2017 Golf Thread

Marciano490

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Nov 4, 2007
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I don't know much about this sport with its silly pants and lack of contact, but I found this article interesting:

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/news/one-amateur-golfer-asked-a-question-that-could-change-the-sport-forever-155952673.html

When DeChambeau was 15, Schy gave him the book "The Golfing Machine," which explains in detail the 24 components and 144 variations of the swing and encourages players to construct their own mechanics. DeChambeau devoured it. He would later major in physics at SMU and his mind never stops analyzing everything in golf.

He's uses data – such as slope and speed of the green – to take the mystery out of putting. He breaks much of the game down into mass times acceleration, which create the power to drive the ball. He's found no shortage of professionals interested in finding out what he learned.

"[It's] because he comes at the game from such a different point of view," said Phil Mickelson, who, despite five major championships, flocked to the amateur champ this week. "[He] has such well thought-out opinions as to why and how it should be played a certain way, a different way."

Not that every pro understands what DeChambeau is talking about, or even wants to reach into the part of his brain that instinctively allows him to succeed.

"Bryson and I were talking about some of the science of an uphill putt and a downhill putt," Mickelson said. "He was using some scientific terms and Dustin [Johnson, who was playing a practice round with them] kind of shook his head and said, ‘If I hang around you guys much longer, I'll never break 100.' "

Johnson will be fine sticking with his way. DeChambeau may also be fine by never accepting a certain way, which leads back to that original question about iron lengths.

DeChambeau had decided a single plane swing that could be replicated with precision every single time was ideal. Only the degree of the club face striking the ball should be different. He wanted to be able to back swing to, say, 1 o'clock and come through the ball with the same force each time – mass times acceleration.

The problem was the clubs, the variations in length created variations in his swing.

"I was experimenting with a one-plane swing and it was very difficult to accomplish with different length clubs," DeChambeau said. "I showed [Schy] on video and I said, 'I'm going to have to change posture no matter what.' "

So why can't the clubs all be one length?
 

PaulinMyrBch

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Here's the part where they lost me. In a standard set of irons the 5 iron is 37.5 inches. So the one club in very unusual set that was the "kicker" for the experiment is the one that matches every other standard set in the world.

"Went to the next hole, had 205, 215 yards in," DeChambeau said. "Took a 5-iron out and I told Mike, 'This is going to be the kicker.' Struck it and it flew and kept flying, and it flew all the way, 205 yards, and I looked over at Mike and I said, 'This possibly could change the game.' "

Standard iron lengths range from around 39 inches for a 2-iron down to 35 inches for wedges. DeChambeau now plays with single-length irons – a 37.5 inch shaft.
There is a reason even though the guy he asked said "it's always been that way". Length isn't important the closer you get to the hole. Accuracy isn't as important the farther you get from the hole, length is. You can be more accurate with a shorter club because you're swing is shorter. So basically this guys hits his short irons longer and with more spin than comparable players, or he's got so much loft on them to keep the distance in check, that he hits them crazy high, which you don't want. Golf iron control is all about maximizing launch angle and spin rate. His long irons are shorter than comparable players, so he's probably got less loft on them than standard set up and likely doesn't generate much spin to control the ball once it lands.

A long time ago a pro at a range tried to sell me a custom set of clubs. I was weary and resisted but finally let him make me an 8 iron so I could swing it and compare it to my set. I got it a few days later, tested it out, and was absolutely killing it, hitting it 15-20 yards farther than my 8-iron. When I compared it to mine, it turns out it was the same length as my 6-iron. End of experiment. Didn't need an 8-iron flying that high or far.

Anyway, maybe it works for the kid, but you won't see that setup changing golf.
 
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PaulinMyrBch

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And...ironically enough, my new clubs came in today. All different lengths. Just got back from picking them up and a quick session hitting every club in the bag. Absolutely flushed the irons. The AP2's are legit. So pure on dead center hits, misses were barely noticeable if you just watched the ball. Only issue I have is the hybrid. Not used to swinging one, so that'll be an adjustment treating it like an iron. Crushed the new driver, can't wait to play with them.
 
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TFP

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Man that sounds like a good weekend to head out.

This year has been ok so far. I've already made it out 8 times this year, compared to 0 at this point last year. My scores are ok, mostly mid-low 90s. I feel like my game is really close, my biggest culprit is getting off the tee has been impossible and then my short game lets me down at very inopportune times. I come off my rounds feeling like I swung well but gave away so many strokes that I didn't score as well as I should have.

My focus is going to be fixing my tee game (I shot a 95 yesterday only hitting 2 fairways) and then getting chipping lessons (I chunk/blade as least 2-3 chips a round). Once I can do those I think I'll be in good shape.

My goal this summer is to play 40 rounds and break 90 5 times.
 

PedroSpecialK

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In case anyone is interested, a few RMPSers (hackers, the lot of us) are gonna be hitting the links at Highfields this Sunday, 3:05 and 3:14 tee times. Looking for 3 more folks, please post in this thread if interested.

Not a sure thing that we'll get 18 in, but it is a sure thing that I'll get 2+ orders of onion rings in.
 

doldmoose34

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Also just got an invite to Ireland. Found out a guy I have become friendly with over the past few years has a membership at Old Head in Cork. If anyone has any course recommendations to try to play while I am over there in that vicinity I would love to get some input.
Check with Death of the Bambino, I'm pretty sure Greg has played Old Head a couple times
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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It's still about 10 degrees cooler than I would like but with the sun out longer being able to squeeze in time at the range and 9 holes after work is great.

I picked up a new Ping G driver yesterday. The club is a joke. It's an easy several shots off my game coming from an old Taylor R540 (a driver from around 2002-03). It has to be 20 yards longer on a pure swing and I'm not sure it's possible to really mis-hit it. I caught one off the toe on one swing and though I was dead... only to find it carried all the trouble. The old driver wouldn't have done that. Another waaaaay off the heel still in the fairway about 240 out. The distance benefit on bad swings is crazy. Better living through technology. FWIW I tried the LS version and it's longer (at least for me) but not as stupidly forgiving. The fitters really seem to like to maximize distance but with my Faxon-like accuracy off the tee all the help I can get at hitting fairways is huge.
 

LogansDad

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It's still about 10 degrees cooler than I would like but with the sun out longer being able to squeeze in time at the range and 9 holes after work is great.

I picked up a new Ping G driver yesterday. The club is a joke. It's an easy several shots off my game coming from an old Taylor R540 (a driver from around 2002-03). It has to be 20 yards longer on a pure swing and I'm not sure it's possible to really mis-hit it. I caught one off the toe on one swing and though I was dead... only to find it carried all the trouble. The old driver wouldn't have done that. Another waaaaay off the heel still in the fairway about 240 out. The distance benefit on bad swings is crazy. Better living through technology. FWIW I tried the LS version and it's longer (at least for me) but not as stupidly forgiving. The fitters really seem to like to maximize distance but with my Faxon-like accuracy off the tee all the help I can get at hitting fairways is huge.
I kind of want to go buy this club just based off of the first review on Dick's web site:

Hits the G spot every time baby
April 13, 2016
nobitt
Purchase LocationIn-Store
I recommend this product.
Tried this in Dick's stimulator and wow! Long and straight down the middle every time. I was previously using a regular shaft but I found with a stiff shaft I could really bang it out there. Head is a strange shape but very effective, and I did change my grip. Give it a go guys!
 

PedroSpecialK

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Got a chance to play Oakley Country Club this past weekend through a friend of my dad's.

It plays super short, like 6,100 from the tips (they're trying to extend the tees on a handful of holes) as a par 71. The layout is really interesting, and it is supposedly Donald Ross's first course designed. Tons of blind shots, and the greens had just been punched so that was a struggle. 2-3 drivable par 4's, and an extra par 3 instead of only 3 par 5's. Great experience, but like most private clubs I'd go out of my mind playing that track over and over.

I stunk out loud on the front nine with a 48 and got pars or double bogeys all the way through hole 12 (I'm chalking it up to having to poop the whole front nine), but finished strong with a 39 on the back, including 5 straight pars to finish.

Going through similar issues to you TFP - my wedges just need some consistent play, I've decelerated on more pitches than I care to count in just 4-5 rounds out this year.

Trying to get out to play Wachusett on Sunday if the rain holds off.
 

TFP

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Any good places in the Boston area where I can go work on my short game without paying a dumb membership? I don't mind paying for a single session, but I need like 2 hours around a green where I can chip and hit out of a bunker. Actually I need 2 days, but I'll start with 2 hours.
 

Leon Trotsky

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George Wright has a big practice green you can just chip and putt. I think you can just do that without even playing a round. No bunker though.
 

Koufax

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Are you looking for Boston proper, North Shore, South Shore or western suburbs?
 

TFP

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Within 30 mins of the city in any direction preferably (I live in the city itself). I had to run out to Natick today so I stopped down in Southborough at that range next to Owen O'Leary's and they had a great short game area but it was closed. I ended up hitting a couple buckets so it wasn't a total wasted trip.

George Wright is a good call, thanks.
 

southshoresoxfan

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2-3 slots available to join some clowns at 11 AM this coming Saturday at Brook Meadow in Canton.

Any interest, let us know.
Ah wish i saw this sooner. Used to live a mile from Brookmeadow. Solid if unspectacular track.

Played New England Country Club today. Nice little course for 39 bucks. Greens were aerates but fairways were in great shape. Challenging course because of lots of hills. Had a lot of uneven lies on approach shots which made for a higher score than my stats would have indicated (hit a lot of fairways).

Anxious to check it out when the greens grow in.
 

LogansDad

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So, a few weeks ago I think i finally figured out how to make consistent contact with my Driver, and I think I've gotten together a pre-round plan for practicing my putting. I'm still not good, but i went out and played the New mexico State University course yesterday (it's one of the nicer courses here in southern New Mexico, and cost me $15 to play). I had never broken 100 there before, and went out a shot a 93, so i was pretty happy about that.

Back 9 was going great, was 2 over through 6 holes, including 4 pars in a row, but then I blew up for an 8 on 16, and bogeys on 17 and 18 for a 46. But I think I am finally starting to feel some real improvement in my game.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
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Anyone still playing an old Ping putter? I have a magnesium bronze Anser 3 from around 1990 in the bag still. The only modifications are it has been cut down to 33.5 inches and the sole has been completely slathered in lead tape. I still rock a Ping blackout grip but newer fatter grips are calling to me. I've tried newer Cameron, Odessey, Nike, and Ping putters and while very nice none of them strike me as a significant upgrade (and the Camerons are starting to look very tacky).

Update on the Cleveland wedges: I still love them. I should have gone cavity back years ago. The Rotex micro laser cut whatever thing is a gimmick though. It wears off quickly. It absolutely provides a little more bite early on but unless you're planning on going through several wedges a year it's basically a nonfactor after a few weeks.

Edit: ZOMG the weather after work has been awesome this week, at least in central MA. 75 and sunny. What more could you want?
 
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steveluck7

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I have a hand-me-down putter from my grandfather. He originally gave it to me in like 1993 and it was well used even then. I learned with that putter and will use it until it falls apart in my hands.
I've tried all sorts of putters both in store and on the course (borrowed friends for a few swings here and there) and just prefer mine. I'm so comfortable with it that it's probably more psychological at this point.

I did put a fat grip on it a couple of years back
 

4 6 3 DP

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So I joined a club earlier this year - I am playing a ton, and logging a lot of range time.

And I am learning that practicing crappy habits does not make one a better golfer. I see a pro every other week but it's not getting me where I feel I'm improving.

So I am considering golf school. I'd do a weekend or week and while money obviously matters to a degree, I'll take any recommendation I can get. Any recommendations you guys have been to that might give me good instruction and help my game?
 

uncannymanny

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Jan 12, 2007
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Glad this thread was bumped. I picked the game up again, having not played since I was in my late teens (now 38 wah wah). Outside of having to buy clubs, things have been going better than I anticipated considering the layoff (though I haven't ventured off the range yet). If anyone has suggestions on good pros that give lessons around the NYC area (I'm around Yonkers and work in the city) I'd love to know!
 

LogansDad

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Played my annual round at the Inn of the Mountain Gods here in southern NM this morning. Shot under 100 on the course for the first time, so I'm pretty happy about that.
 

Comfortably Lomb

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Any recommended GPS apps? I really just want yardage to the middle of the green (but front and back would be great too). Everything I look at seems to do a hundred other things that I don't care about. Free would be better but if there is a killer paid app that really nails yardages that's fine too.
 

Byrdbrain

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I've used Swing by Swing and GolfLogix, both have a free version that does what you want and a bit more but of course they want to sell you the "Premium" version that tracks distance by club, more precise yardages etc.
 

Duende Roomer

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SkyDroid. It's free for iPhone and Android. Lots of courses, front, middle, back and yardages to intermediate spots, bunkers, hazards, layup areas. I have Swing by Swing and GolfLogix as well, but prefer SkyDroid.
 

TFP

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I just use be GPS functionality on The Grint which is also what I use to track scores and handicap.
 

4 6 3 DP

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Are your phones GPS good enough to really track it to the yards? My old Samsung Note 3 with Swing by Swing doesn't match up that well to sprinkler heads, and I bought a smaller one, but it doesn't keep a charge that well and I'd rather just use my phone if I can.
 

WayBackVazquez

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Woodland Hills CC. Dunno, I just opened it up and don't notice a difference, but I don't use the app much anymore since I've gotten to know the course. And I use my laser finder when I want a precise distance from the pin.
 

Byrdbrain

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Are your phones GPS good enough to really track it to the yards? My old Samsung Note 3 with Swing by Swing doesn't match up that well to sprinkler heads, and I bought a smaller one, but it doesn't keep a charge that well and I'd rather just use my phone if I can.
Typically it is within a couple of yards of known distances but for some reason the last time I played it was consistently off by about 30 yards. I'll be playing again tomorrow and will see if that glitch fixed itself. I play about 50/50 9 and 18 hole rounds and my battery will typically die before I complete 18.
 

CodPiece XL

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Woodland Hills CC. Dunno, I just opened it up and don't notice a difference, but I don't use the app much anymore since I've gotten to know the course. And I use my laser finder when I want a precise distance from the pin.
I had the guys upgrade the graphics for the course yesterday. The biggest difference you should see are the trees, shadows and water effects. You will probably have to delete the course and download again if you have it saved.
 

TFP

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Typically it is within a couple of yards of known distances but for some reason the last time I played it was consistently off by about 30 yards. I'll be playing again tomorrow and will see if that glitch fixed itself. I play about 50/50 9 and 18 hole rounds and my battery will typically die before I complete 18.
One good thing about using GPS on TheGrint is that it doesn't kill the battery on your phone. It's not constantly running, only when you need it, so I get through an 18 hole round using this and streaming music no problem, and my phone battery is shit.

I'll check out GolfLogix though.
 

WayBackVazquez

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Absolutely. I need the five star treatment though.
Of course. I'll turn you on to the off menu chicken fingers. Divine.

I had the guys upgrade the graphics for the course yesterday. The biggest difference you should see are the trees, shadows and water effects. You will probably have to delete the course and download again if you have it saved.
Thanks, man. I might try to play nine before work tomorrow and will check it out.
 

CodPiece XL

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Are your phones GPS good enough to really track it to the yards? My old Samsung Note 3 with Swing by Swing doesn't match up that well to sprinkler heads, and I bought a smaller one, but it doesn't keep a charge that well and I'd rather just use my phone if I can.
Within the industry there is a raging argument that phone GPS chips initially were not as good as dedicated GPS units. I think it fair to say, it was the case years ago. These days, I'd say there is little difference. The caveat being there are survey quality GPS and non -survey GPS. But as far as golf GPS units..even dedicated ones, none are survey standard.

Keep in mind that some apps rely solely on Google Earth images exclusively, not all Google Earth images have the same accuracy level. You may have bad google imagery. Or from my own experience, believe it or not, not all sprinkler heads are accurate. It depends on the standard of course. Although I will say this...I've seen good courses in Florida inflate their distances just to comply with minimum requirements to meet course lengths to try and attract women's tour events. I can think of one course in Naples , FL specifically. Usually if a course is doing that, they try and bury it on par 5's. Especially doglegs.
 
I played in the first round of a 128-man matchplay competition at Gullane No. 1 yesterday. All square with my opponent coming to the 18th, and we're both about 90 yards out from the green after our tee shots. He goes first and hits a good shot, just past pin high about 20 feet away. I go second with an easy sand wedge, and I catch it perfectly; the ball lands about 15 feet short of the hole, rolls gently toward the flag and disappears from view. A walk-off eagle? I don't think I've ever won an important match with a birdie at the 18th before...needless to say I was laughing to myself all the way home.
 

PedroSpecialK

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Not-so-humblebrag time - was lucky enough to play Pebble Beach today as part of an event my uncle takes part in. It's a bucket list course for me for obvious reasons, but nonetheless it blew my expectations out of the water.

We were playing in a 2 man scramble, I was paired up with my dad - he's regularly in the 120s, so it was pretty sweet to take home a 77 and a one-stroke win in our match. My driver was spot on, had consistent iron play, and the putter even showed up.

Playing Spanish Bay tomorrow :fonz:
 

PedroSpecialK

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Thanks guys- Spanish Bay was another great experience. We sprung for a caddie for our foursome, he ended up being arguably the highlight of the round. I've only played with a caddie a couple of times in my life, so it was surreal to have a guy pick up the wind, reads, and your ideal club selection within 2-3 holes of watching you play (and doing so for all four guys in our group). Talking to him for a bit, turns out he was Andrew Landry's caddie for a while, but wasn't with him at the US Open due to a neck issue.

The course wasn't in the same shape as Pebble, but it was an interesting layout - and the greens ran like lightning. We ended up playing a bit worse and posting a scrambled 80. I lucked out and won $300 in Pebble gift cards from the skins game yesterday, so I used it on a 6:40 tee time tomorrow at Spyglass.

With these three off the list, Bandon is up next on the list for sure.
 

Old Fart Tree

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Had a great up and back Bandon thing last week. Played like a monkey fucking a football but made the odd bird here and there so what the hell. I have my go to group of caddies at Bandon that I swear by; happy to introduce if anyone is headed there anytime soon.