Shortening Your Driver Is A Weighty Matter

Boog, glad to hear about your success with the heavy putter. Fooled around with 'em at Golf Galaxy but have wondered how they perform. Cool stuff.

Thanks for that Robert. I new there was a logical answer.

Good evening Surge Nation

Thanks to all my brothers for the warm and kind replies to my post last evening.  I have missed all of you too.  I promise to be on more often to keep up with the going ons in our little family.

As promised, here is my after action report.  I got myself in trouble today boys.  I played with two of the young studs who work at the course where I work.  They are the young, lean, muscled up, long ball hitters who we all hate,  You know the type.  They used to be semi-regular playing partners when I was playing a lot of golf last year.  Have not played with either of them in 4 or 5 months.  They both used to give me 2 strokes on each side.  "Used to" being the key words in that sentence.  I guess the time I have been spending on the short game since I was able to start playing more frequently really paid off today.  I ended up playing 8 over for the round and beat them both on raw score.  Then I made the mistake of saying something like, well I guess I didn't need those extra shots today.  The result is that I had better be able to play that well from now on with them.  Seems they both got their feelings hurt today and have decided that this old cowboy wont be getting any more extra shots when we play again.  See guys, you have one good round and the narrow minded people of the world hate you.  I guess it is true what they say, no good deed ever goes unpunished.  Anyway, we had a great time.  I hit ever fairway today, and every green on the par 3.  I needed to.  On the par 5 # 17, I was GIR and 1 putted for a birdie.  I was feeling pretty good about that hole.  The two young long knockers had been on the far side of the fairway looking for one of their balls, while me and my cart partner finished putting out.  The other kid's ball was lying on the front side of a bunker about 30 yards from the pin in 2 shots.  He walked up and hit an incredible chip.  It sailed up and over the bunker, hit about 5' short of the cup and hit the flag and fell in for the eagle.  It is always great to be able to share a moment like that with a good friend.  But, I will add that I was just a little miffed to get a birdie on the hole and still lose a stroke.  I took it like a big boy and just saddled up and got my par on # 18 to secure the beating I put on them.  It was still about 45 minutes till dark when we finished.  I told them I was going to go do some chipping around the putting green and then do some putting.  I invited them to join me.  They both declined, saying they had had enough.  I said Ok, then you will understand when I do that to you again next time.  That seemed to soak in on them, cause they both showed up at the putting green about 10 minutes later and we worked till dark on our short games.  I showed them what I have been working on lately and we had a great time.  They said that I seemed to be really working hard at practicing the short stuff. 

I left them with Surge's line.  Perfect practice makes for perfect playing.

I have a home inspection in the morning, then I am heading for the course.  I should have time to practice for an hour then play a round.  I will let you know how it turns out.  Friday is looking like the day to play this week.  In the mid 60s with a 10 mph wind.  Nobody pinch me.  Is is really January in Ok?  I am planing on playing at least 2 rounds, maybe 3 if I can on Friday.

My OSU pokes won by 3 in OT.  I will take it, a win is a win.

Roll tide.  My best wishes are with my brothers from bama.

Thanks for the comments about focusing on the target.  I had let that slip away, but it helped me today.  I am going to keep working on this game we love.  I have been talking to the PGA guys at the course about trying to get my players card this spring.  If I can stay focused on my game and keep it vertical, it could just happen.  What a dream that would be.  Keep that in your prayers for me.

Happy golfing to all of you who are getting on the course tomorrow. 

Good night my brothers,
Dick

Love your new updated web site. I viewed the video wi th Surge on there too. Interesting SIK putter. I looked up a explaination on the following web site
http://www.equip2golf.com/?p=4...
And I think in adition to viewing it on Docs, folks may find it interesting. We'll look forward to the future info on SwingSurgeon. com too (coming soon:)

Do you know any fittters in the Inverness, FL area?  I can't find a reputable fitter and I feel that my driver is too long. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I have an elliptical in the basement along with a bowflex and free weights. I walk by them every day, some days I even look at them. It's amazing how easily they collect dust.

PMG

Treadmill ,T, treadmill. Or eliptical if that suits you better. I have the opposite challenge. Shrinking butt!

Have a good day with Mike, Steve, yeah I like mine even if it is an inch shorter than I'm accustomed to. It gave me a nice steady roll and the hands never shook a bit.
 I think I'm going to laze around the house tomorrow and dream about  getting a call from the hall about a job.
 I noticed the forecast about the rain :(

Glad you liked it. I thought it was too good not to share with some amazing friends in the Surge Clan. Had a reasonable round behind two of the slowest blokes ever again. Not in a hurry but it puts you off your natural rythm. When they finally called us through after 8holes. I said, "Thankyou we will not try and hold you up". The reply was, "That's alright we have all week"! We were stunned. Then we took off. It was only when we finished I realized I was only one over on the last 6holes, which included a par on stroke hole 1. On the 17th took out the driver and it went straight down the middle rolling slightly right on the side slope. Normally a mid iron to the well guarded green. Today almost off the back with a half PW! My wife commented that my recovery shots were excellent, and that the clutch putts were all goingh in. For the record, she was chipping around with an 8iron while we were held up. Noted that when I hit the 24deg rescue well, she was hitting half swing 8iron chips.She was getting lovely contact and reached the 24deg distance with two shots repeatedly. A work in progress, but coming along nicely.
PS She loves that Amazing Grace version as well, and cries nearly as much as I do when the pipes play. It is she says the only one that  makes her cry ; - ) Will listen to it again in a few minutes. I have it on fast load.  Have a great day. From an at present 20degC in sunny Wellington NZ

Nice informative video, Doc. Looks like you enjoyed catching some sun during the holiday trip to Aruba.Welcome back and Happy 2012 to you and the family.

Welcome back, Dick

You've been missed by one and all!

Tom Jans

FYI

http://www.turbopowerusa.net/d...

Of course as Doc says, the quality/design of the SIK may be the difference.  

I've used the Winn Lites on drivers and fairway woods that I've shortened. They're about 1/2 the weight of a regular grip. They will increase the swing weight about 3 to 5 points depending on length and amount cut off.

I spent a lovely day at the 3 par in Morris,Alabama today. I played it twice walked the first go round, rode the second due to my right knee finally saying "enough". Doesn't take much to miss a green the size of your dining room from 135-165 yards but it let me work on my pitching,chipping & putting and it was a gorgeous day out after a start of 38* at tee off.
 I absolutely love my new mid-weight heavy putter by Boccieri even on the pastured bermuda greens I was making a load of putts within 10' and the only 3 putts I had were when I got lazy and tried those from across the hole stabbers.
  I think in all actuality I only hit 3 of pea sized greens all day, Seems as if I was between clubs all but 3 of them.Missed the remainder just off to one side or the other.It was a fun day and I really needed that.
Stay in the present.

Hey Steve and Booger, when is the LSU Bama game? Let us all know so we can all cheer for the Bamanators!! Oh I mean the Crimson Tide.

I think you are probably talking about weighting the butt end which is known as counter balancing.  If you club is off at the head end, counter balancing can have a positive effect.  I don't think it's just a cure all for anyone. 

Dragonhead

That was incredible pal
I was just about to go to bed when I saw your message and I couldn't resist it.  Now your sending me off to bed with red eyes, and my makeup makes my face look like a raccoon.  Glad you had a good time of course today.

About to hit the rack to get up in four hours.  I have a 9 AM tee time followed by a second round at 1 PM.  They say the weather is gonna be great day.  Played today In a T-shirt.  Had a pretty good round.

Talk to you later,
Dick

Hello Doc,
I really appreciate and enjoy the information you share.  I have a general question about lie angles.  When you do fittings for Clients who have perfect or close to perfect PPG golf swing mechanics, are the lie angles typically more flat or upright? 
Thanks,
Willis

Dick, way to pull out a win for us old folks, very nice round. I hope to slip out here in a little while and head to the park in Bradford and play/practice my short game.I'm figuring  the Lord gave me all this time off to use it for something besides moping and I plan on taking advantage all I can.
 I will be thinking and praying about your getting you card this spring, nice dream, let's make it a reality!
Semper Fi, Boog

He Dick, glad your still around.

That's what they want you to believe. It takes 25 gr of weight to effectively change ball flight. In other word, the weight we are talking about will move the center of gravity slightly but not enough that it is discernable.

The good news is, Cindy and I played 18 today. The "other" news is I'm stuck on 86 lately. 46/40 today. Back went well accept 5 putts under 8 feet that did not go in. Over all putting was not good. That is my main road block from shooting 80 and under. I know I have the potential to putt well because I do on some days. I know we all set goals or "resolutions" for 2012. Mine is to get my putter consistent. My chipping is real good right now but I was stunned by the relatively short putts that did not go down. I plan on taking putting lessons this year. Seriously. Todays round would have been about 80 with just 2 putts per hole. Aside from that it was sunny, 66* and warm and good to be playing golf. My wife had one birdy and hit lots of really good shots. I hit some very good drives and had 4 birdy opportunities so at least I know the over all game is coming along.
Lots of work to do in 2012. Looking forward to it really. Going to practice and play tomorrow. At least one hour on the green.
PMG

DH, thank you for sharing that wonderfully moving video. As they were finishing the 3rd verse I thought to myself, only some pipes would make it better and there they were.Hope you have a good round and thanks again.
I bookmarked it for later reference as well.

Surge Nation.

I didn't have my best game today, but I did have a great time.  And that counts for a lot.  Reading through your comments and stories today reminds me of just how much I miss being on the blog lately.  It looks like I should be able to get in 2 rounds tomorrow, or actually later on today.

I'm gonna go get a couple of hours of sleep now, but I just wanted to tell you thanks for keeping my spirits up.

Great round to all you folks that are playing today, and safe travel to all those of you who are on the road.  I look forward to your after action reports.

Today's round reminded me how important it is to just relax and enjoy the game.  I found myself getting too caught up in ." Connecting the dots."  When I Stopped doing that and just took the shot, it worked out much better.

Keeping it vertical, and still playing golf in a T-shirt, in Oklahoma,
Dick

Mrnear,

Here are two PPGS certified club fitters in Florida:
Bill Marshall
www.swingsurgeon.com/billmarsh...

Swing Surgeon Certified Fitter

Marshall's Golf Service

2535 South Florida Avenue

Lakeland, FL 33803

863-687-4141

www.marshallsgolfservice.com

golphinman@aol.com

mgsbill@gmail.com

Charles W. Sampson
www.swingsurgeon.com/charlessa...

Swing Surgeon Certified Fitter

Charlie Sampson Custom Golf Clubs

1562 Waterford Drive

Venice, FL 34292

804-307-7766

www.cscustomgolf.com

cwsbsampson@verizon.net

Tom Jans

Nice that you remembered, Steve, ha ha. Best Dr. Pepper I ever drank by the way!

As long as you bring the driver up to the original swing weight of the 3 wood, it sould work fine.

Well, got out and played today, weather was great, got up to 58 here today!!!
Played pretty good, some  bad shots, coming up to soon again, but, had good shots too!!   Hard to believe IM playing January 5th!!   I would be ok if I would remember not to look up until after I hit the ball!!!  Darn...Had some really good chips shots, so, why not others??    Tomorrow is another day and golf it will be!!!    Sat. playing in a frozen open, the one that got cancelled New Years Day, because of high winds!!

Thanks, Doc for you help with the driver,

marilyn

Thanks DH, a beautiful rendition of an Amazing Hymn.

Can you review this article and give me your opinion? Thanks, Don
http://blog.hirekogolf.com/201...

Quick work, Tom, I was just about to post the fitters for him but I was checking to see where Venice is. Lakeland I know seeing how I've worked for a tank outfit out of Plant City previously.

Golf is good to you Dick. Hoping to get a round in today. Be about 65* or so calm and sunny. Quiet before real storms? We better take advantage of it.
Golf on...
PMG

Magic dust will work fine. Like I said and you've commented as well, for a good number of folks a butt cut and weight could really be a good thing.

No fitters in La.
What do I do?

 Diick, life is good and better with golf :)

Ango, think of a lever as an analogy. The longer the lever (shaft), the same weight head applies more torque (swing weight), the shorter the lever (shaft) the same weight head applies less torque. There fore to keep the torque or swing weight the same on a shortened shaft, you have to add weight to the head. It's the length, not the end trimmed that counts. As Doc stated however, which end you trim affects the flex differently when you add weight to the head. Another option is to shorten the shaft and use a Winn Lite grip that's about 1/2 the weight of a standard grip. I've found that will increase the swing weight 3 to 5 points depending on the length. Then you won't need yo add as much weight to the club head. If you're going to experiment with a good club, you really need to have access to at least a swing weight scale.

Dick, it just goes to prove you should never mess with an old guy with a short game.  He probably knows how to use it. ;0)

You are right about witnessing great shots with friends.  I've witnessed 2 aces.  One with the guy who made my first set of clubs and got me hooked on the game and one with my son-in-law in a scramble.  Memories in this game are priceless.

I may not remember what I had for breakfast, but I can picture those 2 shots as if they just happened.  Like the way I slipped in that Food Network reference? ;0)

Keep it vertical, long and straight; and beat em with your short game.

Fiitters are listed on this website under the golf instruction tab.

DH,
The wife and I just got home from a nice dinner out and first thing we tuned into was this awesome rendition of Amaing Grace. Off the hook my friend. Never heard it sung better. Wonderful and thank you so much for your kindness in sharing it with us.

http://www.swingsurgeon.com/Go...

Lynn,

Thanks for an excellent video.  I had my driver shortened 2" and added weight back to the head, but I was not aware what this would do to the shaft flex.  Today I brought it in to be checked by my fitter (who was not the one who shortened the club), and sure enough, it was well below the medium flex that it should be for my 95-98 mph clubhead speed.  He also found there was too much torque--both factors leading to some off-center hits and a wider dispersal of shots than a similar driver with a medium flex shaft that he tested me on.  He will remake the club with a new shaft.

I would not have known to do this without your video.  Thanks again.

You can offset the weight some but generslly not enough. You could use led tape to make up the difference.

Just about to go and play a few holes. Before I do, this is sent to all those who are dedicated to improving their game, under the tutelage of Don Trahan and his team of truly wonderful people.
It epitomizes my discovery of the PPGS swing:
From a foreign land, far from the home of Golf.God Bless and Keep you all safe and well.

www.clarrissegill.com/videocli...

From a tearful Wgtn NZ