423 replies to this topic

[SaveBooFerriss]

After about five years away from the game, I played four rounds while I was on vacation in December and I'm going to play a lot this year.

I've already purchased new irons.

I am looking for a new driver. I tried out the Nike Sasquatch. I was a little skeptical about the quality of Nike clubs, but it seems very nice and the price has dropped from $299 to $199.

Does anyone have an opinion on this driver?

Edited by Skins24, 16 January 2007 - 11:52 AM.

[doldmoose34]

advice needed, Clears? anyone Bueler?

heading out to Vegas end of Feb, (i think the same day as my annual best day of the year, the Building 19 golf sale) any recomendations? I'm not planning on bringing my sticks, I'll rent. and we're at the Mirage, so what do you know, recomend.

I know I can get on Shadow Creek by staying there, but where else

[Zomp]

After about five years away from the game, I played four rounds while I was on vacation in December and I'm going to play a lot this year.

I've already purchased new irons.

I am looking for a new driver.  I tried out the Nike Sasquatch.  I was a little skeptical about the quality of Nike clubs, but it seems very nice and the price has dropped from $299 to $199.   

Does anyone have an opinion on this driver?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

At $199 the Sasquatch is a great driver, in the beginning I too was skeptical of Nike golf clubs. But after trying them out they make a great product.

I am a 5 handicap and I use a Ping G5 driver, I love it. The ball really springs off the club face and it was a surprising amount of workability.

As the technology gets better with Drivers, the models of years past will be better and cheaper. If you have only been away from the game 5 years, the names of the good clubs are still the same. Titleist, Callaway, Nike, Ping, Mizuno(for irons), Taylor Made, and Cleveland are still the best names out. I havent gotten my hands on one yet, but Ive heard the new Cobra driver is the longest one out there.

Hope this helps.

[Comfortably Lomb]

I don't think there's anything wrong with the Nike drivers. They're not my thing but I also don't really like Big Bertha drivers so maybe it's just me - I tend to prefer Taylor Made and Titleist stuff.

--------------------

I tried one of these out for a while at Dick's Sporting Goods a few weeks ago and I think I may take the plunge in a month or two:



They're very stable, much more stable than my White Hot #1, and feel pretty good overall. It's time for a putter change anyway; my current putter is about six or seven years old and I'm just flat out getting bored with it. It was always one of those B+ putters anyway, really good, but not one I could fall in love with.

[Carmine Hose]

I had the Titleist 983E driver, which I loved, but ended up winning the 905R in a scramble raffle. The thing is enormous. Still not sure which one I'll end up using.

[BigMike]

advice needed, Clears? anyone Bueler?

heading out to Vegas end of Feb, (i think the same day as my annual best day of the year, the Building 19 golf sale) any recomendations? I'm not planning on bringing my sticks, I'll rent. and we're at the Mirage, so what do you know, recomend.

I know I can get on Shadow Creek by staying there, but where else

I played the Lake Las Vegas Courses Summer 06. Very nice. About 40 minutes from downtown, but then again most of the golf is.

Reflection Bay has about 5 holes right along the lake, and was good golf. I prefered The Falls, where the back 9 rounds through a canyon, and leaves you some of those cray shot where you tee off from a cliffside 200+ feet above the fairway.

[Clears Cleaver]

Vegas golf...I think Rio Secco is a great course. Dragon Ridge as well. If you want and can pony up the money ($500), play
Shadown Creek. It is a unique experience (cloubhouse/locker room/caddie, etc) and one that should be done once in a lifetime at least. The Wynn Course is a fantastic course, as well, but not as good as Shadow, IMO. Bali Hui is on the strip up past the Four seasons and a fun course. I thought it was really easy becasue if you can hit your driver in play, there are a lot of birdie holes (wedges in).

I have never played the Lake Las Vegas course but have only hard good things. Also have played Revere and thought it was so-so. TPC Canyons is OK, as well, but I liked the others better

I am not familiar with the Nike drivers. After testing several drivers, the one that gave me the best spin rate and launch angle was the Hi-Bore XL. Awesome club. I tested out like 10-15 yards longer and almost 2 degrees more accurate than my Titleist.

Edited by Clears Cleaver, 28 January 2007 - 05:59 PM.

[Doug Beerabelli]

How much for the Titleist?

Clears and I played Royal Links, which ain't cheap, but was fun, as was Dragon Ridge.

I played the Paiute Wolf course (Dye design) a couple years ago, which also was nice. About 45 minute drive.

[asimonetti]

g5 is a great driver. the 2 ball is sweet, i drain putts i have no business making with mine.

im looking at purchasing some new irons. has anyone played cleveland?

[Comfortably Lomb]

g5 is a great driver. the 2 ball is sweet, i drain putts i have no business making with mine.

im looking at purchasing some new irons. has anyone played cleveland?

I tend to think of Cleveland irons as middle of the road in every way. At least they used to be a few years ago. Not too long, not too short, somewhat forgiving, and reasonably workable. Maybe they've changed. You would think that as good as that company is at making wedges they could churn out some better irons. I tend to view Cleveland as a company you go to for wedges and fairway woods. I guess if you get them for a good price then they're totally worth picking up - try them out first AND GET FITTED. That's my impression at least, it's obviously subjective.

[Clears Cleaver]

You can have it, Beer. Maybe for a round at the Farms? Also, the N-man and I are working on the annual golf trip today. We'll have a list of potential up in a few days. Maybe Pinehurst? Bandon? Any thoughts?

I forgot about Royal Links...it was fun, not that hard, plenty of money for what it is.

[Doug Beerabelli]

You can have it, Beer. Maybe for a round at the Farms? Also, the N-man and I are working on the annual golf trip today. We'll have a list of potential up in a few days. Maybe Pinehurst? Bandon? Any thoughts?

I forgot about Royal Links...it was fun, not that hard, plenty of money for what it is.

The "where" is not so much an issue (except maybe Bandon from a cost stanpoint), but the "when" is most important.

Looks like the lady is going to Europe in June, so must plan around that.

[asimonetti]

I tend to think of Cleveland irons as middle of the road in every way. At least they used to be a few years ago. Not too long, not too short, somewhat forgiving, and reasonably workable. Maybe they've changed. You would think that as good as that company is at making wedges they could churn out some better irons. I tend to view Cleveland as a company you go to for wedges and fairway woods. I guess if you get them for a good price then they're totally worth picking up - try them out first AND GET FITTED. That's my impression at least, it's obviously subjective.

don't worry, i've been fit before...was also shocked when i found out my swing speed is as fast. interesting thought on clevelands...i think i will keep looking a bit more.

[Clears Cleaver]

So does that mean you cannot do it in June? NMan and I decided optimally we go to 1) Pebble/Spyglass/etc; 2) Bandon; 3) Pinehurst; 4) Scotland/Ireland

I cannot do august as our nanny is gone that month. July is earnings season, so NMan and I are out, June you have an issue, leaving us May or September/October. Bandon si best in October. Pinehurst in May. Not sure about Pebble. Will start looking

[Doug Beerabelli]

June is not necessarily out once I get her travel dates, but that may take awhile. Trying to avoid the 27th of June (the little guy's second bday). I was at the Sox/Met's game for his first birthday, so somewhat a senstive subject.

August and July is bad for me, too.

May is OK after Mothers Day weekend. September/October would be OK, too, except for Labor Day weekend.

Location wise, I'd probably prefer to stay Stateside. I can't be gone too long (maybe 4 nights). Again, don't necessarily plan all around my schedule.

As for locations, I like the choices. Others to consider would be Williamsburg, VA (probably good in October), or Michigan (I forget where, those courses nearby where they play that par three tourney with Phil Mickleson). AZ would be OK, too, although you've done that before.

[Eagle3]

don't worry, i've been fit before...was also shocked when i found out my swing speed is as fast. interesting thought on clevelands...i think i will keep looking a bit more.

I'd recommend you try Mizuno MP60's if your handicap is 10 or lower.

[Deathofthebambino]

I'm also in the market for a new Driver. Been hitting the Calloway Bertha for a number of years, but the head is obsolete at this point, and I'm losing about 20 yards due to the 12 degrees I had on it.

I demo'ed the Taylor Made R7 last year at Pine Hills and hit 12 fairways about 280-290 (I'm a 15 handicap now, but was once a 9) and I can probably grab one for about $250. Anyone have any thoughts?

[JGeo]

I tend to think of Cleveland irons as middle of the road in every way. At least they used to be a few years ago. Not too long, not too short, somewhat forgiving, and reasonably workable. Maybe they've changed. You would think that as good as that company is at making wedges they could churn out some better irons. I tend to view Cleveland as a company you go to for wedges and fairway woods. I guess if you get them for a good price then they're totally worth picking up - try them out first AND GET FITTED. That's my impression at least, it's obviously subjective.

I actually really like Cleveland's irons in general. I was playing with a set of TA7 Tour's for the past year or so until I got new irons last month. I have hit both the CG1's and CG2 irons and would definitely reccommend both of them.

Also, a company that I just want to throw out there that makes amazing products is KZG http://www.kzgolf.com/default.aspx. They are a composite company, which means that they dont sell stock sets in pro shops or Golfer's Warehouse-type stores, but every order has to be ordered through the company or a local dealer/fitter (similar to Henry-Griffiths). It's tough to find a KZG fitter, but if you run into someone who does sell KZG's I would definitely talk to them. I got my irons at the golf dome in West Warwick RI (im not sure of the exact name of the place) and the guy was great. I have a set of these: http://www.kzgolf.co...s_ZOBlades.aspx in the bag right now, and would absolutely reccommend them to anyone who thinks they can hit them, they are amazing. The Evolution irons and the GF driver are also great clubs.

[ibrewbeer]

dont hate me, i played sunday in Maryland/Delaware. it was a warm 42 degrees out.

My receipt from the pro shop showed 1103 i paid....i sat in my car after the round at 119pm.

a TWO hour round...by myself in a cart, no one in front of me. Shot a respectable 93, although my irons are pissing me off..

[Dave Stapleton]

So ... anyone up for a SOSH open? Would seem to be a natural given the number of golfers in the MA area.

[Zomp]

So ... anyone up for a SOSH open? Would seem to be a natural given the number of golfers in the MA area.

Anywhere in RI/MA/CT and I am there.

[Deathofthebambino]

So ... anyone up for a SOSH open? Would seem to be a natural given the number of golfers in the MA area.

We talk about it every year, yet we're a pretty unmotivated group. I'm in no matter where...

[Doug Beerabelli]

I had the idea of doing a SoSH open tournament somewhere outside Boston on SoSH bash day. Charity tourney, raise funds for the Jimmy Fund. Not to take away from the Fris Bash.

You really could do it any day, and tie in charity. Might get you on one of the nicer courses. At least once until someone throws up on Judge Smails' golf shoes.

[doldmoose34]

again, do I have to answer this

i'm IN

[Number45forever]

It'd be a little bit of a hike for me from Vermont, but I'd probably be in too. And, if we can work charity into this thing I'll definitely come.

Played Latrobe (Arnie's place) last weekend on one of those indoor simulators. I shot a 93 with eleven pars, two nines, and a ten on my card. I got screwed three seperate times because I didn't realize that I was under a tree off the fairway. Overall, for my first time touching a club since October, it went pretty well. The course is tricky, lots of doglegs and elevation change, which is difficult to handle when hitting into a screen. Anyone else ever get to play on one of this simulators?

[Dave Stapleton]

Weekends are tough gets for Tournaments but courses like the Pinehills will allow advanced weekend teetimes for anytime during the season for an extra fee (Pinehills is $20 per person). I’d prefer the money go to charity but there are options to make sure we don’t get shut out of a good date.

There is such a glut of good courses these days we should be able to work something out.

[SouthernBoSox]

I'd recommend you try Mizuno MP60's if your handicap is 10 or lower.

Winner, best irons a guy can buy. I will never use a different brand of irons.

[SouthernBoSox]

don't worry, i've been fit before...was also shocked when i found out my swing speed is as fast. interesting thought on clevelands...i think i will keep looking a bit more.

I'm curious.... what was your speed?

[Dave Stapleton]

Anyone have info on some of the better "semi-private courses in MA". I'm thinking about biting the bullet this year and ponying up a couple grand for a membership at a course (obviously not full private). This allows you to get a handicap, participate in tournaments, preferred tee times, etc.

Just wanted to get peoples thoughts on this from those who've done it or known others to.

[Deathofthebambino]

Anyone have info on some of the better "semi-private courses in MA". I'm thinking about biting the bullet this year and ponying up a couple grand for a membership at a course (obviously not full private). This allows you to get a handicap, participate in tournaments, preferred tee times, etc.

Just wanted to get peoples thoughts on this from those who've done it or known others to.

I've belong to Sandy Burr's "Inner Circle" for a number of years now. It's less than $200 for the year, and that gets you a handicap, into all the tournaments and guaranteed morning tee times on every Saturday and Sunday from April to November.

There are about 250 "members" and it's really a good time. Most guys drink on the course, which is an old Donald Ross design, but can be really wet during a particularly bad spring. It's not tough, only about 6300 from the tips.

Every Saturday and every Sunday is a different tournament. Stroke play, match play, blind draw 2-man and 4-man, pick your partner, member-guests, charity events, club championship and on and on and on. Everything is handicap weighted so it's fair, and the guys have a lot of side matches and skins games that can be fun. A good group, a lot of beers after the round, etc.

The only problem I find is that you really have to commit. You have to sign up for the following week by noon on Sunday the previous weekend, and that got tough for me because I have no idea what I'll be doing a week in advance.

All in all, I would definitely give it a thumbs up, and I know they are looking for new Members this year. I think the annual meeting (which new members have to attend) is occurring in few weeks, so you'll need to sign up soon.

Also, in order to sign up, you have to at least pony up for 5 rounds up front. They give you a discount, and a punch card (5,10,20 rounds). I believe greens fees there are $50, so if you buy a 10 round card, you pay $450 and save $50. A 20 round card saves you $100.

PM me if you want more info.

Course is in Wayland, here is the website: http://www.sandyburr.com/

[Dave Stapleton]

I've belong to Sandy Burr's "Inner Circle" for a number of years now. It's less than $200 for the year, and that gets you a handicap, into all the tournaments and guaranteed morning tee times on every Saturday and Sunday from April to November.

There are about 250 "members" and it's really a good time. Most guys drink on the course, which is an old Donald Ross design, but can be really wet during a particularly bad spring. It's not tough, only about 6300 from the tips.

Every Saturday and every Sunday is a different tournament. Stroke play, match play, blind draw 2-man and 4-man, pick your partner, member-guests, charity events, club championship and on and on and on. Everything is handicap weighted so it's fair, and the guys have a lot of side matches and skins games that can be fun. A good group, a lot of beers after the round, etc.

The only problem I find is that you really have to commit. You have to sign up for the following week by noon on Sunday the previous weekend, and that got tough for me because I have no idea what I'll be doing a week in advance.

All in all, I would definitely give it a thumbs up, and I know they are looking for new Members this year. I think the annual meeting (which new members have to attend) is occurring in few weeks, so you'll need to sign up soon.

Also, in order to sign up, you have to at least pony up for 5 rounds up front. They give you a discount, and a punch card (5,10,20 rounds). I believe greens fees there are $50, so if you buy a 10 round card, you pay $450 and save $50. A 20 round card saves you $100.

PM me if you want more info.

Course is in Wayland, here is the website: http://www.sandyburr.com/

Sent you a PM ....

I think this is exactly what I am looking for. Do you know who I'd contact to get the ball rolling?

[Deathofthebambino]

Just got your PM, (we don't get anymore alerts telling us we have one?), and responded. Let me know if you need anything else.

[Clears Cleaver]

Phil is in the lead at Pebble, but Saturday is always Bill Murray day at the pro-am. I enjoy watching this. I expect a lot of Tom Brady today, as well.

Anyone here ever play Pinehurst? Beerabelli and I and a two others are going down in June. Besides the golf, anything else worth doing down there?

[SaveBooFerriss]

Anyone here ever play Pinehurst? Beerabelli and I and a two others are going down in June. Besides the golf, anything else worth doing down there?

My sister lives in Pinehurst village. Just a stone's throw from the main club.

I've played Pinehurst No. 1 and No. 8. I've never played No. 2. There are a lot of other courses in the Southern Pines area and I've played a few of them. I am going down there the end of April for my neice's first communion. I'll probably play at least one round, but not sure if it will be a Pinehurst course.

As for other things to do, it's mostly golf, but there are some decent restuarants. If you want more information, I can talk to my sister and give you recommendations. PM me if you want.

[Clears Cleaver]

thanks Skins, will do

Is anyone wathcing thsi Michael Jordan celebrity golf tourney? They jsut did a swing vision analysis of charles Barkley's swing. I woke up my entire family becasue I was laughing so hard. His practice swing, wihile not good, is relatively smooth and consistent. When the ball is there, his swing becomes a total disaster, he actually stops midway through the DOWNSWING while his body continues to lean forwward...honestly, I can't describe it. It might be the worst swing I've ever seen

[Plantiers Wart]

Clears - Pinehurst is great. More fine courses than you can play in a week, and it's like stepping back into the 1930's. Eat at trhe Squire's Pub, and make sure you hit the Pine Crest Inn - Used to be owned by Donald Ross, and after cocktailing you can hit chip shots in the Lounge into a basket.

[Clears Cleaver]

Awesome, thanks PW. Beerabelli and I will definitely hit the Pub and the Inn

Here is a clip of Barkley's swing from a year ago or so. It is actually worse now if you can believe it

[BU1995Hockey]

I'd like to have a SoSH golf outing on the Cape. My house is a mile from Cranberry Valley GC, golfers could crash at my place no problem/kegs-and-eggs/BBQ. Any Chatham, Dennis, and Orleans courses are fair game obviously. I'm thinking late April-May: would anybody be interested in this?

Edit: I also like playing Captain's.. any suggestions?

Edited by BU1995Hockey, 16 February 2007 - 11:09 PM.

[doldmoose34]

I'd be up for BU's idea,

sure sign that summer is comming, next sat is the annual Building 19 golf sale, since our flight for Vegas is at 745am this is the 1st time in years that I'm not one of the ree-rees waiting to get in. Last year I got there at 6 and was #35 in line. You can get some serious stuff cheap there in the past couple years I've bought a Ping Hoofer lite, $45, Odssey Tri Hot Mallet putter $50, Callaway X14 56degree lob wedge for $39, 3 dz Callaway HX Red balls at $11.99 a dz, and more clothing from the Nantucket Golf club then Jack Welch and Bill Gates probaly have in their closets, I think the most expensive NGC item was a Greg Norman windshirt for like $35. If you are in the area don't miss it

heres the link golf event

[Comfortably Lomb]

doldmoose, I got my Taylor Made 320 driver at Building #19 for $70 a few years ago when they were still selling for $200+ in some stores. It had a nick in the paint in the heel and no head cover but it's still one of the best value purchases that I've ever made.

[ThreeIfBaerga]

I didn't realize there were so many golfers 'round here. I am a novice and, while I've never broken 100, I'd definitely be interested in a SOSH Open.

Last year was the first time I ever went out and played all the time. Got about 25 rounds in. I am definitely doing the same this year but I'd really like to take a lesson or three. Does anyone have a good recommendation in the Boston area?

I'd also like to throw in there that the Nike hybrid clubs have made me look way better than I really am. If any high handicappers are kicking around the idea of picking one of them up, I can't recommend them enough.

[Dave Stapleton]

I didn't realize there were so many golfers 'round here. I am a novice and, while I've never broken 100, I'd definitely be interested in a SOSH Open.

Last year was the first time I ever went out and played all the time. Got about 25 rounds in. I am definitely doing the same this year but I'd really like to take a lesson or three. Does anyone have a good recommendation in the Boston area?

I'd also like to throw in there that the Nike hybrid clubs have made me look way better than I really am. If any high handicappers are kicking around the idea of picking one of them up, I can't recommend them enough.

If I get around do it I'll add post a new topic in the SOSH Bash Section for a Boston area SOSH Golf Bash. It might get the attention of those who don't check out this thread.

Days like today and yesterday make me think Spring and golf are not far off.

Edited by Dave Stapleton, 21 February 2007 - 09:48 AM.

[Doug Beerabelli]

Don't jinx it. I'll take another snowstorm or two if it's all melted and warm by the third week of March.

I'll be heading to SW FL first week of March. Will catch the 3/5 Dodger game, but will golf 3/6. I have no idea where, and I'll be renting clubs. The details have been left to my dad to make arrangements for all of this.

Haven't swunged a club since mid November, but I did finish the year sinking a 4 foot sidehiller for birdie on the pesky 9th at the Farms Country Club. Other than one 84 (the annual Day It All Came Together for One Round), it was otherwise a pretty bad year (b/n 90 and 100, sometimes worse). Due to young kids/ornery wife issues, I've resigned myself to not worrying about practicing, just go out and try to enjoy the golf for the forseeable future.

[RedOctober3829]

Nick O'Hearn 3-up on Tiger thru 9

[Foxy42]

Nobody watching TGC right now? O'Hearn goes up 1 on the 17th...Tiger bombs a drive on the par 4 18th, leading to a birdie and a playoff hole...On the 19th, Tiger goes driver, 3 to end up just off the green (par 5)...great performance on these last 2 holes...

[Clears Cleaver]

until he missed the trhee footer to put O'Hern away! Holy shit, that was the first time I've seen Tiger miss a putt like that to put someone away

And on the next hole, after O'Hern hit hsi approach in the bunker, Tiger pulls his approach adn misses the pin by close to 20 yards. If he loses, you could argue this was a massive choke, even though Tiger came back from four down on the front

Edited by Clears Cleaver, 23 February 2007 - 06:25 PM.

[Deathofthebambino]

Update, please?

[RedOctober3829]

O'Hearn takes down Tiger in 20 holes.

[Guapos Toenails]

I'm in for a SoSH golf event...

[mabrowndog]

I'd be up for this. I'll even bring my African safari hat with mosquito netting so I can track and hunt down all the balls I'll be slicing & hooking into the deepest, darkest woods.

As for venues, I don't know geographically where everyone would be coming from, but there are some great courses in Central/Western MA and NW CT/Northern RI that are pretty cheap. They're in rural areas so I'd expect them to be less crowded than spots inside I-495, and they'd be within an hour's drive for the CT contingent.

Some suggestions (with daily/weekend 18-hole greens fees):

Bedrock GC - Rutland MA ($30 / $40)
Hemlock Ridge - Fiskdale MA ($20 / $22, 9-hole layout)
Putnam CC - Putnam CT ($26 / $35 ... Weekend rate drops to $30 after 1, $25 after 3, $20 after 5)
Woodstock GC - Woodstock CT ($20 / $25)
Country View GC - Harrisville RI ($29 / $32)
Westover GC - Granby/Chicopee MA ($14 / $19)

I'm partial to Westover, partly because I've played it a ton (it's near my hometown of Wilbraham) but mainly because it's a great layout, dirt cheap, and kept in spectacular shape. It's been nearly a decade since I last played there, though. The fees for it are what Golf Digest.com shows, so I have no idea if they're accurate. Last time I played the twilight fees were $7 on weekdays and $11 on weekends. Of the above suggestions, it's the longest drive from metro Boston (and for me from the Cape...)

I see no need to hold an outing at a first-class joint like Judge Smails' Bushwood, but here's an option if the masses decree quality over cost:

Blackstone National GC - Sutton MA ($70 / $90)

And if we ever want a venue that's accessible for the NYC/NJ contingent, I'll give two thumbs up to Lyman Orchards in Middlefield CT. This would be an awesome spot for a fall outing in September/October. The Jones course is a blast.