Introducing Dave Seeman
Swing Surgeon Golf Swing / PPGS Senior Instructor
News Flash : Dave was once again nominated for the 2011 PGA Section Teacher of the Year. When considering Golf Instruction select the Best this region has to offer - Dave Seeman
For Appointments, Rates & General Questions
Contact Dave @
email: abcswing@aol.com
ph: (302) 373-4783
2000 PGA Section
Teacher of the Year
Dave Seeman has been an award winning golf instructor in the Wilmington, Delaware area for nearly 20 years. He learned under two “Top 100 Instructors”, Fred Griffin and Phil Rodgers at the Grand Cypress Academy of Golf in Orlando, Florida. Dave started his teaching in the area at Wilmington Country Club in 1992 and remained as their Head Teaching Instructor for ten years. He has been the lead Instructor at White Manor C.C. for the past two years.
Dave has recently become a certified instructor for Don Trahan’s Swing Surgeon Golf Schools.
Dave has been a fixture in local instruction and was named Philadelphia’s PGA Section Teacher of the Year in 2000. Other accomplishments include: 2002 and 2009 “Best Teacher in the State of Delaware” by Golf Digest and “Top 25 Instructors in the Philadelphia Area” By Philadelphia Golf Monthly. He played college golf for Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida and then played the mini-tour before focusing on teaching the game he has played since he was ten years old.
Dave is dedicated to making the student feel comfortable in the learning process of the golf swing. He works with the student’s strengths and weaknesses and creates a learning environment that is fun and relaxing. “Let’s face it, golf is the hardest game that you will ever play, but it also the most rewarding”, says Dave. He is eager to bring his teaching skills to many of the SSGS followers!
Below are Examples of Dave's Swing Technique
1. The photo below demonstrates the correct set-up for the Surge Swing. Note the hands directly under the chin, the Spine angled between 25 & 30 degrees, Knees bowed outward with adequate Flex. To see you positions at set-up or for any of the following, it is recommended that you obtain a full length mirror from which you can view your swing movements in slow motion. You may also want to draw lines on the mirror that correspond to proper technique positions.
2. Below is a depiction of the Vertical Swing Plane (VSP). The VSP is measured from the ground looking upward at the club plane as the club reaches the bottom of the swing arc. Since we don't have a camera buried in the ground I am using the opposite end of the plane for illustration purposes. The VSP in a normal rotational swing, i.e. one plane or two plane would be in the order of 40 to 50 degrees, whereas the Swing Surgeon Swing would be in the order of 65 to 80 degrees. Note the position of Dave's shaft at 70 degrees and below the position of Don's shaft at 77 degrees. Both are in excellent position to execute the Swing Surgeon, Limited Turn, Vertical Swing technique. Also please go to the Video on the "D Plane" located in the "Things Happening" section as it will provide excellent information as to why the ball goes where it goes.
3. The next photo shows the top of the swing position wherein the shaft is in alignment with the Target Line, the elbows are parallel (green line) and the Butt of the club (Red Line) is over the balance point of the foot with the Flex being maintained in the knees.
4. Below is the impact position. Notice that Dave has maintained his spine angle has and has stayed well behind the ball at impact. The Green line shows how that the proper knee flex has been maintained so that Dave arrives back to the ball at the same body height as in the set up position thereby ensuring a solid impact of the ball. All too often we tend to raise our body and arm position which results in low on the face, toe end impact and Smash Factors well below the 1.50 desired level.
5. This final photo below depicts Dave at the finish position. The red circle depicts the track of the ball. Note that the spine angle at the setup position and at the finish position parallel one another (yellow lines). The hands are in a high position with the elbows parallel to one another and the knee flex has been maintained. Now if we could all follow Dave's lead we'd be walking in tall cotton. Hope these photo's help.
Just a Few Comments On Club Fitting:
From a Club Fitting standpoint there will be a few differences between your current club set specification requirements, if you are a one or two plane rotational swinger, and a club set fitted for the Swing Surgeon Swing, limited turn, vertical swing plane club set requirements. As a result of the more Vertical Swing Plane, the first change required will be that your setup position will be closer to the ball. i.e. the triangle distance between your feet outward to the ball location. This will normally result in a club that are somewhat shorter in length, more upright in lie and possibly slightly heavier in weight with a higher MOI. When the aforementioned adjustments are made, you will also find that your set-up position is more confortable, your spine angle more upright, the swing plane more upright and consistent and the Face Angle - Impact position more on-center, solid and square. The Swing Surgeon swing may take a little time for you to become comfortable with but don't give up on it. If you have not yet been properly fitted, I would suggest that you might try the length and stance adjustments stated above and see the results for yourself. I am confident you will like the result.
Initially, you may have a tendency to "scoop" the ball through the impact zone which will result in somewhat shorter carry distances. This motion is a result of over concentration on the more Vertical requirement of the back swing. One of Don's Videos addresses this specific swing fault If you extend on the back swing the tendency to do the scooping motion will most likely disappear. You may also find yourself going past Vertical during your back swing. The mirror will be very helpful in correcting this problem. Lastly, you may also find yourself pulling your arms left on the follow through rather than Vertical toward you left ear. Don't worry, they are all correctable. The Flight Scope provides a great pictorial of your swing plane and the problem with scooping and left pulls can quickly be identified and corrected. Once you make these adjustments, you will be on your way to better golf.
I would highly recommend that you contact a Certified Swing Surgeon Instructor and get started correctly from day one. In the Northeast, Dave Seeman is always available to assist you - give him a call, you will not regret it.