Yesterday was a good day on the lesson tee. Sunday afternoon I drove to Mt Pleasant, SC to D.J.’s house to be there a day early so we could get an early start on the lesson tee on Monday. We were preparing for him leaving to play the John Deere Classic this week and then hop on over to Turnberry, Scotland for the British Open.
D.J. took last week off, having to skip the AT&T National Tournament hosted by Tiger. He hated to miss it, but he had a good excuse. The remodeling was completed on his new house and he was moving in. My timing was perfect. I showed up when all the moving was done and had dinner with D.J. and Tup.
My plan for the lesson was to work on four things. The first was to check out his new irons. He just changed heads, going back to a head design he used in his senior year in college that his company still uses, and he changed to a new shaft brand. I wanted to make sure the shafts were the right flex so I brought two sets of his old irons he used in college for him to test against his new set. I was concerned that his new irons might be too stiff. The test went well. D.J. said the shafts felt the same and the shots with all three looked the same, so I was confident he has a good set of irons in the bag.
The second point to check was his golf swing. He has not been hitting it particularly well the past seven weeks. I knew his T – Finish was a little wide and needed tightening up. The third point was, with the British Open in two weeks, I wanted to work on hitting knock down shots to keep the ball out of the wind. Wind would likely blow hard at Turnberry, which is on the ocean. I also wanted to talk about other playing nuances of links golf on hard fast courses, hitting the knock down and run shots versus playing here on plush courses, where golf is primarily an air game.
When we talked and discuss his stats, we knew he was missing a lot of shots with all his clubs, but especially irons, to the right. Every time we talked, he would say the swing felt pretty good and he was “real close” to hitting it real good. I reminded him that he has been saying the swing is “real close” for months. And real close means he doesn’t have it, so it is time to get serious and get the swing right.
I did not make it to the US Open, but received a report from Tupper, who was there, that it looked like his irons and woods were wide open at address. This would certainly cause all the shots to the right, as the ball goes in the direction the face is pointing at the moment of impact. I told Tup that I had seen the open face, even with his woods, at the Tour Championship and worked with DJ on squaring up the face, but it appears that it has drifted back open. Tup passed on the message and D.J. worked hard on squaring the face last week at The Travelers Championship. He actually had his clubface square, which meant I could cross that off the to-do list.
Next on the list was to fix the finish which I knew was a little wide to the left. Watching him hit a few 9 irons confirmed it was still a problem. The key was to watch more shots and see if there was an underlying setup problem or backswing issue causing the finish to wide left, with the hands finishing around the outside edge of his left shoulder rather than close to his left ear. I had him move up to hitting a 7 iron, then a 5 iron and a 3 iron and the wide left was consistent. We move up to his 3 wood, then the driver, and the wide left finish was still there. I saw a few pulls to the lef, which was easily corrected when I dropped a club across his toe line and showed him he was aiming 20 yards right. It was with the 3 wood and the driver that a setup issue jumped out at me, especially in light of his remarks complaining about hitting a lot of weak and short cut shots. I said that his ball looked way too forward as it was out from the ball of his left foot and would account for the little slide forward I was seeing in his transition. I told him to move it back at least 2 ball widths to be out from the heel. Naturally he said it looked and felt weird but he did it. I said it looked good, just at or even behind his left heel He proceeded to rip one with his patented soft draw. He hit a few more, all with a soft draw and all with better penetration and trajectory and much longer. It is amazing what a square face and staying behind the ball can do for your swing.
After hitting around 10 or 15 more drives and getting psyched up and confident, he just looked at me and asked, “Could the ball position be off with my irons also.” I told him I was fairly confident it was forward and am now sure of it because of the woods being so far forward. We went back to a wedge, moved the ball back to the center of his stance and his impact was solid and clean, with a shallow divot, and his flight was just what the doctor (in this case, “Surgeon”) ordered. We worked the clubs all the way up to the 3 iron and his ball striking was back to normal. His trajectory was higher and penetrating and the soft draw was back. Best of all he also could easily cut it at will. And with being behind the ball at impact, he was standing up AFAP (pop-tarting) smooth and speedy to his T – Finish, with the hands tight to his left ear without me even mentioning it yet. I did point it out and prefaced he needed to focus on keeping it there.
I noticed one last setup issue I had to address. Now that he was swinging and hitting it well, I felt it was a good time to address his grip, in particular his right hand. I saw his right hand looking a little too much on top of his left thumb and thus looking weak, which also is a cause of weak right ball flight. I asked him to walk me through the feeling of his grip pressure points in his right hand. He knows the keys to the PPGS setup and swing as well or better than any of my certified instructors, He has been hearing and doing the PPGS all his life. As soon as I asked the pressure question, he gripped and looked up at me and said in a sort of question, “I’m pressing down with the right hand, right?” I confirmed that is what I saw and that he needed to be sure that grip pressure is firm and the fingers squeeze upward. It is critical that the right thumb, forefinger and upper part of the hand be firm, but they can NEVER push downward on the left thumb. That activates the upper forearm muscles which is bad news, because that interferes with the lower arm muscles which are the lifter muscles, as I call them.
We then went out and played 9 holes and he hit it super and had his length back with all his clubs. He actually hit a drive right on nine and just about shocked me when he placed his driver by his toes stepped back and checked his alignment. He announced that it was a good swing that hit it exactly where he was aimed. I concurred he was correct on the aim right. I added that he needed to do more of the alignment check when playing, to know that good shots to the wrong place were because of alignment and not poor swings.
I was very pleased with this session. We fixed every point I had on my to-do list and more, with the adjustment to the ball position, which really was the key factor to getting back solid ball striking, and his ball flight and distance, and adjusting the grip pressure points in his right hand. And we fine tuned his knock down shots and pitch and run up shots. His confidence was really high, as were his expectations.
We headed back to his new house and he took me for my first ride ever on his boat. Tupper passed on the ride as he needed to stay and do some work with our programmer on the PPGS website. We went out into Charleston Harbor and under the new super bridge and all the way out to Sullivan’s Island. On the way back, with the tide coming in, we passed two super cargo ships heading out to sea with their decks loaded up with trailers. Passing them in DJ’s 25 foot boat was like looking up at a skyscraper. When we docked I helped him clean off the boat, dock it on the lift and get it out of the water, and covered as it would be high and dry for around a month while he is off competing.
With the boat ride and docking done, we had one more re-cap of the day’s lessons. With a hand shake and hug for him and Tup, I was in my car, heading home to Inman, SC and would be there in 220 miles and 3 hours.
This wasn’t a good day on the lesson tee…It was “GREAT” day on the Lesson Tee. The best part of the day ended up being the private, non-golf time we had on the boat ride. A father and his son out on the water just riding and talking and getting hit in the face with spray from hitting the waves … it just doesn’t get any better. Unless D.J. wins The Open!
The Surge!
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 
I started getting your free lesson / tips by email just at the end of my vacation at PGA National in Port Saint Lucie Florida. Very interesting to say the least but I could not try out any aspect the PPSG swing until I returned home and had all 10 lessons. On Saturday, the first day back from vacation, my son and I went to the Travelers Championship and went over to the first tee to watch a few groups hit and then decide on a group to follow. It must have been an omen as DJ was in the second group that was teeing off and I was wondering how he would do using the PPSG method. Well he ripped it about 300 yards straight down the middle and out in front of everyone in his threesome. We decided to follow DJ for a few holes and he was just bombing it. Impressive. I went home and studied the lessons that you had sent and read everything on your web site and went to the range and hit a large bucket trying, as best as I could, to apply your method to my swing. I’m in my early 60’s and over the last 2 years have tried a single plan swing (Moe Norman) and a swing that uses an early backward wrist break. I had success with both but I was not consistent with either. Using my understanding of the PPSG swing I played 9 holes after work and shot 42 with three 3 putt greens and I only really felt like I hit the ball well on about 3 holes. I was pumped and practiced at the range again the next night. I played two 18 hole rounds 4th of July weekend using my ”new swing” and was driving the ball about 10-15 yards farther and picked up almost 2 irons in length. Fantastic. The only problem is that every once in a while I hit a shot straight left or knock it down. I will keep practicing as I can see the potential and it is a much easier swing. Wish I had been taught this method 50 years ago.
Surge,
I agree yesterday was an excellent day both on and off the course. I too was amazed when on #9, DJ hit the ball in the right rough and he put the club down on his toe line. That to me is one of the “best” lessons that you have ever taught me. Sometimes we all make good swings that end up as “bad shots” due to our alignment. We have all heard ” ball flight does not lie” So, If the swing feels good and flies nice….. Check you alignment, It will surprise you more often than not… JT
Don,
Thanks for sharing your insights into the range session time with DJ. (I will be rooting for him in the Open) I too feel my ball position has been off and will check that next time I tee it up. I am still digesting all the information from the videos and book. I started your program with the free videos and liked them so much purchased the full package 2 weeks ago. Ever since I started taking your instruction my game has improved by 8 strokes! My HCP is now 5.6 and I am looking to go under par soon. However I would like to get more of your insight into putting and the short game. I am finding that my last few rounds have been hampered by not being able to get up and down and putt more consistently. I really get it about the full swing but would like to see more in the short game area.
I appreciate your instruction and insight into golf.
Thanks again and best regards,
Glenn Hurst
Downloaded your package, tried to use the lessons and had the worst two rounds this year. I confess that I took it straight to the course, no practice tee. I am going to the practice next to see if I can make it work for me. I will let you know how I do.
Don, I have been watching your videos and trying to apply some of your teachings to my game. For some reason I seem to be losing a lot of power, I am making solid contact, but I am consistently hitting a weak fade, this is better than topping it, but I need to figure out how to get more distance.
If i had to guess I would say the problem is that I am not rotating my forearms through impact and hitting the ball with a slightly open club face. Even when i make a conscious effort to rotate through impact I am still hitting a slight fade.
With your straight back and up the tree is it possible to hit a draw? It just seems to me that when bringing the club back and through so upright there’s just not enough room to hit a draw, and since the club face is open during the take away it’s very tricky to get any kind of a draw that is more associated with a more inside out swing path.
So, I guess my question is this.. how can I make more solid contact and hit more of a draw using your technique?
I look forward to your response.
hi, don i live in kuujjuaq northern quebec we d’ont have green grass we play golf only in the sand pit that’s about it thanks
Hello Don, another Great Lesson. I would have to say what I learned about ball position definitely explains alot about my golf swing. Another key point I really liked was that of the right hand. I can’t wait to get to the range to incorporate what I learned in today’s lesson. One last thing Don, the time you spent with DJ on the boat is “Priceless”. A moment in time you’ll always remember. Again, thanks for another Great Lesson.
Burl Morgan
Dear Don,
It works,
Thanks
I started doing the same thing that Mr Blase did …hit the ball straight left. I discovered that I was placing the ball too far from center, by my front left foot…moved it back toward center about 4″ and started to hit it down the middle again. Works for me!
Hi,
Just came off the course, a bit frustrated. I went through all the DVDs on Sunday and I guess I probably have to spend some time on the range. Had trouble making solid shots with most clubs. There is a lot of stuff to check out.
I guess I find the pop tart has me doing all kinds of crazy moves. My body does not appear to be in sync with my arms. Towards the end of the game I remembered the Surge saying to do the forward swing as if you are trying to skip a stone across the water. I did hit the ball a bit better after that but I must say I have to forget about popping up after impact. Maybe this means I have been coming over the top without realizing it.
I also might have an issue with getting set right heavy. I find my right ankle hurts after a while. Maybe I am tryin to push off on the forward swing and I should not force it.
Appreciate any comments re similiar experience.
Regards
Don, thanks for the great blog entry about the lesson tee. We’ll keep our fingers crossed that DJ does well at the Open. I have been using the PPGS for only a few days and am seeing some progress…but one thing I noticed is that at the top of my backswing (the top of the tree) my club is a little laid off and not straight up and down. Do you have any advice or drills to help correct this? Thanks for a great program!
Don,
Just joined your site today, and am appreciative of the warm and timely update of your work and play with D.J.
I have been involved in researching the integrated science of golf since retiring from the missile and space field. I have found significant insights from research papers writen by Dr’s. Steve Nesbitt, Kevin Ball, Mianfang Ruan, and recently, Robin Sharp.
I am especially interested in the scientific basis of your methods in addition to the ‘how-to’ instructions.
Could your staff please provide internet links to some examples of your science-based methodology and conclusions?
Sincerely and appreciatively,
Art
went to the range today and tried to use your swing after watchingn the first 3 lessons.Had a hard time getting the 3/4 swing going since I’m use to the full turn.Funny as I was hitting balls I use to have a 3/4 swing and played better golf.but after peer pressure and golf lessons I went to the full turn and my game has suffered,It’s hard trying to go back as I have a hard time not cocking my wrists.After a while I was hitting them a lot straighter when I made good contact and not hitting behind the ball.Seems to be working but I have alot more prcticing to do.
Karl
I was not thinking about golf as I read this. I was thinking of a father and son who respect each other. One of your better ones.
probally should have sent my story to Don instead of posting it under this story
Hi Don…firstly..love South Carolina…if the grandkids were not here, I’d get my green card and be residing at Hilton Head! Question…is your method similar to A.J. Bonnars? That worked for me…cleared my head of superfluous junk, and got down to the simple matter of what the club does in the hitting area. Regards, Stephen M. Cooper (Golf Instructor, Brighton,Ontario, Canada EH? (A little Canadianism there! I do have a sense of humour!). p.s. What’s a gravitar?
Don, I finally looked at the lessons i bought from you the night before we left for our annual golf trip.
The iron shots were better than ever and with no back pain at all. But I could not drive the ball off the tee. Help
Bernardo
Don, I have a park next door and go over with kids and PW with 6 balls, after seeing 1,2 videos and reading lesson Tee,enjoyed picking up balls in a 12ft radius each time,Thanks.
Thanks for all the tips, going out with 3 girlfriends tomorrow, so hope to put them to good use. Will let you know how it goes. Off to Scottish open on thursday and brittish open at Turnberry next week, so hope to see DJ on the course and watch that famous swing in action for real. Good luck to him at t.he Open
Don
That was a good lesson you and DJ had recently.Getting good results with my alignment and all
the other aspects you have shown me.
RegardsGreg
Don
Thanks for the address position tips with the hammer concept that is exactly what is required.
Regards
Great story of your day with DJ. You two should live closer together.
Having played both courses at Turnberry, I know that the winner will have to get many good bounces. And will have to know how to play the ball from rough that reaches up to mid-calf. While I’m very happy with your teachings – via the internet and your DVD and manual, I find myself hitting the ball – in all shots – higher than I did previously. I’d welcome some comment on how to achieve a lower flight. I play on a links-like course with good roll, and I would like to take better advantage of that.
I hope we’ll get to see some shots of DJ at Turnberry.
D.J. you have a special Dad, enjoy every moment and wisdom he give you,All my Hero’s have past away and I do miss them very much, and they were all Veteran too, shoe to big for me to filled yet, everyday I hold each and every moment I spend with them Hard and good times ,and they was special with them when they were alive. Now they are with God in Heaven serving in his Holy Army. God Bless you Both to help Floger like me to enjoy the game. Thank you Don…
HI Don
I enjoyed your article re your son on the practice tee. I purchased your vidios and have them on my
computer. I misunderstood I thought I was going to receive cd discs in the mail, is this not the case.
I have worked on your program but have several concerns. I am 65 years old and can carry my drives a legal 210 with a swing speed 93mph and ball speed 139. Using your 3/4 swing, little turn and up the tree all my irons and drives go out 180 yds and and tail off right. your article mentions square the club face, when I don’t seem to release the club and get stuck to tight to my body on the downswing. I will move the ball back to my left heel to see if I can square up the face and swing up. this swing up causes me to come into the ball more steep than I think it should be. I will watch the finger pull up not the thumb down pressure. what is this hammer tip regarding ball position.
thank you
Bob Nemeth My email is rnemeth5@sympatico.ca
Walter,
Great comment on the higher ball flight. The PPGS does hit the ball higher and that is not a problem when you have a tight spin and good penetration holding the line. DJ, hits the ball exceptionally high but I also taught him very early how to hit it low for playing in the wind and as you mention for your course being a links like course likely firm, hitting it low to max out roll is a bonus.
The best way to hit is low is to hit knockdown shots. I play these from the same ball position as a regular shot. (Note: putting the ball back and hitting down on it tends to put a lot of backspin on the ball and cause it to rise up quickly or kite up as some call it. If this shot is into the wind, it can get knocked down and come up well short of the green.)
The key to the knockdown is to have a shorter cut off followthrough to keep the ball flight down. This is just like tossing a rock on a lake, where a level release throws a level rock. The lower you cut off the upswing the lower the ball goes and a higher finish hits it higher. If you need a real low and roll, you can aim a little right. close the clubface to aim it at the target and hit a low shot with a draw that will stay low and roll more. Hope these thoughts help.
Don
Anne,
I wish I could walk the course with you. So if you follow D.J. tell him his dad told you to say hello.
Don
Hi Surge,
I have downloaded your dvd series and I am doing great with my Irons hitting them straight but my Driver is getting me upset I hit it on the heel every time I am a left-Handed golfer I choke up back up But Seem to nail it on the heel area I need some help here sleepless In Iowa.
Mike, In Iowa
Surge,
I hope you got my message about my driver I am hitting it on the heel every time I choke up on the Club i back up but always tagging it near the heel Irons are hitting straight your program is Great I Need help with my driver.
Thanks, Mike In Iowa
Regarding weak fades or slices and lost distance on drives: I was doing the same until I actually stood up to the T– like a pop tart out of a toaster. If you’re like me and were taught a lateral move on the downswing standing up makes no sense until you do it. Now I view it as a power move. The fade is gone. I think that move makes the whole swing come together. On drives I now stand up and swing my arms hard. I think of swinging fast with my right arm because I saw in a video that the club is pulled back & up with the right side. On irons I just think of standing up.
At least for me this works
Hi Don…I have some success just from the free lessons, thank you. As for the DVDs, my wife will not react favorably if I buy ANOTHER golf DVD set. Can you sell me the manual?
I have used your swing for about a month but I lost a lot of length I travelled to the us open from Europe I watched Ernie and carefully studied his rolling forearms my backswing is still fairly short and i still stand up to the t finish but I do follow thru much more and my distance has increased enomously at first I followed your videos like a bible,but I ended up playing more shots on longer holes ,not what I wanted I dont cock my wrists my backswing and ball position are slightly different from yours but I suffered more back pain your way I had friends video me and the swing was not pretty I have I think thanks to you shaved strokes of my handicap but using your advice was not the perfect help I was looking for I do practice the flop shot round the greens and I do soften my grip for these shots and it is very effective but for 100 yards or so I use a full swing and it is very effective this is not a complaint it is just the way my game has gonehope that you can see it the way I do your dedicated approach to the game is fantastic and very infectious but I do think that there is some room for disscution.
Hi Don, just wanted to say thanks for making things so simple for beginners like me. I used to play a bit over 20 years ago, but gave it up because I was really bad. I mean really bad! But now I’m a dad and my son is nearly 9 and wants to play golf, like the rest of my family. This worried me as I know how bad I am at it! Anyhow, I have agreed to get him in at the local golf accadomy and he is real keen to get going. I bought us both some nice new clubs, had mine fitted for me, and we both got practising at the range. Sure enough, I was still hopeless as before. However, I came accross your website whilst looking for video help lessons and have found it suits me as I injured my back some years ago, so your method appealed to me. Well, I have watched all the lessons several times now and I have been trying hard to apply them. AND, low and behold I can not only hit the ball but actually hit it long and straight. The local range has a white post about 1.8m high just after the 200 marker, which I have been aiming for. Unbelievably, with my 3W Fybrid I actually hit the post 4 times out of 10 shots and the others weren’t to far off. I’m shocked!!! Thank you very much for your help. I’m happy to keep it up now and hopefully stay ahead of my son! We haven’t been to the links yet, but when we do I’ll let you know how I get on. P.S: Nice to hear about your time out with your son too. We will be rooting for him….
I am thrilled with everything I have seen so far. You can believe that I fully intend on getting my hands on more of the information you have out there for new golfers like me. I have been playing for a few years but only a few times a year. I bought my first set of clubs over Christmas two years ago and have had them out only a dozen times. I have always had a powerful tee off however it has also been a wild shot. A friend of mine told me it is not the power but the technique to get the shots you desire. I listened and began searching for diffrent techniques and none of them have really helped me. A freind had 4 of the free videos on his computer and I watched them The next day we went golfing and the for the first time I hit the Pin at about 120 yards out. I was amazed. I lost only 3 balls all of which were to my old habits of let her rip. Two on a tricky water hazard. The third was lost to high grass and thistles in the OB on a long Par 5. I usually loose a 12 pack. Thanks Don
Kade,
I haven’t heard the swing improvement comment relating to loosing less balls or none in a long time and it brings back memories. Over the years I have been told stories the same as yours. Another version that has happened many times is a student walks up to me holding a golf ball and says something like, “do you know what this is?” I usually lead them along saying “it looks like a Tilteist or Top Flight.” They respond “yes, but this is the ball I teed off with on number one and I played 18 holes today and I still have it. This is the first time I have finished with the ball I started with.” I know that finishing with the same ball they started with for many golfers is a major milestone in their golfing career. You’re getting close…so keep working on the swing and let us know when it happens. Good Luck!
Don,
Ok, you asked what I’m thinking, so here goes.
I’m a 6 handicap and have honed my swing watching a number of pros over the years. I first learned from the Hogan book and have bought a number of books or videos from other pros sharing their theories. My swing has evolved through the years to avoid lower back pain. I used to have tremendous lower/upper body lag as I started my downswing, Eventually that caused back pain at the range and during rounds. Now I have less lag (which involves a different upper/lower body timing), but my distance has not suffered. So I agree that distance is not just about torque and the angle between hips and shoulders at the top of the backswing.
The fundamentals you teach about the grip and stance are also considered very important by playing pros and instructors of a classic swing. Nicklaus, for example, teaches a neutral, balanced grip. Like Hogan, he also teaches proper stance and ball position based on the club and shot required. During the downswing, Hogan’s hands dropped naturally from the top to “the slot” as he drove his legs and hips around. He never forced his arms around his body – they just followed.
Hogan taught the body chain during the backswing and reverse chain during the downswing. Yes, there are 2 swing planes (one for backswing, one for downswing), but I don’t think about them. The downswing plane is slightly different because of the way legs and hips start the downswing with the head remaining in the same position. But most people do not notice the difference between the two, and that’s fine.
Both planes are defined by the length of the club. It’s easy to tell what the proper backswing plane is after a few swings by examining divots. If the toe is cutting most of the divot, most likely the plane is too steep. If you see a heel divot, the plane is too flat. I can also tell by the club position at the top of the backswing.
And there is a TON of force as my hands relax during the downswing creating lag. A lot of power is created as the forearms roll over causing the “lagged” hands to roll as well. Arms and hands have to remain relaxed during the downswing for this to happen. If the grip is too firm, the lag power is lost. That’s how Couples and Els can swing so relaxed and generate so much power.
I didn’t pick up the Hogan book until I was 21. The classic swing required a lot of practice. Today there are swing aids like the Medicus that teach tempo, swing planes, club position. I use that before every bucket of balls or round.
I’m 47 and I have no problem with distance because of these classic swing techniques. Drives are consistently between 290-300 yards. Irons are long. I usually hit half of my fairways and 70% of my greens. My short game is decent. I practice that as much as my swing.
Anyway, I downloaded your DVD content, watched all of it in a couple of days, and went to the practice tee. I’m willing to try new theories if it means less pain and hitting all my fairways and greens. I started with short irons and found the motion workable. But as I worked through longer irons to my woods, the motion seems less natural. The backswing starts on a swing plane (catcher’s mitt) and then abruptly steepens (up the tree). With short irons it’s less noticeable, but very evident with woods.
During the downswing, the club drops almost straight down and then I have to force the club along it’s intended plane. Then I have to force the club back up the tree to avoid the club rotating around. I have always been able to easily visualize a swing plane. When the club is straight up in the 3/4 backswing, there is no plane; hence, no basis for a natural downswing path. The steep motion does not intuitively promote a forearm roll over. I was pushing and slicing the ball consistently.
Your “swing up” instruction helped bring the club square, but it INCREASED my lower back pain because legs and hips initiate the “swing up” downswing.
I’ve only hit 200 balls with your method, but I would have thought some part of your downswing would have clicked by now. I start your downswing just as you teach. The club goes almost straight down (grip first) as legs lead. If I keep my arms and hands relaxed and let gravity do its thing, the club angle is way too steep to make solid contact. I can get away with that with short irons because short irons are steeper by design.
I can apply my “classic” swing cues and hit balls effortlessly. I have no swing cues that make any sense with your downswing and T finish. With a “classic” swing, the path my hands take is close to circular on a consistent plane. My hands path with your swing looks more like a warped vinyl record tipped pretty steep. The high point of the bulge is when the club is hitting the ball. The bulge is less with short irons.
I’ll still practice your swing, but I’m also going to keep my “classic” swing to compare ball flight, accuracy, and distance.
hey Don
Played over the weekend in callabash NC and I went out alone (which I never do because I could never find where the balls land) but using your plan it was a joy. And i didn’t loose any balls. In fact i am playing with much more confidence and really enjoying it. Thanks for making things easy to understand. I know with some time and play i will get even better. BTW i usually shoot in low 100’s and shot 84 and 86. A great improvement for me.
Guy Paolillo – New Jersey
To Ken,
Yours is a curious writing as compared to all the others. You state you are a 6 handicap who can drive the ball 290-300 yards and hit fairways 50% of the time. You hit greens in regulation 70% of the time. Those numbers would be acceptable by 99% of the pros on the tour! DJ Trahan is a premier “greens in regulation” player and his average is 70%!
Nevertheless, you discover this site and all of a sudden you want to attempt a complete swing change makeover! I sense some deep dissatisfaction with your “classic“ (read rotary) swing methodology. That can be the only explanation given your astoundingly excellent golf play.
An aside: I’m thinking it must be your short game (read putting) that keeps you above par most times out.
But back to your seemingly strange odyssey in search of “The Search For The Perfect Swing.“ Don Trahan is the first golf teacher to understand the relationship between the physics of the swing and the physiology of the body and to then articulate that marriage in a way understandable to the laymen public. The PPGS is built on scientific fact and natural application not on supposition, theory, or personal opinion.
Okay, let’s review and dissect your comments re the golf swing. Some revision and clarification is in order here. Arms and hands are not relaxed in Ernie’s or Fred’s swings. Both are feeling very dynamic and very athletic and very intense activity in there hands and arms. It’s there relaxed build up to the hit that has preserved their power and strength in their arms and causes their magnificent explosions. In other words, the tension that would have sapped some of their strength in the backswing is saved, retained, and returned to their downswing.
You stated that at the ¾ shoulder turn, the club is not on any kind of plane. Wrong! Whether you approve of the club position on the ¾ or not, it’s very definitely on some kind of plane (in this case, a vertical 11 to 12 o’clock plane). A case in point: The ¾ is on the same vertical plane that Jack Nicklaus reaches with his 90 degree backswing. Parenthetically, although Jack was In a perfect PPGS position at the top, he suffered debilitating back pain, not because of his natural vertical plane but because of his very unnatural 90 degree shoulder turn.
Back to the ¾. So, when that small “bump” of the left hip is employed the natural force of gravity takes over sending the club down on its very naturally created down swing path. As promised by the PPGS, this then all results in a natural in plane rotation of the arms.
Now Ken, you stated “The steep motion does not intuitively promote a forearm roll over. I was pushing and slicing the ball consistently.” Your statement suggests some “paralyzing in your analyzing.“ There’s nothing intuitive to contribute here unless one wants to inhibit what really should be a natural occurrence — every time!
Don calls the downswing motion a “forward swing” for a very good reason. By “trying” to swing down on the ball, you take away from the natural build up of gravity power and you inhibit or delay the release of the forearms. Reserve your “trying’ for the forward swing.
If you are experiencing pain in the ¾ forward swing, then that tells your lower body action is creating a “Reverse C” finish. That also tells me you will absolute endure back pain — the same kind of pain Jack has endured because of his now infamous classic Reverse C photo finish.
You complain about the action being too steep for your long irons and woods to function. That never hurt Jack nor does it affect Don’s son DJ . He was number one in Total Driving for most of the entire last season. I have no trouble with my longer clubs because I “intuitively” and “naturally” forward swing the club as opposed to down swinging said implement. My muscle effort is reserved for the finish of the swing, not for the downswing. In the PPGS you are asked to supply the power in order to reverse the downswing power of gravity. Otherwise the club would simply bury itself into the ground. The hands and arms are supplying the majority of the upswing force here. Remember how Hogan often lamented that at impact he wished he had “two right hands!?”
The PPGS properly applied has the look and the feel of a “classic” vertical swing. Ken, to be honest with yourself, you have to make and accept these personal conclusions. Your dissatisfied with your classic swing application for whatever reason. If you are going to give the PPGS an honest go, then you must set aside your classic swing intuitions fully and completely. And I suggest a purchase of Don’s PPGS Foundations Manual as a great addition to your golfing repertoire.
Namaste
For all of us who have been submitting comments and questions without any responses, how about taking a couple weeks vacation from your Blog column to address our questions? Primarily, I’m very interested in some PPGS lessons in person, either from you, one of your certified trainers, or in a group “school” setting. I see much potential in the PPGS program, but the DVDs/commentary are of minimal help. I need to see this system in person with direct feedback…then perhaps the videos and extremely detailed commentary you sometimes incorporate in your blogs would make more sense.
Hey Niner Mike,
Im trying to remember in what video did Mr Trahan show the Pre Load Heavy Right instructions…. I dont remember seeing it when I watched the videos? Am I wrong on this?? Where can i see the instructions on the PLHR… Thanks
Mr Ferguson,
Couldn’t of said it better myself.. I too am like you and need that instant feedback. I watched all the DVD’s including the secrets and a few times and still went to the course and played the worst i have ever played. It hard enough learning a new swing and changing things, but when your not sure what your doing wrong with that new swing its hard… And as in my previous statement.. I read all about the preloaded heavy right ( for me it would be preloaded heavy left since im left handed) but dont remember ever seeing it in the DVDs.. And I want a high ball flight and dont see this swing being that..
To guy,
Wow! You’re back!
Still a bit on the “crusty” side but nevertheless, still breathing and kicking!
You are really hanging in there! I must have really impressed you with my story on how the PPGS taught me how to swing a club left handed! And with sucess I might add.
All you need to know about the loading your left side is in the Foundation Manual you returned (page 38).
Let’s get down to business. All the bitching and moaning has got to stop. I’m a can do kind of guy and I’m never afraifd to assert myself by following through on any strategy that I feel will benefit me long or short term. Guy, take a deep breath and then request to reserve a date and time with Don in South Carolina for a series of lessons with him. I will gladly pay for your round trip plane flight if you are unable to support that kind of expense.
Yeah im still around and kicking… not really bitching.. trying to see if I can give this another go at it.. I read the blogs here everyday and see both the positive and the negative. I have never really bashed Mr Trahan’s methods.. Just said that it just may not be for me.. But I like the fact that this is a swing that will not hurt the back.. Im a big guy in the belly area and this vertical swing is new.. im used to coming around my body.. But I want to know in the setup where to be. So for me, its more bending at the waist so that my hands are under my chin and not in front.. And with this setup and the pre load heavy left.. that takes some getting used to.. On Tuesday I was so off balanced trying to swing this new swing.. And like I said kept topping the crap out of the ball. But kept the swing ALL 18 holes trying to see in my mind the swing.. But with no feedback it was getting worse.. I looked over the manual and should of paid closer attention to that..I was trying to watch the videos more.. And you have to agree I have NEVER knocked this system or his swing.. Just said it was difficult for me as I read it is for others.. And as far as your offer.. I just might take you up on that.. LOL.. it wouldnt have to be with Mr Trahan.. Could even be you to teach me.. Its just feedback of knowing what I did wrong or where I need to be in the swing as we BOTH earlier discussed.. And im not going away. I enjoy reading the comments here each day.. Hopefully to learn something new..
To Guy,
Okay, here are my guesses er… suggestions as to what you might look for in your swing application by virtue of answering the following questions….
Are you moving your head laterally to any great degree?
Is there any lifting of your head (and shoulders) in the backswing?
Does your right arm have a more than necessary bend at the top of the swing?
Does your left leg start to straighten when you initiate the take away?
Do you allow gravity to take over on the downswing by way of the “bump?”
At the top, besides your left shoulder, is there anything else drifting into the “Sacred Burial Ground?
Get thee to a mirror or a camera!
Surge,
First off, THANK GOD (and you) for PPGS! I’m 62 years old and have played golf off and on for 35 years or so; been as low as a 7 handicap, but never lower than a 14 since age 50. As with most older golfers, I was suffering more and more pain in my shoulders and lower back the more I played. Worse yet, I saw my game steadily deteriorating–30-50 yards had come off almost every club in the bag and despite a new round of lessons, it only got worse. I found your website, and the “don’t come in unless you’re frustrated as hell” hit me right between the eyes. I was on the verge of giving up a game I dearly love forever.
I decided what the hell, it’s only money, and bought your DVD program last Thursday. I watched it all that evening, and headed for the range to try it out Friday. The SECOND swing, I hit a 7 iron further, straighter, and more crisply than I’d hit one in months! I found that every club was responding. To me, it was nothing short of a miracle–and here’s the kicker. I played 36 holes over the weekend, with another 4 buckets of range balls thrown in, and for the first time in months, I had NO PAIN in my left shoulder or lower back. Thank you for making golf FUN again. Needless to say, I’m a believer and look foward to spreading the word to anyone I know who’s struggling as I had been doing. There’s still lots of work to do to get my full potential back, but now at least I know it’s achievable. Thanks again. Jack Gentle