Usually I spend the time writing about my progress or my analysis of the swing but I want to take a minute to say thank you to Tyler Ferrell.

After I hurt my back in 2001, golf stopped being fun. I know, golf should be fun no matter what level you are playing at but try to imagine what I was going through. Before my back injury, I could consistently hit the ball 285 plus. Before I hurt my back, I was hitting at least 15 greens and 12 fairways a round. Yes, I was a terrible putter but whether it was practicing or playing golf I couldn't get enough. Then I hurt my back. After taking a pretty long lay off I tried to come back only to find that both my accuracy and distance were gone. More importantly though, I could not make it through a full round without being in pain - a pain that would linger for days or weeks if I pressed on. So I quit.

In March of 2008 I thought it would be a good idea to give golf a shot again. I was hoping that my back problems had naturally healed themselves and that I would only need to work on my swing. I was wrong. For almost a year and a half I was limited to hitting less than 30 balls a practice session and had to either walk off the course or play very tenderly for the rest of my round. Golf, once again, was ceasing to be fun.

I wouldn't say that I was on the verge of quiting but I was definately not making an effort to get out to the course. Why would I? If I really needed to I could go to the course and shoot 80 or lower even in pain. I couldn't really work on certain parts of my swing - parts that were holding me back - because working on them put me in pain for days.

The turning point came in September. Money is obviously tight during law school but my wife and I decided that it was worth it for me to seek out the help of a professional. Honestly, I had no desire to find a swing expert because if I ever have questions I can call my old teacher George. I was looking for someone who I felt understood the golf swing but, more importantly, understands how to help someone who has injured themselves during golf. That person was Tyler.

Tyler's certifications include:

• TPI Level 3 Fitness Pro
• TPI Level 3 Medical Pro
• TPI Level 2 Biomechanics 
• TPI Level 3 Golf Pro

Essentially, Tyler seems to have lived at the TPI Institute. What was more impressive is that Tyler not only has read and studied the material but he understands it in and out. I tend to be a student that asks a lot of questions. For some, this probably is unbearably annoying. Fortunately, I cannot think of a time where I asked Tyler a question where he not only answered but took the time to explain it until I fully understood as well. This is the sign of a great teacher.

So why write this thank you? My back is not healed yet although it is much better. I still can't quite play a round of golf pain free although I am getting closer. The reason that I am writing this is because seeing that my back can improve has made golf fun again. Unfortunately, Tyler is moving to Arizona to work at Advanced Motion Performance which means that I will no longer be able to work with him. However, if you live in Arizona and you are looking for someone to help you improve your golf game, I would wholeheartedly recommend him. Honestly, it is the least I can do.

Thanks Tyler

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