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On one of your videos, you mentioned “not” to hit down on the ball. Could this be because the student is trying to have a divit? My question is that I do not leave a divit when I use my irons, is this important and what does it do for you?
Thanks,
Jeff
I read the foundations manual and am now reading in detail. I have trouble understanding the position of the inside of the elbow on left and right arm on page 33/34, figure 17. You say the back of the left hand points toward the target and the inside of the left elbow points to 1 o’clock. When I looked at the diagram it looked like the angles pointed to 11 o’clock. You go on to describe Ben Hogan’s assertion that the inside of both right and left elbows should point at 12 o’clock.
As I’m writing this message, it appears that the left arm 1 o’clock position is observed as one looks down the arm, not at the picture. I noted that the left arm rotated slightly toward 12 o’clock when tightening the last three finger grip I also note that the right arm has to crooked to get a vertical right elbow point.
Did I get that right?
Hello , does any one know if there is an instructer teaching the PPGS in Nova Scotia ???????
Hello DonT,
I have lost the sight in my left eye.Because of this lost, i’m now having problems in accurate shots….
My putting is way off ! My drives are way off !! And I am sure my alignment is right on…. I’m sadden of my lost but enjoy golf GREATLY !!! Would you please help me..
sincerely’,
ms.b.g.
Don:
I have a story to tell you about the Peak Performance Swing (PPS). It is a story I would not believed when I first read about the PPS swing but it is true.
The PPS golf swing has done wonders for my golf swing and my score.
After just two times through Don Trahan’s DVDs on my computer and three sessions on the range I took the PPS swing to the golf course for the first time for a round of golf today.
In this year (2009) I have played around 50 rounds of golf, 19 were rounds of golf in tournaments. The best my handicap has been this year is 18.2 USGA index. Most of my rounds have been over 90. Only 3 of my tournament rounds have been under 90 – three of them were in the 80s and the best was 86. This year, the best round I have had on the course I played today was a non-tournament round of 89.
Before my round today, I went to the range and hit 60 balls using the PPS swing. The results were not bad so I felt good about taking the swing to the course. I started the round with two pars and had a good front nine of 40. The round fell off a bit on the back nine but I finished with 3 pars. Like Don’s teaching says, when I hit a bad shot, I just remembered the simple steps of the PPS swing and did my best to make better swings. I finished today with an 84 which was the best round I have had this year. One of the best parts of the day was having no pain anywhere in my body – I am 59 years old with lots of arthritis in knees, shoulders and back. Good golf score and no pain – a great combination to me.
I will be using the PPS from now on. Thanks Don.
Mike Hawkins
Pittsboro, North Carolina
Do you have anyone in Melbourne,Australia teaching your methods?
It is preferable to have someone observe the swing as distinct from thinking about what you have done.
Regards,
David.
Hi Don……re your offer to take 7 lucky golfers to do a days training with you….a great idea except that I live in Australia. In fact the weekend you are conducting the clinic, I’ll be in Melbourne following Tiger in the Australian Masters!!!!! We, the down under PPGS true believers would love an opportunity to go one on one with the Surge, so how about making a trip down here???? Great weather, food, wine and beer….oh, and the golf ain’t half bad either. Maybe DJ can come and compete in a couple of tournaments at the same time.
Ok, ball’s in your court….or better still, on your tee!!!!
Cheers
Dave O
Hello
I like to watch the PGA tournaments at TV, and can you please tell me
PGA players in addition to DJ who are dedicated to the peakperformance golfswing?
Thanks
Best regards
Knut-Erik
Please ignore my first blog post. This will give a better understanding of my case,
Hi Don,
I have been playing for about 21years. Now I am 45. I am left handed and played my best down to 8 handicap just about within 3 years when I started golf. But I could never improve any further rather my
I have always been a good teacher of golf according to my golf associates. I somehow have a feeling I will get my game back, or even start to play better, after coming across your website. But before that I need an advice from you. I have two handicaps. One is I am an one eyed man. Right eye blind and completely limited view towards the target on my stance. 2nd is which I think could be my biggest draw back for my firm follow through balance. I am bow legged. I just cant seem to stand firm on my follow through, I fall backward, completely losing my balance. Cant seem to achieve good weight shifting. But what surprises me is that, I seem to have perfect weight shift and can hold my balance on follow through finish when I take a practice swing. (I guess like everybody else). yes I do feel a stretch on the outside of my right knee(forward leg) too as it rotates. Which is actually triggering this question in my mind that it could be my bow legs which is restricting me from a good finish and balance. And also YES that I have been a fairly big hitter with this shaky balanced swing. I can still hit 250 and over. But my general ball directions go fade to slice.and I am only 5′-5″ tall and 65kgs.
game started to deteriorate and I was hanging on between 10-13 ever since. Of course I was also less serious with my game and also without any practice range visit. Also in between I had a 3.5years of complete break from golf. But when I came back, I never had enough practice to start it all over. I simply started to hit the golf course, instead of visiting the range. Now I just play once a week.
But one thing I have noticed that, my knowledge on golf is the only reason why I am being able to strike the golf ball. Or else in my position anyone else wouldn be able to hit a single golf ball. If I had this much knowledge on golf in my early golfing days, I would surely make it to scratch.
Can you please give me your advice based on science and physics. I think I will also have to make some adjustment in my stance and alignment liek Scott. Maybe there is a limitation for bow legged people’s forward leg knee rotation which restricts proper balance on follow through. Well…you are the surgeon, you will know better. Please ignore that I am lefty. It may complicate your mind. Advice based on right handed golfer would be just fine.
Thanks
TeeJay
I am left handed and every time I play golf I notice on my left hand the middle fingers always hurt me. Am I doing something wrong with that hand or is it just old age. Please e-mail your answer to me at lexusman@hargray.com Thanks
I am really having a difficult time hitting the ball off of the fairways whether it be irons or hybrids . can you help me?
I always read your articles and I am thankful that you talk in plain english and understandable explanations.
I am about a low 10 or high 9 handicapper. I play a lot of individual city tournaments in which I average from 78 to 84, normally on the final day after blowing up during the first round, in which I average 83 to 88.
I have good iron play, 3-wood shots are really good, short game is decent, normally two putt, but I would like to improve my driving skills. I play a slight fade, carrying the ball about 235yds. I have tried that formular, where you substract 5% of carry distance, divided by 1.75, then divided by 1.5 to get your ball speed and then swing speed. If, I have calculated correctly, I have about a 135mph ball speed and a 89mph swing speed. I am not really too unhappy with this because I am very competitive and usually can scramble to pull out a decent game, however, I would like to improve and be able to get a longer ball out in the fairway and more so than not be to play without having to go to the scramble mode so often.
Any assistance would be very helpful and appreciated.
I just switch last week to the Peak Performance swing from a one plane. I am a +1 but at 57 finding it harder to make the big move. I like the way I am hitting the ball and had a couple of good rounds. I hit the ball higher and the ball flight is a slight fade. My question is how do I make the ball draw. With my old swing I would draw the ball. My misses are Pulls and big fades. I think my alignment is ok. I think I might be going outside too much and not lefting early enough. Any Ideas how to draw the ball?
I posted a question on 30October.I cannot identify whether any response has been made.
Please advise.
Regards,
David.
You state in your manual that no wrist action is good wrist action. At address from the rear view looking towards the target the arms and shaft form a 135 degree angle more or less. At the top of the back swing facing the golfer the arms and shaft form a 70 degree angle more or less. Can you explain how it is geometrically or anatomically possible to have no wrist action and change the angle of the arms and shaft from address to top of back swing?
To Niner Mike.
I read your answer to a blog concerning wrist cock before I posted my previous question.If you read pages 82 thru 84 of Dons Foundations Manuel it completely contradicts your explanation. He clearly states that to bend break hinge or cock the wrist is not good. He clearly states ANY wrist movement and it will be anatomically impossible to keep the wrist flat at the top. And by the way, I’m not at all being critical of the PPGS, I’m on the range 6 to 10 hours a week trying to make it work!
To Ron
Yous is a question that has come up many times in past posts. When Don states there is no cocking of the wrists in a PPGS, he defines this as meaning the left wrist in the backswing niether arches out nor cups in — it remains flat at all times.
What you are referring to is the hinging of the wrists at the bottom of the thumbs caused by the swinging weight of the clubhead. In your world and mine, we define this as a “cocking” action. In Don’s PPGS methodology this “hinging” is natural. But he remains cocnsistent and accurate when he insists that no cocking action should be allowed in a PPGS.
To Ron Again
What’s wrong with being critical of the PPGS and finding confusion in the explanation of certain aspects of its system.
Answer: Nothing! Nothing at all.
Ron, you don’t have to defend your excellent queries. I do relate to your uncertainty of the explanation on Page 83. But I stand by my take on what Don is trying to express. And at the same time, I am comfortable in using the phrase “wrist cock” to describe the hinging of the wrists (at the base of the thumbs) that happens in every swing — including the PPGS.
But I think it is better you and I forget about this issue. Remember, In a pure swing action — hands swinging clubhead — the left wrist will automatically retain its “flat” characteristic.
Subject: Barrel Chest
>
> I’am barrel chested & when I bend the thirty degrees forward and hanging arms down, my arms cannot clear my chest, unless I reach out over my chest, and cannot keep my balance from that position. On the takeaway the club is laid off about 5 deg. and if I go vertical my wrist breaks. I’m 80yrs old, 6ft., 220lbs, realatively weak arms/legs/small hands. Should my stance be a bit wider than yours?
>
> Thank you,
> Milt Bock
I start my down swing by pushing off my right front foot (toes)which causes me to fift up and be in front of my ball. What can I work on to correct this ????
To Roger Kort
Forget about pushing off your right foot and do as Don suggests. Initiate the forward swing by “bumping” your left hip laterally an inch or two.
Bad weather playing:
Surge,
Here’s another “plus” for your PPGS method:
When you get caught in rain, or cold weather, when you have to wear more clothing to stay dry and warm, it “bulks” you out. This makes it more difficult to swing without encumbrance. Therefore, the person with the straighter back and up, straight back down and up, swing will fair better than the swinger that has a rotational swing. The rotational swinger has to swing back “around and up”, thus getting his arms and torso more in the way of the bulked out clothing.
Just more more way the PPGS method helps you enjoy this game more, even in inclement weather.
WARREN
I have been a follower for almost a year now. I had a vertical swing to start with and I have tried to tweak it according to PPGS. I am having trouble hitting the ground about between ball to as far back as 10 inches almost every time. I know about the NAB and I am quite sure I am doing that. What else could my issue be? I am not taking divots I am sweeping the ground but as you can imagine the further back I hit the worse the result. Thanks
Please explain ball and hand position when using a driver.
i have recently aquired your dvds and book
in the first week i have lowwered my index by 3 stokes thanks
i have one question my 52 and 56 degree wedges have lost considerable yardages and finish 15-20 yards left of the target , when i changed my swing i gained about 5 yards on my 7 iron 145-150 yards , the only issue is with the wedges ; i tried moving the ball back and it didnt seem to help, any thoughts
DON:
Can you please post a video set-up lesson you had with DJ ? It was posted in the blog last September and I can’t seem to find it
Thanks,
To clarify and truly understand the Fundamental Peak Performance Swing videos you really need to see the bonus videos 4, 5 & 6, with DJ and you. The Bonus 5 video was really fantastic in clarifying a lot of my questions, correcting what I was really not understanding and showing me what I was doing incorrectly in actually making the swing.AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED, THE BONUS VIDEOS, ESPECIALLY #5,SHOULD BE PART OF FUNDAMENTAL VIDEOS.
I used to be a 2 handicaper but i’ve been a 12 for the last couple of years because i play and practice less.
When i played a lot, i could get away with my “around” swing.
I have new hope after studying and practicing your system for a couple of weeks. It’s great.
My shots are now more consistent, precise and acurate.
I noticed that my ball flight is higher with my new swing. Is this normal?
JD
who hopes to be a 5 handicaper even if he plays only a couple times a week.
Don,
I love the swing videos. My golfing buddies are really watching the results. However, I am blocking my drives right, consistently. Perhaps I am trying to hit out and get “stuck,” in an effort to avoid going left which I did before I used your grip. Any thoughts or help would be appreciated. Thanks, David
David,
Something to try… “Finish”. When you finish your swing, are your hands right by your left ear (for a right hander)? Are you up on your right toe? Could you lift you right foot and balance on your forward foot… because you finished with all your weight on it? I think you’ll be surprised at what you learn
Dean
Don,
Your emails have helped me so much, thank you! My game has really improved, except for my lack of knowledge on chipping. What is the thought process I should be following?
Carla Z.
Don…..my short game is really bad…..and I have a coach, my wonderful husband, who comments on my every stroke…although he means well, it does not help with the negativity….I have purchased some of your downloads….are they meant for women as well? I ask this because you seem to be talking to the guys most of the time…
It's meant for men, women … young, old …. thin, fat …. tall, short …..
At the same time, you're bringing up a major point… (saying that your short game is “really bad”) if you want to get good at golf, your short game is the place you want to start! If you're a higher handicap, there's now better/faster way to lower your scores. Look at it this way; a 3 foot put is the same stroke as a 200 yard drive, or a 150 yard approach shoot over the water. If you miss half of your 3 foot putts, that's no different than hitting your tee shot out of play (1 stroke penalty) or hitting your approach shot into the water.
If you get really good at making 3 foot putts (like 8 out of 10) then you go to the next biggest area of opportunity… which would be chipping and/or pitching the ball 3 feet from the hole (or closer). If you know you can make the 3 footer, now there's a “game within the game” which is “you” getting very good at getting the ball 3 feet from the hole from everywhere possible (including bunkers). Getting good at the “short game” only takes learning a little “touch” but can be done by anyone “man, woman … young, old …. thin, fat …. tall, short”.
If you are shooting 100 or more… this is probably the fastest way to cut your handicap in HALF.
Hi Surge,
Thanks to your Peak Performance Swing tips I've now got the confidence back in my game and I've finally managed to improve to below handicap 30 – it's much more fun playing when you can nip the ball off the grass crisply and they go where you aim them
One thing I can't quite figure though is how to consistently get height and backspin approaching the green with the shorter irons. Shot length is fine, but I don't see how to get more spin on the ball without breaking the wrists on takeaway and cutting under the ball. Any tips?
I have tried everything to request a refund on the program that was charged to my discover account – Virginia Cecilia, 213 Valley View Rd., New Hartford, N.Y. 13413 – my e-mail is gini1077@roadrunner.com. Are you a bonefide business person or are you a scam artist? Why can't I get my refund – when you sell your program you brag about being able to get a refund and now I am finding it impossible to get through to you. Please respond!
Just a word of advice. Don't ever put that much personal information on a public blog. Could cause you a lot of trouble.
Just wanted to say thank you Don, I have been playing for a little over a month now with the instruction of a local golf pro, and I have been in pain ever since. I stopped working with him a few days ago and purchased your peak performance system…and I must say this was money well spent. Just coming in from the range, and I am hitting the ball much better, and it's so easy on the body. Thank you for sharing this with us! I just wish they had an instructor in NY that teaches your swing.
And people wonder why there is identity theft … or in this case simply giving away about 90% of the info needed. Toss in a social security number and mother's maiden name and you're ruined.
I echo Chris's comment. I took up golf about 2 years ago and after lessons or play I complained of back pain, neck pain and other various nusiance pain. Since finding PPGS PAIN has been eliminated and my game is starting to improve. And, I too wish there was an instructor in or around NYC that teaches PPGS.
Could you please furnish information on the golf schools as I am thinking of scheduling this winter? Thanks! I have started with the PPGS but think I wold benefit from hands on instruction and videos of what I'm doing.
http://www.peakperformancegolfswing.com/pppg-go...
Hi Guys,
Some time ago, in Dons blog, you gave us a link to what I think was called DJ Trahan Swings Through The Bag in which you showed both Don and DJ using all the clubs in their bags. Could you please give me that link again?
Many thanks,
Mick
I'll be in Myrtle Beach (Grand Strand), and am looking for a professional golf fitter in that area. Most of the fitters I've worked with never talk about shaft options, weighting or angles, they always try to sell me a set of irons off the rack. Your advice would be appreciated.
There aren't any fitters in MB that do what I do. Shame to be only 2.5 hours away and not take advantage of being that close.
I have been using the ppgs for almost a yesr now and I am gettinf better and better.
My handicap is 11,7 an I am 68 years old.
I read a comment from a lady fhat was complaing about unbearable pain in her right arm. If the pain is felt on the inside of the right elbow then she is probably suffering from a golfing elbow.
I have teh sam problem.
Even to the extent where I am not able to play golf for a few weeks.
The ppgs advocates an arms dominated swing , is it safe to use for people that are prone to tendon injuries?
It should be safe based on what actually causes golfer's elbow.
Some info from the Mayo Clinic.
Golfer's elbow is caused by damage to the muscles and tendons that control your wrist and fingers. The damage is typically related to excess or repetitive stress — especially forceful wrist and finger motions. Sometimes golfer's elbow begins after a sudden force to the elbow or wrist.
Many activities can lead to golfer's elbow, including:
* Golf. Gripping or swinging the clubs incorrectly can take a toll on your muscles and tendons.
Hello there. I purchased the golf swing series and was excited about trying out some new swing techniques to help me gain accuracy and distance. I had hurt my left shoulder sometime back and your vertical swing methods seemed to fit this very well and I didn't put as much pressure on my shoulder and back in the backswing turn. However, I am finding that I am having problems with hitting fades and slices as I can't seem to get the clubface quite square at impact or release properly through the ball. I'm trying to do that quick “pop-up” method that Don recommends on the follow through, but I'm just not getting that good, solid, center-face hit and good distance. This is especially true on the long irons or Woods. I was always used to taking a long, sweeping motion with them, and now, with the vertical swing, I may not have time to rotate the clubhead to be square on the ball. Your comments and help would be appreciated. Thanks.
Hey James I to have had the same issues….most of my problems are with the longer irons and woods…..I am trying to work on using the bump more, but i just can't seem to get it. This is a great swing, no pain at all anymore, just wish I could be more consistent…and have more solid contact through the ball.
I DON'T KNOW WHY BUT ALL I GET FROM THE LESSONS IS A BIG!!!! SLICE
Hi Surge,
Glad you are back in the saddle again!
I finally feel that I understand the swing and that vertical is
more natrual to me…hitting them great!
But how does one hit trouble shots such as when ball is above feet
where a flatter swing is usually needed, or a low shot where a lower
trajectory is needed. How about purposely fading or drawing the ball??
thanks for all you help and dedication to the game!
Jimmy P
Ive been reading the Foundation Manual (as well as watching videos).
Got a question on fundamentals. I think I know the answer but want to make sure as the devil is often in the details.
In the section on the grip the Surge talks about aligning the club grip between the
second and third finger joints of the left hand. OK, got that but are you counting from
the tip of the fingers or from the palm?
–Ross
I measure 5'8″ and I have a hard time to swing around with the long clubs. Should I lower my grip get the clubs adjusted properly?
Welcome back surge, my name is kevin I play to a 6 hdcp. I've been trying the ppgs for about 2 months with limited success. I tried this new swing because of the back stiffness from my old swing which would last for 2 days. With your swing I can now hit unlimited balls and no discomfort. The problem is with my old swing I new where the ball was going, a little draw from right to left. With the ppgs I'm all over the course, from the wedge to 8 i'm pretty straight but as the clubs get longer I fade the ball, with the driver I seem to push fade the ball. My old swing I only turn about 80 degrees so to turn to 70 degrees almost feels like a full turn to me. I would really like to continue your swing but I can't compete the way I'm hitting the ball, any thoughts on y I'm having these would be appreciated. Thanks
Surge,I read Kevin McNamara's comment and had a similar result. I bought the PPGS today and with the PPGS I had immediate improvement with hitting the ball flush and my back is much better, pain free, but I am fading the ball (power fade). Any thoughts on how to straighten or draw the ball? Walt Bikowitz
type “working the ball” into the search box in the upper right portion of the page. Don did a blog on draws and fades a few months ago.
type “working the ball” into the search box in the upper right portion of the page. Don did a blog on draws and fades a few months ago.