EpicSki › The Barking Bear Forums › Off-Season Sports & The Lighter Side › Golf › Golf - what's in your bag and why?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:

Golf - what's in your bag and why? - Page 4

post #91 of 256
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Philpug View Post
Hmmm, you think the ski gods don't have a sense of humor???? I personally would NEVER challenge the golf gods with such a statement!:
"there's no gambling at Bushwood sir...... "
post #92 of 256
hey hrstrat,

Looking at major overhaul on gear this year. Maybe even get the spider webs out of the wallet for new irons. I have the original ping eye 2 U groove models, 1984 or so, looking for new irons, maybe the callaway 16's not so new ones for cash considerations. What could you tell me about them, if you can compare them to pings?

Also going hybrids, I think with TM rescues, just because for $99, they seem the most cost effective and get good reviews. Probably two for now, 19 and 22.
post #93 of 256
Buz,

I really like the Nike CPR's, I have a 18 and 21 deg.
post #94 of 256
Thread Starter 
First regarding the tm rescue hybrid....

I have the 22 but have not taken the time to dial it in yet....I still hit the cobra 7 wood pretty nice...it is also 22 degr but longer shaft of course. I plan to dial it in this summer.

The 25 deg TM rescue orig has reg flex steel shaft and for me is amazing. I tried graphite, didn't like it. This thing plays like an iron, and has thrown my 4/5 iron out of the bag. I actually was still hitting the 5 iron( x 16) very nicely, this is light years better. I play a local par 3 a lot, toughest hole is a 3 sides water par 3 - about a 150 carry over water, usually about 155-160 to pin. This hole was killling me, full 6 iron, easy 5 , easier 4, tried 9 wood - yikes. The 25 rescue tee it low swing easy and smooth - land in middle of the green most every time.

It is that good. Caution, watch ball position, get it forward and it becomes a hook machine.

Regarding irons, I was still hitting the Ping eye 2's (new in 1989) solid but as my swing speed has slowed I was loosing too much distance with the stiff zz lite shafts. I thought about reshafting the eye 2's but didn't want to "violate" my old friends. I bought a set of x 14 constant weight shaft irons on ebay and found the lost distance immediately. But I was hooking them a lot(assumed offset was the issue)

I kept the x 14's and bought a set of x 14 pros also constant weight shaft from www.callawaypreowned.com. These were easier to hit straight, but I found the sweet spot too elusive...too much stick for my skills.

Traded them at the local 2 golf before they went under for a nearly new set of x16's again, constant weight shaft.

What my journey taught me was the hooking had not been the x 14's fault, but my tendency to get the ball too far forward in my stance. I rebuilt my swing with a loop (also to increase club head speed) a la Nick Price, Lorena Ochoa, Furyk others, so I always come from the inside, never over the top. The clubface closes quickly if ball position is forward...pow deep in the woods left she goes. Therefore, when I stay focused on proper alignment, esp ball position I hit either the x 14's or x 16's equally well. The experiment with the x 14 pro's thus was unnecessary.....the constant weight shafts solved the distance problem..... the hooking was from closed face contact caused by faulty ball position/ alignment. Solid contact but left...

Both x 14 and x 16 are super performing, I highly recommend either, esp if you read my posts and what you are seeking to fix is similar to my problems(distance loss)

I would also strongly recommend you try the G2 irons as well...can be found in regular flex shaft as well.....

Hope my ramblings are useful, pm if you like or post here with any other questions.

BTW I was custom fit for the pings.....(black lie) so most standard lie/ length sticks will work for - my key variable is finding the proper shaft.

The Callaway constant weight shaft works nicely for me....but it won't for everyone...

the shaft is the engine, or so I am told....



Quote:
Originally Posted by buz View Post
hey hrstrat,

Looking at major overhaul on gear this year. Maybe even get the spider webs out of the wallet for new irons. I have the original ping eye 2 U groove models, 1984 or so, looking for new irons, maybe the callaway 16's not so new ones for cash considerations. What could you tell me about them, if you can compare them to pings?

Also going hybrids, I think with TM rescues, just because for $99, they seem the most cost effective and get good reviews. Probably two for now, 19 and 22.
post #95 of 256
I play a few times a month now, and hit the range a 2 times a week in between baseball games. Hopefully I'll play more this summer however when I was in college (graduated in 04) in the summers I played 40-50 rounds a year. Anyway I play:

- Cleveland TA5 irons that I bought 6 years ago and they have served me well, 3-SW,
- Cleveland CG10 52degree gap wedge
- I recently sold my King Cobra SS D/3W/5W and picked up a Titleist 905T 8.5 driver with garfalloy stiff shaft, and ping G5 16degree hybrid to replace those clubs. This year was the first time I've hit a hybrid and I was considering buying a 2 iron to add to my set until that first swing...and all I can say is wow, I am a believer in hybrid clubs now.
- Since I have an extra space to fill in the bag I'll be adding a 60 Lwedge before the weather really gets good.

*Edit for balls - Usually play titleist prov1, I like the prov1X, however my favorite were the surprising Nike TA2 Spin. Bring those things back! very durable and long but man do they bite - great feel and just an overall fantastic golf ball.
post #96 of 256

Two issues

Quote:
Originally Posted by hrstrat57 View Post
It is that good. Caution, watch ball position, get it forward and it becomes a hook machine.
Quote:
Originally Posted by hrstrat57 View Post
But I was hooking them a lot(assumed offset was the issue)
Quote:
Originally Posted by hrstrat57 View Post
but my tendency to get the ball too far forward in my stance. I rebuilt my swing with a loop (also to increase club head speed) a la Nick Price, Lorena Ochoa, Furyk others, so I always come from the inside, never over the top. The clubface closes quickly if ball position is forward...pow deep in the woods left she goes. Therefore, when I stay focused on proper alignment, esp ball position
Quote:
Originally Posted by hrstrat57 View Post
the hooking was from closed face contact caused by faulty ball position/ alignment.
Actually there are two distinct issues involved.

Path (inside/outside, outside/inside-to the intended direction of flight) will determine the initial direction of travel. So often we see the big bananna slice start left then go wildly right. Ball postion can have a significant influence here. But in addition to path-see below

Clubface angle at impact will determine the spin put on the ball and subsequent curvature. A lot of variables come into play in determing why the clubface is closed at impact-grip, rotation of the forearms etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by hrstrat57 View Post
the shaft is the engine, or so I am told....
That is so true.

This is the time of year when you start to see many demo days. If you ever have the chance to attend one and try before you buy-do so, it is a great investment of time and may prevent a poor financial investment.
post #97 of 256
In my bag I found:

1 Swedish pecker enlarger
1 book How to use your new Swedish pecker enlarger

I swear I have no idea how these got in there.
post #98 of 256
After the golf lessons I took last year, I knew it was time to get a better set of clubs. The "bargain shopper" in me convinced me to snatch up a deal on some Lady golden Bear Irons. I demo'd some putters and actually found a putter that feels very good to me for $30.00(I'm sure I'll be investing big $$$ in my golf tools in the future but for a Second full season golfing, these will be a good step two for me) The problem is, I have irons 4,5,6,7,8, P, S. I have a putter. I even have one wood 20*5. I know I need some hybrids and drivers, What do I need to add?
post #99 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by trekchick View Post
After the golf lessons I took last year, I knew it was time to get a better set of clubs. The "bargain shopper" in me convinced me to snatch up a deal on some Lady golden Bear Irons. I demo'd some putters and actually found a putter that feels very good to me for $30.00(I'm sure I'll be investing big $$$ in my golf tools in the future but for a Second full season golfing, these will be a good step two for me) The problem is, I have irons 4,5,6,7,8, P, S. I have a putter. I even have one wood 20*5. I know I need some hybrids and drivers, What do I need to add?
Don't worry about a driver right now. I would look for a 3 or 4 wood-the driver is the hardest club in the bag to hit. The average golf would be far better off teeing off with a 3 or 4 wood and keeping the ball in play rather than trying to solve the driver riddle. (Basically the less loft a club has, and the driver has the least of any club except your putter, the more side spin the club imparts.)

Consider dumping the 4 iron and adding a 22 degree hybrid. Long irons give most golfers difficulty and the hybrids are more forgiving-especially when hitting out of the longer grass. Otherwise you appear to have a good set up for now. Spend time developing the fundamentals and worry about more/better equipment later.
post #100 of 256
TC,

I would recommend reading The Short Game Bible by Dave Pelz, and maybe adding a lob wedge.
post #101 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewil View Post
Don't worry about a driver right now. I would look for a 3 or 4 wood-the driver is the hardest club in the bag to hit. The average golf would be far better off teeing off with a 3 or 4 wood and keeping the ball in play rather than trying to solve the driver riddle. (Basically the less loft a club has, and the driver has the least of any club except your putter, the more side spin the club imparts.)

Consider dumping the 4 iron and adding a 22 degree hybrid.
Long irons give most golfers difficulty and the hybrids are more forgiving-especially when hitting out of the longer grass. Otherwise you appear to have a good set up for now. Spend time developing the fundamentals and worry about more/better equipment later.
I am getting the idea that golf clubs are like ski quivers.
The more I play the more of an idea I'll get on which to use for which conditions/terrain.
Like a soft ski for moguls, a stiff ski for spring crud, a carving ski for hard pack........
Now looking for a 22* hybrid.
I'm sure I'll become as much of a golf gear junkie as I am a ski gear junkie.
post #102 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by trekchick View Post
I'm sure I'll become as much of a golf gear junkie as I am a ski gear junkie.
Just remember, ultimately, it is the mechanic not the tool-some tools just make it a little easier
post #103 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by mikewil View Post
Just remember, ultimately, it is the mechanic not the tool-some tools just make it a little easier
Knowing this fact and restraining the "gear whore gene" are two completely different things.
post #104 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by trekchick View Post
Knowing this fact and restraining the "gear whore gene" are two completely different things.
I know-I have a garage full of clubs and that doesn't include what I've shipped to my bro and nephew.
post #105 of 256
ROTFLMAO!

I've got a set of '60 or '61 MacGregor Tourney Irons (Black Face), a set of Walter Hagen "The Haig" blades, a set of Tour Limited Edition cavity backs and my current set of TM RAC LT irons. Then there is the MacGregor Tourney woods, the Hogan Apex persimmon woods, the PGA Tommy Armour persimmon woods plus some extra clubs I have. Then the kids and wife each have a set of clubs too. Did I mention I have several golf bags and 3 pairs fo shoes too.: I play so much I have a shag bag full of Callaway HX Tour golf balls; although, I'm going to have to change that because I switched to ProV1s.

My bag is pretty close to being set; however, I have made or in the process of making some changes this year.

First, new driver. Cobra Speed LD F series, 10.5* NV 55 S shaft. With the ProV1 ball I am 15 yards longer than my old driver. Why? I think my fit changed as my swing improved. (I went from a ~4-5 index to a 1.5 last year) I was hitting the old driver too low and I needed more loft. I get 235 - 240 carry and hit this 250-260.

2nd, fairway wood upgrade. I had a Titleist 904F and I got the new 906F. With the new sole design it's more forgiving and it eliminated the slinging hooks the 904F produced on slightly heavy hits.

3rd, my irons are getting the shaft. I like steel and I am staying with steel. Just upgrading from Dynamic Gold S300 to DG Super Lite S300 which lightens the clubs just a bit. While that's getting done and I having the lies and lofts checked.

That's pretty much it. I play TM Rescues with stock steel S shafts to replace the 3 and 4 irons. I have some minor issues, yardage gaping and the occasional slinging hook, with these and they could get replaced if I find something better. Going to a Nickent demo day Sat.

The wedges are good Cle 588 51*, 56* and 60*. The 60* is great for me; however, I would not recommend it for most golfers. i.e. double digit handicaps. The only thing I might do with these is get the lies and lofts checked.

Typically, I have about 16 clubs I use to get my set of 14 for the day. Some days I may play the 4 iron and take out the 4 hybrid for example. One thing I never do is mess with the scoring clubs. I think it would take too long to get used to it and get my yardages dialed in.

Did I mention I have a boatload of putters too. Funny thing, I always keep coming back to my 1970 Ping Anser. (Although, right now I am thinking of locking it in the closet )

TC - since I have not seen you swing a club or know what level you are playing at, I can't really recommend any thing to you specifically. I think mikewil covered a lot of what I was thinking anyway. One thing I would do, knowing what I know now, is build a set of clubs for a beginning golfer. i.e. my wife plays a little, but she doesn't play that well or that much. She would do well with a Driver, 7W, 5H, 7H, 9I, SW and putter. I would make her a 15* Ti driver with a 55g L flex shaft 44.5". $60 for the head, $30 for the shaft and about $10 for the grip and club building supplies. I can build the other clubs for about $30 each.

Have fun putting your golf arsenal together.
post #106 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by SrMike View Post
ROTFLMAO!

I've got a set of '60 or '61 MacGregor Tourney Irons (Black Face), a set of Walter Hagen "The Haig" blades, a set of Tour Limited Edition cavity backs and my current set of TM RAC LT irons. Then there is the MacGregor Tourney woods, the Hogan Apex persimmon woods, the PGA Tommy Armour persimmon woods plus some extra clubs I have. Then the kids and wife each have a set of clubs too. Did I mention I have several golf bags and 3 pairs fo shoes too.: I play so much I have a shag bag full of Callaway HX Tour golf balls; although, I'm going to have to change that because I switched to ProV1s.

My bag is pretty close to being set; however, I have made or in the process of making some changes this year.
You! SrMike! are a gear whore!!!!


Quote:

That's pretty much it. I play TM Rescues with stock steel S shafts to replace the 3 and 4 irons. I have some minor issues, yardage gaping and the occasional slinging hook, with these and they could get replaced if I find something better. Going to a Nickent demo day Sat.
I actually wondered about the TM rescues when I was looking for a 22*
I can get a great deal on them at a local shop but am not good enough to really tell the difference yet.


Quote:
Did I mention I have a boatload of putters too. Funny thing, I always keep coming back to my 1970 Ping Anser. (Although, right now I am thinking of locking it in the closet )
Needs a time out?

Quote:
TC - since I have not seen you swing a club or know what level you are playing at, I can't really recommend any thing to you specifically. I think mikewil covered a lot of what I was thinking anyway. One thing I would do, knowing what I know now, is build a set of clubs for a beginning golfer. i.e. my wife plays a little, but she doesn't play that well or that much. She would do well with a Driver, 7W, 5H, 7H, 9I, SW and putter. I would make her a 15* Ti driver with a 55g L flex shaft 44.5". $60 for the head, $30 for the shaft and about $10 for the grip and club building supplies. I can build the other clubs for about $30 each.

Have fun putting your golf arsenal together.
I am a beginner with only one solid season under my belt
I have taken a 5 lesson series with two lessons being putt specific(need more putt lessons)
I have picked up a 22* inexpensive club and can't believe what a difference.
Beginner stuff fine for now, that's why the golden bear clubs, but I see gear whoring in my future.
post #107 of 256
get a 52 or 56 degree wedge, I prefer Cleveland for those short shots. I call mine the miracle club
post #108 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by ct55 View Post
get a 52 or 56 degree wedge, I prefer Cleveland for those short shots. I call mine the miracle club
THAT is exactly what my coach told me!!!
She had me practice for with a 56 over and over to get it on the putting green.
post #109 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by trekchick View Post
THAT is exactly what my coach told me!!!
She had me practice for with a 56 over and over to get it on the putting green.
I have a Titlest 56 and 60 in my bag. I only use the 60 if I need to make a Mickelson type flop shot. I will say I am pretty confident/lucky with it.
post #110 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by Philpug View Post
I have a Titlest 56 and 60 in my bag. I only use the 60 if I need to make a Mickelson type flop shot. I will say I am pretty confident/lucky with it.
The time spent in lessons practicing this type of shot was well worth it. I only hope I can remember how to do it when its necessary. Nothing beats confidence and luck in this game. I hope my 56 doesn't let me down.
post #111 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by trekchick View Post
The time spent in lessons practicing this type of shot was well worth it. I only hope I can remember how to do it when its necessary. Nothing beats confidence and luck in this game. I hope my 56 doesn't let me down.
And at times, I would rather be lucky than good.
post #112 of 256

Short Game is where you score

TC - you are wise to work on the short game. There is a reason for the saying "Drive for show, putt for dough." Having shots around the green that you are comfortable playing is a plus. IMHO, having 3 or 4 shots to play around the greens and getting good at playing those shots will do more to drop you scores than being able to pound long drives. Learn a chip shot with an 8 iron and a wedge. Learn to hit pitch shots with the wedge and sand wedge. Learn a green side bunker shot. Then, if you have time, learn a bump and run, a flop shot and learn to chip with the hybrid.

For my short game around the green, I only use my wedges; however, I have 5 or 6 shots I can hit with confidence that cover most every situation. I will chip with my wedge, GW, SW or LW depending on how much I want the ball to roll out. I have a cut shot I play with the SW or LW depending on the lie that I can get stopped really quick. I can hit a lob if I need to and I play the SW or LW out of the sand depending on the lie, type of sand and the way I need the ball to react on the green. I don't think you have to know how to hit all the shots, just be able to play the shots you know with confidence.

Yes, the putter needs a timeout. : I gave it one last year and it came back strong. I think I will go back to the heavy putter for now. I think that putter, because it's so heavy, really grooved my putting stroke and I was a better putter for using it. All I know is I have been getting the ball close to the hole lately and the putts aren't dropping. I've hit the ball well enough tee to green to go low and didn't. It's not like I am putting bad, the putts are just missing. I am due.

As far as being a gear ho with all the clubs, the MacGregor irons are probably worth something. That was the first adult set I played in high school and I always liked those clubs. The "Haigs" are a really neat little blade. I like to hit them occasionally because it reminds me of how much easier the game has become. The other irons are really old 20+ years and I can't get rid of them. (I have tried.) The old laminated maple and persimmon woods really aren't worth anything any more. However, they look neat and they feel great to hit. I wish I could still get balata balls to hit with the old drivers so I could show some of the young kids just how hard this game used to be.

One thing that really helped my game in the last few years is working on the mental game. I thought I had been playing golf for a long time, turns out I was hitting a golf ball around the course. I've been a single digit handicap pretty much as long as I have played, but I really started playing "Golf" the last couple of years. The best thing I did for my game was getting Rotella's books, Golf is not a Game of Perfect, Putting out of Your Mind, The Golfer's Mind, and putting what I learned into practice. Maybe before I put the putter in timeout I should do a little reading again.

Have a good one and play well.
post #113 of 256
Brad Faxon, one of the best putters on tour (and hailing from Rhode Island) says "putt like you don't care".
post #114 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by ct55
Brad Faxon, one of the best putters on tour (and hailing from Rhode Island) says "putt like you don't care".
He's right! Just relax and hit a good putt, don't worry about the result. Or, as Rotella says, get over the putt and let it go. The result doesn't matter. BTW, Rotella uses Faxon as an example in his book, Putting out of Your Mind, and Crenshaw and Nicklaus and Watson and Bobby Locke.

OTOH, Pelz is out there with a lot of information. It's good statistics and information; however, I've never been a fan of his approach to putting. I think it's too mechanical. Yet, I agree with Pelz that most golfers don't play enough break on the greens and that they don't realize most of the scoring in the game is from 100 yards in.
post #115 of 256
I like a heavier putter too. I use an Oddessy 2 ball, it has great feel.
post #116 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by Philpug View Post
And at times, I would rather be lucky than good.

What if you're both
post #117 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by Lucky View Post
What if you're both
Then we both would be named "Lucky"
post #118 of 256
Billy Billy Billy

Oh Billy Billy Billy

Noonan
post #119 of 256
I had to watch Caddyshack last night. It IS one of the most quotable movies ever.
post #120 of 256
Quote:
Originally Posted by Philpug
I had to watch Caddyshack last night. It IS one of the most quotable movies ever.
The original or the sanitized, safe for TV version?
New Posts  All Forums:Forum Nav:
  Return Home
  Back to Forum: Golf
EpicSki › The Barking Bear Forums › Off-Season Sports & The Lighter Side › Golf › Golf - what's in your bag and why?