Hang in there, Brother.

Keep that sense of humor which I enjoyed so much when you and I played together last year. I'd like you to keep on playing because I enjoyed playing with you, and I'm hoping to do so again. 

Good luck.   Hoping for the best.   Put your pool to good use this year.

It will work out.  I will golf no matter what.  Alternative is to sit on my arse and not have a life.  Not doing that!

I agree with your decision. Exhaust all reasonable alternatives, then opt for surgery. I hope the brace works wonderfully this year.

Got fitted for the braces today and should have them in 3-6 weeks.  The person making the molds was also a golfer and he was very clear, it will impact the mobility of my ankles and very likely impact my swing.   Initially I am just going to golf with them and see how much restriction there is in my movement.  I may need lessons focused on making adjustments to account for them.  I really do not know what to expect, but I hope to have less pain which can't be a bad thing.

Braces and less pain ... feel for you.

Golf. We love the game. The challenge. The learning. The comradery. 

And, we deal with the pain. 

Rx rob us of our coordination. Pain steals our focus (loss of focused sensation of our swing).

Your passion for the game is obvious. Good luck going forward. 

I was thinking of adopting the Scottie Scheffler Shuffle with my feet to eliminate all of that bothersome balance and weight transfer (though I am sure he has all that anyways).