Having a preshot routine will really help you with your consistency. Getting into the proper setup is very important, but it can be challenging if you don't have any sort of structure that you follow on each shot. All the best players have routines because it allows them to get into a rhythm during a round. It's something that they eventually don't even have to think about because it becomes so ingrained in their subconscious.
James Walker sent in a question about addressing the ball with different clubs. He wanted to know if each club should have the same setup routine. Your setup should not change, but your ball position will.
Your DAILY video on 1-3-13 (CLICK HERE TO WATCH) showcased your standard routine addressing the ball. Does the same routine apply to not only your irons but also Drivers/Hybrids?
Thanks, Jim Walker
The ball doesn't know what club you're holding, so your setup should not change based on which club you have. The only thing that will change based on the club is ball position. In the PPGS, we always want to play wedges through 7 iron in the dead center of your stance. However, you must remember that width of stance is determined by our ankles, not toes. This is because we have flared feet in the Surge setup. By the time you get to the driver, the ball will be just about in line with your front ankle.
The example I like to use when discussing consistency in your setup has to do with Jack Nicklaus. During one of his later Masters wins, someone timed his routine from the time he took his club out of his bag to the time he made contact with the ball for every shot he took that day. Over the course of his round, the only shot he missed was when he took an extra look at his target. Every other shot that day was nearly identical in the amount of time it took. The extra look he took must have got him out of his rhythm, but he still ended up winning the tournament. The whole point is that no matter what club you pull out of your bag, your routine and setup should be the same. It sets you up to make a good swing every time.
If you're watching the end of the Arnold Palmer Invitational today, take a look at Tiger Woods during his putting routine. This is another example of consistent timing. If you were to time him from the moment he stands over the ball to the time he strikes the putt, you will see incredibly consistent timing, with every putt most likely within a second of every other.
So, our ball position changes depending on the club but your setup remains the same, and so should your routine!
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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Comments
Set up and routine
Surge,
Really enjoyed your reminder today especially using J.N. as an example. As you could see from yesterdays discussion we have been talking about Nicklaus and his vertical swing. I know you have always had a lot of respect for Nicklaus and rightly so. Every move he made was like clockwork and such a super pattern for all of us to follow. As it has been mentioned, it is shocking that he is not more frequently imitated by today's teachers and players. thank God for you and the PPGS that brings common sense and the most body friendly swing for us to learn.
Loss of memory
To the rotational crowd Jack Nicklaus' swing never existed. They might mention his record but very seldom his swing.
That same crowd of wrist cockers and parallelers also see Steve Stricker and JB Holmes as a thorn in their side. They could live with Stricker by saying you can't have a lot of power without wrist cock but when JB blew that theory out of the water they didn't know what to say. I bet they are happy he hasn't done anything lately. (Out of sight, out of mind).
Johnny Miller went on and on today about how Keegan Bradley was too vertical and said the only thing you could do from there was to pull the ball.
(Jack and his 18 Majors never existed).
Edit: There is no problem with anyone having the opinion that a swing based on rotational power is the best. (Everybody is entitled to their opinion).
I just can't remember the last time I heard an announcer or an instructor look at a swing and recognize that there is a different source of power than the torque of the body. Anything other than a full and complete body coil is considered a swing flaw.
Loss of Memory
Steve,
Johnny Miller and those who conveniently forget the accomplishments of Jack Nicklaus remind me of the saying: A little knowledge is dangerous!
Together with Nick Faldo and several others, they give me wind! Sir Nick? More like 'old nick' ; - )
Watching Bubba Watson today was painful! His gyrations when swinging are unbelievable.
When done properly the PPGS swing has me hitting short irons far more accurately than when a rotational swinger. A good long swing session yesterday and today and not a twitch from my insubordinate shoulders : - ) As for backache, previously a regular occurence? Can't remember the last time it is so long ago. Surge, says, Do it right! The benefits of doing so are.....better golf and pain free. PPGS is the way.
Bubba Watson & Truth Telling
Talk about unique.
If I remember correctly, Bubba takes a huge turn, but his club is NOT wrapped around his body...it's up. And the results. This swing is a unique combination of elements. Each of us must find our swing.
PPGS friends, may I speak plainly? (Steve, thx for "opinion" edit above.)
IMHO- There is only limited success to be found in bashing the rotational swing. When we bash, then these pros stick it inside of 5 feet from the cup from xxx yards, "we" look FRINGE and silly.
In the marketplace of ideas, we offer an viable alternative to those who might be interested. It's an honest conversation about results & longevity.
Yes, focus on what works for you.
Yes, talk about the body-friendly component. That's huge.
Yes, by all means, talk about the pros that incorporate PPGS elements.
And ask good questions: "How's that going for you?"
I still maintain that the marketplace will give feedback.
If it's viable, effective, helpful.....meets a need....the marketplace will
respond.
Set up and routine
Surge,
a timely reminder indeed. During the advert breaks between watching the Tavistock Cup this morning [NZ time], I have been re-reading JN's book. His comments just read emphasize the same ethos on set up as you do. Started reading his book again for the tips he gives on playing the course and the mistakes amateur players make when playing certain types of hole, or to dangerous pin positions. That his swing is so similar to your swing, after seeing the you tube video 2008 comparisons yesterday, was icing on the cake. It is refreshing to note he has the same down to earth, no nonsense approach to teaching as you and the rest of the PPGS team. He pulls no punches. Set up and alignment were as important to his success as anything. Off out for a swing session now, paying particular attention to set up and alignment.
Chipping with ever club in the bag as well as full swings is a lot of fun. It also gave me a few surprises! I am thanful that your swing method allows my raddled old carcass to swing with little if any after effects. Thankyou and all Surgites for your help in making my golf a pleasure every time I play. DH
Routine used, ball position fwd 4 me!
I went thru the DT Academy w/Don & Dave in December. Alignment and proximity to the ball were worked on with me, and I feel pretty good now about those two elements. I went a got some of those sticks, as they recommended. I also feel my practice swing now full speed, seeing where I clip the grass with an unimpeded swoosh, then merely inch forward into ball setup, where the next swing I feel will have ball/grass get in the way! Better arms extension. Tried the right-angle quarter turn into the ball routine from today with all clubs at the range-great! Finally, I know Don has always emphasized and even tried to change me more standard on setup, but my ball spot on the ground for me Has To Be about three balls forward of normal. I fight any decent contact with a 7-PW in the middle, but as mentioned spot-whamo! It for sure is a body move swing flaw, but I hate fighting it. Having the ball fwd of normal gives me confidence, at greater trajectory. Lefty who plays righty, I need more room behind the ball & my contact becomes Way More solid. I do Driver in same spot, left heel; but my hybrids and irons are not much further back or I look foolish with weak contact. JM in Mesa.
ultimate golf failures
A friend passed this along to me. I haven't seen these before, and thought the Surge nation might enjoy them, in a macabre sort of way. Hopefully I posted the link correctly.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6FMyblJkLSM
Enjoy!
Golf Videos
Thank you Tina for giving me such a good laugh !!! Seriously, however, it never crossed my mind how dangerous a badly handled golf cart could be.
Jack
Jack Nicklaus' swing changes
If anyone knows of the article or video regarding Jack Nicklaus statement saying "that if there was one thing he could change in Golf My Way it would be changing to a more traditional ball position instead of all full shots off left heel, I would greatly appreciate hearing from you. I am a PPGS Certified instructor.
Here are the videos about Jack and PPGS:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVMeoRR4T2A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ics5aZ8wqo4