Wayne D Gives an In Person Lesson to a Professional with a History of Back Problems

This is a good example of how I give an in person lesson. Paul has a history close to my own, with some high level golf (played in 2 U.S.Opens, Pennsylvania State Open winner), before being beset by back problems (5 surgeries including a fusion). I could see right away how the injuries and the bodie's hesitancy to load and stretch have narrowed Paul's swing to the point that he can't really compete against guys he used to beat handily. By the end of the lesson I think you'll agree we made some great progress, as the evidence is right there in the side by side swings.

[@BamaPaul]

That is some good work right there . Like to see more of this.

[@ColbyStewart1965]

Wow! What an amazing transformation! Great job , Wayne!

[@Sean-iz2px]

Wayne, would you do a swing analysis of Harrison Frazar? I watched him nearly win at Firestone on the Champions Tour this weekend and I thought he has an interesting swing. Played great on a course that ate up most of the other players. He's had a history of injuries that limited his career as well.

[@A-FrameWedge]

I was wondering if you have heard about lag pressure, which is if at impact if you draw straight a line at impact for a RH player from the top of the left shoulder to the left hand, and to have lag pressure that line must be at minimum a few inches past the ball, but better if it is 6 inches to a foot or more. This lag pressure helps stabilize the club face, and explains why players who move the ball up in the stance for long irons and drivers in which they don’t have much shaft lean at all, but are able to have a very stable club face because of this lag pressure.

[@anthonyofsc]

Would u be comfortable sharing your procedures? 59 yr old debating shots vs nerve ablation vs surgery. L3/4/5.

[@wdefrancesco]

Had a laminectomy in 1982, a 2-level fusion (S1/L5, L4/L5) in 1986, laminectomy on the fusion sites in 1988, then laminotomy above the fusion in 2014, then a 2-level fusion (L3/L4, L2/L3) in 2021. I've had many epidural shots, and they usually help for a period of time. I had 20 years of productive competitive golf between 1991 and 2011, grinding through various amounts of discomfort along the way. After my last fusion I can still play, but my practice time is limited and I can only produce about 100 mph clubhead speed, good for about 245 off the tee. I would say that you should see at least 3 reputable neurosurgeons before having surgery. The shots can buy you time, and I've never had nerve ablation. If I didn't golf for a living I probably would never have had any surgeries, but I wanted to keep playing, which I did, then teach when I couldn't make a living playing.

[@anthonyofsc]

@@wdefrancesco Thx for sharing. I don’t play for a living but it’s nice to go out with members and demonstrate/execute shots. I’m strictly teaching due to the discomfort/pain. On a side note, I almost came to see you when I was working in West Palm and you were in Boca. I missed my chance. Let me know if you ever come to SC.