261 replies to this topic

[Freddy Linn]

To bide our time until the truck leaves...my favorite section of Golf Digest is "In the Bag". I am always curious what others are using. Playing for 25+ years (started young when it was really, really uncool), single digit for last 15. Looking to avoid the mega-thread, hope this has legs...


Driver: Titleist 975L-FE 9.5 degrees stock graphite shaft
3W: Titleist 980F 15 degrees steel stiff
2H: Hogan CFT 19 degrees steel stiff

Irons (4-PW): TaylorMade RAC LT stiff
Gap: TaylorMade Tour Wedge 50 degrees
SW: Cleveland 588 53 degrees
LW: Cleveland 588 60 degrees

Putter: Wilson 8802
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x


For context:
Driver - 255-275, max 295
4 iron - 195
7 iron - 155
PW - 120


Anyone else?

[Number45forever]

Now this is a thread I can get behind. Ended last year as a 5.9 handicap, have been as low as 3.5. Home course has been lengthened by 200 yards, and had nine new green complexes built in the last 3 years, they are now a lot tougher, but our course rating hasn't been updated. Everyone's HC is going up a little. Still, if I practiced my short game some more it wouldn't be such an issue.

Driver: Callaway FT3 Nuetral, 10 degrees, Stiff Grafalloy Blue (not pro launch, mine's a little more tip-stiff)
3W: Callaway Steelhead, stock stiff RCH shaft (old, useful, but time for an upgrade, love the Nike Sasquatch 2 3W)
2H: Callaway Fusion 19 degrees, steel shaft (hit it too low, will maybe look at trade in this year)

Irons (3-PW): Titleist DCI Oversize+ Black. I think these are 10 years old now. Still work though.
SW: Cleveland 588 Berrylium Copper 56 degrees
LW: Cleveland 588 Gunmetal 60 degrees

Putter: Heavy Putter Mallet
Ball: Titleist Pro V1 or Callaway HX Tour


For context:
Driver - 240-260, 280 max
4 iron - 190
7 iron - 155-160
PW - 125

I hit my shorter irons a long way, I'm too steep on them and really hit down and de-loft. I can hit PW 130 with no trouble, but then take 6 iron from 165.

This year I think I'll get a new 3 wood, and probably trade in my hybrid for something to hit it a little higher. Maybe get a 3 hybrid and dump my 3 iron. Also could use new wedges, been playing mine since 99 or so, and the grooves must be shot. I still spin it enough for my course though. I like them, I'll probably try to get 588s still.

Want to do something to improve your equipment? Get new grips. Every two years, at least. Trust me on this.

I love talking golf equipment, this could be agood thread.

[Doug Beerabelli]

18 HCP, play just enough to maintain mediocrity.

Dr. - Taylor Made Burner 10.5, the reg flex fujikora shaft. Me likey. Replaced a first generation Great Big Bertha.
3 Wood - Tight Lies 13 degree, stiff graphite, first generation.
Hy. - a cheap Walter Hagen 18 degree w/graphite reg. flex. Got it new for $60, but it seems to do the trick.

Irons - 3-PW Taylor Made Oversize Burner Bubbles - bought off ebay for $150. I had been using a set of Sounders from 1988, then got new Armour 855s which I never really liked, then borrowed a set of the Taylor Made's, like them, and bought a cheap set.

SW(56), LW (60) - Armour 855s from the previosly mention set

Putter - Odyssey Two Ball
Ball - whatever I get for XMAS, but lately it's been Pro V1s. Otherwise, So-Los. It's a mood thing. If I'm thinking I'm in a sucky mood, a play a lesser quality ball to punish myself and attempt some reverse psychology on my game.

Next project is replacing the irons with a new set I actually like, as the grooves are a bit worn, and I'm sure the modern stuff would improve the results based upon a mere switch to them. Not sure if it'll be this year or not, but I'm probably going to play less golf this year than in past years, so perhaps I'll start looking late in the year to get a deal on some end of year models.

[RedOctober3829]

20 handicap...haven't played much in the last 2 years because of switching jobs/not enough time.

Woods: Taylor Made Burner Bubbles(1,3,5)
Irons: 3-PW Callaway Oversize---they are about 5 years old. Time for a new set. Any ideas?
60 degree wedge: Titleist
Putter: Odyssey Mallet
Balls: Maxfli or Slazenger

[BU1995Hockey]

4 handicap...starts in April as a 6 finishes in Sept as a 2

Woods: Taylor Made R7 9.5, graphite 3-W forgot the name but its my 235-245 club
Irons: 1968 Wilson X-31 blades, Wilson Professional 2-iron "Julius Boros" make
60 degree wedge: Cleveland
Putter: Odyssey 2-ball
Balls: Pro V1, I like the Calloway HX Black and Nike Gold too

Edit: the past 3 summers I've been shooting scratch by August because I'm on the course a lot more, still could use a lot of improvement in shaping shots

Edited by BU1995Hockey, 31 January 2008 - 01:19 PM.

[Sea Bass Neely]

Played my whole life and while I've always scored decent, in the past year I've really started to take the time to break down my swing and understand the mechanics of the game. As a result, I hope to jump into the single digits this year, but am currently a 12/13. I'm definitely not into equipment as much as some people, but I know what I like.

Dr.: Cleveland Hibore xl 9.5 with regular flex
3W: Callaway Steelhead III- Never hit this club and not sure why I keep it in my bag, actually a hand me down from my dad who didn't like it either.
Irons: Adams idea tech OS- Bought right before last season, definitely an old man's set but when I was hitting potential sets I loved these and they work for me.
Wedges: 50 degree Cleveland CG12- gift from a much better player late in the season, I've maybe played 5 rounds with it.
56 and 60 degree Bridgestone West Coast Wedges- by far my favorite clubs.
Putter: Odyssey white hot #7 that I screw around with lead tape throughout the year.
Balls: Bridgestone tour B330 or e6 depending on how I'm playing and how much money I'm spending.

One benefit to being out of school and actually having a job is I have money to blow on golf now. That might be the only benefit to graduating I have found so far.

[RedSoxTarheel38]

While we're talking about golf clubs, I'm looking at getting back into the game, but I need a new set of irons. I'm looking at Adams' a2 OS hybrid irons. Does anyone else have any experience with hybrids?

[Sea Bass Neely]

I have a hybrid set of adams that I mention in the post above you. They work for me and I really like them, but they aren't for everyone. I hit probably 10 different sets before I bought them and they simply felt the best/created the best contact. The hardest thing for me adjusting to them was the 5 and 6 sorta pseudo hybrids, especially if I had to hit one off the tee at first. I'm 99% sure that was just a mental thing for me though, haven't heard anyone else with the problem.

I would suggest demoing lots of different clubs before you buy anything, but personally I really enjoy my set and think Adams makes really solid, advanced clubs.

Edited by Sea Bass Neely, 31 January 2008 - 04:58 PM.

[Freddy Linn]

Red - go with any set of non-oversized Callaways (pro series if you don't like offset). I played with the X-12s forever. They are fairly inexpensive and feel like butter. If you are used to the oversized they will look like butter knives.

I would also echo 45's comments about regripping. It is easy and fun to do yourself (and much less expensive), and depending on where you handicap is, it can take up to five shots off your game. No joke. I do it every year.

[BU1995Hockey]

I would also echo 45's comments about regripping. It is easy and fun to do yourself (and much less expensive), and depending on where you handicap is, it can take up to five shots off your game. No joke. I do it every year.

I really have to learn this and how to do a good job. What type of grips do you like to use?

[wasavendor]

Driver: Adams Tight Lies 9 degrees, went low because I have a high ball flight
3W : Big Bertha War Bird, extra stiff graphite shaft
Irons : Maxfli Revolution midsize
SW : Dunlop Classic 56 degree
LW : Have a 64 degree novelty club just for shits and giggles. The ball almost goes straight up in the air. It's really hard to hit, but it is fun when you are short sided and have a bunker between you and the hole. I don't use it much.
Putter : Nike Fusion Ignite with a short 33" shaft. I am more comfortable gripping a putter right at the end of the grip. Helps me keep the putter more on line.

Really started playing better a couple of years ago when I stopped thinking "birdie" on every tee. Started to focus on GIR and watched my scores drop. A simple change in philosophy has enhanced my enjoyment of the game and made me a better player.

[Freddy Linn]

I really have to learn this and how to do a good job. What type of grips do you like to use?

Lamkin Crossline Cord. Grip kits from Golfsmith are the way to go, maybe $50-$75 depending on the grips.

It is really easy. Paint thinner, double sided tape, box cutter and a vice is all you need. The cost of labor to do this is out of control.

[Number45forever]

I would love to learn how to re-grip clubs myself. One of my friends in high school worked in a local golf shop and did club repairs, I used to pick his brain about the process. Re-gripping sounds easy enough, I may give it a shot this year. I last got new grips before the 06 season, and there are a couple clubs that are starting to show some wear.

I've always used Winn grips. I really like the softer feel, especially with the wedges around the green. Plus, I have soft girly skin, firmer grips, corded grips, etc, tear my hands up by the end of a season. Winn's can suck in the rain though.

[SaveBooFerriss]

First off, I am an awful golfer who plays about 5 times a year. Each year, I tell myself I am going to play more, but it never happens. Here is what is in my bag with year I brought them:

Nike Sasquatch Driver (2007)
Head 3 Wood (1995) (I really need a new 3 & 5 Wood)
Big Bertha 5 Wood (1998)
Big Bertha 4 Hybrid (2007) (I'll probably buy another hybrid)
Calloway x-18 irons (5-P) (2007)
Taylor Made Sand Wedge (1998)
Tommy Armour Lob Wedge (2002)
Ping Putter (1997)

[Lupe Whalewatch]

9 Handicap, Looking for a new Driver...any and all suggestions welcome.

Driver: Titleist 983E 9.5 degrees, stiff shaft
3 Wood: Titleist 980T
Rescue: Taylor Made TP 19 degrees

Irons: Titleist Forged 690CB 4-PW ( 2 and 3 iron in closet) Not as forgiving as other irons out there, but you put a good swing on on it and you can do what you want with the ball...really great irons. Long too.
Gap: Titleist 54 degree Vokey Oil can
SW: The Original Wilson R-90- Maybe the finest golf club ever made.
Putter: Old school Odyssey traditional mallet putter. Has been in the bag forever, and will remain there.
Ball: Titleist Pro V1

I agree on changing the grips once a season, and they are fairly easy to do. It's even easier to give them to your local club professional and let him deal with the mess...pick them up the next day. Well worth the $3 or $4/club they charge.

[RedSoxTarheel38]

I have a hybrid set of adams that I mention in the post above you. They work for me and I really like them, but they aren't for everyone. I hit probably 10 different sets before I bought them and they simply felt the best/created the best contact. The hardest thing for me adjusting to them was the 5 and 6 sorta pseudo hybrids, especially if I had to hit one off the tee at first. I'm 99% sure that was just a mental thing for me though, haven't heard anyone else with the problem.

I would suggest demoing lots of different clubs before you buy anything, but personally I really enjoy my set and think Adams makes really solid, advanced clubs.

Thanks for the comments. I've heard some good things about hybrids but also some bad. I plan on demoing a few sets to see if I like them.

[Over Guapo Grande]

Got down to a 10.6 this year after being a 15-20 last few years.

Driver - Nike Sasquatch- 9*
3Wd- Custom fit old (as in... 10+ yrs) oversized Cobra. 15*
Hybrid- Ping G5. 19*


Irons = Hogan Apex Edge. 4-E (E = 46*)
Gap Wedge = Something I pulled from Dad's garage and re-gripped.. needed a 50* wedge, and the price was right
Sand Wedge= Something I found on Ebay. 54*
Lob Wedge = Another Garage Special. Old Spalding (my Dad used to work there... I grew up playing Tour Edition blades..oww). 58*


Putter - Ping Karsten seriew
Ball - Fan of NXT Tour. But thinking of giving the Volvik Crystal 70 compression a shot this year

[SaladParmesan]

Love the thread. I've been playing for 2 seasons, shoot around 95-100...

D- TaylorMade R5 Draw, 9.5 deg. Still learning how to hit consistent shots with it.
3W- Old Callaway Heavenwood
5W- Old Cobra Baffler (I don't end up using either fairway wood all that often)

Irons- TaylorMade R540XD- I have heard these are just an overproduction of older rac-series irons that were then relabeled for Sports Authority/Golfsmith. In any case, I really like them- I'm not a good enough golfer to be using players irons, but the thin lines on these are much more appealing then some of the beefy game improvement offerings out there.

GW- Nike SV chrome- 52 deg. Absolutely love this club- it is my go to wedge, just because I can easily alter the type of shot I can hit with it; I even prefer it out of bunkers more than my crappy Spalding SW

Putter- Odyssey Dual Force 2 #5, CS- nice putter, pretty soft touch; picked it up last August after I broke my beloved Golden Bear, which was basically an extension of my hands.

Ball- Nike Ignites- will always play Nike, owing to their high visibility white finish. Really really white.

Hope this thread keeps going, I love to read about equipment.

[Duende Roomer]

Been playing for 15-20 years. I play about 4 times a week. Handicap is probably 14-15 but I don't keep track all that much.

D-Trident 460 10.3 deg. Regular flex shaft. Probably the next club to be replaced.
3W - Taylor Made 580 13 deg. Some kind of super-duper stiff shaft. Bought off Ebay.
17 Deg Mizuno Fli-Hi Clk. Stiff shaft. I really liked this when I bought it but then suddenly couldn't get it off the ground anymore. Off the tee it was fine. SSometimes I replace it with a Mizuno 18 degree Fli-Hi.
21 Degree Mizuno Fli-Hi.

4-PW Mizuno MX900 - I bought these to replace my old set of Mizuno MX20's after having used and liked the Fli-Hi hybrids for a couple of years. The 4-6 and basically hybrids. I like 'em.

Sand Wedge - 56 degree, steel shafted DCI knockoff left over from the last set of clubs I built about 8 years ago. My "beat it off the rocks" cliub.
60 Degree Mizuno MP wedge.

Putter - Carbite Brass Balls blade.

Ball - Whatever high quality balls I happen to find, though I lean to Pro V1s and have bought mint conditon used ones off EBay.

A ball retriever. A 15-footer. I am a cheap bastard.

The bag itself is a Sun Mountain Lightning ES. I've had the bag a few years and have beaten the crap out of it. SM has twice come through with replacement parts for free.

Those are the clubs in my bag. Now let's talk about the clubs in my trunk:

D - Trident 530cc Big Red - no longer legal, I miss it.
3W - Callaway Hawkeye - payed a hundred bucks for it and it hooks like a bastard.
3W,5W - Lynx Parallax - steel shafted old-timers.
7W - a Callaway knockoff from Trident.
The aforementioned set of MX20 irons (3-PW).
An Alien wedge (got it as a gift, never used it).
The E-Club Type II Jigger. (Got it for $5 on Ebay. Google it!).
A Budweiser souvenir putter (won in a raffle, still in the original plastic).
There might be a Jack Nicklaus 2-iron in there too.

A couple hundred, now loose, golf balls of every make in every condition. Some are now in my wheel wells or spare tire area, rattling around every time I turn or change speed.
Not to mention the bags of tees I've scrounged. I will never buy a tee. Ever.

I just regripped everyhing in the bag with Golf Pride Tour Velvets. Saves money but it's a real pain in the ass to get grip tape off graphite shafts.

[BU1995Hockey]

I'm looking at a new set of blades for Spring. Any suggestions with Mizuno, Titlest, Cleveland?

Fake edit: Theres a bunch of mid/high-handicappers posting and I figured to drop 1 tip to make your tee-to-green game a lot more enjoyable. Work on making the fastest part of your swing at impact. A lot of golfers will expend that energy at the top of the backswing, try to make a consious effort to build speed up to impact. It will feel great once you master this if you haven't already

[Alcohol&Overcalls]

I'm about a 12-handicap - played since I was about 9, so 17ish years - at my best, I've played to a 5-7, but I don't get out nearly enough to keep that (especially with the short game)

Driver: Titleist 975J-VS 8.5' with the 4565 shaft (X)
FW: Calloway Warbird 4-wood (steel Rifle shaft)
3-PW: Hogan Edge drop-forged
Gap: Nike GW Forged 53' (unchromed)
Sand: Edge 56' (wide-bounce)
Lob: Vokey 260.06 60'
Putter: Scotty Cameron Newport Mid half-slant

I love my sticks, but will likely drop the 3I for a hybrid, as soon as I find one I really like - most of the ones I've hit really don't seem to give me much more out of crappy lie situations than the iron, which may be a mental/visual thing most of all. Golf is weird like that.

[jthursto]

I'm looking at a new set of blades for Spring. Any suggestions with Mizuno, Titlest, Cleveland?

Fake edit: Theres a bunch of mid/high-handicappers posting and I figured to drop 1 tip to make your tee-to-green game a lot more enjoyable. Work on making the fastest part of your swing at impact. A lot of golfers will expend that energy at the top of the backswing, try to make a consious effort to build speed up to impact. It will feel great once you master this if you haven't already

Another tip to make tee to green more fun; don't play from the back tee's. Be man enough to admit you're not Jack Nicklaus and pick a more manageable tee box.

Driver and Woods: Cleveland VAS
Irons: 845s
Wedge: Cleveland 588 RTG
Putter: Ping Anser

All my stuff is a little dated but I don't play as much as I used to anyway. Besides, it still works just fine.

[Freddy Linn]

I'm looking at a new set of blades for Spring. Any suggestions with Mizuno, Titlest, Cleveland?

Fake edit: Theres a bunch of mid/high-handicappers posting and I figured to drop 1 tip to make your tee-to-green game a lot more enjoyable. Work on making the fastest part of your swing at impact. A lot of golfers will expend that energy at the top of the backswing, try to make a consious effort to build speed up to impact. It will feel great once you master this if you haven't already

I am partial to any blades from Mizuno - I have a set of MP-14s that are like butter if you are playing alot. And they look really cool in the bag. A nice compromise is the Nike Pro Combo irons. The short irons are phenomenal - really long and easy to work. You can nuke the long irons too.


Fake edit: To continue the theme of the last few posts:

be ready to hit,
don't try to kill everything (tempo),
strengthen your grip,
know your yardages,
being short of every green is generally the best spot to miss,
focus on distance in putting (direction is relatively meaningless - you will 2-putt everything with distance control),
hitting 3W off tees is a good thing,
learn how to lay up,
and don't try to flop everything.

Edited by Freddy Linn, 09 February 2008 - 12:18 PM.

[redsox13]

Taylormade R580XD with Graphite Deisgn Purple Ice Extra stiff shaft
Wedge: Taylormade R7 Lob 59*

Just added a new set of irons this afternoon, so I', going to try and sell my "old" ones which have seen about 25 rounds. The big purchase this afternoon was the Callaway X-18 3-PW. I am officially fucked financially as a result, but they are a great addition

[Freddy Linn]

Taylormade R580XD with Graphite Deisgn Purple Ice Extra stiff shaft
Wedge: Taylormade R7 Lob 59*

Just added a new set of irons this afternoon, so I', going to try and sell my "old" ones which have seen about 25 rounds. The big purchase this afternoon was the Callaway X-18 3-PW. I am officially fucked financially as a result, but they are a great addition

Fuck the financials, you are going to have a helluva good time with those irons. They are the definition of game-improvement.


As an aside, looking for a new putter. Any suggestions? I hear good things about the new Odyssey Black Series.

[redsox13]

I've heard that the Odyssey 2 ball is the way to go, but that is just from talking to other gear heads

[redsox13]

Funny thing about the Callaways that I bought yesterday was that they were the second set of irons I brought home. Originally I bought a set of Cleveland CG4 irons, but got home and started freaking out that I just didn't spend the extra money and get the Callaways, which are retailing for about $800 - $900 in Canada right now. My girlfriend and I had agreed to both save our money for a new living room set, and she was surprisingly cool about the fact that I dropped a months rent on a set of irons that I really didn't need. I planned on taking my buddy to a golf expo and picking out a set of irons for him, then convinced myself that $70 is a great deal for a Cleveland Halo Hybrid, then convinced myself that I'd never get such a great deal on the Cleveland irons again, and finally convinced myself that if I am blowing money on shit I really don't need then I might as well to a great job of it

[doldmoose34]

as I look from where i sit at the Mac thru the door I can see what looks like Edwin Watts' back room, I tend to rotate alot but here goes:


Handicap 19.1(at a beast of a corse) play alot, but wicked inconsistant

DRIVER; Cobra Cavity back Ti 9.5

3 Wood: Sonartec SS2.5 (great club, from little known maker, lots of pros carry them)

5 Wood: Adams Tight Lies, original

7 Wood: Callaway Steelhead III

HiBrid: Hippo 24 degree

Irons 3-PW King Cobra Tour II oversize with Hump shaft

SW Titliest Volkey 55 degree

LW Callaway X-14 58 degree

Putter: Odyssey TriHot Malet

now in the rotation, depending on how they are behaving, I will rotate the driver with a Callaway Steelhead 12 Degree, putter with a Ping Y blade (1970s edition) and SW with a ProDyn sw.


yeah, there are also 4 paris of golf shoes, a dz Callaway HX red balls and about a 8 or 9 Callaway pro series gloves, (a bud used to work for Callaway, when he got out of the business, he gave me a 'lifetime supply' of gloves,) I dont go thru that many, maybe 3 or 4 a year

Also a Hogan Tour style leather bag filled with the back up set, 1978 MacGregor MT Tourneys, and my Ping Hoofer that has the clubs above


Told you my basement looked like Eddie Watts backroom

[redsox13]

I'm selling my old clubs to a buddy this afternoon, but I'll feel oddly sad that they are leaving. They are only 2 years old and are the only clubs I've ever played. My new Callaways are a huge upgrade, but still I feel strangely attached to the old set.


Oh, and I am waiting of the arrival of my Taylormade R7 XD lob wedge that should be arriving on Thursday. It it weren't for all the snow, I'd be hitting the range right now. 8 more weeks and that shouldn't be a problem at all

On my feet: Nike SP-6 Tour
Glove: Nike Durafit (I wear through the other gloves I've tried because if a overfirm grip on the club)

Edited by redsox13, 18 February 2008 - 10:35 AM.

[leftfieldlegacy]

My girlfriend and I had agreed to both save our money for a new living room set, and she was surprisingly cool about the fact that I dropped a months rent on a set of irons that I really didn't need.

Girlfriends are very understanding about these things. Wives....not so much.

Count me in with those looking at new irons. Anyone have experience with the Mizuno MP60 vs Mizuno MX25? I only play about 5-10 times per year but I need to get new irons (you guys understand right?)
In my bag:
Irons: Golfsmith tour cavity pros 3-LW w/ reg flex graphite shafts. custom fit (served their purpose well)
Driver: TaylorMade 200 (steel head) w/ TM lite graphite reg flex (love this club)
3W and 5W KZG reg flex (both great from short rough).
Putter: Old Ping Anser 2 or an even older bullseye

My tips- 1. stay away from the stiff shafts unless you are young, strong, flexible AND swing really fast. 2. get your irons custom fit.

[redsox13]

Just gorecieved my Taylormade R7 Rac wedge this afternoon, and I must say that the face is huuuuuge. Very nicely weighted and and not as gaudy as I expected

I'd highly recommend GoldEtail for any purchases you are planning on making in the near future

[Carmine Hose]

Driver: Titleist 905R 9.5 degrees stock graphite shaft - "stiff flex" (had the 983E and won the 905R in a raffle)
3W: Orlimar Trimetal 15 degrees graphite stiff - freebie and does the job when called on, which is rarely

Irons (2-PW): PING ISI-K white dot steel (can't give them up), 1" extended, gold DylaGrip
SW: Cleveland 588 54 degrees
LW: Cleveland 588 60 degrees

Putter: PING Eye 2
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x

Edit - my distances are all over the place, but I'm at least a club over most I play with. I actually won a long drive last year at 365. Now the game's all about refining for consistency.

Edited by Carmine Hose, 21 February 2008 - 03:29 PM.

[PedroSpecialK]

Driver: Titleist 983K, X-Flex Speeder shaft, 7.5 degree.
FW Woods: Cleveland Launchers of a couple years ago, love 'em to death. 15 and 19 degrees.

Irons: 3-P Titleist 735s. Best things I've hit in my life. Stiff flex steel shaft.

Wedges: Assortment of Clevelands. Any Cleveland you give me will do with the wedges - top notch. normal 56 degree, rusted 60 degree.

Putter: The Heavy Putter (Blade - if you can call it that).

Yeah yeah, the Heavy Putter may be a gimmick, but I was able to get my hands on one when it came out and it completely changed my game. I had to play my senior season of high school golf in fall '06 with a broken finger (right pinky - damn rocks under the fairway at our practice course mixed with interlocking grip is not fun), so I switched to the claw for putting. I guess the stars aligned with the HP and the claw. Never putted better.

edit: May as well add the ball. I play nothing but Callaway HX Black Tour 56, except when it's cold - then I switch to Titleist NXT Tours

Edited by PedroSpecialK, 22 February 2008 - 09:40 AM.

[Worst Trade Evah]

What the heck, I'll throw in. Been playing about 4 years, very casually. Love it, but never had much money or time. Or talent, of course. Haven't broken 100 on a real 18 hole golf course yet, but maybe this summer.

I have

Driver: Taylor Made Xd, 13* with a slightly shortened shaft (bought used on EBay)
Wood: A new Cleveland hibore hybrid I just got. By far the most expensive part of my bag, and I'm sure the highest quality. I haven't played with it yet. Don't have any other woods
Irons: Python Snakeeyes some guy made from a golfsmith kit and that I bought used. Some kind of Calloway knock-off I think. Fine for my skill level I'm sure
Sand-wedge: A Harvey Penick kit from golfsmith another friend made for me. I like it -- my favorite club probably
Putter: I don't know, another kit club I bought from some guy. Seems okay, blade style, kind of light, short shaft. I might try something heavier, more mallet-like

Balls: My brother's ex-father in law is a part time golf pro at a little course in Maine. He pulls balls out of the pond there, and my brother had a bag in his garage with some that I took. So, not very nice balls. Do they really matter if you're a scrub? My girlfriend gave me a box of Nikes for a Christmas present, but I'm saving them for a special occasion, like a round at a real course.

When I get more money, I'd love to get a new set of irons someday, but for the amount I play and the quality of my play, what I have is probaby fine. My girlfriend started playing some, and got a set that's one of those graduated ones, where the woods sort of merge into the irons. She seemed to really like it. I guess the money is better spent on a lesson, but that seems less fun somehow.

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 23 February 2008 - 01:32 PM.

[Worst Trade Evah]

I'm getting golf fever. Played a few rounds outside when it was nice, and it was awesome. I'm lusting for new golf gear. Anyone play with the new Nike Sumo2 stuff, or have any opinions about that? What can I buy that will drop my score from 100 to 80? It's all about the gear, right?

Is the Medicus any good, or another stupid gimmick?

Edited by Worst Trade Evah, 27 February 2008 - 12:39 PM.

[leftfieldlegacy]

What can I buy that will drop my score from 100 to 80?

Lessons

[redsox13]

I'm getting golf fever. Played a few rounds outside when it was nice, and it was awesome. I'm lusting for new golf gear. Anyone play with the new Nike Sumo2 stuff, or have any opinions about that? What can I buy that will drop my score from 100 to 80? It's all about the gear, right?

Is the Medicus any good, or another stupid gimmick?

I've never heard great things about Nike Golf gear. Yeah, Tiger plays it but his gear is custom made and obviously better quality than the retail stuff. I'd be more inclined to go with a company like Ping, Callaway, or Mizuno for a custom fitting if you plan on investing a significant amount of money into a new purchase.

[Worst Trade Evah]

Lessons

Boring! I want toys!

[Doug Beerabelli]

Screw it. I'm getting new irons this spring. And I'm actually going to try to do it the right way and get fitted for them.

[BU1995Hockey]

I'm getting golf fever. Played a few rounds outside when it was nice, and it was awesome. I'm lusting for new golf gear. Anyone play with the new Nike Sumo2 stuff, or have any opinions about that? What can I buy that will drop my score from 100 to 80? It's all about the gear, right?

Is the Medicus any good, or another stupid gimmick?

Learn how to putt. My irons are from 1968 thats not a typeo, unless you're a 28 handi and you're hitting butterknives like I do worry about the fundamentals. Where are you located? I can drop 5 strokes off your game in 1 round if you work at it.

[Number45forever]

Hey, 100 shooters, if I put you down 45 yards from the hole, how many shots does it take for you to hole out? If it's more than three on average, there's where you need to get better. My Dad probably averages 4-5 shots in his circumstance, and he shoots 100 on good days. Cutting a half a shot or shot off your score from inside 50 yards on each hole is how you lower your score.

I absolutely love the Sasquatch2 fairway woods by Nike. They feel outstanding in your hand, have some good weight to them, and hit the ball very high and straight. I tried the original Sumo2, and could not get over how bad it sounded. It was like a tin can full of helium. I've heard they have improved the sound in the new version, and the technology behind the square drivers certainly is intriguing. My driver is 3 years old now, I may give square a real look this season.

[BU1995Hockey]

Hey, 100 shooters, if I put you down 45 yards from the hole, how many shots does it take for you to hole out? If it's more than three on average, there's where you need to get better. My Dad probably averages 4-5 shots in his circumstance, and he shoots 100 on good days. Cutting a half a shot or shot off your score from inside 50 yards on each hole is how you lower your score.

I absolutely love the Sasquatch2 fairway woods by Nike. They feel outstanding in your hand, have some good weight to them, and hit the ball very high and straight. I tried the original Sumo2, and could not get over how bad it sounded. It was like a tin can full of helium. I've heard they have improved the sound in the new version, and the technology behind the square drivers certainly is intriguing. My driver is 3 years old now, I may give square a real look this season.

Whats your handicap range? Seems like you're a very good player

[Number45forever]

I've been as low as a 3.5, but ended last year at 5.9. But, my course is easy. If I played at a tougher course I'd probably be a 6-8 handicap who's capable of shooting a few over par on good days, 83 on bad days. Instead, I play an easy course and my 5 handicap is capable of shooting 2-3 under. I've had four 67s and 2 68s on my home course. It's fun.

[ToxicSmed]

Hey, 100 shooters, if I put you down 45 yards from the hole, how many shots does it take for you to hole out? If it's more than three on average, there's where you need to get better. My Dad probably averages 4-5 shots in his circumstance, and he shoots 100 on good days. Cutting a half a shot or shot off your score from inside 50 yards on each hole is how you lower your score.

I know it. I just don't get out enough to really bring my short game into line.

I am about a 17 handicap and it is my short game that kills me. Not playing often enough absolutely kills me in terms of having a feel for distance when playing from just off the green.

Driver: Taylor Made 300Ti, 8.5 deg
3 and 5 woods: Taylor Made Firesole
7 wood: Taylor Made 200 Steel
Irons (3-SW): Ping Zing2
Putter: Ping PAL2

D: 265+
4: 190
7: 155
PW: 120

[Freddy Linn]

My long national nightmare is over - I have a new putter. TaylorMade Rossa Monte Carlo 7. Center-shafted, non-offset, mallet style. A necessity after 40 putts on Sunday with the Wilson 8802.

The new Ping Karsten models are pretty nice, btw, if anyone is looking for a really good value in a new putter.

[ThreeIfBaerga]

I'm looking to grab a new driver this year and I have no clue what to look for. I've been using a Titleist for the past 2 years (how long I've been playing) and I am not confident with the driver at all. Definitely a slicer and I am lucky if I get it 220 yds with good contact.

I'm seeing a lot of online shops offering the Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver 2007 at a pretty good discount. Wasn't sure if it's because it's a bad club or if they are just moving old inventory since they have a whole new line of drivers. Any thoughts?
I just started breaking 100 late last year so I'm a high 20's handicapper.

Also, when you're like me and aren't doing much better than 100 and have a swing that isn't all that quick, what type of shaft should I be looking at? regular? flex? stiff?

[Freddy Linn]

I'm looking to grab a new driver this year and I have no clue what to look for. I've been using a Titleist for the past 2 years (how long I've been playing) and I am not confident with the driver at all. Definitely a slicer and I am lucky if I get it 220 yds with good contact.

I'm seeing a lot of online shops offering the Callaway Big Bertha 460 Driver 2007 at a pretty good discount. Wasn't sure if it's because it's a bad club or if they are just moving old inventory since they have a whole new line of drivers. Any thoughts?
I just started breaking 100 late last year so I'm a high 20's handicapper.

Also, when you're like me and aren't doing much better than 100 and have a swing that isn't all that quick, what type of shaft should I be looking at? regular? flex? stiff?

Shaft is the most important thing. I would guess that you are a regular, especially if right is a problem. The head of the club doesn't matter that much if you have the right shaft.

Also, the thing with these larger drivers is that they help you hit it further into the woods with no feedback.

A little old school, but a Titleist 975J-VS would be a nice used pickup at a reasonable price. Again, focus on the shaft.

More importantly, if you are a slicer, a few tips and maybe a quick lesson will work wonders. Most likely, it is grip/alignment issues.

[Comfortably Lomb]

My long national nightmare is over - I have a new putter. TaylorMade Rossa Monte Carlo 7. Center-shafted, non-offset, mallet style. A necessity after 40 putts on Sunday with the Wilson 8802.

The new Ping Karsten models are pretty nice, btw, if anyone is looking for a really good value in a new putter.

I fully endorse changing putters on a whim just because if you're not feeling it with one particular model I don't think you ever will. That said, there's nothing wrong with a blade like the one you were using. For a long time I occasionally practiced with an old Northwestern blade just because it was less forgiving and it gave me a dramatically different feel from the White Hot #1 that's in my bag. Most of the time I didn't really notice I putted any worse with it. I really wish I hadn't lost it somewhere. Haven't tried the new Karstens but the Redwoods are perfection... until you see the price tag.

[ThreeIfBaerga]

A little old school, but a Titleist 975J-VS would be a nice used pickup at a reasonable price. Again, focus on the shaft.

Funny you should mention that driver. I didn't mention the type in my original post but that's exactly what I have now. Maybe I should just stick with this thing and learn to hit it straight before upgrading to a better one.

[Freddy Linn]

Funny you should mention that driver. I didn't mention the type in my original post but that's exactly what I have now. Maybe I should just stick with this thing and learn to hit it straight before upgrading to a better one.

Sounds like you just need to strengthen your grip and make sure to transfer your weight forward. Trust me - new technology doesn't mean jack w/o the fundamentals down tight.

Edit: I play with the 975L-FE, basically the opposite of what you have. It is a tremendous piece of equipment.

Edited by Freddy Linn, 01 April 2008 - 10:40 PM.