2017 Golf Thread
- Thread starter Koufax
- Start date
Anyone tinkered w leaving the driver out of the bag? Most courses I play are of the 6-6300 yard variety. I broke the shaft of my driver when i lost grip a couple weeks back and havent had time to reshaft it yet. Ive been teeing up either a 19 or 22 degree hybrid (210-235) range for me) and my scores have lowered dramatically. Was shooting 92-95s and im now down around 87-88.
I think for me there may be something to repeating one swing all round versus the longer and more challenging driver swing. Going to stay with this setup for a bit. Anyone else ditched the big boy and gone small?
I think for me there may be something to repeating one swing all round versus the longer and more challenging driver swing. Going to stay with this setup for a bit. Anyone else ditched the big boy and gone small?
My length is my biggest asset and when the driver is working it's a pretty big advantage, so I'll never ditch the driver.
I do, however, use a lot of 3 irons off the tee and have no problem leaving driver in the bag if the course or hole calls for it.
I do, however, use a lot of 3 irons off the tee and have no problem leaving driver in the bag if the course or hole calls for it.
I've always got it in the bag but I'll often go several rounds without hitting it. It just so happens that I'm hitting my driver well now so I'm using it but there is nothing wrong with not hitting it. With courses like you are talking about you won't see many par 4s over 400 yards so if you can hit a hybrid to inside of 150 then that should be fine.
Lots of it also depends on the course you are playing, if you are playing a tree lined course where if you miss the fairway you end up punching out(or worse) then losing 20 yards and being able to advance the ball is well worth it. If your course has some parallel holes where you can spray it a bit and it won't hurt you too much then driver is probably the play.
So my $.02 is get your driver back in your bag but don't just blindly reach for it because it is a par 4 or 5.
Or more or less what FL4WL3SS said in fewer words.
Lots of it also depends on the course you are playing, if you are playing a tree lined course where if you miss the fairway you end up punching out(or worse) then losing 20 yards and being able to advance the ball is well worth it. If your course has some parallel holes where you can spray it a bit and it won't hurt you too much then driver is probably the play.
So my $.02 is get your driver back in your bag but don't just blindly reach for it because it is a par 4 or 5.
Or more or less what FL4WL3SS said in fewer words.
I should leave it in the bag and when I do I usually end up playing better. The majority of strokes I piss away are off the tee and I'm plenty long for the courses I play. In addition I hit my 3w almost as long - I'll catch an occasional bomb with the driver, but really it's only about 10-15 yards longer usually - and I'm much more consistent with it. I'm generally neck and neck or a bit longer than my usually playing partners' drivers so frankly I should probably chuck it and put the four iron back in the bag. I should be content with the 240-255 I get instead of letting my testosterone get the best of me.
I'm a mid/high handicapper and I'm generally OK with that because I just really like going out and playing. But I am so messed up right now that I can barely hit a ball, literally every iron (6 through PW) in the bag is going about 120 yards short and right of the target and I have zero idea what is going to happen when I touch the driver.
I need a lesson, just going to range and trying to work it out is probably just making things worse. I'm looking at Triggs in Providence because it's easy to get to from my commute home. Anyone ever get a lesson there? Also, I'm undecided between taking 1/2 hour lessons and 1 hour lessons. Any insight into whether the 2nd half hour is worth it? I would imagine that you can't really work on more then one thing at once, so I'm guessing the 1/2 hour lessons to learn a concept and then spend time by myself burning it into memory may be more worthwhile then trying to do too much during a 1 hour session. Does that make sense?
I need a lesson, just going to range and trying to work it out is probably just making things worse. I'm looking at Triggs in Providence because it's easy to get to from my commute home. Anyone ever get a lesson there? Also, I'm undecided between taking 1/2 hour lessons and 1 hour lessons. Any insight into whether the 2nd half hour is worth it? I would imagine that you can't really work on more then one thing at once, so I'm guessing the 1/2 hour lessons to learn a concept and then spend time by myself burning it into memory may be more worthwhile then trying to do too much during a 1 hour session. Does that make sense?
Go for the 1 hour lesson. Usually they'll run over unless your instructor is a nazi or really busy, but having more time with the instructor is a good thing.
If you've never had a lesson, there is a piece of advice that I've learned recently. Take the first few mins to set expectations with your instructor and give him some tips on how you learn best. If you fear that he'll throw too much at you at once, tell him that. If you learn better by watching it on film or watching him do it, then tell him that. Think about what you WANT out of the lesson and make it clear to him going in. If you go to the lesson just thinking "I want to be fixed" and don't think about the structure of the lesson itself, you won't get the most out of it.
I, personally, cannot watch myself on film. As soon as I see my swing on film, I start to micro-analyze every little detail and get consumed by it instead of the results (I'm too inside on the takeaway, the top of the backswing is too flat, I come over the top on the downswing, blah blah blah). So I tell my instructor straight out, you can film me and watch it yourself, but I don't want to see it. I've also told my instructor that I don't want bandaids, fixes and drills; teach me the swing. He now knows how I want to learn. Some people like drills and quick fixes, but you have to set that expectation up front. Think of these things going into the lesson and you'll get a lot out of it.
If you've never had a lesson, there is a piece of advice that I've learned recently. Take the first few mins to set expectations with your instructor and give him some tips on how you learn best. If you fear that he'll throw too much at you at once, tell him that. If you learn better by watching it on film or watching him do it, then tell him that. Think about what you WANT out of the lesson and make it clear to him going in. If you go to the lesson just thinking "I want to be fixed" and don't think about the structure of the lesson itself, you won't get the most out of it.
I, personally, cannot watch myself on film. As soon as I see my swing on film, I start to micro-analyze every little detail and get consumed by it instead of the results (I'm too inside on the takeaway, the top of the backswing is too flat, I come over the top on the downswing, blah blah blah). So I tell my instructor straight out, you can film me and watch it yourself, but I don't want to see it. I've also told my instructor that I don't want bandaids, fixes and drills; teach me the swing. He now knows how I want to learn. Some people like drills and quick fixes, but you have to set that expectation up front. Think of these things going into the lesson and you'll get a lot out of it.
Oh and schedule a follow-up (this can be 30 mins) within a few weeks. You're not going to get fixed right away and you'll most likely forget 50% of what he's telling you. You may see an instant improvement, but it will fade over time and your old habits will creep back in, so getting a refresher around the 3-4 week mark seems to be ideal. Take the time in between to practice the shit out of what he taught you.
I'll try to post a longer, more detailed reply in the next 24 hours when I have time, but unless they've changed their pro in the last couple years I'd look elsewhere. My lesson there was a miserable experience.
I should probably pull the driver less, but it's the funnest club to hit. I think I could score a little better by pulling the driver less, but not if I keep it out of the bag entirely. I hit my driver about 70 yards farther than my 19* hybrid. That's the difference between and easy gap wedge in vs a solid 5 iron into a green, or 3 shots vs 2 on a par 5.
Although, last year when I couldn't hit my driver and I could hit my 3 wood just as far, I never pulled driver.
This is true until you get to a certain skill level, then driver becomes pretty boring. As a single digit handicap, hitting wedges becomes the most fun because those are your scoring clubs. When you can start to hit your wedges multiple distances and trajectories with multiple ways to spin the ball, it becomes a lot of fun. You just cant' do that stuff with the driver.
When you can manipulate your wedges, you can get more creative. If I have an 85 yard shot with a tucked left pin behind some trouble, I can start to think "well, I can hit a low checker into the center of the green with some left spin that will feed to the hole". Once you can learn to consistently execute that shot, scoring becomes a lot of fun.
Wish I took the driver out of the bag for my round yesterday. Duck hooks galore! Frustrating as hell, I had been driving it well all year and then suddenly the driver was nowhere to be found yesterday.
That's a good point. Even at my skill level wedges are fun. I wasn't really thinking about wedges in this case though. I don't think I've ever used one off the tee on a four or five. I meant that the driver is much more fun than everything 7 iron and longer.
Is there an easy way to hit a draw with the diver? When I want to cut it I just open the face a little. Does closing the face work the same way?
Is there an easy way to hit a draw with the diver? When I want to cut it I just open the face a little. Does closing the face work the same way?
I never manipulate the club face in my hands, I just adjust my release pattern and where I try to strike the ball. For example, if I'm trying to hit a straight ball with a draw, I'll try and hit the center of the ball and release the toe a little more. If I'm trying to start it right and draw it back to center, I'll try and hit the inside of the ball and release the toe some more. Hitting a fade, I hit the outside of the ball and try and hold off the release.
It takes some practice, but is much more reliable. Learning release patterns will change the way you play the game.
It takes some practice, but is much more reliable. Learning release patterns will change the way you play the game.
There's not really an easy way to hit a draw with a driver. There are techniques, of course, but I wouldn't call them easy. The basic technique for any cut or draw is to aim your body where you want the ball to start and aim your clubface where you want the ball to end. So for a cut, you aim left and point your clubface right. For a draw you aim right and point your clubface left.
The problem is that most modern drivers have a lot of tech in them to try to prevent the ball from going left or right so this technique won't necessarily be enough. You may also need to learn to control your swingplane. Higher hands on the backswing and follow through and the ball will tend to go right. Lower hands and ball will tend to go left.
Mess with these things on the range and see if works for you but beware that these can easily turn ugly.
You can close it slightly, play it back in your stance by an inch or so and close the stance just a bit. The methods Flawless mentioned take some elite level of feel at release and most don't have that. I'd practice with ball position and closing the stance some and those should get the drive drawing. It will be a lower ball flight due to the position.
That's absolutely false. This is the best way to control your swing - changing stance, club face and setup to an awkward position that you're not used to is a lot more difficult to adjust to and, as jerca mentioned, can turn ugly quickly.
I could teach someone to hit any trajectory with any spin in 30 mins with the method I mentioned, all without having to change ball position, stance, hand position, face angle, blah blah blah.
My driver has become the best part of my game. I don't miss it much and it's getting out there fairly well.
My issue is the scoring clubs. Just can't convert enough to score great. But generally have stayed out of trouble, which is fun. Mid 80s is a lot more fun than 100's.
My issue is the scoring clubs. Just can't convert enough to score great. But generally have stayed out of trouble, which is fun. Mid 80s is a lot more fun than 100's.
You don't have to be so aggressive. Not all golfers are the same. I think we're talking about apples and oranges. In your situation, its a method that I would recommend to someone playing frequent golf, with time to practice, and doing so in the single digits. But honestly, how often do you think someone that is about a 15 handicap steps on the tee and needs to manipulate his drive right to left? For that guy, who doesn't have the time to practice or doesn't play enough golf to have your level of feel, I'd go with the adjustments to ball location and cheat the feet to improve the chances of inside/out.
I'll admit I don't know Phragle's level of golf nor did I do a proper investigation to figure it out. I was answering an "easy way to hit a draw" question. I can hit a draw my way with one swing. I've got to go to the range to learn how to do it your way. So I guess its golf semantics.
And whether you realize it or not, the release point for you probably incorporates some openness or closedness at impact and you're good enough to feel what you need to do. I doubt very seriously your hips aren't accommodating that release to some degree, but I don't know your swing.
Got my chipping and putting down now but just played an entire round and took maybe 2 divots.
Whats everyones favorite drill to stay down on the ball? Im not really topping the ball but certainly not compressing as much as id like to be right now.
Whats everyones favorite drill to stay down on the ball? Im not really topping the ball but certainly not compressing as much as id like to be right now.
Yeah. I think you're both being helpful. I asked for an easy way because I'm not that good. I score around 90 right now and one of the best parts of my game is my ability to hit a reasonably consistent cut or slice with my driver. I'd like to add right to left to my arsenal. It's a shape I need for a lot of the courses I play right now. I want the ability to drive around the 20-30 degree corner that's 150-200 yards away.
Flawless do you know of any good articles on release patterns? I think it would be something good to know even if I don't practice it.
The "absolutely false" got my attention. Apologies back if I was a bit sensitive.
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I gave the advice a shot at the simulator today. I shut the club face a little, moved the ball back, and tried to swing inside out. The green are my hook attempts and the orange is my normal straight swing. Id like to see the hook get out more to 240-250 but this seems like a good first try.
Edit: I guess the hook would go 250 if I start it 15 degrees right
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Nike is dropping out of the club and ball manufacture game. Probably some deals to be had in coming weeks/months.
Never thought much of their clubs but their recent putters are nice. Balls have always been decent.
Never thought much of their clubs but their recent putters are nice. Balls have always been decent.
I've played all of seven or eight rounds since the new year and four of them were at Bandon a month ago. So no tears for me, but I just know that working too much and not playing enough golf has fucked me and my pops' chance in the invitational next week. Too bad. At least the martinis will be cold and plentiful. B
Every time I buy something other than Titleist, I use it for a few months and then go back to Titleist. I'm not wasting my money (even though I do need some new wedges).
The Olympic guys might want to think twice when they go look for a ball in the woods...
http://sports.ndtv.com/olympics-2016/news/261445-rio-olympics-crocodiles-sloths-call-the-shots-at-golf-course
The capybaras can grow up to 150 lbs. Think about being mid back swing and the rodent thing from Princess Bride pops out of the bushes.
http://sports.ndtv.com/olympics-2016/news/261445-rio-olympics-crocodiles-sloths-call-the-shots-at-golf-course
I bought that vice balls that were disucssed in here last season I believe. Picked up 5 dozen of the pro plus. Great ball. Played a local 9 hole course the other day w them. Every single iron shot that hit the green stopped and rolled back. All my 52 and 56 degree chip shots checked up. Ball wasnt quite as long off tee but a little longer w my irons. Absolute steal for 25/doz
Yep. I am a shitty golfer, but I just bought my 2nd dozen of them and I have really enjoyed playing them. I will be buying more in the future.
I just took delivery of my second order of them (5 dozen). They're a good ball as far as I can tell and I get to imprint my goofy toucan image on them essentially for free. No worries about whose ball that is when a toucan is smiling back at you.
I just go with the fact that I am probably the only golfer on the course * playing Vices.
*RMPS outings excluded
Someday I will write a long post mortem about this tournament, but suffice it to say that we will not defend our crown largely because my dad (probably) tore his ACL today in the morning and so I had to play solo against two guys in the second nine hole match. I got a flat and if I had make one fucking 3.5 footer on 16 I'd have beaten them both singlehanded. But after the flat I drive him to the ER and it's looking dicey for tomorrow.
Sigh. We had this one. Absolutely had it. But you can't play alone and expect to win.
Sigh. We had this one. Absolutely had it. But you can't play alone and expect to win.
I play the Neon and yes, theyre fantastic. Don't remember if it was posted in that thread or not, but they have the stats on hem vs ProV and they are almost identical when used by a bot.
Another option in that category is the Snell "my tour ball". $26.33/dz with 6 dozen value pack or $33/ dz. Free shipping and they are based in MA. Always nice to support local business.
https://www.snellgolf.com/
https://www.snellgolf.com/
Haven't read this topic in a while but caught up today. Couple things
1) Snell my partner in the Tuesday night league is a 7 cap and he swears by them. Me the 18 still plays the DT SoLos and what ever else I find in the woods
2) playing small ball: even though I still carry my driver, an RBZ set to 11 degree, I'm piping my 3 wood and hardly hit the driver. In fact in scrambles I've been lead off hitter and let my partners fire away after I put it out about 230 or so.
3) Nike: I have a covert 2.0 20degree hybrid and love it
4) smaller small ball: a group I play with on Saturday afternoons played a 3 club from the front tees a couple weeks ago. I shot a 42 using a 5iron 8iron and PW... Putting by blading the PW. Talk about small ball
5) distances, I bought my RBZ irons a couple years ago and thought I had the numbers down, but I play on an old man softball travel team that plays in a tournament in FLA in March and on the cape next week. The league I play in on Sunday's has a chilie bowl on New Year's Day and this year I hit a couple shots but was Huffin and puffin when I got to first base. So I did something unthinkable well for me it was. I started to work out, mostly cardio but some strength as well. What does this have to do with golf? I started pulling out my A wedge for a shot that's maybe 100 and started airmailing the green. I've picked up between 10 and 15 yards a stick. It is good to work out
1) Snell my partner in the Tuesday night league is a 7 cap and he swears by them. Me the 18 still plays the DT SoLos and what ever else I find in the woods
2) playing small ball: even though I still carry my driver, an RBZ set to 11 degree, I'm piping my 3 wood and hardly hit the driver. In fact in scrambles I've been lead off hitter and let my partners fire away after I put it out about 230 or so.
3) Nike: I have a covert 2.0 20degree hybrid and love it
4) smaller small ball: a group I play with on Saturday afternoons played a 3 club from the front tees a couple weeks ago. I shot a 42 using a 5iron 8iron and PW... Putting by blading the PW. Talk about small ball
5) distances, I bought my RBZ irons a couple years ago and thought I had the numbers down, but I play on an old man softball travel team that plays in a tournament in FLA in March and on the cape next week. The league I play in on Sunday's has a chilie bowl on New Year's Day and this year I hit a couple shots but was Huffin and puffin when I got to first base. So I did something unthinkable well for me it was. I started to work out, mostly cardio but some strength as well. What does this have to do with golf? I started pulling out my A wedge for a shot that's maybe 100 and started airmailing the green. I've picked up between 10 and 15 yards a stick. It is good to work out
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A few golf thoughts:
For the locals - I posted early this year about joining spring valley in Sharon. I ended up doing so, and the course was fabulous. Every guest I brought this year was blown away by it. Anyone interested in info, message here or PM.
I bought Callaway Apex Pro Irons last year and they were superb - thinking as the "old" model going into the offseason you'd be well served to take a look at them. I bought the M1 driver, I think I may have remorse there - M2 seemed to be the hot club. Anyone with the M2 have thoughts? Also adore the MD3 lob wedge, might switch out my SW (55) for a 54 or 56, haven't decided. Frankly, I probably should dump the gap as well, and carry 48, 52, 56, 60, (right now the PW is 45) but hate spending all that money for what will probably be marginal returns. That said, I don't love having 12-15 yards of gap between those lower irons right now.
Lastly, I played the Supersoft ball all year. Big fan. But played the Precept Tri Speed Tour yesterday because I had a few sleeves after I bought them on sale...really impressed by that ball on the greens, was MUCH softer landing with the irons. Yes the greens are softer but I could tell a real difference. I know those balls are a little older so you can usually get them 3 for 2 or 2 for 1.
For the locals - I posted early this year about joining spring valley in Sharon. I ended up doing so, and the course was fabulous. Every guest I brought this year was blown away by it. Anyone interested in info, message here or PM.
I bought Callaway Apex Pro Irons last year and they were superb - thinking as the "old" model going into the offseason you'd be well served to take a look at them. I bought the M1 driver, I think I may have remorse there - M2 seemed to be the hot club. Anyone with the M2 have thoughts? Also adore the MD3 lob wedge, might switch out my SW (55) for a 54 or 56, haven't decided. Frankly, I probably should dump the gap as well, and carry 48, 52, 56, 60, (right now the PW is 45) but hate spending all that money for what will probably be marginal returns. That said, I don't love having 12-15 yards of gap between those lower irons right now.
Lastly, I played the Supersoft ball all year. Big fan. But played the Precept Tri Speed Tour yesterday because I had a few sleeves after I bought them on sale...really impressed by that ball on the greens, was MUCH softer landing with the irons. Yes the greens are softer but I could tell a real difference. I know those balls are a little older so you can usually get them 3 for 2 or 2 for 1.
So, I think my season is pretty much over. I've dropped my hcap 3 strokes from an 18.6 to 15.6. Including 9 hole rounds, I got out for 41 rounds this year plus about 3-4 charity scramble tournaments. Not bad overall considering I don't belong to a club (more on that later). My game is much much more consistent, and I have 2 really major areas I need to work on this winter if I want to improve further: 1. Tee Game 2. Short game. While everyone needs to work on both of those, they've really hampered my scoring significantly. If I can even improve one of them I'll make huge strides. I hope to get in some good practice this winter on the tee game, not sure if/how I'll be able to practice my short game until the next round comes around.
However, one way I plan to improve both (in addition to practice) is equipment upgrades. It's time for new woods (at minimum a new driver) and new wedges I think. I have the original TaylorMade Rocketballz driver that's now 5(?) years old. I also have the TaylorMade ATV 52 and 56 degree wedges that are 3-4 years old. I actually hit those well for approach/pitch shots but they are horrendous around the green (partly the arrow, partly the Indian). I plan to get fitted for them, likely at Joe and Leigh's down in Easton to see what works best. I'll have to decide if I want to also get a 60 degree wedge, and if so what club I should drop out of my bag if I do. I think my irons are fine for the time being, I hit them well and there's no major reason to make changes.
However, one way I plan to improve both (in addition to practice) is equipment upgrades. It's time for new woods (at minimum a new driver) and new wedges I think. I have the original TaylorMade Rocketballz driver that's now 5(?) years old. I also have the TaylorMade ATV 52 and 56 degree wedges that are 3-4 years old. I actually hit those well for approach/pitch shots but they are horrendous around the green (partly the arrow, partly the Indian). I plan to get fitted for them, likely at Joe and Leigh's down in Easton to see what works best. I'll have to decide if I want to also get a 60 degree wedge, and if so what club I should drop out of my bag if I do. I think my irons are fine for the time being, I hit them well and there's no major reason to make changes.
I'll be living in the city for at least the next year, but I'm really interested in trying to join a club next year. Unfortunately there's not much that's feasible for people in the city, but Spring Valley was one I had considered. I've also gotten good reviews from people and every time I play Brookmeadow I look at it longingly. Can you expand on what you like about it, what benefits come with membership, etc? If it's easier to PM, then no worries. Does anyone else have club recommendations in the greater Boston/Metrowest area?
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Yesterday at Dick's in North Attleboro I was surprised to see they still had some Nike clubs on their rack. I bought the Nike Vapor Flex 440 driver for $180. Its a brand new driver that would have probably retailed for $400-500 if Nike remained in business.
At the very least if I don't like it I can still probably sell it and get close to my money back.
At the very least if I don't like it I can still probably sell it and get close to my money back.
Again, checking in after a few weeks, couple things
1) Kitansett: I had played it in a scramble a couple years ago on a day when the wind was whipping so I got the real feel. The tournament a couple weeks ago was team Low Gross/Net. I played with 3 buddy's from work who are also 18-20 caps. All of a sudden, I've found my game, and like I said above its small ball. I shot an 88 and as a team we were 57 -14 and won it.
2) dropping handicap: I don't know how it happened, working out, playing smarter, etc but I've been on fire. Friday afternoon a couple weeks ago I was standing 65yd short of the 9th green in 2 (465 par5) at 2 over par. One of my friends was beside me in 3 and says 'closest to pin for a beer?' Like I'm going to say no? The S words shows up and I hit in in the shit but still manage to escape with a bogey and shoot 40 +3. Posted that and a couple other low ones and index dropped 2
3) Golf Biz: be on the lookout, Dick's bought Golfsmith out of bankruptcy. They sound like they may be closing stores ( Golfsmith is in Avon and Dicks in Brockton is one exit away, I think the ones in Natick are like 1/4 mile apart on rte9). There are going to be deals to be had
1) Kitansett: I had played it in a scramble a couple years ago on a day when the wind was whipping so I got the real feel. The tournament a couple weeks ago was team Low Gross/Net. I played with 3 buddy's from work who are also 18-20 caps. All of a sudden, I've found my game, and like I said above its small ball. I shot an 88 and as a team we were 57 -14 and won it.
2) dropping handicap: I don't know how it happened, working out, playing smarter, etc but I've been on fire. Friday afternoon a couple weeks ago I was standing 65yd short of the 9th green in 2 (465 par5) at 2 over par. One of my friends was beside me in 3 and says 'closest to pin for a beer?' Like I'm going to say no? The S words shows up and I hit in in the shit but still manage to escape with a bogey and shoot 40 +3. Posted that and a couple other low ones and index dropped 2
3) Golf Biz: be on the lookout, Dick's bought Golfsmith out of bankruptcy. They sound like they may be closing stores ( Golfsmith is in Avon and Dicks in Brockton is one exit away, I think the ones in Natick are like 1/4 mile apart on rte9). There are going to be deals to be had