Today's video is all about vision. Many golfers wear glasses when they play golf, which is perfectly fine. However, there are certain types of frames and lenses that will hamper your game. I've got a lot of stories of students who have shown up to golf schools wearing bifocals and frames that they should not be wearing. I'll share a few of those with you today as well as cover a book written by Dr. Lawrence D. Lampert.
The Pro's Edge: Vision Training for Golf was written by Lampert and covers all the reasons why bifocals do not work for golfers! Lee Beitchman is the inspiration for today's video because of the question he submitted. He wanted to know if it was okay to wear bifocals as long as his results improve.
I love your swing and teaching methods. Yours is the only swing that I have successfully used to get the ball in the air and play more consistently.
About a year ago I was fitted by Doc for a driver. Although I hit it okay I notice that even though it is 12 degrees, I have trouble gettting any height on the ball.
I listened to your comment on not wearing bifocals and although I did not get single vision lens, by looking through the bottom of the lens at a blurry ball through my bifocals, I am able to lift my head thus correcting the top of my spine angle and that corrected my tendency to hit slices, but I still cannot get the height I feel I should be getting.
Do you have any suggestions? Thanks and keep up the great work. By the way, I took your one day seminar last year in Alpharetta and it was extremely helpful. I would recommend it to all PPGS students.
Lee
I highly recommend each one of you look up Dr. Lampert's work on the relationship between vision and successful golf. It's always nice to feel like you've solved a problem and you're hitting the ball better, however I cannot support Lee's decision to play golf with bifocals. The fact that he says he's looking at a blurry ball should be enough to convince anyone to stay away from bifocals.
I understand that it gets harder to see as we get older. I've been wearing glasses for many years, but they've never impaired my vision on the golf course. For the sake of your game, get a pair of frames and lenses that will enable you to be the best golfer you can be.
Keep it vertical and crystal clear!
The Surge
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Comments
Ordered!
I just ordered the book you recommended. I also saw a similar post here before. I have a question that is related. Maybe the book will answer my questions but I won't get that for about a week. Do you know how using mono-vision contacts might impact my game? In other words, I am fitted for distance in one eye and up close in the other eye. My brain automatically switches to the eye that it needs in my day to day vision. I don't even notice when the switch is happening. My brain has completely adjusted to this. I think this is a common practice for cataract surgery as well. Any thoughts on this? I appreciate the videos very much. Thanks in advance! - Athelene
Ordered
Athelene;
You are correct sir re: cataract replacement lenses -- normally one eye is set for middle and long distance, the other for middle and short. If you do not have astigmatism issues, you would probably not need glasses after the surgery. And yes, the brain does "adjust" to the proper eye for the range required.
The only problem - and this may be "just me" -- is poor depth perception on anything longer than about a 5 iron.. With my eyes only, I can easily be +/- ONE club -- so I rely heavily on my "seeing eye dog" -- otherwise known as GPS rangefinder.
With the "new eyes" I can play golf without glasses - including keeping a score card, but outdoors only. If I go inside and want to review the card, then I need my reading glasses. Seems to be a contrast thing with dimmer indoor lighting, compared to bright sunshine outdoors.
Hope this helps,
Amos
CATARACT SURGERY
Hello Amos;
I seem to be just the opposite of you. I am right eye dominate and have the distance lens inserted into that eye. I find that the weakest between the two is my distance vision. I can do all things without glasses including reading inside or out in high or low light. I also passed my last drivers vision test without glasses successfully. I do however have trouble seeing the ball past 175 or so yards, and wear full vision distance glasses when golfing. I agree with the depth perception as well and could not golf without a range finder. For me, things always tend to look further away than they actually are.
On another note, while on line, I want to take the time to highly recommend a book mentioned by Mike Bartholomew a week or so ago. ReThinking Golf by Chuck Hogan. Any true surgite will see and hear Don echoing throughout the pages. I wish I would have had this book when first learning golf. Thanks for the mention Mike, I am about 3/4 through the book and truly enjoying the read. This is one I will surely pass along and refer to time and time again.
As for my game it is coming around, I seem to be knocking on the 80's barier a little more often on the days I am playing well. As for the other off days, they are closer to the low and mid 90's. Heading out shortly for my Tue 9-hole league. It is a warm 81, with a real feel of 91. That darn humidity is such a spoiler. I am one of those folks who are over sensitive to the heat, sweat excessively , and tire quickly. Plenty of fluid before and during play is a must as well as looking for shade to loll in during play.
Only feels 91
It'll be 107 here later today but will feel like 107. He, he hee hee:)
Terry, nice to hear from you. Thanks for recommending that book that Mike recommended. I had already decided to buy it but got distracted on the following days (Easy for me) and did not order it yet I'll be ordering it now, thanks.
Knocking on the 80's door again. Good. I am too. Seems I go through phases where I shoot several rounds between 78-81 and then a double bogie or two sends me into the 82-85 zone. It was only 4 months ago that I shot 35/40 (a par 71) in Mesquite, Nv. Because of the heat here I am currently having some of the best holes ever and some of the worst in the same round. As they say we need to minimize the high score holes.
I will order that book now. Take care pal:)
cataract surgery
Terry,
140 yds (my 5 iron distance) is about my "vision limit" with a standard WHITE ball. With a YELLOW ball, I can see them in the fairway a little beyond 200 yds. Hence I am currently playing the Wilson 50 elite in Yellow.
Amos
Yellow balls
Who knows that may help many of us Amos. I have played yellow and orange too. Normally they are balls I find but I may mess with that concept as my eye sight 'evolves'. glad you are still doing what you love. hope your game is treating you well.
Wilson 50's
Yes, I too play the Wilson 50's, in the orange which are more visible in the fairway. Also easier to spot in the higher rough. I would like to play the Wilson Duo which are 40 compression, but they are not available in the orange, just white and yellow. I may switch to the yellow Duo when my orange 50's are gone. Problem is I rarely loose any of the orange, except to the occasional water hole. I sometimes take them out of play if they become too scuffed up, but that takes a long time also.
glasses
I am 68 and I have worn glasses since the first grade. When I was in my mid 40's the eye doc wanted me to see how bifocals might work. Hated the trial pair and for then we left it. When I was in my mid 50's and I was taking off my glsses to read, he sugested I get reading glasses and since my regular ones did not need to be changed they were covered. In my mid 60" (notice a patern here), I was told to have catorac surgery and I had inplants. I now have reading glasses and that is it. My score has dropped a few because I hit it straighter and I do not lose as many balls.
glasses
aupaw:
I too had cataract surgery about one year ago. Generally, I agree with your comments. The only problem I have encountered is a tendency to align slightly to the LEFT of the intended target line. I think this may be because I have been LEFT EYE dominant, but the Doc put the long distance lens in my right eye! I think this may have my brain slightly confused. Or maybe I am just being "different Amos" again! lol
Keep hitting them STRAIGHT and LONG
Amos
Glasses for golf
I am not in anyway arguing the fact that playing with bifocals is or isn't hurting my game. Maybe it is. My question is this. When does my money outlay for golf stop ? Glasses, that won't be cheap. You are 63, I am 70, does this mean I have to get fitted for new shafts ? Like everyone else, I pay for lessons, pay for balls at the range, new golf shoes, training aid(s) and of course greens fees. I buy mint condition used golf balls on line for about half the store price and at my level of play there is little or no difference. I save during the winter, for golf during the season. If it were just the range, a lesson here and there and the fee's, that would be doable. I am not really making a complaint, as it's my choice to play, but at the same time, it would be nice to do this a little more economically.
John Brennen
Glasses for golf
John,
It depends what you consider to be critical to your improving or making your game more fun. Believe me, like many others, I have spent oodles of money on lessons,aids,fees, range fees...etc, just like you. Having said that, one thing we golfers tend not to use, is common-sense,eg, robotically buy the new, hit it farther than ever un-fitted clubs etc. The right tools always do the job better in most things in life. Your clubs may be perfect for you. One thing is as sure as sunrise tomorrow, if your alignment is off [due to vision or laziness], there is no way on earth that you will repeatedly be on target! My alignment has improved out of sight since ditching my progressive lenses. Lessons, aids, range practice and fees all for nought, unless fitted correctly with clubs [fitted to you] and correct glasses. BTW I am 72 years young, with a list of physical injuries 'earned' through a military career. The Surge,Fellow Surgites,Doc Griffen, and other PPGS advisors and the PPGS swing, have given me a new lease of life on the hallowed turf! Good Luck with your choices. Know what mine would be.
Hit them longer and straighter, more consistently where ever you are.
DH a dedicated Surgite down under in Godzone NZ
What glasses?
When this topic arose some months ago, I ditched my progressive lenses on the course. Not long thereafter I ditched the single lens glasses too. I now use my wife/golden retriever ball hound/critic and soul mate to keep an eye on my balls ; - ) Since ditching them all on the course, I now find she is just back up now. Yesterday I played an ad hoc 9 holes during a break in the wet stuff. Trialling a new swing thought for me. It worked a treat and will now be used in future. Hit the ball much farther off the first hole I played, straight as an arrow, with the DRIVER!!!! Chipping and pitching superb. One hole I always struggle with a par 3, decided to try something different. Took out a 4iron, went down the shaft and teed off. Saw the ball on line for the pin then lost it in the sun/shadow. Thought, 'where the heck did that go'! Imagine my thoughts when the ball was found 3" from the hole! Over the 9 holes with lush rough with lots of uphill,downhill and side hill opportunities, trees, creeks etc, didn't lose one ball, and I was on my own. My normal eyes was otherwise engaged at home.
I am now less reliant on spectacles on the course. I carried a pair of reading glasses yesterday, and the driving ones stay in the car, and have done for months.
Since discarding glasses altogether I have noticed that my alignment seems much better. Next time we are out I will try some holes with the reading glasses on and see if there is a difference.
The book seems to cover an area of golf that we ignore at our peril. Will check it out. DH
Glasses
I know Don is an enthusiastic teacher of the game, but in the 4 years I've been following the Surge, I don't think I've ever seen a more passionate daily. I wear progressives and have been deluding myself into thinking I am adapting. Putting? no way. I don't see a straight line anywhere. I like to see the ball at address, and watch the flight at the same time. No way can I do this with one optic and still see the score card. A huge problem. I don't know what the answer is. A compromise, I suppose. What do I want to see most? The ball at my feet, where it lands, or the score card. All 3 different optics. I have to depend on my playing partners, OR hit in the middle of the fairway!!!! and let my partner do the scoring. A conundrum, nonetheless. Cheers, Deb
Conundrum
Deb,
I stopped wearing my progressives. I have no problem in seeing the ball at my feet or the direction of my shots since I stopped wearing them. My wife right enough is relied on normally, but I don't have as much of a problem as I envisaged when taking such a radical step.Partners are usually OK with keeping an eye on partners balls.Played 9holes yesterday and didn't lose a ball. As a suggestion off the top of my febrile brain. For card marking etc, buy a cheap magnifying glass to hang on your bag.That is if you don't already have one. Now that would allow you to use one optic and still be able to keep score. Just a thought.
DH
I love the suggestion for a
I love the suggestion for a magnifying glass. I'll definitely get me one of those!!
Delusion
I agree that the progressives helping us on the golf course is a big no. I have tried them quite completely. Frankly I don't like them away from the golf course either. Oh I went all out. I have the sun glass version and the clear versions of the progressives. $500.00+ each. With my insurance they were a little over $200.00 ea.
My favorite glasses are actually my 3 for $25 sunglass/readers I buy at Sam's Club.They are the large lense 70's motor cycle cop style that Surge often wears.Perhaps because they are relatively large the little reader aspect at the bottom is less intrusive. I do take them off when I hit the ball or putt. So it is on between shots to deal with our intense sunlight here in the desert then of during shots. Like DH, I am usually with Cindy and she helps watch my shots, particularly my drives which are more prone to be lost high and into the sunlight. So there's another option for you.
Like DH was saying I likewise am better off with no glasses during actual play. Sounds like your eye sight is similar to mine. As I say, "I'm losing my hair (actually it is just migrating south), I am losing my hearing, can't see close, can't see far, but at least I look good". In fact every one looks better because I can't see any blemishes or wrinkles on their faces.
BTW, I know it is just because I am thick headed but does any one know what Surges bottom line suggestion is for our sight? I know he is dead set against progressives and bi or tri- focals while playing golf. Aside from wearing large sunglasses what is he in favor of ?? Really this is an honest question and maybe I missed the answer the last 5 times he discussed this subject.
Those dang bifocals
Yep, I too have quite an investment in expensive frames and lenses that still sit in the case. No way did mono vision contacts work for me. I can't even get the darn things in my eyes. I am completely helpless without glasses, so I am forced to wear some correction. For putting, I rely on picking a line from behind the ball to set the ball up. When I address the ball, I concentrate on distance and speed, as the line is predetermined. Has been working nicely as I have been sinking 8 footers regularly. During scrambles, it's " let Debbie take the putt." On the fairway, I set alignment from behind the ball. My biggest issue is fat and thin hits off the tee and fairway. Most likely related to my eyesight. My brain seems to have a different view of things and causes me to "adjust" my swing in the FUS. I am trying to tune out the brain and trust my setup, but the brain is a powerful force. Thanks for all the great suggestions. Cheers to everyone.
Dang indeed
Though my putting is a continual work in progress, I too do as you do. Once I pick my line I have a spot with in 1 foot that I will roll the ball over and I line up accordingly. Taking another look at the cup from the side is the kiss of death so I too just concentrate on pace and distance. The eyes will fool me otherwise and a push or pull may likely follow. KISS works best (or should it be KISB -Keep It Simple Blindy). As for off the tee and fairway, same as you I just get my alignment from behind as prescribed by Surge and then when I'm aside the ball never vary or allow my lying eyes to change things.
Ultimately I may have the lasik eye surgery if the cateract thing doesn't get me first.
Your suggestions too are always helpful Deb. Cheers back at you:)
Mono Vision
Interesting discussion. I replaced my progressives with mono-vision contacts. Among the biggest benefits for me are they don't fog up in the winter and I don't drip sweat on them in the summer. In other words I'm not constantly wiping off my glasses between shots. As for the negatives, the eye doc and I haven't yet dialed in the reading vision. Seems simple to me but he says the eyes work together for focusing so I shouldn't expect much better with reading, so it is in no way perfect, but I'm not convinced the reader is strong enough. I have bad depth perception regardless so I rely on a laser range finder for determining distance. If I can't dial in the reading better I might try both distance contacts and carry readers. The one day I forgot to put my contacts in and left my progressives on made for a mediocre round at best.
Good price on the book
http://www.bernell.com/product/1960/214
Thanks
Even Amazon was $21.00 or more. Thanks for finding and sharing that price.
Found a couple of additional links about the author and book.
http://www.loweryourscore.com/
http://www.dp-db.com/the-pros-edge
http://holebyhole.com/lampert.htm
Single Vision Glasses
I'm 68 -- for at least the past 30 years I've worn tri-focals. Probably more than 20 years ago, I had a pair of glasses cut for the single distance vision. Have used single vision glasses for golf at least 20 years. Also found they are useful in a movie theater. I have no problem with the scorecard. I just look over the top to write in the score.