Today I'm going to discuss the importance of having wide knees, outward pressure in the backswing. It's come to be known as "riding a skinny horse." It's the classic Surge setup position. When someone recognizes my students on the range, they do so because of the positioning of the knees.
David W. Noble has seen improvement in his driving ability just by understanding that having wide knees in the setup makes for more consistent golf.
I have been struggling with my driver for a couple of years. My shots would go about two-thirds of the way down the fairway and then tail off to the right and I would be in the trees everytime. But as you call it "riding the skinny horse," my shots have been dead square down the middle of the fairway.Thank you for such a great tip,Dave
Even though it's more of a compliment than a question, I wanted to talk about what I feel is the reason David found success with the Peak Performance Golf Swing. With any golf shot, our swing has to be repeatable and most importantly, functional. The definition of the PPGS is a 3/4, limited turn backswing. Golf is also a game of angles, so the fewer you have in your swing, the better off you will be.
The key is that we want to start a swing from good positions. We can't have correct motion without a correct setup. The most important element of obtaining the right setup is to have wide knees with outward pressure. This is what I call "riding a skinny horse." Your stance should be about shoulder width apart. If you were to place a club underneath your armpit and get into your pre-loaded heavy right position, it would basically be touching your back knee, which is pointing outward a little bit. Note that this does not change for any club in your bag. Your back leg is always in the same position. Once you get in that position, you stretch the knees just wide enough to stretch the inside of the legs. You don't ever want to roll your feet off the ground. They must remain flat. My forward foot doesn't get too much wider as I change clubs, but it does change slightly.
The keys to riding a skinny horse are maintaining both the width and levelness of your knees. When you start your backswing, you really have to maintain your left knee and resist moving it. One of the primary things I see at our one-day performance golf schools is too much knee movement. The PPGS is described as a limited turn, 3/4 swing so the most effetive way we can make that type of swing is through the knees.
People have been told to kick in their front leg to allow for more turn. But, we want to resist the knee coming back so it will cut down the hip turn which, in turn, cuts down the shoulder turn. If you maintain the firmness of the left wrist as well, you should have a nice, 3/4 swing while only turning the forward arm over the toe line. The hands will get a little behind the toe line because you're swinging on a diagonal plane.
One important thing to remember is that even though you resist your forward leg and hold the knee during the backswing, you must fire your back leg and right side up to the T-finish. The only knee you resist is the forward knee in the backswing. The back knee chases the club to the finish.
Since the comment today regarded the driver, I ended today's video hitting just that! Everything remains the same for the driver. Wide knees, outward pressure. Ride the skinny horse in the backswing then fire in the forward swing.
Finishing square to the target is really critical and works within the laws of physics. Riding the skinny horse is a major key to maintaining rule number 1: golf is a game of angles, the fewer the better. Wide stance is one of the biggest causes of back pain in golf, so avoid it at all costs! Instead, try having wide knees with a narrower stance.
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.
Blog Tags:
Comments
Riding a skinny horse
The one part of the swing which I didn't concentrate on yesterday was mentioned in today's video. Firstly it was a very windy and damp day. Didn't make any difference. My wife commented, "You played well today". Now from her that is praise indeed. Lots of positives in the round.
Now to the video. Firing the rear or right knee in my case was missing on most of my tee shots. Not all and I was still satisfied with the overall results. Consistency much better. Number of one putts was a credit to my short irons. On at least 3or4 holes the approach shots with SW,PW and 8iron were faultless, and were inches from the pin in accuracy. Big smiles there.
Wet here again and 'business' to attend to, but I will be giving firing the right knee in a little more attention. Thanks to Surge and the clan, it is just minor tweaks needed. Thank the good Lord I found PPGS in far off China. Meant to be, methinks ; - ) Hit them straighter,longer and more consistently, where ever you are. DH
Firing that right knee
DH, Guess I shouldn't be surprised you had a similar thought to mine. Took note of his emphasis that we hold both knees until the top and then allow that back knee to fire. Great minds..... he he. Actually Surges entire reminder was good. Did you notice his amazing stability until well after the ball is hit. If we watch his head and pause at before and then at any point both during the BUS and during all of the FUS until the club is already well through the ball his head is in the same square. Inspirational!
All this even while firing the back knee from the top.
BTW, I have had a bit of fun on e-bay the last couple of days. Won a bid on a set of 8 rifle project X iron shafts that I have wanted for a while. Only 75.00 (normally 200.00+). Thought for sure I'd get out bid. You know I love to tinker on more clubs. Next on my list (may happen soon) are the Mizuno JPX 800 irons 4-GW. Will put the project X on with either the Jumbo Max or the Enlow reverse taper grips. Have the sensicore vibration inserts that dampen and make the metal shafts comparable to graphite. Will use those too.Aside from demanding everything be perfectly new, I don't know why anyone would ever by anything for normal sales deals in a store when you can save a ton on e bay and amazon and other on line stores.
Enlow grips
RM: Just a question: Have you used the Enlow reverse-taper grips? I'm considering giving them a try - they sound like good grips. I've been playing the Winn W7 jumbo grips, and like the feel of the larger grip. Thanks much and take care, R2
Enlows
No, haven't tried 'em yet. Wouldn't hesitate if I were you. They look great and surge recommended them. Terry and I had talked about them some months back. think he may have tried them. i currently use the Jumbo Max which make normal jumbos seem small (still love them). The Enlows look super and that reverse taper seems logical. I'm sure you'd be really happy with them. I am currently spending too much money on other purchases right now to go for 'em yet! lol:)
Hit 'em straight pal.
Robert M.
Enlows
RM: Thanks for your quick reply! I agree with you - the reverse taper just makes so much sense. Think I'll order a set in a couple of weeks and try them out. I've got to regrip my clubs this winter anyway so might as well see how well they work. R2
ENLOW GRIPS
I have the Enlow grips on my driver and hybrids. I have also tested the Jumbo Max which Robert uses and ended up going back to the Enlow. I do recommend either one, however I prefer the Enlow as a jumbo grip, due to the reverse taper. I happen to have a bag which has individual circular holes for the clubs and only 4 are large enough to accommodate the grips, otherwise I would have them on the irons as well, but for now I have the jumbo Chamois on my irons. The jumbo Chamois are considerable smaller than the Enlow. The enlow are made well, very thick and very big, but can still be installed and uninstalled with the air method. Their is nothing cheap or chintzy about them, they are however very very large. Good luck.
http://www.enlowgrips.com/
Enlows
Great input, TM!!! Thanks so much. I really like the feel of the larger grips, so the Enlows sound great. I use the air method so that is good news too. I may have to get a new bag but Christmas is almost here lol. I really appreciate your help. Take care, R2
new bag
R2,Terry and anyone else seriously considering the Enlows or Jumbo Max must think about the size and quality of your club dividers.
If you're thinking of a new bag and you want the Enlow or Jumbo max you'll need a bag with larger 10" with 14 separate dividers. I searched carefully until I found the Assault from Datreks.
http://www.nextag.com/datrek-assault-golf-bag/stores-html#!
This allows you to view the sturdy large holes for clubs/larger grips
http://compare.ebay.com/like/150673704153?_lwgsi=y<yp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar
Certainly look for the best price but I have been very happy and can fit all 14 clubs with over sized grips. It has a nice outside weel for you long side saddling putter too!
New Bag response
I agree whole heartly. I have the Bag Boy Revolver Top bag. It is an excellent bag and the revolver top adds a nice touch, HOWEVER, even though the individual top club inserts will handle regular jumbo grips such as Chamois Jumbo, only 4 are large enough for grips in the Enlow and Jumbo Max range. That's why I only have my driver and 3-hybrids with Enlow Grips on them.
New bag
RM: Thanks so much for the great bag reference. I will put this one on my "must have soon" list. Looks like a super bag. Take care, R2
Golf Bags for the Enlow Grips
I have two bags for my set of Enlow griped clubs. I use a SunMountain cart bag with the large putter holder on the front, room for 14 clubs. I also have a Callawsy (Edge) stand bag . It does not have a putter holder so I use a putter hanger attached to the bag. Both work well the the larger Enlow grips. My putter has the Big Boy grip on it and it will fit into the putter holder on the SunMountain bag
golf bags for big grips
Several practical recommendations have been made about bags with dividers large enough. One additional suggestion for those who don't like to order on line sight unseen is to go the closest Golf Galaxy or other large golf outlet store and bring your clubs with you and just try out several options. If it's easy enough to fit your clubs in the holes then there you go. If you find one you like you still might be advised to check online where more times than not they will be cheaper and often with free shipping. The dis advantage is that not all of the best choices are available to try as many golf stores are limited.
Upswing speed
Don - I've been trying the PPPS and think I can get it to work for me, but I know we should upswing as fast as possible and I'm having trouble maintaining balance while I try to do that. Should I pull down as hard as I can, bump harder, or what? Could you please go through that portion of the swing for me?
Upswing Speed
I found trouble when doing it too on occasion, only once yesterday. In hindsight it could have been as I have already said on today's video, I was not transitioning the weight correctly on the Forward Upswing FUS. ie, I was not coming off my right foot, therefore transferring the weight forward. It resulted in one tee shot where I lost my balance. Lesson learned hopefully. Trying too hard is our biggest problem in learning what Surge teaches. The bump is a very, very small movement of the hips.Too much bump and you will have real problems, same with, as you asked about pulling down harder too. My old friends Ti-Ming and Tem-po could be a problem leading to an un-coordinated swing, seems likely. Like many of us, you seem to be getting in your own way. All things in moderation springs to mind. I have found that slowing down my impetuous fast swing at the ball, has actually increased both my distance and accuracy. Try it. DH
Pulling Down
Here is a pretty long article you can read. The most important part of the whole thing to me is where it says the arms free fall at the start of the FUS. I never have the feeling that I am EVER pulling down, only swinging up. The "down" part is free as Surge likes to say. Of course technically we are probably pulling down once the FUS gets underway but it doesn't feel like it.
https://swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/pulling-down
Not golf but
A mate sent me this yesterday & I thought was clever enough to share.
This guy made a v12 diesel engine in his shed, on a lathe & drill press.
Took him 1220 hours [ year & a half ] with 261 parts. You dont have to be an engineer to enjoy this. http://www.wimp.com/tiniestengine
Neat
That's great Russty!!! I love metal working but never had my own machine shop. It would be a blast to build something like that.
Skill
Cheers Steve. Even if I had the equipment, I definitely lack the skill or patience, to take on anything like that. Golf seems to take up a lot of any spare time I have.
Very cool
Amazing detail. Fun stuff.
Video
Russty: This is just an amazing work of art!!! Thanks for sharing it with us. Fun stuff and I can't believe the engine is so small but runs as well as it does. R2
Did you see what I saw
Surge Nation
Did anyone else see the field mouse run behind Surge during the video?
Just a little Surge Nation test to see if you are paying attention.
Dick
Re Mouse
Yes I saw it but it ran again to the left and I would say it was a chipmunk?
Yes
I always look for chip munks and squirles that often play in the back ground in his haven in the hills. Love his back yard:)
Set up - "Start to swing" & Observation
Never Ending and an “Observation”
I haven’t seen (and I’ve watched most of the tips) “THE SEQUENCE”. What starts first, second third and so on? For the life of me I can’t figure it out.
1. Grip
2. Distance to ball.
3. Feet and flare
And so on… Let alone PLHR when do you do that????
Have you ever noticed in Surges videos he always grounds the club behind the ball (before he starts his swing) anywhere’s from a half inch to about 3 inches. I tried this and my chunks got 100% better if I maintained the square. Wondering why he hasn’t passed this information on --- or has he and I missed it.
Regards...
Steve"O"
Start to Swing & Observation
Never Ending and an “Observation”
I haven’t seen (and I’ve watched most of the tips) “THE SEQUENCE”. What starts first, second third and so on? For the life of me I can’t figure it out.
1. Grip
2. Distance to ball.
3. Feet and flare
And so on… Let alone PLHR when do you do that????
Have you ever noticed in Surges videos he always grounds the club behind the ball (before he starts his swing) anywhere’s from a half inch to about 3 inches. I tried this and my chunks got 100% better if I maintained the square. Wondering why he hasn’t passed this information on --- or has he and I missed it.
Regards...
Steve"O"
Do you have the "purchased" video lessons?
If so you would be less likely have those questions about how he sets up. If you don't, They're on sale for Christmas and you should treat yourself well and buy them along with the manual. That being said, he always sets up with the same routine. Not surprisingly all of it can also be seen on the free lessons available to all by using the search bar above top right. We have suggested and will continue to suggest that all take advantage of hundreds(and hundreds) of videos in the archived library.
Here's a few examples:
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/alignment-making-h
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/checkpoints-successful-ppgs-setup
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/distance-ball-guidelines
https://www.swingsurgeon.com/daily-video-tips/dave-seeman-derek-hardy-alignment
Steve, I hope these help.
Boy I started working on this response about an hour and a half ago. It was worth every second as I reviewed many daily blogs to find these that seem to answer much of your question. Don and his family of teachers have given us so many great lessons. Again for an in depth and step by step complete understanding of every step of the set up you must review the paid for lessons.
Be afraid.......
Be very afraid! Actually I am on a bit of a spending spree right now. It's not that I have a ton of cash. Hey, golf is my hobby. Tinkering on clubs and building them with various components is fun. Working out of my garage is a blast. I am near my limit with gift giving to others. Ordered Cindy a nice Datrek ladies bag (shhhhhhhh!). With all this talk about the Enlows I'm real close to going for a set of orange or yellow:) Oh oh!
Enlows (again)
RM: I will push you over the top now!! Stopped by my home course this afternoon and talked to our club pro. He has ALL his clubs gripped with the Enlows. We are good friends, and he invited me over to the range to try them out. WOW - what SUPER grips!!! I tried the 6 & 9 irons and his 4 & 5 hybrids (as we have about the same WTF). I thought my Winn Jumbos were good, but the Enlows are FAR GOODER!!! Sooo, I just ordered a full set (14) of the orange ones for my Christmas present! Better get some soon. The reverse taper gives a better feel, and more control. He has the orange ones on his clubs and they look, well, pretty funky and cool, too! Now for the bag..... Have fun, buy more stuff. R2
Is that you
R2
Is this my old friend Roy from out in the land of the frozen tundra?
Dick
Hi Dick!!!
Dick: Yes it is - great to hear from you. Miss your input on the blog. Hope you are doing okay. How is the golf game coming along? Please get back to us - we need an after-action report!!! And some hot chocolate :-)) Take care and as always, hit 'em straight! R2
Good to hear back from you
Roy
I am doing pretty darn well. As they say, I am in pretty good condition, for the condition I am in.
Hope the weather is not being too rough on you folks right now. Especially if you are still making that daily drive.
I will be on most night for at least some time.
Dick
Dang
Sounds awesome R2. I am looking at 'em now. likely get the orange too! my favorite colors are the sunset - red orange and yellow. Yes I am that guy on the golf course too. Truck is red and my (the Mazda RX8) was yellow. Need more orange in my life!!
Glad you didn't want Royal
Glad you didn't want Royal Blue... We sold out of those this morning!
Color
Brady,
Actually ended up ordering the yellow after all:) 14. Project x shafts arrived today. JXP800's on the way. By next week I'll have all the parts and will have new sticks by early 2013. Fun.