Comments
625 Responses to “Blog”Please Leave Me Your Comments & Questions!
Tell me what you're thinking... and what part of the golf swing, or this great game... you'd like to know more about. If you want your pic to show with your comment, go get a gravatar!
IMPORTANT: the purpose of this comment section is to foster constructive conversation about improving our blog reader's golf game. This area is NOT designed to answer customer support questions. If you have questions about a purchase or gaining access to our private members area, please contact our customer support team at 800-603-2706 (8:00AM to 6:00PM MST, Monday Through Friday) or click here for email support. We have a new team handling support and they are very good (and they are golfers)!
"The Surge"
Fill Out The Form Below To Be Granted Free Instant Access To Don's "Top Ten Master Mistakes And How To Correct Them" 10 Day Email Video Series...
Anthony,
At the moment I do not have any certified pros in the Long Island area. I hope to get my teacher certification program up and running soon to get certified pros hopefully all over the country. AS for opting out, there is no penalty.
Now for your right hand swing problem causing the right shoulder to dip and hitting pulls, it sounds like you could be over releasing your right hand. That means that after impact the hands and specifically the right hand as your guide swing into the forward mitt with the club toe up to th esky which means your palms are perpendicular to the ground. Many golfers believe and or over release by swinging the clubhead through impact to the mitt (shaft parallel to the ground) rotating the club head to face down to the ground which also means the right palm is face down to the ground. Rotating the clubhead and right palm face down will hit pulls and hooks all day as the club is over rotated through impact. Swing through to toe up and palms perpendicular controls the rotation to hit the ball relatively straight.
You also need to check that your grip is square (palms perpendicular to the ground) and not strong wich will cause the over rotation I mentioned above.
Don
Don,
I found the 10 videos very helpful and really like the logic that sits behind your actions.
I live in Australia and don’t know if anyone down here walks the talk?
If not, I do travel to the US for work on occasions (eg. I will be in Phoneix in dec and Vegas after next yrs Masters) – is there say a 3 day course that you or your team put on?
Tks
Marcus
I recently send an inquiry about how can i get better on my short game..also i wanted to find out why in the golf course when we played my target hitting gets different from the driving range..I hit the ball most of the time straight in the driving range, but when i start playing 18 holes my swing goes in a different direction..is it my concentratrions or my stnads or allignment? when we get very close to the greens, i begin to screw up my game..
do you have a golf school with instructors we can attend in person.
Don,
Is there any chance that you may come to Scottsdale, AZ with DJ for the Fry’s Open Tournament? I would love to meet and thank you personally for your swing instructions. In addition it would be incredible if you had a side clinic at a local course. I would be first in line!
Thanks again for your help!
Big Z
Can you tell me if this swing of yours helps with hip pain as well? Also are there any teachers in Texas?
Thank you very much for your suggestions on how to use PPGS to hit the driver and fairway woods. Swinging fast and coming up quickly in the follow through do seem to work well with the fairway woods but the driver is still a problem. It seems that the vertical position of the club in the backswing makes it very easy to come over the top ie outside in when starting the downswing. I have talked to several of my friends who use PPGS and they have the same problem. One even gave up on using it because of this as he wasn’t able to use his driver without a big fade/slice. I reviewed all the DVD/videos and really couldn’t find anything that addressed this area. I’m sure there of many of us out here with this same problem/frustration so maybe you could help us out with some more of your great tips/comments.
Greatly appreciated,
Arthur …in Canada
Don
I have been using your dvd and the manual and I have been improving my swing. My question is what golf clubs are use for what? and the different angle clubs like they have 54dg, 56dg,58dg, 64dg,? I know about drivers, pitching wedge and putters but the Irons, and Hybrids, I have not an idea? could you help explain the different uses and what sitaution to use them in? I do know it has to do with distances and height, if you could also explain the difference in the drivers which is best to use where and when?
KJ
Diamondhead MS
no reply to my sand trap & shank problem
Hi Don,
I like your explanation of the PPGS base on basic physics. I tried PPGS ¾ limited swing. However, I have problem visualizing the total swing path. Appreciate your clarification and advice to following:
1. Back Swing: I feel “smooth” initiating my back swing from my left shoulder joint – Can you confirm my back swing should be “along / parallel to” target line, before “vertical up”?
2. Down Swing: Initiating my down swing with a little shift towards target on my left knee – How can I time /synchronize these 2 actions which seem affecting my ball striking consistency?
3. Up Swing: I place my ball around centre or slightly forward. Numerous times I hit the ball above bottom while trying to swing up along target line – Can you advise?
4. PPGS advised “no wrist cocking”. I noticed DJ initiated his back swing with a “turn” on his left wrist. I tried this action which seemed improve my ball striking slightly but my ball direction became inconsistent – Can you advise?
5. Do you have any video or manual illustrating the total swing path of PPGS?
Best regards,
Cheng Anthony
Don,
I’ve finished lesson number 8 video on the inside out myth, and generally have agreed with most of your principles. Haven’t decided whether to get your book yet or not.
I’m 67, and played some on the Senior Satellite tours when I was in my 50’s. At one time I was a +2 at my home course in Atlanta. Now I’m between a 5 and 7. (That would be 6, I guess).
I’m intrigued because of the lack of stress your swings put on the body, but here’s where my skepticism comes from. Can you name 3 guys on the Pro Tour who use some degree of your 3/4 backswing method? If it’s that good, why don’t you see it on Sunday at Augusta. Most of those guys seem to turn their back to the target.
Thanks,
Buck Hourigan
I AM RIGHT DOMINANT IN MY SWING WHICH CAUSES ME TO TO HIT THE GROUND BEHIND THE BALL OR TO PULL MY SHOTS LEFT. WHAT CAN I DO TO CORRECT THIS? ARE THERE ANY INSTRUCTORS WHO TEACH PPGS IN THE LONG ISLAND AREA OF N.Y.?
Don,
I purchased your foundations e book, I think it’s great. My only problem is that I’ve either torn or slightly torn most all the legiments in my left knee. I wear a hinged brace but it is still hard for me to shift all my weight onto my left side at the follow through to form the “T”. Is there anyway to adjust the follow through with my condition?
Thank you for your time
Robert Dena
P.S. Just want to let you know that even with the knee I’m hitting it straighter than ever, hope to buy the videos soon.
I am hitting my irons well using the system but I am having a problem with my woods. I don’t get distance or I airball the shot. Can you direct me to a source or make some recomendations.
Joe Lucier
do you give private lessons -where are you located?
DON could you send me an email on my question about geting out of greenside bunkers?
thank you steve
Dear Sirs,
I have just taken up your generous offer of 14-day US$1 trial, and am responding to the kind offer of question answering: this seems to be my best way of getting through to you?
1/. DRILL(s) for over-active hip action(s).?
I realise that this can be caused by multiple errors, possibly starting even before the first move (i.e. at address), but I have to work, continuously, on quietening all of my lower body all through the swing. Having said that, I do still believe that the transition should begin with a SLIGHT power surge in the lower body, but after that, I can struggle to contain it. Have done for more than 30 years! Talk about Elvis’ hips……
2/.Release action DRILL.
I enjoy the almost holding-off action through impact that works with short irons, as against the “turning-over” action that was taught years ago. I can control the ball after landing much better with this. The face must stay square with the ball through impact for longer this way: obviously, the shaft must work left more quickly to prevent a weak right-side pop-up, but that’s ok.
However, my problem is that with bigger shots, longer sticks right up to and including Driver, this gives me difficulty! I would LOVE to just allow impact release to happen but ALL types (flip, square,cut) can happen for me! Currently, I am trying to set/hold RHS wristcock throughout (great for planes, etc. as well!), but centripital/centrifugal forces do vary this with my “balance”…!
Probably the “free” release happens as a consequence of what preceded it in swing action: or could you suggest a DRILL(s) to just allow NATURAL? release which eliminates flip turn-over variations, and may my makes “holding off” unnecessary?
I also try very hard to maintain a constant width throughout my swing (NO extensions), but now you can see just how complicated I can make this! Whatever happened to “no thoughts”?
Just square straight through my aiming plane arc?
Ask a lot for my buck, eh?
Thanks guys,
David Frugtniet
Sorry, but I am just a little confused here, with what appears to be lots of different places to post serious (to me, anyway) questions: info, blog, forums, and so on……..
Your response to my long-ish questions above would just about encapsulate EVERYTHING that I wish to know currently about MY game: face it head-on, this is a selfish activity….. I do respect you, but it’s all about me, you know? I do read blogs from people with their personal issues, but I dream about playing like I did then….
Perhaps I have been too direct, but I am spinning from one page to another reading stories from nice global people with their stories: should I go to the forum(s), go to the endless blogs, or just go away……?
Best wishes to you,
David,
I will begin by addressing one of your last comments of “Whatever happened to NO thoughts.” If you have no thoughts, nothing happens. The key is you have to have thoughts but they must be good ones.
Let’s start with #1 a drill for overactive hips. For starters, try swinging and keeping your hips and legs quiet in the downswing until your right hand, and arm reach your right leg. Then let the lower body explode into and through impact and up to the finish. DRILL: Slap and Go: address position, hold your left hand out and open in the address position. Now swing your right hand back like making a backswing (let body move as it should in the backswing) and then transition into impact. The key is to hold the right side (hip and leg) still/quiet until your right hand slaps the left and then the right side just explodes chasing the right shoulder, arm and hand (and club in a real swing) up to the finish.
#2: Release action Drill: As you know the PPGS release is a controlled degree of arm, hand and club rotation. I describe it in the visualization of in the backswing to lift the club into the mitt toe up and then lift/stand the club up the tree. I also call this toe up and thumbs up. For the re-action to the backswing, the forward up swing, swings the club after impact into the forward mitt toe up and then up the tree to the T-Finish again toe up and thumbs up. Drill: Hold a book, magazine or clip board between your hands that are perpendicular to the ground so the clip board or whatever you are holding is also perpendicular to the ground as would your club be at address. Now, swing the clip board back and up in the backswing keeping it perpendicular to the ground and then on to impact and up to the Finish always keeping the clip Board perpendicular. This teaches the perfect limited rotation of the arms, hands and clubface in the swing.
Don
Hi Don,
I’m feeling pretty good with the videos. Well, I WAS feeling good about them. Then I got to the end of everything and not one part of any video talked about the driver. My irons are pretty good, I can’t hit a drive right now to save my life. In the past I’ve had other instructors tell me that it’s the same swing. That is NOT true and you’re not going to convince me that it is. It’s not just a case of backing away, widening your stance, and rotating your right arm under more. I’ve been trying and trying and I can’t come close to hitting my driver and not much with my 3 or hybrids either. I used to be great with those. I wouldn’t see any of this worth being payed for if you don’t even cover driving. I’m either slicing, skying, hooking, top spinning it so it rolls off down the fairway instead of in the air, etc… anything but straight and with any kind of loft.
Please help me out here. I’m losing my mind.
Darin
Steve,
Call customer service 888-84(swing 847-9464) and talk to Ken.
Don
Don,
I am writing to thank you for your simple but very effective drills sent to me here in Australia by quick response on your part: very impressive when I guess re your business activity rate!
With the usual severe time limitations for us all, I think I will be able to saturate my mind with these, without even going outside let alone the range/course!
More than others, both of these swing faults have conspired periodically together and alternating to make life difficult for me: I usually see them as end results of earlier laziness, but to address them this way can do no harm, I think.
Your system has much merit obviously, and happily for me seems to accentuate all of the best features of many good lessons I have seen. Can’t see why I couldn’t follow your well explained theories, but finding time to read, study, correspond, watch videos, practice, play, etc. forever……
I will see.
David Frugtniet.
hi don,
I am from Australia, and i have a problem with my left foot moving around as I swing,i am a right hander, can you help me?
tom Zahn
Don , really liked your mini videos but I have a problem. I’m left handed and by the time I have converted right hand to left, right foot to left etc. I have lost the gist of the message. For that reason I gave up buying golf instruction books years ago.
Is there any chance that your videos are available for left handers.
Rgds,
Pat Kehoe
Hi Don,
I still haven’t heard anything back from you regarding my comment. I have gone through the videos again and went to the local course. Long story short is that my short game is shining but my 3 & 4 irons, 3 & 4 hybrids, 3 wood, and driver look like I’ve never picked up a club before. I’m no pro or even scratch player, but I have never had this problem to this extreme before. I can’t seem to get my drivef to even get the ball down the fairway, unless you count the occasional lawn bowling shot out to about 150 yrds. I either top it, bounce off the ground prior to making contact, slice at almost 90 degrees, or several other things…all very frustrating. I have always sliced a bit but never was I at a point like this where I couldn’t even hit the ball at all.
HELP! PLEASE?!
OK Don,
Perhaps I was a bit hasty. I went back to the range today after re-watching your videos. Now I think I’ve got a better feel of the swing, especially the low irons. But, while I did manage to get some drives off the ground, it was still lacking. I got some height and distance but with a pretty consistent slice. Not the worst I’ve seen or had but a nice slice out 40 or so to the right.
The problem I’m seeing with it is this:
1. How do you make a vertical swing plane with a driver? You’d have to be 10 feet tall. There has to be some angle in it inherently from the lie and length of the club. So I managed to get some off the ground by hitting somewhere in between vertical and the classical kinda 45 degreeish angle. But, I would have to do what felt like snapping my right wrist down into it to get the club head back in time for contact. Is this what you meant by skipping the rock? It really feels like cocking and snapping my wrist back in. (horizontal movement towards the palm not vertical as in towards the thumb or pinky)
2. I’m having a rough time finding a good ball placement, alignment of my back forward(how much bend?), how far apart my feet should be. I.E. all the setup and alignment stuff. I’m doing it by trial and error but don’t you have a relative standard for these things?
3. I’m just having a bear of a time figuring out the right leg loading and what kind of hip movement goes with the drive. Do you sit behind the ball and keep your head behind it like a classical swing or something else? Keeping the lower body quiet is helping me a bit on this but if I don’t move at all I either buy the club into the dirt behind the ball or just plain feel restricted instead of loose. I know that can’t be right.
So, I am willing to concede that this swing method is viable for a driver but your videos have left out too much info for me to make it work. Is it only possible to get these answers by taking lessons directly?
Still waiting for a reply,
Thanks Don
You really improved my iron game. But I can’t maintain the same swing path with my driver. The flatter angle at address is putting the wrong thoughts in my head. I’m sure I’m not executing “In The Mitt” and “Up The tree” as I should. How do I with a club so much longer?
Don, I am a 57 year old former CT and Westchester, NY amateur finalist (back in the day). My natural swing is flat and short. My current game has disintegarated . I have tried to modernize my swing but have had difficulty transferring it to the course . After watching the videosI have just a few questions after playing 9 holes . Ihave hit quite a few very solid and straight shots with all clubs.
1. Is there a key to the take away to make sure you do not go past 12:00 (is it OK to go a bit further)?
2. What is the key to keeping the club on lineon the down swing. I have tended to swing across the line (especially with the T-ball.
3. What is the suggested ball position on all shots to be sure to get the flight on the ball I want?
Thanks for your help
I have played golf (in New Zealand) for 50+ years and always had a slice. I have recently discovered PPGS and signed up for the 10 free videos. I waited until I got all 10 before going out to the driving range this morning. Two things became immediately apparent. First, after all that time trying to take away inside the line I found I could not get the feel for Surge’s back into the mitt and up the tree. It felt as if I was pushing the club way outside the line. Is it a two-step movement? Second, while I felt I was striking the ball well with my irons and rescue clubs my tempo was all out with the driver and I think this was contributing to my continuing to slice the ball perhaps 3 balls out of five
BArry,
Just about every golfer who takes the club inside for any long time feels that into the mitt is taking it outside. The takeaway into the mitt and then up the tree should be smooth and feel as one move but yet a distinctive lift from the mitt up the tree just as lifting your right arm to throw starts back sweeping lower than there is the sweeping up lift in a smooth and flowing lift.
As for the driver issue because it is longer and flatter, you have to put more effort and energy into the lifting up the tree on both sides of the ball especially in the follow through to the finish as the club going faster as compared to the backswing lift needs more energy and strength applied to the lift to make it go up to the finish.
Don
Don,
My confusion is with set up.
When you say there should be a straight line between top of shoulder down to bottom of club does this include Driver as it “appears”ball too far back in my stance.
Regards
John
Don, now I’m really confused !! What is this ,”looking at” the ball or “over” the ball, I don’t follow,
Mike Rivera
What does Rating and Slope mean, and how does it affect the game? I have been playing for about 5 years now and started when i was 50. I have not heard those terms with the people I play with.
Dear Mr. Trahan:
Hope you are doing well today.
I have been practicing your system for about a week now. I am not as tired or sore as I was. Praise God. However, I am as frustrated as ever. I am 60 years old. I have played with a very strong grip for some time now. Now that grip hurts my wrist and my timing is terrible since my hospital stay in April, no stability in my hips very poor balance.
Here is my problem.
If you draw a line from the target to my ball, then make a 90 degree turn to the right you will have a 90 degree right angle. My ball generally goes off in a 45 degree angle from the target line or sometimes straighter but with a fade on it. I have lost substantial distance. I can not even hit a 6 iron 150 yards currently. I have, for the most part, hit a 7 iron 140 to 150. I like your system and want to learn to play with it. It is some what like what I use to do when I was younger, except I used a full turn (limber back). Seems similar to the straight swing Jack Nicklaus use to play, but, I think the PPGS is better and easier.
Please, tell me what I am doing wrong and how to fix it. Are my hips to fast or ahead, are my hands behind?
Thank you for you time and answer.
Ben, your new beginner at 60.
Did I read when ordering the DVD’s that there was a crib card (aide memory) that you could take on the course to help you, if so how do I find and print this.
Good morning,
I’m trying the 14 day trial of the video series. I viewed a video in which The Surge went into great details about “walking into” the setup position. This is the one that told us not to “dance” once our feet are planted parallel left. I can’t remember where I found this particular video. Can you please direct me?
Thanks
Iam 8 – 10 handicap; closer to 10 than 8. I generally hit the all clubs striaght. My short game is fairly strong. To move to the PPGS system was not too difficult because I took a 3/4 swing. I did have initial problems with right toe out x%. With my tee shots, I tend to push them silghlty with a slight fade – not that bad. Most people believe I have a good smooth golf swing. My big issue is with my driver. I believe I lead with the lower body and contact appears good excellent that it only flies 205 – 210 yards with good hits. I do not know where I am dissapating the enregy. May be releasing hands too early; . Do not expect to hit it like a guerrela but expect at least 25 – 30 more yards in carry.
I would think it would be difficult to diagnose without seeing my swing, but any advice will be greatly appreciated. To go to the next level in scoring, I believe I need more distance off the tee.
Look forward to your comments.
Gary Kennedy
Dear Don, I am 74 years old ,6ft and 187lbs. I still walk 18. Since starting the PPGS, I have played 6 rounds and hit about 150 balls at the range over the past 3 weeks. The frustration is the topping of almost every fairway wood #s5/7 and hybrids 23 and 30 degrees. Any suggestions would be much appreciated. Jason
Don
Thanks for all the tips. Question: Golf ball trajectory & ball spin
Off the tee my shots are generally too high and usually with too much spin.
How can I hit it off the tee with a lower ball trajectory & with less spin ?
rrupton@gmail.com
Name: Thomas Kersten
>
> Email: Tom47penn49@verizon.net
>
> Message: Are there any answers when people ask questions about their golf swings? Specifically how do I navigate the web site to see the answers? “Tony” wrote on Oct 8th about slicing his driver. How do I find and view the answer to his question? Thanks for your response. I am an inner circle member, but not big on chat rooms or forums or blogging.
>
> Tom Kersten
hello don
I have watched your videos and have taken it all in and i find myself playing alot better.
I am new to the game and i am full of enthusiasm and love to play when ever i get a chance. The clubs i have are good for someone of my standard but i cant stop the ball from flying right. I am not to bad with my irons i can get it flying straight but i cant seem to get my driver straight. I have asked all my friends and i cant seem to sort it and it is the only thing holding my game back. I have tryed everything my distance is ok but no matter what i try it wont stop swinging to the right. Please help don you are my only hope
Yours
Chris Dyer
This message is to support former Professor Ramon Carpenter’s posting dated earlier/ oct. 10 concerning THE INCREASED NOTED TENDENCY FOR FAT SHOT WITH PPGS. Most of the Oct. 10 postings have been eliminated from the listing this morning.
With such a long experience as a physician (40 years as a University teacher), I can recongnize that Professor Carpenter’s judgment is very sound and solid. I had posted myself a similar message in the member circle PPGS forum last week.
I cannot agree more that the club at address is in a “static mode” and we are returning it into the same position for impact … but with high velocity “dynamic mode” which generates a great deal of centrifugal forces pulling down the all the moving weights likewaise the string & rock. The resulting effect is that the centrifugal force will of course lengthen the swing arc, introducing a risk of hitting a fat shot.
This phenomena is true for every golf swing style, but it is more severe if the club is swung faster due a light club” and also if the angle of the swing is now directly vertical. The lengthening of the arc is then at its maximum and it is directed toward the most vulnerable area affected by gravity e.g.vertically toward the ground.
I noticed that a large numbers of the new PPGS golfers have reported an increasing fat shot phenomena when compared with their old swing which was executed more on an inclined plane… therefore ” kind of spreading the smaller centrifugal pulling forces away from the ground due to the flatter plane … which was easier to control eventual fat shot”.
I think Ramon was wise in suggesting to extend the arms away to a maximum at address. My suggestion was to make also sure our grip did not go loose up during the upswing (specially the right hand), but I am not sure there are no other good tips to consider.
I would love it THE SURGE give some toughts to this obvious problem so many PPGS students are struggling with.
Gaetan D
Dear Surge
I have been a member since August of this year. I have been to the range several times and have played most every Saturday.
It is obvious to me that if done correctly your swing is more consistent than my old swing. However, I have not improved my scores, in fact they have gotten worse in some cases.
I am 65 and in the past few years my scores have ranged from the occasional high 70’s to the 90’s. I joined your program to get more consistent and enjoy the game more.
I have lost distance on my drives and also direction. More slices and weak shots. My irons are better, better contact and fewer pull hooks that miss the green.
I have trouble being vertical on the back swing, especially with the driver, and starting the right shoulder down and up the tree.
I would like your input and also the best place on your site to view the swing in slow motion from different angles that shows the back and down swing.
Thank you for your help
Edd Turner
Buzz12
Your Book, Golf Plain and Simple from 1986, that I have here in my hand,
I was going to read it again since it been a few years since the first time.
How will this information compare to your video series that I now subscribe to?
Have any of your theories/procedures changed in 20+ years?
Steve in Minnesota
I am still having trouble making good solid contact with the ball. It seems that I start hitting the ball well with my irons I can’t hit my driver and when I hit my driver well I can’t hit my irons this getting vary frustrating.
I also can’t decide what grip is the best for me.
Can you please help?
PS. I am going to be getting married soon and my brother-in law to be wants to take me on a golf retreat for instruction my bachelor party do you have a good recommendation we are in California
where can you buy the alignment tool shown in the videos?
Don,
How do I get your “Surge’s Swing Analysis Software” to compare my swing to you and DJ? I can’t wait to use it. And how can I watch the Don Trahan Show? Please let me know.
Thanks
This is great insight on what my swing should be
Brian,
My suggestion (me not being a tech guy but the golf instruction guy) is to call customer service on the 880 number and they should be able to help. There may also be some advice in the FAQ section.
Don
Hi Don, I’d first like to start by saying i love this great game , i come from a sports related family so sp ort is in my blood . i’m one of a triplet me being the middle guy , My oldest brother Dave is a very good golfer, he’s a scratch player and has gotten an exemption to play at a pro am event , he represented the province of Prince Edward Island. Needless to say what i learned about this game came from him. I don’t have an issue with the t box and my short game has improved alot along with my putting . My issue is the long irons and boy do i suck at that , from watching your video clips i seem to apply everything as i should but still continue and i mean continue to top the ball everytime, its almost as if i fear to get under the ball , and i also beleive i’m not performing this swing correctly, i’m in need of help in the long iron game , Please Help.
Don,
I have been a member since the beging of the summer. However, I have had different issues through out the season. This is my first year and I have EVERYONE telling me that a vertical swing is not what I shoud be doing. However, even before finding your site I would swing vertically because that is what feels natural for me. I need more help though. Is there anyone in Maine you can reccomend? Also, what is the difference between my membership and your inner circle becuase I don’t have that many extra videos than your free videos you offer everyone else and yet I paid… I would love some help. Thanks
Don
I’ve been following DJs progress closely since he won The Hope event.
How do you think he’ll play this week in Vegas?
Please, what is a “bump” apropos to the swing?
Hi Don, I want to know where and when you can have golf lessons about PPGS.
Thanks, Richard M
Surge,
I just wanted to say thanks. After first watching your DVD’s I would run out and hit at the range or play 18. Each time not exactly hitting like I hoped. Well, after a couple of weeks of this non sense, I rewatched the videos, (paying more attention) and went out again. This time making better contact, but not consistently. After some frustration, I remembered your bit on starting with alignment and set up and also NAB. I felt like my set up was good, but was constatntly losing my angles. I went out again, did my set up, checked alignment, and kept NAB until impact. Results, solid impact, high and straight shots. I went again last night to the range, and again high and straight with solid impact on the sweet spot. There is nothing more enjoyable than watching my 5 iron go nice and pretty. Thanks for bringing the love of golf back into my life.
Kevin
Litchfield Park, AZ
Message: To Don,
> receiving a lot of member questions – but can´t learn from them without having your answers under each question at the same time.
> Best regards
> Eigil
>
what is the purpose of having a BLOG if you choose to rarely respond to the well intentioned questions???? You may not thinkk they are important BUT they certainly are important to the person that has paid for your program and desperately want to improve their game. i love your program BUT i think you do a geat diservice by not responding. if you cant or wont respond to each person i think they deserve the courtesy to know .. i treat patients all day long and if I choose to answer only 1 out of 15 my rumpsky would be in MAJOR trouble . You are too classy a guy and have too good a concept to have such a second rate BLOG. Either respond or tell us to get lost
Thanks for allowing me to vent!!!!
I’m looking for a pro in the Daytona Beach area that teaches your method, any help?
Thanks
Don,
I can’t say enough about your Peak Performance Golf Swing. Thank you very much!! I just won our F.A.C. cup with your tutorials. I have been trying to win this tournament for 9 years and have never even come close until now. I now own the cup (for one year) and all the bragging rights that come with it. Not to mention 80% of the prize money awarded. I went 100% F.I.R. and 61% G.I.R. I still have to pinch myself to see if I am not dreaming. Thanks again Surge!! I will be watching D.J. this weekend very closely. Good luck to you!
PPGS for life,
Shep
Ordered your dvd series and spent spent a total of 6 hours the last 2 day’s on the range. So far getting mixed results but will continue working on in it. I came in today and rewatched the dvd and picked up on some things I was doing wrong. I also looked at a series of pictures of you an DJ’s swing I found on the internet. Looked them frame by frame. My question is this. At the completion of your back swing the club is not in a vertical position. I have looked at them very carefully, over 300 frames, and at the top, the club seems to be at 11 o’clock and not 12 (looking from your right towards the target). Also the club seems to go past perpendicular or rather from a front view at almost 2 o’clock. It was my impression and is what I have been practicing is that the club should be at 12 o’clock at the top of the back swing when viewed from any angle whether from the front or back of the golfer, ie your illustration of the golf sliding down by the force of gravity at the top. I also noticed from front view or facing you, your shoulder turn is to almost 45 degrees. I think maybe I have underestimated what a 3/4 turn is and am not turning enough causing me to slice and sometimes even come on a outside in plane and pull. Also is it also ok to set your wrist at the top of the back swing? Is the going past perpendicular at the top the result of a natural wrist cock?
Don,
I have recently tried the peak performance golf swing. I’m 14 and I started playing golf about 5 or 6 months ago and had a huge problem slicing the ball 20 to 50 yards to the right. With the slice, I was driving the ball between 220 and 240 yards. With the peak performance golf swing, I am hitting the middle of the fairway consistantly, but 20 to 40 yards have been taken off the distance of my drives. How can I get more power out of my swing?
I just bought your DVDs and was wondering if you had any instructors for your methods? If so, where would the closest one be to the Washington DC, Maryland, N. Virginia area?
Don,
Just wanted to make a correction to my previous post. I just looked again at the picture’s of your swing and I stand corrected. From standing to your right looking down the target line at the top of your back swing your club is indeed in a 12 o’clock position. What threw me off was the frame preceding it that shows your club at between 10 and 11 o’clock which makes it appear that the club is not going straight up the tree but past the tree then to straight up. Standing facing you your club is indeed past perpendicular. I am not analyzing inconsistency’s in your swing and your teaching, your the pro and I’m a 15 handicapper, I’m just trying to make sure that I am understanding your method and correctly applying in my practice. In closing here is the link to the photo’s so that you can see what I’m referring too. http://picasaweb.google.com/CaparasMedia/SwingSurgeon?authkey=3Hjr5EykAyM#
Dear Don,
What are your thoughts about chipping and pitching?Are you still planning to come with DVD’s or videos about these items too?
With regards,
Wim
Hi, Mr. Trahan:
After read and listened to your web site, I still have a question couldn’t get answer. You said that your swing can avoid all the injuries from hips and back, but how about the shoulders and elbows? My worst painful area is my right elbow (I’m right-hand hitter). I know there’re others with the same problem and eventually quit playing golf. I don’t see you talk about the elbows. Would you think my right elbow will be taken care of also? Thanks for your lots of good information!
yuda
Hi Don,
Thanks for all the useful tips. I bought your PPGS package and am having a great time trying to remember to go “into the catchers’ mitt and up the tree”, the stand up AFAP.
I just bought a new set of clubs and had the driver made to 1″ shorter than standard, as you recommend. I am 5′11 and I am wondering if I should do the same with my hybrid clubs and 3 wood. I don’t slice these as much as I used to with the old driver, but still do a little.
Thanks again,
Matt
HI A HAVE A CHANCE TO BUT A NEW SET OF CALLAWAY GOLF CLUBS .THEY ARE GRAFFITE STIFF F/T FOR $1500.00 EVERYONE I TALK TO SAYS AT THE AGE OF 55 THEY ARE NOT THE RIGHT WOODS, BUT THE IRONS COULD BE OK. I WENT TO A RANGE AND TRYED STIFF AND MED AND STANDARD ,I FEFT GOOD WITH ALL OF THEM … AM I TO OLD TO SWING A STIFF WOOD???
Don, Hope you don’t mind a little criticism. You are providing a great service and I really injoyed the DVD’s.. However, your webmaster needs some “talking to”. The site is extremely slow and clunky. Try using it yourself sometime and you’ll understand.
Training suggestion: I live on the GC with free/quick access to the training area. I have devoted many hours tring to perform as the DVD’s instructed. Things just don’t work the way you have us believe. I am a 10 hdcp older chap with horrible back problems and looking for the Golden Fleece. That’s how I decided to gie your PPGS an honest try, because it looks good on paper. All goes well up to and after the “up the tree” angle. You indicate on the DVD that that is the entire back swing. I have worn myself to a frazzle (I think I am a good student) trying to get PPGS to perform. IT AINT GONNA HAPPEN WITH A HALF OF A BACKSWING!!! When you demonstrate the swing and teach it, you say absolutely nothing about going beyond the “up the tree.” Well, I finally found videos of you and DJ in full swing. You and he go close to parrallel on the backswing. Am I seeing things or did you not know you and DJ do that? Fess up. If you do not go beyond the “tree” on the backswing, there is absolutely no way in #$@ that one can generate enough club head speed to play the game. I really look forward to your response and many other customers do as well, I suspect.
Thanks
I would like to see a slow motion back swing and follow though by you or by TJ.
thank you
Don, thanks for posting videos of your’s and DJ’s swings. I’ve been studying them. I found one difference between them and want to know if it’s important. At impact, DJ’s hands are lower than yours. His hands at impact are in the same position as they are at takeway. Your hands – like mine – are slightly higher at impact than they are at setup.
Is this important? Is there an advantage one way or the other?
Thanks for all your help!
To Ron,
I hope to clear up a few questions for you…
Vertical at the 12:00 position means that from looking at the golfer down the line, the hands, the arms, the club, and the clubhead are at a vertical 12:00 plane from the ground to the top. In the PPGS, the goal is to get everything as close as possible to that 12:00 vertical plane (11:00 is not ideal but it is acceptable).
In all swings, including the PPGS, the hands hinge at the base of the thumbs. This is how the flat left wrist gets set in the PPGS. In the PPGS, you are not allowed to cock ( bow out or bend in ) the left wrist. This is what Don refers to as the inappropriate cocking of the wrists. This natural hinging at the base of the thumbs is also how, when looking at the swing face from a front view, the “clubhead” reaches positions anywhere from 12:00, to 1:00, to 2:00, and even 2:30 in the PPGS. But the club and clubhead are very definitely on a vertical “12:00″ path.
A 45 degree turn of the shoulders is what happens on a short pitch, not on a full swing. In the photos, Don very definitely has his shoulders in the 70 to 80 degree range. That’s all that is required in the PPGS.
Namaste
To Ed Freeman
“Going up the tree” on the backswing is in reference to maintaining the clubhead on a vertical 12:00 plane. It doesn’t mean “stopping” the clubhead swing “at the tree.” If you stop your clubhead swing at the tree, all you could do was make a short pitch. Again, the tree visualization is to facilitate your mind to cause your muscles to propel the clubhead up on a vertical plane (as opposed to a rotary position found in other swing methodologies).
See also my explanation of the PPGS swing I extended to Ron on this blog.
Have been working on the swing from the videos for 5 weeks now and am going down hill – have lost distance, am shanking and generally hitting it #@%&**.
>
> I have put in 3 x 2hour sessions x 3 days / week and have gone from shooting in the low 70’s to high 80’s….HELP!
Am 66 yo playing on the Aussie Senior Tour & have not made a cut since starting on PPGS.
H Don
Can you tell me what the main difference is between your peak performance and Natural Golf is?
I am a sel taught (with videos) Natural Golfer and notice a lot of similarities. I change to Natural Golf due to Arthritis in my knees and was not able to shift my weight and turn the knees into the shot.
Thanks
Donna
THIS IS A COPY OF A “BLOG” RECENTLY POSTED BY YOURS TRULY:
I HAVE POSTED THIS NOW HERE ON YOUR ADVICE A COUPLE OF HOURS AGO….
SINCE WRITING THIS, AN UNUSUAL SITUATION HAS OCCURED: THIS IS EVEN BETTER FOR ME THAN ORIGINALLY ANTICIPATED! MODIFICATIONS CAN OFTEN “CRASH” FOR ME!
WITH ONLY ONE ADDITION!
BECAUSE MY LOWER BODY IS MORE “RESTRAINED, CONSERVATIVE,WHATEVER”, I COULD BEMORE LIABLE TO “TURN OVER” THROUGH IMPACT.
MY BEST WAY TO ADDRESS THIS HAS BEEN TO BE EVEN MORE STRICT WITH MYSELF THROUGH TAKEAWAY TO AT LEAST ENSURE YOUR VERTICAL HANDS/WRISTS SET ALONG FOOT-LINE, IE. NEVER, NEVER, EVEN SLIGHTLY CLOSED THROUGH BACKSWING!
SEEMS TO WORK NOW, ALTHOUGH A COUPLE OF “STRONG” HOOKS HAPPENED AT FIRST! That’s about it for this time…. Back to short game practice for me…..
Don,
After your mild rebuke for my “no thoughts” preference, I actually admit to identifying more with your latest post than a shallow blonde. As you said though, it is more about having “good” thoughts than multiple!
My thought for today (and perhaps forever?) relates to my LHS KNEE:
I believe that the knees-out at address is excellent as it more stabilises than any other knee position. More than this, though, by emphasis on the advanced LHS knee AT ALL TIMES, this not only improves lower body shape during backswing, but even more importantly for me, INITIATES TRANSITION, and significantly REDUCES HIP SWAY right through downswing, impact, follow through and end position. It must be in advance of my dodgy hip(s)!
Or am I kidding myself?
Your PPGS fundamentals and swing obviously differ substantially from those relating to Stack and Tilt. When using PPGS, I do hit the ball reasonably straight but the closer I get to the driver and fairway clubs, I tend to lose distance as well as control. Most other golf instruction makes a big issue out of items like “angular momentum as well as “hitting the ground in the same place every time.
>
> I had an opportunity to watch D.J. play last weekend in Las Vegas and, yes, I could definitely see the PPGS likeness. I also noticed, although my vantage point wasn’t that good, that he had what appeared to be very fast weight transference from right side to left side. Most senior players (I’m 66) don’t have that.
>
> When I swing with the Stack and Tilt philosophy, it does make sense to me. I tend to have a much more reliable path to the ball and hit the ground in the same place every time.
>
> Basically, I’m torn between PPGS and S&T. I don’t have a sore back with either swing philosophy.
>
> Any comments you can share would be greatly appreciated.
>
> Thank you.
Is there a protege or teacher of Don’s system in the Williamsburg, Va. area? I am eager to take some lessons.
Thanks.
Olivia
To Ed Freeman
We all need your feedback. Did my explanation clarify your confusion about the “up the tree?”
Hi Don,
Could you please give me some further explanation of the release. You don’t appear to have covered this in much depth. Ps I’m a left hander. Do you have a video that details this?
Regards
John C.
Melbourne Victoria Australia
To John Curtin
In the PPGS, the “release” is automatic. You don’t have to think about it provided you do ojne thing. You make a swinging motion using your hands to swing the clubhead.
Making a righteous swinging motion is the same goal for all golfers be they right handed or be they left handed.
Dear Don,
Thank you for the email tips! The first tip was clear and logical to me, with which I agreed completely.
However, I am struggling to understand the second video. Let me explain.
I have watched the video and read the comments for several times now. You say that one MUST NOT cock the wrist and MUST keep a straight wrist.
However, with all the swings I see in any of the videos at your site, at the top of the backswing, the club is at an angle of 90 degrees or even less in relation to the left arm.
In the setup position and in impact position the angle is close to 180 degrees normally.
Therefore, I am confused about what you mean by NOT cocking the wrist! Is there something I don’t understand about the terminology? Or what is it?
As I understand, when you hold the club at 90 degrees or smaller angle at the top of upswing, the wrist is cocked. So what do you mean by NOT cocking the wrist?
Looking forward to hear from you!
Best regards,
Tarmo
PS!
After reading the posts here I realize that I probably won’t get an answer from you! That’s a real pity. Because I think your system has some potential, but as long as I don’t have a clear understanding that it actually makes sense, I am not going to buy anything.
You see, there are many golf instructions available and usually at lower costs, that are written by or about players who have had at least as much success in professional golf as your team.
Also, frankly, the aggressive contrasting yourself with all the other golf instructors in the world, and making all the other instructors sound like conspiring fools, is bit of an over-stretch… don’t you think? It starts to sound kinda like a sect… This is just a suggestion to maybe a bit tune up the professionalism on your site and tune down the door-to-door salesman pitch…
To Tamaro
Save your editorializing for the current most popular web site on the net, “Grumps Are Us.com!”
You took up too many precious inches of space on this post with comments designed to ridicule not educate — to disparage not facilitate!
Now back to golf.
About your question regarding the “wrist cock.” In all swing methodologies, including the PPGS, as the motion of the club is made on the backswing, a hinge is created at the base of both thumbs. This is what creates that 90 degree angle you spoke of; this is what creates golf club lag. And this is what you are detecting in Don’s and DJ’s swings.
When Don states one should never “cock the wrists,” he means the left wrist must never bend inward or curl outward on the backswing — it must always remain straight (flat).. So cocking the wrist is defined by Don as occurring anytime you cause the left wrist to cave in or cave out on the backswing.
Namaste
Don,
I am looking to improve my club head speed.
Are there any drills/exercises to practice to icrease clubhead speed.
Thanks
James
Do you have a teaching center near Asheville, N.C. ?
love your stuff! cheers
Morning Don & DJ.
>
> Ive been really impressed with your website, thats why ive purchased your DVD’s. Not wanting to blow my own trumpet!, but i play to a pretty good standard, and play alot of County Golf and highly ranked amateur events. ( +2.4 Handicap). Is there any advise you can give me when it comes to the PPGS and how to possibly get rid of my Tennis Elbow. Ive been taking so many pain killers this season,i may as well set up a Drug Store. Ive seen sports physio’s, doctors and no one has the answer. I had to pack in half way through this season due to the injury. i even walked of a golf course in SERIOUS pain after playing a bunker shot. i was 4 under par at the time, leading by 5 shots. this was in a 3 day tournament and on day two (back nine). Im still in pain as i type this e-mail. I take shallow divots, and swing with no other pain in my body what so ever, but this injury could put a stop to my playing days and even any hope of turning Pro.
>
> PLEEEASE!!!!! Any tips, help will be GREATFULLY recieved.
>
> Thanks Guys
>
> Steve
Don,
I have been a member since the beging of the summer. However, I have had different issues through out the season. This is my first year and I have EVERYONE telling me that a vertical swing is not what I shoud be doing. However, even before finding your site I would swing vertically because that is what feels natural for me. I need more help though. Is there anyone in Maine you can reccomend? Also, what is the difference between my membership and your inner circle becuase I don’t have that many extra videos than your free videos you offer everyone else and yet I paid… I would love some help. Thanks
Dear Mr. Trahan,
> I listened to this video so intently trying to learn how to solve a problem that has plagued me for ages for which I have found no solution.
>
> I am a fit guy who drives the ball no more than 220 yards. I take lessons and I have been told by my instructor that I have a sound swing and that I should accept the lack of distance and focus more on my short game but I will not accept that as my only solution to better scores. I decided to watch my swing on tape and noticed no matter how lighly I grip the club when I start the downswing, the angle between my left arm and the club widens real early. I believe that I initiate the downswing with a turning of my left hip keeping my head behind the ball until after impact and coming from the inside but I still cast. Then I heard you speak about holding it less loose. I can assure you that I will cast even more. All of my buddies drive fifty to sixty yards more than me and none of them is in good shape so this makes me so frustrated that I want to pull my hair out. I watched tapes of Ben Hogan’s swing and it almost appears that as he starts down his angle narrows almost like his hand and wrist are held together like a rack and pinion. It appears that my right hand is pushing the club to cast but I do not know how to stop it.
>
> Please help me. There is nothing more frustrating than to have everyone in your foursome so far ahead of you and you watch each one so intently and you can not tell what they are doing that you are not or that you are doing that you should not.
>
> Sincerely and would give my eye teeth if you could help me,
> Stan
I seem to be slicing worse then every with your technique… especially with my driver, and irons are weaker than my normal. Any suggestions?
Surge,
Do you have any articles on how to promote a draw swing (right to left) using the ppgs system?
Moises Zavala
To Stan
To the rescue!
Stan, in regards to your desire to powder the ball farther. When you talk about turning your left hip, keeping your head behind the ball, holding the club lightly, coming from the inside, watching Hogan’s wrist action, all are examples of introducing the one thing that prevents you from maximizing your power. Tthat one thing is “leverage!” And the problem with leverage is that it’s a swing killer. Thoughts such as yours require introducing some kid of force or leverage to hit at the ball — not swing through it. And all these forms of leverage conspire to slow your swing down — not speed it up!
The only way you can attain the desired positions you listed in your post and the desired results in the PPGS is by swinging the clubhead with your hands. A true swing action is what all great golf golfers have in common regardless of their methodology. What you observe in all the great swing actions are all the result, not the cause, of a true swing action.
Pick up Ernest Jones’ “Swing The Clubhead Method” and you will begin to hit the ball father than any time in your life. Nothing happens without a true swing action. And a true swing action occurs not by any swing thought other than swinging the clubhead with your hands.
Namaste
Don,
I do not know how many instructors you have that teach the peak performance golf swing, but my guess is it is not enough. Based on my experience with the system and the activity on the Website, you appear to have quite a following and rightly so. My game is much more consistent than I have been in years(and I just started using your system in August), but I, like a lot of other golfers would pay the fare to go to one of your schools for reinforcement, even if you were only there for the intro. Look at the Dave Pelz, David Leadbetter and other such schools, I think you are missing the boat if you don’t 1)-take advantage of this financial opportunity and 2) provide it to your following.
I have taken lessons from Dr Jim Suttie, Dave Pelz, A J Bonar and Manuel de la Torre and have improved more from reading and watching your videos than all these personal lessons combined. However, I am still a firm believer in the need for having trained eyes correct the flaws and solidify the proper swing movements. As you know sometimes what we feel as correct may not be the case.
Thanks for your time.
Roger
Don ; Everything is working pretty well, but I still can’t seem to get down and take a divot in front of the ball. I try but nothing seems to work. Is there a quick fix for this problem? The better golfers don’t ever seem to have this problem. Looking forward to your advice. Thanks much: Jim Grose
good day i was wondering
i will be in Florida from march 1 to 20 in inverness golfing
and would love to have a lesson with you or one of your disciples is the possible
cheers Richard
I absolutely have been loving your videos and golf tips. I’m coaching high school girls golf and have a player with a problem that I can’t seem to help her shake. At contact point, she lifts her heels and goes up on her tip toes. It’s as if she’s reaching for the cookies that are just out of reach on the top shelf. Her power and distance is extremely effected by this. I’ve tried placing the shaft of a golf club under her toes so that she can get the feeling of staying on her heels. She still goes up on her toes. Any suggestions?
I have a computer aided high speed video studio and have been teaching for 20 years, and would like information about, becoming a certifed instructor. Your printed instruction seems hard for most golfers. and with the help of Show and Tell, I am sure I could help most people. Thanks Ron Bolton
Don,
I have just started learning golf few weeks ago. As I play most of sports using left hand, I assume I am a left-handed person. I therefore get one set of left-handed clubs and started practicing it. Last Saturday I tried used a right hand club to hit a ball, then I find I can hit the ball further and feel more smooth in my my movement.
When using left hand, it seems the direction of the ball is relatively good, but I do feel a bit pain on my left wrist (this might caused by my griping skills)
When using right hand, it seems the ball travels relatively further, but direction is not so good, but I do feel no pain on my hands at all during the whole movement.
Can you advise me how should I determine which side of my hands should I concentrate on to crystallize my passion and expectation on golf.
Thank you
Jim Jiang
To Todd Boynton
As Don pointed out so passionately in a recent post, centrifugal force is the power, the force that provides the muscle in a true swinging action. Your student is reducing, negating the effect of centrifugal force when she rises up on her toes in the forward swing.
A true swinging motion is totally dependent on the aforementioned power. And that power is applied, manufactured in the PPGS when the clubhead is swung with the hands. She is presently using a body action to initiate the forward swing and in so doing, she is “leveraging” the club. Leverage is the one and complete and total swing killer.
What to do? Pick up a copy of Ernest Jones’ “Swing The Clubhead Method.” When your student learns this simple action, she will be making a true swing motion and her shoulders, body, and the “toes” will all take their orders from the hands swinging the club head.
Centrifugal power will be saved and righteously applied.
Don, Ken,
I have been attempting the PPGS and so far, not too bad at it. However, what is the function of the right arm? I have been hitting what I call chunky divot shots and my right elbow is starting to hurt. My class instructor noticed that I was eating a lot of dirt also, and told me to notice the club head direction at the top, and okay , it was closed and yes my swing was improved by this little advice. I love golf, and can hardly wait to go on the course! Next class we learn the lingo and so forth. I also got a fees pass card for a gift. Things are looking good.
I’m totally confussed,!! What arm stays straight in chipping? I a right hander.. The gas gauge stays at empty with which arm straight?? For some reason this tip has me trying both arms straight?? Scott