If you don't know where the butt of your club points throughout your swing, you need to start taking notice. If it's pointing anywhere towards your aiming line, your swing is much too flat and laid off, which means you're probably in the sacred burial ground.
Jon realized he was swinging too much like a rotational player by seeing that the butt of his club wasn't pointing at his toe line, as it should. He made some adjustments and now uses a swing thought to make sure he's always on the right plane and swinging vertically.
Dear Surge,
First of all, I thank you for the daily videos. From viewing and taking the teachings to the golf course and driving range, I can personally say it's working for me. Now that I am striking the ball better, I can concentrate on my handicap, but that's a different matter, ha! I would like to share a "swing thought." I was struggling to find a way to cure my shots that was either causing me to slice or hook my shots. What I found I was doing, at the top of my back swing, at the moment of the bump, as the down swing starts, the butt end of my club was pointing at the ball the same way rotational swingers approach hitting their ball, therefore taking my swing off the vertical up swing. I am now keeping the butt end of the club on my toe line as I start to swing down. I have found great improvement in striking the ball with much more control hitting it much straighter towards the middle of fairways, especially with my driver, and improving iron shots as well. I hope this helps other golfers with their vertical swing.
Thank you Surge,
Jon
p.s. My rotational swinging friend wonders how I'm hitting it much straighter. He may hit the ball farther, but not straighter!
I hit my best shots when I feel like my hands and the butt of my club are directly under my neck. My neck is pretty much right over my toe line, so it's a good way to familiarize yourself with how the setup and swing should feel.
This is a really great tip from Jon, and he's absolutely right about where the butt of the club should be. If it's not pointing at your toe line during your backswing and forward upswing, you're probably too rotational. Take a few practice swings and stop yourself to see where the club is pointing. If it's anywhere but at the toe line, you need to make a correction.
Happy Halloween and keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Butt Pointing
I think this video is a classic demonstration of "Thought V Process", at the top of his back swing, Surge's butt definitely is pointing to his toe line, but as soon as he instigates the bump, the club is laid back slightly, which alters the position of the butt, to me it's somewhere between the toes and aiming line. I worked on his original theory some months back and had all sorts of issues trying to keep the butt pointing at the toe line after the bump. However this video has highlighted to me, the need to keep the butt from pointing to far outward, which i have been guilty of.
Butt of our Butts
Surge spoke not only of our butts of our clubs but reinforced the reminder of the hips and our lower back 'arch' and how that assists his (our) posture. I had that thought in mind during my golf outing today with Cindy and my posture, balance and spine angle were much better helping me play some of my best golf in quite some time. Seemed most areas of my game were on today as I shot a rare 37 on the opening front nine at muni. Had two bogies and birdie along with 6 pars for that one over front 9. Second nine started out tough with a double bogie. I followed it with a par 4, a 4 on the short par three after a sandy the didn't get up and down and then three straight pars as I steadied the ship again. We had three holes to play but darkness was getting us so we had to call it a day. Darn! Too many slow players on the back nine. Any how very pleased with my play today. I hit a lot of really nice shots, off the tee, fairways and around and on the greens. L2 putter is making me really happy on the greens:) Love it. Front nine included four one putts and 5 two putts. The back '6' included 3 one putts and 3 two putts. Chipping was on today too. Yesterday it seemed all my chips were running 10-15 feet by the hole. Today they were mostly tap ins. Finishing the day with 3 straight pars left me smiling.
Funny, Cindy says I'm so much more pleasant to play with when I'm calm and playing well.
I wish I could bottle today's play. I do think that posture and balance had much to do with my shots being much more pure and from the center of the club face most of the day.
Nice shooting
Nice shootin' Robert, looks like you were headed towards one of those awesome sub-80 rounds. Good reminder on balance, I know that when I'm not balanced I'm in for a long day at the course..
Balance (aimpoint for putting too)
Todd,
Thanks, yes it looked like I might have gotten a few under 80. Was a little bummed that darkness got us. Combination of slow play ahead and it's just getting darker earlier. We'll need to tee of by 1pm in the coming months of winter. Still blessed to be where year round golf is available:)
On a completely different subject, I have confirmed why picking a spot just in front of the ball is better than just looking a few inches left or right of the hole when lining up a putt. This along with the need to putt wel above the apex. Most may know this but thought I'd share some cool videos on putting that may help others not miss on the amateur side (low side) of any putt. These confirm we need to aim much higher than the obvious apex.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIxx-E9Ol_g
https://www.usbank.com/index.html
I have had the habit of choosing a spot within 1 foot (or much closer) of the ball after deciding the break of a putt. These guys seem to agree with that. Never considered what that point would look like say 10 feet away in relation to where the hole is (way right or left on a big breaker). Found it very interesting as I do everything about putting improvement.
Working on leaving it in the hole or coming home from the "pro" side (above the hole).
Nice shooting indeed
Robert, nice going. Really, really envious. I have been struggling to break 90 for 5 years, mostly due to lack of distance. At 58, that SHOULD NOT be a problem. But even playing the most forward tees, I am lucky to break 100. PPGS will be my breakthrough or nothing will be. I am not trying another swing the rest of my life. Jeff P.
Breaking 100, 90, 80 and better.....
JK,
Everyone has a different experience. I was already breaking 90 regularly before the PPGS. I had many faults but had a decent background playing golf off and on most of my life. To really have a breakthrough perhaps one of the best thing you could do is keep notes and stats on each part of your game. What area needs the most help? How much time do spend chipping and putting? Nearly all my practice is around the green. For many it's getting the drive in the fairway. For others it's getting the second/third shots on or close to the green. For most it is chipping and putting. It may be a bit of all. Then study all Surge provides on each area. Use his drills and those of his teachers. Many are available for free in the archived dailies. I'm sure you have the fundamentals videos. How often do you review them and compare your set up and swing? Go to the Surge store and examine your library compared to what is available. Do you have the "Junior Golf Blueprint"
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/shop/products/junior-golf-blueprint
Best $20 you'd ever spend. Hours and hours of instruction. An amazing set of lessons.
Start there and get back to me:)
Progress Report
Been attempting to follow the PPGS for about 4 years now. Thought you might be interested in the progress. When I started I shot most often between 90 and 95. My driver was good for 200 to 210. 5 iron about 150. PW was 100 to 110. No bad accuracy problems. Now I shoot most often between 105 and 110. My driver is is lucky to reach over 180. 5 iron is now barely dong 130. PW is 70 to 80 at best. Accuracy is degrading. Last Tuesday was a banner day. Shot 135 on a 6800 yard course with a slope rating of 111. Your advertising would lead one to believe that one should improve with your system. My results indicate that your definition what is meant by improvement is somewhat different than that in the dictionary/
Really PPGS?
To say that you use the PPGS and it doesn't work first requires that you are actually performing a PPGS correctly.
If you are you would be the first I've seen. Some have decent success with a close facsimile and some even have some success if they are in the neighborhood.
No offense but if you are hitting a 5 iron the distance I hit a gap wedge you certainly have mechanical problems with your swing. Instead of blaming the PPGS maybe you should figure out what you are doing wrong (like the rest of us do).
Progree Report
You apparently did not read my progress report. If you had you would have seen that I did not criticize the PPGS I simply reported the success I have had in trying to follow the manual and amost all the videos. The problem appears to be, for me, that regardless of what I try with the PPGS I see no improvement and instead get a constant steady decrease in swing distance and a steady increse in scores.
Reading
Of course I read it. That's why I replied to it.
These lines are fairly clear: "Your advertising would lead one to believe that one should improve with your system. My results indicate that your definition what is meant by improvement is somewhat different than that in the dictionary/"
It's sort of like if I wanted to learn to high jump and somebody tried to teach me the Fosbury Flop and I went out to a track meet and used a traditional roll and then said that I made no improvement with the flop.
Point is that none of us have a perfect golf swing. We can't blame the swing we are attempting (but failing to execute) for our lack of success. More than likely if you video your swing the faults will stand out like a sore thumb...I know mine do!
Progress Report
(Been attempting to follow the PPGS for about 4 years now)
dgundling
Do you have the paid videos and manual ? If not buy them.
You cannot come on here and expect to learn the swing from the dallies. You should also take advantage of the on line lessons or visit a PPGS certified instructor and learn the swing properly.
I myself lost this past year do health issues so I am starting over and will enjoy every minute of it. I went from shooting in the low 80's to learning the PPGS and shooting in the low to mid 70's and not having a swore back.
Get some Help
Progress Report
Yep, I have almost all the videos and both the old and new version of the manual. In checking certified instructers, there are none nearby (within about 10 miles or so. THe cost of the clinics ( about $500) represents over 10 eighteen hole rounds for me. Hard to justify.
Following PPGS
dg,
Following and practicing close to accurately can be two very different things. I have been following and making a concerted effort to practice the PPGS for nearly 5 years. I am one of those who made fairly quick progress. I still feel I have many areas to improve in but I would never blame this method for my failures. I feel Don Trahan has given me a clear road map to be guided by. I have never felt better about a golfing method in the many decades I have been trying to figure out how to play this game. Why you are not improving is a good question. Likely you are not truly applying all the basics of the PPGS. This swing does work and many have increased not only there distance but more importantly their accuracy. It's a bit like a diet. People can say they are following it but if a camera followed them the truth of their eating habits may be very different. I can almost bet that a "camera" would reveal that you're not even close. Don't be too discouraged. You could tape your swing and send it in to Surge (or one of his instructors) and have them analyze in what ways you can improve. Trained eyes may really surprise you and it could only help.
I hope you make sure of how much you are actually applying and pull out of your funk. As they say," if you always do waht you always do, you'll always have what you always have." If you are not practicing the right things you'll just ingrain the bad over and over again. Have you gone to a PPGS clinic or lesson? That would be the best way to confirm your efforts and improve if you are serious about it. Highly recommended.
Progress Report
If you reread my progress report,you will note that I did not criticize PPGS. I merely reported my progress to date. I don't know how closely I track the PPGS directives but I do know that I try very hard to do so. I haven't been to a clinic or a lesson due to cost. I have a hard time justifying paying the cost of more than 10 eighteen hole rounds for a clinic with travel and lodging on top of that. I work with the manual and the videos as best I can. I play once a week and hit the range once a week. Each time I am trying to get it correct. As I reported, I have had a lot of negative success.
Options
DG, from my perspective, you have a number of options seeing you can't afford the cost of attending a clinic or PPGS coach, which are:-
1. Get a video camera and video yourself, Kodak make a cheapy called the Play Sport, this will immediately expose the faults you may have, believe me I couldn't believe my eyes when I did my first video, so now I video myself everytime I'm either trying to change something or just tracking my progress.
2. Find a mate and explain to him the various elements of the PPGS so he can advise you on the range and tell you where you need to make some changes.
It's difficult to go alone with the PPGS as 99% of players are rotational and they just don't understand. You may even get him on your side eventually and then you can monitor each other on the course.
3. Download a video of your swing and send it to a PPGS instructor, this can be done for as little as $100, worth every cent.
4. Stop playing for 10 weeks and save up for a clinic lesson, there's no point in continuing with a swing that's flawed, it's no fun and down right frustrating. During the down time, work on your putting & chipping and I promise you'll take 3-5 shots off you H/C.
The future is in your hands not of others, happy golfing.
Options- progress with PPGS
Thanks for the suggestions. I will check into option 1 for sure. Believe me that option 4 has been attractive of late save that the time span suggested is a bit short. I was thinking maybe 10 years or so. Haven't been able to come across anyone interested to try option 2 with.
Dave
Progress Report
DG: The camera idea that RM mentioned is, simply put, a brilliant idea! I've been using the PPGS for the past 5 years, and have had outstanding success with every single aspect of my game! I'm 69, have a slow swing speed (70 - 75mph) and play about twice a week. For the first year or two, I tried my very best to follow and do everything the Surge taught. Bought all the manuals, videos, etc. Didn't work! Then I bought a video camera with slow-motion (about $150) so I could see what I was really doing. Hahaha! I was so far away from the PPGS it really wasn't funny. I made a video of my swing and sent it back to Doc Griffin so he could build me some clubs. About all he could say was the scenery behind me was nice (snow-covered mountains)! So, I spent one summer REALLY LEARNING the PPGS. Every time I went to the range I videoed my swing session. Went home, looked at it, and SLOWLY made the changes needed to fit PPGS parameters. Took one short lesson from Doc Griffin a couple of years ago in Vegas - the best $100 I ever spent. I'm playing the best golf of my life now, enjoying it more, and I realize now I simply did not understand the PPGS until I videoed myself and did the comparison against the manual and various videos. Anyway, just some food for thought. Hit 'em straight! R2
Nicely put R2
Well put R2. You and Neil really nailed it with some spot on advice for anyone struggling. We know that it is a tough game. But oh so sweet when we have an aha! and it all comes together. Hope you're well and staying warm. Got snow near Salt Lake yet?
SNOW!
Good evening RM. No snow yet but they say we will get some Sunday nite and Monday too. Had a chance to play some golf Friday, and it looks like that may be it for a while. Hope all is well! R2
Progress in PPGS
I have been reading your series of comments, as well as the answers you have received on the blog. I have been following and using the PPGS for over 5 years, and started out with the same problems you are having. The solution is based on your problem and part of Don's description of the PPGS: "... on, on, square and solid, accelerating ..." The key for you, me, and all others with a similar problem is ACCELERATING! Sometimes, we get so wrapped up with the mechanics of the swing that we fail to actual swing. I know I started that way until I heard one of the dailies where Don mentioned golfers trying to swing smoothly and not accelerating through the ball. I knew all the mechanics, but was concentrating so much on them and being in the proper positions that I was not accelerating as fast as I could.
Now, I think of three things - the MSP, top of the BUS, and the T-Finish - and make the swing. Basically, I get point A (the Master Setup Position) as perfect as I can; then I swing back up to point B (the top of the BUS), and then swing to point C (the T-finish) AFAP (as fast as possible). If I get all three points correct, then the ball goes where I aim it. Getting the MSP correct is critical. As Don says, "The setup determines the motion." All the other points that Don makes (butt of the shaft on the toe line; palms perpendicular, in-the-mitt, up-the-tree, ring-the-bell, bump, drop into the slot, in-the-forward-mitt, up-the-tree, recoil-and-relax) are points to check in the swing. But if you get the proper positions in points A, B, and C worked on the range (or at home), and then just swinging through those positions, ACCELERATING), you will recover most, if not all, of your distance and your handicap will drop back to where it was when you started the PPGS.
Since you appear to "know the PPGS," stop thinking mechanics: "Feel the swing and swing the feel." You will then turn the negative success into very positive success.
Good luck to you.
Kevin
KISS
Kevin,
Love your K.I.S.S. approach. Through straight forward and simple with the ABC idea you are covering all the basics. Very good way to keep all the important things important. Thanks for sharing that with us.
Progress In PPGS
Kevin,
Thanks for the comment. As a matter of fact a good deal of my recent problems has occurred when I concentrated on accelerating through the ball. Don't think my set up is a major problem because most of my shots are relatively straight. Nothing I have read in the manuals or seen on the dailies helps me figure out why my swing speed has fallen so far and so fast and is apparently continuing to fall. I have both the SppedStik and the Momentus swing speed gadget. When I first gor the Speed Stik I would easily reach 80 and on good days above 85. Now I have to really work at it to get to 75. I hypothesize that in trying to accelerate through the ball,(swing faster), I am doing something that yields the opposite effect.
Dave
Progress in PPGS
Dave,
What I used to be told with my old rotational swing was to swing harder; now I do as DJ said and swing faster. The key to that is to avoid adding tension to the swing. I know that is easier said than done. Having tried the Speed Stick a couple of times, I can say that I would grip it tighter when trying to swing faster. The last time I tried it, back in July, I just relaxed and quit trying hard. As a result, I went from 65 to above 80; that was 2 swings. I haven't used it since because my brother has it. One of the things Don mentions fairly often is to maintain a consistent grip pressure of 3 out of 5. Working on that has helped me with keeping the tension out. I usually know when my grip is too tight because I feel increased tension in my biceps and shoulders. So I try not to let that happen. Years ago (too many), when my Dad was trying to teach me to play baseball, he would tell me not to try so hard; just let it happen. As with my golf swing, when I relaxed and let the swing happen, I hit the ball better and farther. When I tried too hard, I either struck out or hit little bloopers for outs. When I try too hard with the PPGS, I lose a lot of distance, hitting pop flies that drop like rocks. A lot of the pros whom I watch make it look so effortless; I try to make my swing also look and feel effortless. I get more club head speed that way and more distance.
Kevin
The PPGS
I have been struggling for 30 years as a would be golfer,following professional instruction,books,on line videos,etc. Last year,at age 62,I finally broke 100 and this year I had an 86 using the PPGS and continue to improve.My goal is to shoot my age.....
Thanks Don
congrats
Don, thanks for sharing your successes. Way to go. Better golf is ahead:)
Square to Square
Don, are you aware (you probably are), that the Square to Square method of the the golf swing presented by Doug Tewell is pretty much the same as the PPGS method you teach? Who started first?
Greg
Toe Line
Surge, This is such an excellent daily video. I had been hitting with great accuracy all summer and then BAM, all of a sudden I'm hitting everything to the right. This has got me back on the vertical once more. Thanks!
Awesome. Vast library of
Awesome. Vast library of information at work when someone picks up on a very old video in our archive!
Vast Library
There is so much info contained in the library of past "daily" videos. I also have purchased several of Surge's instructional videos and have found them to be really informative. As a 62 year old with limited flexibility, I credit Surge with allowing me to regularly shoot in the low 80s and the occasional high 70s. When I begin to struggle, I check the site for past dailies to quickly get myself back on track!