you are recovering nicely without surgery.
You'll be a short game expert in no time. Better putter and soon short game chipping too.
Super news pal.
Take care and keep on puttin'
L2 video
Kevin,
Great news that surgery is NOT needed for your shoulder. As said a long time ago, my shoulder surgery had me banned from golf for SEVEN months : - (
A long time in any situation. Remind me not to to play a putting game with you hahaha! Look forward to hearing progress. DH in NZ battened down as the wind roars here. In the South Island my golf mate emailed me, that the wind speed on Mt Hutt, where I used to ski some years ago, had reached 200kph or around 125mph and was moving north to us : - ( What next I wonder!
L2 putter
Thanks Robert!
Terry ....please report progress with your new stick!
Phillip
L2 Progress
Phillip,
I'll have a little more to say about it tomorrow after some actual greens practice and play. For now it feels very natural to me. My present putter is a 35" center shafted face balanced mallet putter, with a 1.3"dia 17"lg grip. The L2 is a 36" center shafted face balanced mallet putter wit a 1"dia 16"lg grip. Other than the extra heavy weight of the L2 head they are very similar putters. I was already using a straight back and straight through left hand low pendulum stroke with my present putter, and will do likewise with the L2.
For now, practicing indoors on my carpet. It feels like the forward motion of the stroke is much smoother and natural, due probably to the extra weight of the L2 head. I have also practiced some off center hits on 2 to 4 footers which seem to remain on line when 1/2" towards the toe or the heel, again probably due to the extra weight and solidness of the head. The head seems to remain very square anywhere within an inch or so of center contact. I am pleased for now and will give additional feedback after tomorrows round. I'm not expecting any miracles on the first trip out, but it should offer substantial insight into the future abilities of the putter.
Putter head stays square
Terry, Love it when a tool is as advertised. You are so right about the stable head even when not struck on the center. John describes it as the MOI and large sweet spot. Tonight I further put it to the test by using John's recommendation of putting while looking at the hole. Now in his video he says it is especially good for lag putts (long range putts) but I did it for all putts. I was off work about an hour early at 5:45 pm and the entire Las Vegas valley was (is) socked in by a rain storm. It was coming down pretty good on my drive but I was still determined to practice putting at muni. Still a steady but not heavy rain as I pulled into the parking area. People were leaving the golf course not coming. Had the putting green to myself as the darkness began fall and the rain continued. I kept putting in the dark with the minimal light from the lights for the nearby empty driving range. I followed John's set up recommendations as I set up by placing my putter behind the ball on the approximate line and break considerations. Then with my putter standing on it's own I re-adjusted with slight alterations as I looked from behind. Then walk in, take my grip and square up feet, knees, shoulders and with the ball centered I then I gave my attention ONLY to the tempo and stroke size by looking at the hole only as I trusted my stroke. My results were astounding.
30,40 and 50 foot putts were on line and often left close to the hole if not holed. If I was 4-10 feet long or short I did the exact same routine. Again I would look at the hole as I putted. If I was straight back and through it was uncanny how many just poured in the hole. I actually used only this routine of looking at the hole only and trusting my intuitive ability to just the stroke it without thinking. The set up determines the motion. Just got better and better as the hour rushed by. They turned the lights out and I was the last person to leave. Now one of the points I am making is that you know I missed the center as I never looked down at my putter once lined up, set up and ready so yes as you are experiencing first hand that the head remains square even toward the toe and heel.
I am still most tickled by the putters ability to stand on it's own. And along with that what I will now call "built in alignment sticks" that you never have to pick up and remove before stroking the putt. I know other putters have alignment lines on them but these are thick and prominent and being able to place the putter behind the ball and then walk away, step back and "check our alignment" then leave the sticks there as you square up to the putter. It's a crazy good concept. Love it. I may reach a point when I no longer fear missing 3-5 foot putts.
Good putting tomorrow Terry!
Note: One thing I failed to say was that they had taken away the flags so all 6 holes on the practice green were as in actual play with no flag. Also I only used one ball and putted to a different hole each time from every possible angle going through the routine meticulously each putt as if on the golf course.
Putter Head Stays Square
Robert,
Green with envy of both you and Terry with your new magic wands : - (
Both of you and your posts are all the incentive I need now to 'work' on a certain wee lassie ; - ) I was convinced after the video ads and the comments from you has confirmed my findings. Hmmm! Now how can I.......hahaha! DH
L2 update
DH,
There are about 4 or 5 Surgites that have either ordered it or are taking a serious look. Hmmmnnn..... I wonder if it's to late to buy stock in this thing? After Only two weeks I am still grateful I met John at the PGA show and decided to get what is quickly becoming my favorite golf club. I am officially no longer afraid of putting. Just this morning I played the rain soaked LVCC morning 9 holes. I made 2 putts of 6 and 7 feet that just rolled dead center. I am surprising myself. No longer fearful of running the first putt by because the one coming back is not a knee knocker any longer but one I expect to make. Both the 6 and 7 footer were made looking at the hole only. That is not the standard recommendation but is considered as a drill (as seen in the video) but I was doing so well with it last night on the practice green that I did it for most putts this morning and was very pleased. I no longer consciously need to focus on hitting the sweet spot and my stroke. I am learning to trust my set up then simply roll it the way one might roll a ball to another person. We don't watch our arms and carefully measure our distance or how to. Simply flow. Confidence is raising quickly on the putter front. Hope the Mrs. lets you celebrate Christmas early.
Golf Disaster
Hi Robert,
Had just commented on Terry's not playing until tomorrow and received an e-mail from my golf mate and ex-Army boss in Christchurch! He had been hoping to play this afternoon, but the weather has crushed that idea completely. The course at the Military Camp has been devastated!!! Trees down everywhere. A complete stand of pine trees toppled with other trees down too. He reckons it will be weeks before the course is playable again. Priority is being given [and quite rightly so] to removing trees from married quarter houses. Having once been Camp Adjutant I well remember large, and I mean large Blue Gum trees at the rear of the quarters. Power out in the area too. My thoughts and prayers are with them all. DH
Christchurch Storm
DH,
I hope your friends in Christchurch remain well. My thoughts and prayers are joined with yours for all in the area. This world is not only strange, but at times very terrifying. Golf does not seem so important under circumstances such as those. May all remain well.
Christchurch Storm
Terry,
Thanks for your concern. It is indeed a strange place. It is not just Christchurch, it is moving up the whole of New Zealand. The south island has had a pounding.The next 24 hours will tell how we will fare. We are in a valley here, whereas Christchurch is mainly flat and exposed with the camp 30 kms south the same. We were planning a trip to the south island. That is now on hold : - ( Good Luck tomorrow Terry. No nerves, "Just do it", as Surge would say. DH
Careful laddy
Wow, sorry to hear if the brutal storms.
Seems the most beautiful places are also frequently battered. Hope all are safe and be cautious DH.
Safety first
L2 Stays Square
Robert,
Yes Robert, I am discovering the same things with my carpet putting. Have not tried the looking at the hole yet but will today. Unfortunately, I misspoke about my next round. It is actually Wen and not today. I guess the excitement overtook me too much yesterday. For today it will still be carpet putting inside. We are having another heat wave today with a record high expected. Low by your standards, but high by ours for this time of year. Only low 90s forcasted, a little cooler tomorrow down to the high 80s, then the cold front brings in the milder temps around mid 70s. I am by nature more adapted to the cooler temps, so am looking forward to the fall. I just wish it didn't go by so fast. I will keep you posted on my L2 progress tomorrow after my round on the greens.
L2 stays square
Terry,
It is Wednesday here already and there is no way we will be playing! We also prefer the cooler climes. Our Spring is a very wet and WINDY one. The extra weight of the L2 putter would be a boon in the wind ; - ) A wild night, hundreds of trees down in the South Island with winds of 140kph now forecast for here. That would give playing in the wind a whole new meaning hahaha! Not too cold at the moment. The upside is FINE weather is forecast from Sunday for the week. Yeeeha!
Looking forward to your putting and play report after tomorrow [your time]. On the putter, 'where there is a will, there is a way' ; - ) DH
Wednesday Already
Hi DH,
Wednesday there already, reminds me of the movie Frequency staring Dennis Quaid , worth the watch if you've not seen it. What a strange world we live in. I have been doing some inside practice for today. Tis a bit too hot outside for me, presently 96 on the front shaded porch with a heat index over 100. It's the hottest day of the year so far for this area. Tomorrow also a bit warm but a few degrees cooler than today. Then a high of 65* forecast for Friday. I say it again, What a strange world we live in.
I've been practicing the Looking at the hole while putting drill, and am very surprised at how effective the drill is. I can't wait to try it on the greens tomorrow. It seems equally effective with both short and long putts. I have an auto return putting cup, but have also been practicing just putting to spots on the carpet and baseboard. I'm also having success with on line putts while purposely hitting well outside the face sweet spot. The head is just too heavy to be deflected by the ball when hit on the toe or heel areas. It seems as though path is the most significant factor and sweet spot is not even necessary in the equation of making putts. The only hesitancy I have are those new club nerves with my buddies tomorrow. I have not mentioned the club at all yet to them, so it's unveiling is tomorrow. If I can keep the nerves in check and the sweat out of my eyes, I may just make a few putts. I'll let you know how it goes.
Nerves
Terry,
I have putted really well with it both times playing with Cindy and not as well last week when playing with my brother, his son and my son. I too was a bit nervous and about mid round realized that I had been pulling everything left just a little bit. It was nerves and tightness that resulted in my left arm and shoulder. As the round progressed I again started sinking some and mellowed out as I relaxed. I have a feeling you will have a touch of that but believe me they will soon be jealous of your new stick. If you are not spot on don't sweat it. You're in this for the long term and with time it'll all click. "Breath and slow down". Don't be surprised if one of them asks, "Is that legal?"
The way I am grooving my routine with the L2 is practice with the full routine every time. Tonight after work I again spent about an hour and a half on the practice green at LVCC. I had the green to myself again. I followed John's routine exactly, marking my ball with a coin first, lining it up, standing the putter on line, standing back and tweeking the alignment until satisfied,replacing the ball, squaring up my feet, knees, hips and shoulders to the alignment strips on the head and ball, and then it's just tempo and stroke size. I did this dozens of times. Why? This is what we want to do on the GC under pressure while actually playing. Repetition and practice of the real life routine until it's comfortable and automatic.
You'll be fine T, go get it pal!
New Zealand
DH,
After your telling of the radical winds and extreme weather I wanted to look at some satellite images. This had many. Wow, one of the beautiful far flung prts of the Earth. Remind us where you are on one of these maps. North Island right?
How is it now? Winds still strong?
http://search.yahoo.com/search;_ylt=A0oGdbqKhjBS9jIAx29XNyoA;_ylc=X1MyNzY2Njc5X3IyYmNrMXJkc3I0bDkydjEwZyUyNmIlM0QzJTI2cy...
New Zealand
Robert,
The strong winds have moved on thankfully and I see blue sky as I write : - ) A breeze, but compared to Mt Hutt ski-field in the south island recorded wind speed of 258kms per hour! hardly a breath.My golf mate in the south island updated me on the state of the military camp course. It has been DEVASTATED! with a huge number of trees flattened on all but a few holes!!! I was given a detailed account of the percentage of trees on each hole.ie, some holes up to 70% of trees down. IMHO it will be months before it is cleared up. We are fortunate here as there doesn't appear to be too much damage. The odd trees across roads and railways, but nothing like our south island folk have suffered.
We are at the bottom end of the north island in the Hutt Valley. For courses google map, Heretaunga Golf Course, Manor Park, Judgeford, as just 3 in our immediate vicinity. NZ is a paradise for golfers, more courses per capita population than anywhere else in the world. Where else can you snow ski in the morning, play golf in the afternoon after a thermal hot pool dip, and then on to the beach for some surf boarding? Surge should consider coming down and seeing what a beautiful and healthy place it is. The course we are a member of, was a US Marine Corps Camp during WW2 and was returned to being a course after the war.
Will get out tomorrow now for a hit on the hallowed turf. Must find out if John Ambrose ships to NZ ; - ) heh heh heh working on it heh heh heh! DH
smiling again in godzone.
L2 Putter
Robert/Terry:
Today I spoke at length with John Ambrose about the putter.
Real, down to earth gent!
Discussed everything about the putter and swing: Importance of right shoulder follow thru and ball position.
He recommended the 33 inch which I ordered.
Will give my report once received.
Thanks for the recommendation!
Phillip
The green on 13:)
Phillip,
I knew you were going to pull the trigger. Especially after talking to John. I truly believe that there are a core group of people on this blog that are really good guys and ladies and we are attracted by the kindness and sincerity and yes the down to earth nature we have in common. You along with about a dozen who comment whether on rare occasion or frequently are among those. And then there are who knows how many hundreds of others that read here regularly but don't comment. They silently are entertained and hopefully learn a bit about golf that is helpful. At the very core is Surge himself who is the reason we've met and in the process gained lots of friends.
Where was I? Oh, John Ambrose fits right in doesn't he. Meeting him and his wife at the PGA show I was at once impressed not only by his crazy good putter but by how much time he spent talking about the differences and why he felt it was not just another putter to buy but a better way to hole more putts. Obviously you had the same experience on the phone with him. Yes Phillip, your intuition is right, he is seems to be very kind soul and knows a lot about putting and what may truly be a better way. Easy to talk to eh?
I hope you end up enjoying the method and results as much as I have.
We will look forward to a report from you too! Ya baby!!
L2
I've bumped the L2 to the top of my birthday wish list,only a couple of weeks away now,so perhaps I'll have mine before to much longer.Thanks for the additional link,Robert!!!
L2
Booger,
Sounds good Booger. As we know, good tools help but we still need to practice and execute. Any how, an early Happy birthday wish to you! Hope you get what you want for yours:) !
New Book
A buddy just sent me this and I thought you all may get a kick out of it.
Just too funny.
http://forum.ottawagolf.com/showthread.php?20571-Winning-Golf-Strategies
Playing with limitations
I had major back surgery which affected me legs and balance very badly, I sliced everything driving the ball. Since I started to practice with the Feel It Feel Right my balance got loads better and I started to Drive the ball straight for the 1st time in many years. Practicing the chipping and putting methods help me to shoot in the 70's for the very 1st time ever. This is the best product that I've ever tried. Worth buying!!! Great Product....http://www.stuffstuff.com/product/The%20Feel%20It%20Feel%20Right%20Golf%20Training%20Aid/458/461