Is There a Certified PPGS Instructor in the House?

Written by dontrahan on March 5, 2010 — View Comments

Here’s one of the most frequent questions I get from you. “Surge, is there someone in (pick a city, pick a country) who I can go to for the Peak Performance Golf Swing?” As a teacher, one of my greatest dreams has been to be able to say, “Sure, go see Joe or Joan (at such and such a golf course).” If you’ll continue to be patient with me, I’ll have an answer I think you’re going to like.
Since PeakPerformanceGolfSwing.com went up, I have also had dozens of really fantastic golf pros wanting to become certified PPGS instructors. You’re about to get your wish. But it does take time and I appreciate your patience.

I want to give you a little background about the PPGS. While I’ve been studying and developing the PPGS for decades, the rest of the golf world has been going in a different direction. Or, if you want to look at it another way – I’ve been going a different direction that the golf word when it comes to instruction. And for the many professionals I have taught over the years, it is hard to be out there on your own, teaching a method to swing the golf club that does not conform with what everyone (anyone) else is teaching, writing about and doing. I did not have the network of support I have now. That network is now established, thanks to you.
I don’t want to get into the “I’m right and you’re wrong” contest. Nobody “wins” that sort of thing. For all my professional life my teaching has been based on results. I can’t tell you how much your comments have meant to me, your challenges, your questions, the golf community YOU have built.

So here’s what we’ve been working on. In the next few weeks, we will be launching our teacher certification program (heads up, pros). We will have both “on site” (to be announced) locations for golf professionals to come for training (16 PGA education credits) and a new, never before attempted, on-line certification program, which I think will be fantastic.

What will all this mean to you? We’ll still be having golf schools, where I’ll be there. And I’ll still have a few private lessons available. But in 6 months, we’ll have a world-wide roster of certified PPGS instructors for you to call on. They will also be adding to our blog and articles and share experiences that will help everybody. It will kind of be like “Peak Performance Golf Swing U.”

We’ll get into that a little later. In the mean time, any golf instructor who would like to go on our growing list of candidates for certification, let me know via the blog or the IC forum.

The Surge!

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Posted in Golf Instruction

Russell Fustanio

I just started using your 10 free lessons and already I can see added yardage with less strain on my body.My handicap will be headed in the right direction as I practice your theory on the PPGS. I'm currently a 24 handicap with a low score of 81 (only 1x). I shot 10 rounds in the 80's last year at my, very tough (135 rating) home course. I'll get back to you in several months to tell you of my improved play. Thanks for your continued support.
Russ Fustanio
David Stringer

I have recently taken up PPGS with some success but today I saw your video "swings thru the bag where Don and DJ hit every club, one at a time. The ability to see full swings from different angles and different speeds was invaluable. I could clearly see that I'm doing some PPGS things wrong. For example, your waists stay quite level where mine go down and up a lot more. Overall, I was surprised how little up/down and sway movement Don and DJ have in their swings. It would be great if you could do some videos that have the full PPGS swing from several angles (front, behind and above) and in super slow motion so we can study details. Keep up the good advice. David Stringer
Jim

Have been playing golf for over 30 years and was drawn to your method to save my sore back, I have always resisted technical swing instruction (worked mostly with the inner game of golf technique to improve) but have to say your technique has me striking the ball better then I ever have in the 30 years of hitting ball almost every day. I am a mechanical engineer that at one time worked for Jim Colbert Inc.as a PGA apprentice so I have a decent game (5 handcap) but never could bring it consistently to the course especial if there was pressure. All you have to do to validate your method is watch the top young pros on tour today they all have the shortened backswing. Your method is solid and it works, thanks would love to learn how I could become certiifed instructer someday.

Regards,

Jim Johnson
BILL SCUDDER

Hi Surge,

I am looking forward to having a certified PPGS instructor in the Dallas, TX or the East Texas area as I believe that would certainly help my game. I have been playing golf since age 11 and I now 66 years old. have carried a 3 handicap to around 18 and would like to imporve my game.

Really enjoy your articles and follow every one of them and keep these in a binder for future use.

Thanks for your help.

Bill Scudder
mai

hi i need some certificate can i do that ? please you let me know again please.
this is my full name toerajet siphanmaity
the best regards
mai
HARRY , DENMARK.

Hi Surge,
I am very interested in hearing more about the PPGS and would like to hear more details as to how to become involved as an Official Instructor.

I am a British PGA Member and have worked abroad in different Countries in Europe as a Head Professional / Golf Director,and presently working in Denmark, Scandinavia and I have no doubt that if I could set up a PPGS Golf Academy it would be a great success.

Would you be so kind and let me know asap what is involved in getting this project of the ground, and what are all the costs involved and what would be the time span to get all things started.

I am very interested in hearing from you and I can honestly say that you have rekindled my genuine interest in teaching this great game to all the many golfers who are looking for help to improve their games, and with the PPGS System this would cetainly open thje door for many who I know have become very frustrated with all the " modern theories" that are flying around and in most cases are way out of reach for the normal golfer.

Looking forward to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Best Wishes.
Harry.
Charlie

I'm near Austin and San Antonio, TX. Can you provide a website signup or similar where we can know when our area has a PPGS instructor? We're waiting.....
robert pignone

would love to become an instructor...the best teaching of the swing i've ever come across...count me in
Joe Beaman

I am interested becoming PPGS certified. My teaching already includes several similar principals and some of the tools I use promote a more PPGS swing. Please let me know when you are starting.
James Grant Lefebvre

Hello Don--This is James again. Just wanted to let you know that I am a class A golf instructor with CGTF (Canadian Golf Teachers Federation) here in Montreal, Canada. I would like very very much to become a part of your team of PPGS instructors. See my earlier email on March 6, 2010. Am a strong believer in the 3/4 swing and have been doing it for a long time before I found your website. The last 3 years I have been teaching other players the 3/4 swing and thet are having a difficult time to get adjusted to this swing--it will take time for them to perfect it. Thanks for the advice you keep sending. James
Greg

Hey Surge,

I teach in Virginia... count me in.

Cheers,
Greg
Marty

Yes put me down for online training for golf instructor here in New Zealand.
I took up ppgs and in only a few months dropped from 12 to 8 and still going down fast.
Every thing you say made total sense.
It was so great to drop all the "should do this" stuff and get out there and just do it the obvious way with confidence.
MartinEyre
New Zealand
Bret Hartman

Don,

I am a class "A" PGA Teaching Professional and would like to become PPGS certified. I have listened to you free lessons, and understand your philosophy. Email me some info on how to get certified. Would like to help you and your students out.

Sincerely

Bret Hartman
Neill Hudson

Hi Surge, I'm a British PGA and CGTF teaching professional, teaching in Ontario, Canada, this is exciting news, for all teaching Pros to be a certified PPGS instructor, can't wait....
Many Thanks "Surge
Neill Hudson
Ontario, Canada"
parchaser

Hi Surge!
I am interested in on-line certification, if possible. I have studied under Sam
Byrd. Played golf with Lee Mackey Jr., Joann Prentice(LPGA) and others.
I have taught young men various skills and enjoy helping others when I can.
Seems like every time I go to the range, someone watches me hit a few
balls and starts asking me questions. I would like to flesh out my knowledge
of the PPGS swing. I want to know the whys, not just the hows of the swing.
The old saying "the man who knows how will always have a job, but the
man who knows why, will be his boss". I want to know the whys.
Thanks.
Parchaser
Art Hupka

When you get a PPGS certified professional in the Salt Lake City area, I would greatly appreciate being alerted. This has been a question I have submitted a few time.
David Inman

I am not a Certified instructor but have taught golf for many years and would be interested in being an instructor in my area which is 70 miles north of the Dallas fFt worth Area
Thanks
Robert

Don

Looks like the hot putter won the Honda classic, all of Camilo stat's were good but Villagas putting was NO# 1. You can hit for show, you putt for dough. All the comments about teaching the PPGS is outstanding and personnally I have not recieved one penny for helping out friends with there swing. Understand that I do not give out any advice to a well grounded rotational swinger. I can't believe how many people without Knowlege have an upright 3/4 backswing all ready, they all have problems in the burial ground. I would love to instruct the PPGS here in Ontario "Ottawa valley" but I'm not a perfessional teacher of golf, but I do coach a hign level of hockey and I have taught fastball pitching clinics. I should have been a teacher, it is rewarding to teach kids. We do not have a teaching pro at our course and the junior program needs alot of work and organizing, Know is qualified to impletment to much structure to help these promising young golfers. Golf is my new found enjoyment and I would love to be able to succeed this year with my game and teach this wonderful knowlege I have recieved from you. Let us know what we need to do to get certified.
Ben Jones

Teaching for three years {USGTF} would like to ad your cert. Let me know Thanks
Andrew Humble

Hi Susan Turner, You can contact me at Fremantle Public Golf Course on 93363933. Look forward to hearing from you !

All the best

Andrew Humble
susan turner

For Andrew Humble could you please give your contact details as I can't find you on the web. I would like some lessons. 92934607
Rex

Don-

I played some college golf and coached a couple of college teams in the past. I am USGTF certified and work with local junior high and high school teams in the area. Due to a bad back I have been limited in my play but would love to learn and teach your swing. This past summer I developed my own 3/4 swing and got my handicap down from a 13 to a 7. Is there a way I can get actual disks instead of a download version (I have had trouble with downloads in the past but that could be due to my computer skills.) I would also love to know more about becoming certified to teach your method. Could you send me info of where/when you will certifying instructors in the next 9-12 months?

Thanks and look forward to hearing back from you.
michael Hochman

Don,

I received the ultimate compliment today. After hitting a solid shot, one of my playing companions said, 'That swing looked a little like DJ.' After my time spent with you last summer and trying to incorporate PPGS in my game, someone saw my three-quarter backswing and my slightly-bowlegged stance and saw your efforts personified. Looking forward to seeing you in North Dartmouth again...........
Rikki

Great development, Don! Looking forward to being certified... from the Philippines!
Dennis Kerkman

Hello Don,

I'm a dutch PGA A-class professional.
I like your system very much and would like to now more about cetrification.

Thanks

Dennis Kerkman
Andrew Humble

Hi Don, I am a firm believer in your methods and have put them to good use with great results with my clients. I am a AAA Golf Professional in Australia and would love nothing more than to be a PPGS certified instructor . I await your reply with all the information required .

Cheers

Andrew Humble

P.S For all the Aussies I am based in Fremantle , Western Australia
Noel

Hi Don a question about the wide knees. Wide knees restrict hip movement and standing parallel left your right hip is in the way of swinging away and swinging at the ball.
Regards Noel.
Billy Duggins

Hi Surge
I would like to recommend a Golf Instructor for your program. Her name is Kim Estep LPGA she work at Sycuan Resort Golf Course here in San Diego CA. She believes in the same style of golf swing as yours. Her e-mail address is estepabove@aol.com

I also have recommend your web site to several friends too.

Thanks for all the great tips and your Peak Performance golf swing has really help me and then Kim in her Saturday class has polished it.

Thanks , Billy
Tim Scott

I've only had time to hit some plastic golf balls in my yard but is very smooth and I think it will get better real fast when i hit the range. Thanks again.

Tim
Robert Rrodes

Don i am a new student on sight. I am having a hard time picking it up.Ihope to have some one in Louisville Ky soon. Thanks for the vidios .
Tom Delaney

Is there a PPGS instructor in the northern Suburbs of Chicago?

Tom
Joe Fanelli

Hi Don,

I am a Class A PGA Professional here in Colorado. I have been following your e-mails and newsletters; I really appreciate your insight! I have found some of your material to be very helpful to my students who have suffered from back pain over the years and have been unable to play golf to their maximum potential. Your method of instruction has really helped this demographic of people that I work with. I would be VERY INTERESTED in the PPGS Certification! Please get back to me at your earliest convenience!

THANKS!
John Alan

Hi Don: Having Taught this game of golf for 20+ years and played it 50 yrs I have seen it all, My First Instructor was "Olin Dutra"@ age 8,with me He advocated a quiet lower body, but as you know with the "New Ways" well that's another story..Don You have Brought back the old Me, "STAY UPRIGHT... and flaired both, I've played tour golf for many years and at 58 your body doesn't work quite like it use to, "Thank You For Your E-Mails", YOUR SYSTEM PPGS WORKS PERIOD, I've Watched DJ Swing Many Times, And Your Boy IS A PERFECT EXAMPLE OF WHAT YOU ADVOCATE, That Says It ALL. My Motto Has Always Been " Practice Doesn't Make Perfect, > ONLY PERFECT PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT !!! Net result Last Thursday weather was cold here in Southern Ca My Boy and I Played, still working with him a 12-15 hcp @ age 11, He Loves DJ... I had a just feel round not playing for Score at the end of the round I added up the score 69 for me , I Was Blown Away, not that the score was fantistic, but their was Little LABOR involved DRIVER WAS STRING STRAIGHT...285-300 " DON SIGN ME UP AND COUNT ME IN AS 1 OF THE CERTIFIED PPGS INSTRUCTORS, > SOUTHERN CAL NEEDS PPGS. John Alan Says Don Trahan is the BEST Period...if you don't believe it go to your launch monitors they will verify it !!! Blessings J A .
Larry Sanderson

I am 5'6" and what lenght driver do you recommend?
James Bishop

Don,

Since injuring my back and work, and the resulting surgery for blown disc (L4/L5), I have taken to the PPGS. Once I get fit again (only 41 yrs old!!) I can see me breaking 90 again, like I used to. I love the swing!!!

I would like to be able to teach the PPGS to all the golfers in Edmonton, Alberta,
Michael

I am 58 years old. I live in Indiana. Can you tell me how to become PPGS certified?
Otto Strehlow

I Bought your program and thought it was a joke then I noticed your sons scores in some PGA events so I restarted the program. First of all I am 84 years old and some back problems so the first thing I noticed, after about a week of practice, my back was doing better. I am now able to hit my driver straigh as a string and with some added distance about 190 to 200 yards. My iron shots are better but still a little left. Now the good part I play in a monday mens club with a 22 handicap however the last 2 weeks I shot an 85 and 86 from the blue tees. I also hit every drive in play both weeks with no penalties for errant shots. My wedge game has always been good on full wedge shots however my major problem is in chipping or short wedge shots where I tend to blade these shots and screw up the hole. If you have any thoughts please advise.

Thanks again: Otto Strehlow
Terry Hurley

Surge,

I would like more information on the PPGS teaching certification courses online for Oregon professionals.
jerry

Hi DON,
I have started the ppgs system, and love it . but please don't forget us in new england MA. I would love to see an instructor
thanks jerry
David Springer

I'm glad to read that you are working on certifying golf pro's for the PPGS system of a golf swing.
I know since I've been working with it I have not had any back or shoulder discomfort. There is a
pro at my Country Club that may be interested in your program. I'll mention it to him. What I need is for some one to refine what I'm doing.
David Springer

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