A while back, a Surgite named Nick wrote me for some advice on how he could adjust his weight transfer due to some pretty serious medical problems. As you know, I designed the Peak Performance Golf Swing to be the most body-friendly golf swing so it isn't uncommon to get this kind of post-surgery question. Nick wrote:
" I'm right-handed but my left hip has been replaced three times and it isn't very strong. I'm OK starting heavy right but worry about transitioning my weight after The Bump on my FUS. Any tips?"
Robert Fleck responded with what I thought was some good advice.
"Three times? Wow. I would recommend you consult your orthopedist about how much weight you can reasonably put on it. Done properly, the Surge Swing shouldn't create the kind of jerky motion that can cause extra trouble. After consulting your doctor, you might try just standing with full weight on the outside of that leg and flexing your knee a little. That will simulate the sensation of the end of the swing.
If your orthopedist recommends that you limit the weight to something less than your full body weight, then you'll need to adjust your swing to less transfer and accept that you won't be able to generate the same kind of power."
In fact, Nick, you may want to take a short iron with you to your doctor's appointment so that you can demonstrate the Surge Swing right there in the office. That way you can both evaluate the key aspects of this swing (flared feet 30 degrees or more, knees slightly flexed, The Bump, and a finish with your weight on the outside of your left foot) and determine just how much weight your leg can tolerate.
Over the years, I have had many students in just this type of situation and I have found that many of them benefited from practicing slow-speed weight transfers. You do this by starting off with a very slight weight transfer to the outside edge of your left foot. Then as you find that your hip can tolerate that much weight, add a little more as you keep swinging. This will activate and strengthen muscles that perhaps haven't been properly used in a while and it may help ease any fears you may have about putting too much weight onto your left side. Have your doctor or a physical therapist recommend a conditioning routine that will help you strengthen your ankle, calf and upper leg muscle groups so that they will once again be strong enough to support your hips as you swing.
Good luck and I hope you can work your way back to enjoying this wonderful game for many years to come.
Keep it vertical!
The Surge
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