143 replies to this topic

[Number45forever]

Bump, ha! I’m starting a 2010 version of the Golf Thread.

I’m pumped and jacked for this season, it’s going to be my best yet. I lost 30 pounds this winter and worked out a ton. I have muscles in places that were once flabby pits of despair. As it was, I was already kicking everyone’s ass at my course (two straight Club Championships the last two years). Now there’s really going to be no mercy. Hahaha suckers.

Finally got some new irons, Mizuno MP-62s and I love them. So far I’m only hitting them into nets, but they feel sweet. I can’t wait to see what they can do on the course. My old irons were 15 year old Titleist DCIs…they're basically the only irons I’ve ever played and I will miss them.

I’m making a change this year, adding a 52 degree gap wedge. My course is a wedge course, and I was always fine with hitting little shots with my PW to cover the gap, but last year I lost a little confidence in that shot. I’ve been carrying a 2 and 3 hybrid for two years now (Ping G10---AWESOME Clubs). However, on my course I can go weeks between using both in the same round. So, I’m dropping the 18 degree (2H) for the gap wedge. It just makes sense. In fact, I seriously considered dropping the 3-wood because I don’t have a huge need for it on my course…except the one par-5 where it gets me damn close to on in 2 most of the time. I was considering dropping the 3-wood and playing this par 5 as more of a three shotter, but decided against it. Plus, the 3-wood is a good club off the tee, especially when I travel to courses I don’t know as well. Then again, when I’m going good, I hit my driver pretty straight. I don’t know.

Dropped my handicap from 5ish to 3ish last year (as low as 2.8 in August, then it rose over three again by the end of the season). The goal is to get a handicap that starts with a ONE this year. It can be done. Also, I will win my third consecutive club championship. I think the club changed it from a top-16 qualifier match play tournament to 72 hole stroke play over two weekends. I will miss match play, but 72 holes of stroke play should really allow the better players to rise to the top. Those 18 hole matches were always nerve-racking, I’ll really miss them. And I want to play, and make the cut, in the Vermont Amateur.

This looks like a very early spring, I can’t wait to play golf again! Within a few weeks I’ll be playing golf and the Red Sox will be on TV again…all will be right with the world. Have a good year people.

Edited by Number45forever, 15 March 2010 - 12:23 PM.

[FL4WL3SS]

Went to the range for the first time last friday (it was ~67 degrees) and hit the ball fairly decent. For swinging the club for the first time in almost 6 months, it felt pretty good (although inconsistent) - if it were the middle of the summer, however, I'd be a little more discouraged. Can't expect much from the first range session, though, just gotta get the feeling back.

Spring is around the corner and golf is not far behind. I'm really pumped for this golf season. Last summer I dropped my handicap by a good 5 strokes and feel I can go even lower this summer with some improved practice and coaching.

[Doug Beerabelli]

First weekend of March, Clears Cleaver and I, along with a couple of other friends, went to FL and played in order a) the Dye Preserve, a private club near West Palm Beach, b) Seminole Golf Club in Juno Beach aka Doug's Day at the Donald Ross Memorial Beach, and drove up to Jacksonville to play the TPC Sawgrass. We were supposed to play Dye Valley that afternoon, but decided it would be better spent drinking bloody mary's at the TPC bar and grill.

Details to follow when I have a bit more time. Let's just say it's not the ideal way to start your golf season off fresh, but we had a superb time.

[Clears Cleaver]

Seminole is definitely one of the toughest courses in the country, especially when the wind is blowing. Greens were running 13+ and the landing areas are miniscule. Typical Donald Ross, bomb away with your driver, but make sure you are precise with your irons. I think i was in bunkers on 13 holes and in a normal round I am in maybe one or two. Great test of golf and great old-school setting

[ThreeIfBaerga]

Leaving next Wednesday for a golf trip to Orlando with some friends.
I know nothing about Orlando but these are the courses we're playing. All the rounds appear to be in the $40-$50 range. So, we're either not playing nice courses or golf is just a hell of a lot cheaper in Orlando than it is in Boston.

Courses:
Stoneybrook East
Eastwood
Twin Rivers
Wedgefield

[leithbones]

As always, bring your rules questions here. I know my stuff (PGA, USGA, Tour, etc.). Shit, they wrote the first set of rules at The Links of Leith. A manly drinking port town right on the edge of Edinburgh, hard by the Firth of Forth.

PGA Head pro & teaching pro, screwing up your swings since 1986. Bring it.

This season I WILL get ThreeIfBaerga up to Nashua on my Swing Analyzer if it takes me driving down to Mass with duct tape and chloroform to encourage him.
Three from last year's Golf thread:

Leith, I just may take you up on that. I'll be in touch as soon as I know when I can shoot up to Nashua. Much appreciated!
Of course, I absolutely dread the idea of my swing being analyzed. I have this recurring nightmare that I'll swing and the computer will come back and say it didn't register an actual golf swing.

After I work on this stuff, I might head up and see Leith in a few months for some additional lessons. Overall, I got a lot more out of it than I thought I would.

Time is now for rust removal, Boys. Do it.

[Dave Stapleton]

Just got an e-mail that Pinehills is opening up (at least the Jones Course) on Friday. I am chomping at the bit. I dropped my handicap last year a good 4 strokes and flirted with breaking 80 a number of times.

I know we say it every year but we should try to get at least some side rounds in as a group. I am always up from hosting a few SOSHers at my club sometime during the week. Given how busy my winter has been I will be getting out for some midweek rounds this year.

Moose/DOTB ... we still have to get together. Let's try to lock in a date. We can do it at my place.

[RGREELEY33]

This thread got me in the golfing mood, and I started messing around on PGA.com. Much
to my pleasure, I stumbled upon the 2010 Rules of Golf. The 16 year old right above Arnie's
head wearing the shorts with the skinny legs and dorky socks is my Dad!

[ThreeIfBaerga]

I WILL get[/b] ThreeIfBaerga up to Nashua on my Swing Analyzer if it takes me driving down to Mass with duct tape and chloroform to encourage him.
Three from last year's Golf thread

HA! Awesome. I forgot all about this and I'm glad you reminded me. I'm going to PM you about this. I'm coming up to Nashua to get schooled.
I'm a little gun shy right now because of the lesson I took last spring. I got a free lesson from this guy and, while I'm sure he was giving me good advice, he totally revamped everything about my swing. Granted, my original swing and every component of it was akin to Phil Plantier's batting stance.

I struggled like crazy all last year. I used to break 100 about 80% of the time. Last season, only did it about 2 or 3 times.

Thanks Leith!

[johnmd20]

Leaving next Wednesday for a golf trip to Orlando with some friends.
I know nothing about Orlando but these are the courses we're playing. All the rounds appear to be in the $40-$50 range. So, we're either not playing nice courses or golf is just a hell of a lot cheaper in Orlando than it is in Boston.

Courses:
Stoneybrook East
Eastwood
Twin Rivers
Wedgefield

I am jealous, have a great time. I am going to Bandon Dunes in August this year with a bunch of friends. I am pretty effin' pumped! I want to really be at least hitting the ball well by the time I go. My goal is to get at least one lesson every month, starting in April, for a minimum of 5 lessons but hopefully more.

My handicap is 18 right now and 17 is a reasonable goal by the end of this year,(it was 20 at the beginning of last year, I started playing in 2006) but it's going to take some work. I have a 6 foot putting green and hit at least 15-20 putts a day, but some days it's 50-100. I got it last year and, I kid you not, my game improved overnight. And everything got better, not just my putting. My full swing and chipping improved, as well. I think it has something to do with being very used to keeping my head down with a golf club in my hand, it forced me to do that during all shots. I can't recommend one of those enough. It's all about leaving long putts close and draining the 4-6 footers.(and not missing the 2 footers)

[Over Guapo Grande]

I am planning on hitting the range for the first time this year today. I'm playing in a tournament on April 3rd, and I just came to realize that that's only 2.5 weeks away. I ended 2009 on a really good note, so hopefully it won't take too much practice time to get back into the good habits.

[FL4WL3SS]

My handicap is 18 right now and 17 is a reasonable goal by the end of this year,(it was 20 at the beginning of last year, I started playing in 2006) but it's going to take some work.

I was actually thinking about starting a 'goal' thread, but it's probably just as good to do it in this thread. It would be cool to have people list out their golf goals for this season and watch as people try to meet (or exceed!) those goals throughout the summer.

I have two goals this summer:
1.) Two summers ago I broke 90 for the first time, last summer I broke 80 for the first time - my goal this summer is to break 75 for the first time.
2.) I want to play a round of golf where I hit every single fairway and a round where I hit every single green (obviously not in the same round).

Those are two very hefty goals, but I like the challenge. I like setting goals that are on the edge of unreachable.

Who else has a goal they want to reach this summer?

Edited by FL4WL3SS, 17 March 2010 - 02:13 PM.

[ThreeIfBaerga]

I like the lofty goals idea. Last year, broke 100 a couple of times. One strange round, I had a 3 foot downhill putt on 18 which would have given me a 91. I missed the putt and then missed the next putt coming back. Finished with a 93, which is way better than anything else I've ever done.

Therefore, this year, I'm going to shoot for a single round of 90 or better. It would take a borderline miracle for it to happen but, I think if I improved my iron play marginally, I could pull it off.

[Deathofthebambino]

My goal is to have my current 11 handicap climb back up to around 15. Win a whole bunch of fucking money at 15 and then ride my handicap back down to around 9, where I will commence losing back all of the money I won earlier in the year.

I haven't swung a club since Labor Day weekend, but am in the midst of setting up a foursome for Saturday morning. I guess Red Tail CC is open. Anyone else know of any tracks open in metro Boston right now?

[Number45forever]

If you want to go from shooting 95-105 to breaking 90 consistently, just find away to eliminate the "unforced errors." ie. the two shots to get out of a bunker, the shank from the middle of the fiarway, the OB/Water penalties, the 3 putts, etc. Play really, really conservatively, take an extra club everywhere, don't attempt It is ridiculous that I can't spell the word ridiculous shots you see on TV and work on your putting. If it ever takes you more than 3 shots to get the ball in the hole from 50-70 yards and in, you should be pissed off at yourself. Eliminating the triples and snowmen is the way to break 90. If your bad holes are doubles instead 7s, 8s, 9s, you've won the battle. Same for breaking 80, work on your short game and your bad holes become bogeys instead of doubles...

This is overly simplistic, but seriously, when I'm going good I'll go weeks between doubles on my home course. Just keep it in the fairway and don't be a hero, you'll be taking money from people in no time.

[barbed wire Bob]

My primary goal is to improve my putting. I want to leave all first putts within 3 feet of the hole. My secondary goal is to lower my handicap to 4.

[Dave Stapleton]

My goal is to have my current 11 handicap climb back up to around 15. Win a whole bunch of fucking money at 15 and then ride my handicap back down to around 9, where I will commence losing back all of the money I won earlier in the year.

I haven't swung a club since Labor Day weekend, but am in the midst of setting up a foursome for Saturday morning. I guess Red Tail CC is open. Anyone else know of any tracks open in metro Boston right now?

Jones course at Pinehills opens tomorrow I think. In related news the Burr should be under water until June given all the rain.

[Worst Trade Evah]

There are some good golfers in this thread. I'm not one of them. My goal is to play 18 holes and break 100. That's it.

[Doug Beerabelli]

Modest goals

1) Break 90 more than once

2) Play enough to do so

3) hit my new irons like I actually got irons - hit them a bit farther than the ones I just retired.

4) commit to and develop the change in my grip to get the "Vs" pointing in the right direction at all times.

I'm an 17/18 per official handicap. I may end up being able to play more this summer, which hopefully will improve the game.

[FL4WL3SS]

Here is a website that I use that is fantastic for tracking your rounds: www.digitaldivot.com

A couple features:
-Enter each round that you play and get a calculated handicap index
-Get aggregate statistics over all of your rounds - avg # birdies/pars/bogey/etc, avg # fairways hit, avg # GIR, avg # putts, etc
-Connect with buddies to track their overall success

[radsoxfan]

I have two goals this summer:
1.) Two summers ago I broke 90 for the first time, last summer I broke 80 for the first time - my goal this summer is to break 75 for the first time.
2.) I want to play a round of golf where I hit every single fairway and a round where I hit every single green (obviously not in the same round).

#2 is quite the goal. Hitting every green in regulation for the entire round is something pro's would love to do. You certainly should be well on your way to goal #1 if you accomplish #2 (unless you are the worst putter known to mankind).

I'm playing Pebble Beach/Spyglass this summer so I'm excited about that. Also playing Riviera in LA (my home course growing up) which will be a good time. Riviera goal is 75 since in theory I should remember where the heck to hit it. . . never played Pebble so the goal there is to break 80. But sadly I play so rarely these days I am not expecting much. As long as the weather is nice I'll be happy.

Edited by radsoxfan, 18 March 2010 - 07:47 PM.

[JulE6]

#2 is quite the goal. Hitting every green in regulation for the entire round is something pro's would love to do. You certainly should be well on your way to goal #1 if you accomplish #2 (unless you are the worst putter known to mankind).

When I went to school in South Carolina, there was a guy who was a member at the course we practiced at who hit every green and shot 75 (par 72). The greens weren't even as bad as they could have been, too. I was dumbfounded.

As for this year and golf, I have no idea what I want from it. I've gone through about as hard times as you could imagine over the last two years, from being consistently around par to struggling to stay in the 70's. I know most people aren't going to have sympathy for me, but mentally it's been absolute torture. I used to have fun playing the game, but after I went to Tampa in January and managed to have about the least amount of fun possible while golfing with my best friend, I told my dad I didn't want to play on our trip down to Florida next week, and two or three years ago I would have never imagined turning down the chance to play given the chance. Maybe I'll catch the bug again...who knows.

johnmd, you're going to be giving me strokes in July. Great to hear about your progress. FL4WL3SS, good luck with your goals. I could tell back in August that your swing was pretty good, and you definitely have the desire to get better, which is great.

[radsoxfan]

As for this year and golf, I have no idea what I want from it. I've gone through about as hard times as you could imagine over the last two years, from being consistently around par to struggling to stay in the 70's. I know most people aren't going to have sympathy for me, but mentally it's been absolute torture. I used to have fun playing the game, but after I went to Tampa in January and managed to have about the least amount of fun possible while golfing with my best friend, I told my dad I didn't want to play on our trip down to Florida next week, and two or three years ago I would have never imagined turning down the chance to play given the chance. Maybe I'll catch the bug again...who knows.

It's a crazy game. I know the feeling exactly.

A couple years ago I was just sick of playing and went from being low/mid 70's to being lucky to break 80. Lost the interest, and just had no desire to get upset about a crappy round anymore. I took almost 3 years off (not planned, just ended up that way) and the last couple of times I've played it's been great.

I know few probably have sympathy, but good luck. Sometimes its nice to take some time off and then get back out there after a while with no expectations.

[FL4WL3SS]

FL4WL3SS, good luck with your goals. I could tell back in August that your swing was pretty good, and you definitely have the desire to get better, which is great.

That trip was actually a breakthrough for me with my swing. I played like absolute crap at Highfields and then drove down to Baltusrol and wrestled with that course. When I got back from that trip is when I really started to make some gains with my swing, I was still figuring some stuff out in August. Bad habits are hard to break, but my persistence has paid off. I've really learned to control my emotions on the course as well, which as been a big boost to my game.

I've been to the range the last three days and will be going today and tomorrow (given it's been in the mid 60s and sunny all week) and my swing is better than it was last season. I've been doing some work over the winter to get some consistency in my swing and it's nice to see the hard work pay off. I don't think 75 is out of reach.

[johnmd20]

johnmd, you're going to be giving me strokes in July. Great to hear about your progress.

We'll see about that and I'm looking forward to it no matter what. I see you taking a month or two off and then starting to miss it as the weather heats up. You'll be back to scratch in no time. Hang in there.

[Dave Stapleton]

Goals for this year.

1. Break 80.

2. Get my index down to 10.

3. And most importantly ... play 50 rounds from April to October.

[dolomite133]

Nothing more boring than watching a tournament where Jim Furyk holds the lead on the final day. The guy has zero personality. If he and Lucas Glover had a child I think it would be a Hypno-Toad like creature, which would lull you into submission with it's sheer boringness.

[doldmoose34]

Just got an e-mail that Pinehills is opening up (at least the Jones Course) on Friday. I am chomping at the bit. I dropped my handicap last year a good 4 strokes and flirted with breaking 80 a number of times.

I know we say it every year but we should try to get at least some side rounds in as a group. I am always up from hosting a few SOSHers at my club sometime during the week. Given how busy my winter has been I will be getting out for some midweek rounds this year.

Moose/DOTB ... we still have to get together. Let's try to lock in a date. We can do it at my place.

Lets do it Lou, and its a good thing your at Franklin and not Sandy Burr anymore, I had to see a couple customers in Wayland and it looks like they'll be using canoes insted of carts there for a while

[Saints Rest]

I'm planning to get a new set of irons, and woudl like to get them properly fitted. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good golf-fitter, ideally in the NYC metro area? Alternatively, someone on Cape Cod?

There's a Golfsmith here in the city that says they do custom fittings, but my guess is taht it is some guy who learned the basics of club-fitting in a 15 minute session. But I'd be happy to be convinced otherwise.

[thestardawg]

Has anyone ever played Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth? We have a tee time there after striking out on an early time at Waverly or Pinehills.

[barbed wire Bob]

I'm planning to get a new set of irons, and woudl like to get them properly fitted. Does anyone have a recommendation for a good golf-fitter, ideally in the NYC metro area? Alternatively, someone on Cape Cod?

There's a Golfsmith here in the city that says they do custom fittings, but my guess is taht it is some guy who learned the basics of club-fitting in a 15 minute session. But I'd be happy to be convinced otherwise.

Calloway golf has a authorized club fitter in NYC called The World of Golf. The closest Taylormade custom fitter is a TMP labs in Bolton MA. I don't know about any of the other manufacturers. Your opinion of Golfsmith matches experiences my there and I would avoid them if possible. I was fitted at the TMP labs in Carlsbad and it was well worth the cost.

[thestardawg]

Has anyone ever played Atlantic Country Club in Plymouth? We have a tee time there after striking out on an early time at Waverly or Pinehills.

I'll answer my own question.

Layout is a 7. Conditions are an 8. Green rolled nicely.

I was hoping to break 90 yesterday, and actually had a real chance to break 80. Shot an 81, by bogeying the last two holes, and missing 3 3 footers early. Easily could have shot a 78 today.

Early in the season with cart was a whopping 49 bucks.

[Number45forever]

Played my first round today...82 degrees on April 3rd. Shot an 81 because I decided to hit driver everywhere but straight 80% of the time and was like a chicken with my head cut off from 100 yards and in. Still, it was golf and it's barely April, and life doesn't get any better than that. I still got it though...almost aced a 170 yard par 3 (before missing the three footer for birdie) and hit two gorgeous draw 8 irons around trees to within 10 feet on back to back holes on the back nine. I'll keep shaking the rust off.

The golf course was in really good shape, all things considered. None of the terrible snow mold that plagued everything around here last year. I'd say the courses in Vermont and New Hampshire area should be their best shape in years this year. We deserve that after last year, which was the worst I've ever seen.

Going to try to sneak in nine holes after Easter brunch tomorrow...we'll see...

[RedOctober3829]

Played my first round today...82 degrees on April 3rd. Shot an 81 because I decided to hit driver everywhere but straight 80% of the time and was like a chicken with my head cut off from 100 yards and in. Still, it was golf and it's barely April, and life doesn't get any better than that. I still got it though...almost aced a 170 yard par 3 (before missing the three footer for birdie) and hit two gorgeous draw 8 irons around trees to within 10 feet on back to back holes on the back nine. I'll keep shaking the rust off.

The golf course was in really good shape, all things considered. None of the terrible snow mold that plagued everything around here last year. I'd say the courses in Vermont and New Hampshire area should be their best shape in years this year. We deserve that after last year, which was the worst I've ever seen.

Going to try to sneak in nine holes after Easter brunch tomorrow...we'll see...

I was at the Elks Club tonight and talked to many who played Rutland CC today as it was the first day of play. They all said it was in beautiful shape and not wet at all. I think it will be a great year for golf here in VT.

Where did you play, 45?

[doldmoose34]

so I played Friday afternoon and did something I've never done before.. you low 'cappers are used to it, but me me and my 19.8 USGA..

played the back at Widow's all the big talkers from Thurs night bailed, so it was just me and some guy from MarshVegas hockeying it around, his 1st my 4th round of the year, and I'm my typical self, bog, par, par , triple, bog, etc you've heard my tales of woe before, walking from 16 to 17 tee he asks how long I've played, I turn, point at the 5th and 6th at Scituate CC, I learned over there back in the 60's and i'm 55 so that makes 44 years of bad golf


18 tee (525 par 5) I pound my 3 wood into the breeze and I'm still about 250+ out, I think about hitting the 3 again, but smart golfer shows up in my body for the briefest of moments, I pull my 24 degree hybrid and pound it over the corner so I'll be short of the green there I am dead center about 75 yards out and at just past 6pm, looking dead into the setting sun..I pull my vokley 55 degree wedge ball flies up into the sun comes down on the carpet, one bounce, second bounce, roll right into the jar

I'd never in 44 years of bad golf made an Eagle before, oh I've had putts that I've missed for it, but never had one drop

now on my desk I have a yellowing Faultless ball from the 60's that as my first par, along with a scuffed up Precept MC Lady(that I'd found a couple holes before) that was my first eagle

Edited by doldmoose34, 04 April 2010 - 10:46 AM.

[johnmd20]

Calloway golf has a authorized club fitter in NYC called The World of Golf. The closest Taylormade custom fitter is a TMP labs in Bolton MA. I don't know about any of the other manufacturers. Your opinion of Golfsmith matches experiences my there and I would avoid them if possible. I was fitted at the TMP labs in Carlsbad and it was well worth the cost.

That NYC Golfsmith is good ONLY if you know exactly what you want. They don't help with fitting, despite the fact that they have the technology to do so. And they will be surly and unhelpful no matter what you are doing. God forbid you ask someone to get you a pair of shoes you want to try on. However, I live 1.5 blocks from Golfsmith, so I'm often there getting something and am used to the poor assistance and I expect nothing and get nothing and I'm ok with that.

Speaking of clubs, I just got the Taylor Made Burner irons, 5 through Gap wedge. I didn't need a 3 or 4 b/c I have hybrids, so I got a great deal on the set, $500. I played yesterday and it was awesome, I shot an 89 at my home course, which is my best score there ever.(it's a tough course) I chipped well and I was off the tee on every hole. My putting was shaky on the front nine, so I probably threw away 3-4 strokes, but I picked it up on the back and dropped a few 6-8 footers. I need to do that more.

I'm pretty happy and now very much looking forward to the season.

[Yawkey Way]

Went out for my first round yesterday. Took a trip down to the Cape to play with my father/uncle/grandfaher. I usually play in the mid 90's which is decent enough for me. First round out off the winter is always a disaster so I was pretty happy with my 103. A little background info seeing as i'm new here. I'm a small kid only about 5'5 so longer holes give me some trouble due to distance. I played the Dennis Highlands for anyone who is familiar with the course/area. Putting was absolutely attrocious as well as my play around the greens but I was making great contact off the tee and got a drive up to about 240-250 which is great for me. (Thank you wind to my back)

I went out hoping to get my swing back and make some solid contact and I did more than that, so overall I would call it a success. I will continue to work out the kinks and start to focus more on scoring as I get back into the groove.

[Number45forever]

That round was at Lake Morey in Fairlee...my home course opens this weekend. Rutland is an awesome course, I heard it was in really bad shape last year though.

Played again yesterday at John P. Larkin CC, in Windsor VT, a little nine hole course (snuck it in after Easter brunch). It was still ugly. I'm hitting it pretty decent at the range right now, but it's definitely not traveling to course. Just gotta keep at it I guess. But, the course was in It is ridiculous that I can't spell the word ridiculously good shape, the greens especially. I couldn't believe how nice everything was, and this isn't a course known for its conditions.

[dolomite133]

Does anybody have any iron/hybrid set recommendations? I think it's finally time for me to invest. I've been playing with the same starter set for over a decade and they clubs are beat to shit (and, last year, I lost my pitching wedge). I'm a completely erratic golfer capable of shooting over 120 on a bad day. But every season I have a few rounds where I catch fire (I realize my "catching fire" is anothers "awful day"). Last year I broke 100 for 18 for the first time. This year I'm gunning to break 90.

[barbed wire Bob]

Does anybody have any iron/hybrid set recommendations? I think it's finally time for me to invest. I've been playing with the same starter set for over a decade and they clubs are beat to shit (and, last year, I lost my pitching wedge). I'm a completely erratic golfer capable of shooting over 120 on a bad day. But every season I have a few rounds where I catch fire (I realize my "catching fire" is anothers "awful day"). Last year I broke 100 for 18 for the first time. This year I'm gunning to break 90.

How much money do you want to spend? If you don't mind spending the money then go to a club fitter and get a set that matches your swing. The erraticness could be caused by the clubs and not you. If you go this route I'd suggest going to a fitter that is authorized by one of the manufacturers. Avoid the Golfsmith guys because they generally don't know enough to properly fit you. Generally it will cost you around $400 to get fitted.

If you don't want to spend the money then see if you can't demo a a few clubs and pick the one you hit the best. Generally, there is not much difference in quality between any of the major manufacturers (Taylormade, Ping, Calloway, etc.) so brand selection is more a matter of taste. Also, check out the major manufacturer's websites. They usuall have club fitting guides that can help you determine which combo would be best for you. Lastly, replace the the 3I and 4I with hybrids. You may even want to drop the 3I/3hybrid alltogether and replace it with a lob wedge.

Hope this helps.

[dolomite133]

How much money do you want to spend? If you don't mind spending the money then go to a club fitter and get a set that matches your swing. The erraticness could be caused by the clubs and not you. If you go this route I'd suggest going to a fitter that is authorized by one of the manufacturers. Avoid the Golfsmith guys because they generally don't know enough to properly fit you. Generally it will cost you around $400 to get fitted.

If you don't want to spend the money then see if you can't demo a a few clubs and pick the one you hit the best. Generally, there is not much difference in quality between any of the major manufacturers (Taylormade, Ping, Calloway, etc.) so brand selection is more a matter of taste. Also, check out the major manufacturer's websites. They usuall have club fitting guides that can help you determine which combo would be best for you. Lastly, replace the the 3I and 4I with hybrids. You may even want to drop the 3I/3hybrid alltogether and replace it with a lob wedge.

Hope this helps.

I did a little research and was looking at the Adams Idea a7OS, Callaway Diablo Edge, Cleveland HiBore and Cobra S2 iron sets (most of which include hybrids). These are described as 'maximum game improvers' for high handicappers like myself. I'd appreciate any input as to why buying a max improvement set would or wouldn't be a good idea. These sets are pushing my budget, so fitting them might not be feasible. Of course, if anyone could recommend a cheaper (but still good) set which I could afford to fit, I'd consider it.

[barbed wire Bob]

I did a little research and was looking at the Adams Idea a7OS, Callaway Diablo Edge, Cleveland HiBore and Cobra S2 iron sets (most of which include hybrids). These are described as 'maximum game improvers' for high handicappers like myself. I'd appreciate any input as to why buying a max improvement set would or wouldn't be a good idea. These sets are pushing my budget, so fitting them might not be feasible. Of course, if anyone could recommend a cheaper (but still good) set which I could afford to fit, I'd consider it.

My uninformed opinion so take it with a grain of salt.

Game improvement clubs are usually designed with an oversize head, lower center of gravity, large offset, and a larger sweet spot that is geared toward the toe of the iron (higher handicappers usually mishit towards the toe of the club). The purpose of all of this is to make the club more forgiving of mishits and also create a higher launch angle since higher handicappers generally have lower swing speeds. These clubs usually have regular flex shafts which also helps create a higher launch angle and, as a rule of thumb, a flexible shaft is less harmful than a stiff shaft. Higher handicappers generally slice the ball so these clubs have some antislice measures built in. The disadvantages are as follows: You can't shape a shot if your life depended on it. You will deloft the club and scatter your shots if you have a fast swing speed and you will hook if you have a halfway decent swing.

Clubs used by the pros usually have a smaller heads, minimal offset and thinner soles and a fade bias built in (better players tend to hook the ball). The launch angles tend to be lower (since the pros swing the club so fast they don't need a high launch angle) and the clubs are designed to allow a player to shape a shot. Also the shafts tend to be stiff or even extra stiff which is also an anti-hook measure.

All of the sets you listed look pretty good to me. If you are looking for a cheaper set then look at ebay. You might be able to find a last years models that some golf store is trying to get rid of.

Edited by barbed wire Bob, 12 April 2010 - 01:02 AM.

[Catch Me Bruno]

Here is a website that I use that is fantastic for tracking your rounds: www.digitaldivot.com

A couple features:
-Enter each round that you play and get a calculated handicap index
-Get aggregate statistics over all of your rounds - avg # birdies/pars/bogey/etc, avg # fairways hit, avg # GIR, avg # putts, etc
-Connect with buddies to track their overall success

Awesome. Thanks for this, I've been head-scratching to remove lice and to also determine a handicap.

[Catch Me Bruno]

I was at the Elks Club tonight and talked to many who played Rutland CC today as it was the first day of play. They all said it was in beautiful shape and not wet at all. I think it will be a great year for golf here in VT.

Where did you play, 45?

I'm in Vermont, too - I played Links at Lang Farm in Williston each of the last 2 weekends (I witnessed a hole in one there last year, sadly not my own). Great weather, and a big tease, since we're not out of the woods yet here in terms of winter's last bites. The first weekend the course was a bit wet but they don't have a lot of broad fairways so drainage problems weren't a big issue. Shot an 85 and an 87, but par there is 60. Happy to be out there playing, regardless of the score. VT winters can suck the life out of you, and not in a hot pornstar life-sucking kind of way.

[leithbones]

If you were watching the Verizon Heritage today (Hilton Head, my old stomping grounds), Brian Davis called his own penalty for touching a loose impediment during his backswing which is a breach of Rule14-4c. The 2-stroke penalty effectively cost him the tournament since it occurred on the first hole of sudden death. I was yelling at the TV as this was happening because I believed the marsh-grass was attached (fixed/growing) therefore not a loose impediment; but everyone on the scene seemed to be in agreement as to the status of the offending blade.

[leithbones]

Double post
Double post

Edited by leithbones, 18 April 2010 - 05:38 PM.

[barbed wire Bob]

If you were watching the Verizon Heritage today (Hilton Head, my old stomping grounds), Brian Davis called his own penalty for touching a loose impediment during his backswing which is a breach of Rule14-4c. The 2-stroke penalty effectively cost him the tournament since it occurred on the first hole of sudden death. I was yelling at the TV as this was happening because I believed the marsh-grass was attached (fixed/growing) therefore not a loose impediment; but everyone on the scene seemed to be in agreement as to the status of the offending blade.

Correct me if I'm wrong but 14-4 is striking the ball more than once. I think you mean rule 13-4c. Kudos to Davis for calling a penalty on himself.

[Freddy Linn]

Does anybody have any iron/hybrid set recommendations? I think it's finally time for me to invest. I've been playing with the same starter set for over a decade and they clubs are beat to shit (and, last year, I lost my pitching wedge). I'm a completely erratic golfer capable of shooting over 120 on a bad day. But every season I have a few rounds where I catch fire (I realize my "catching fire" is anothers "awful day"). Last year I broke 100 for 18 for the first time. This year I'm gunning to break 90.

Might want to check out the Nike Slingshot iron/hybrid set - I have heard they are tremendously easy to hit. New on ebay for under $250, less for used. Link

[leithbones]

Correct me if I'm wrong but 14-4 is striking the ball more than once. I think you mean rule 13-4c. Kudos to Davis for calling a penalty on himself.

Great catch BWB, my bad.....13-4c.
14-4 doesn't even have lettered subsections.
I woke up this morning pretty sure I had posted this incorrectly.
Thus endeth my credibility.

[barbed wire Bob]

Great catch BWB, my bad.....13-4c.
14-4 doesn't even have lettered subsections.
I woke up this morning pretty sure I had posted this incorrectly.
Thus endeth my credibility.

Your credibility is still intact. You at least know what the loose impediment rule is. Most golfers don't have a clue (and I only had a vague idea until I looked it up).