SoSH Golf, 2023

[Gunca]

I didn’t see a ‘23 thread so I figured I’d start one.

@Zomp and myself have been practicing once a week on Trackman. He’s swinging probably the best I’ve seen him swing since we began playing together. I’m happy for him and I’m hoping he has his best ever season. Unless of course he’s playing against me. In which case I hope he gets the Egyptian fades.

A friend of mine has joined us a few times to practice. He’s 49 and a retired mini-tour player with a whopping 103mph driver swing speed. It’s hilarious to see him hit balls on the sim and get better numbers than the Trackman optimizer says he should.

How’s everyone’s offseason going?

 

[BaseballJones]

I've done NOTHING regarding golf this offseason. Not a single thing. But in the last three years I've broken 80 three times (my first times ever) and this past year I averaged an 85, so I've been playing pretty well. Hoping for another sub-80 round this summer, but it's pretty hard to do so we'll see. Can't wait to get out there!

 

[bandito0]

I bought new clubs for the first time in my life. I turned 40 in December and decided on a fresh set of Ping G425s. I bought a 3i and 4i Crossover hybrid to go with the 5i-W that the set came with.

I took them to a sim at the start of February after they arrived, and was a complete disaster with not only the irons but with every single club in the bag. It was my first time in a sim and first time swinging a club since November but man I was embarrassed. It reminded me of the first time I ever played a round.

10 days later with that disaster in my mind I was in Scottsdale, Arizona at Legends Trail. I spent a ton of time on the first day on the range warming up, got my act together on the back 9 and ended with a 96. Two days later I was out there again in 40 degree weather, 25-35 mph wind, and snow falling for 4 holes on the back, and ended with a 92. The irons are awesome and the Crossovers are exactly what I needed.

This year, its time to learn how to fully finish my driver swing after contact, get better from ~50 yards and in, and just play more. I'm joining a Sparkgolf league just to give me an excuse to get out weekly. I am hoping I'm around a 90 average by year's end. I'm close, I just need to practice a bit more and clean some things up.

 

[Pedros Midget]

"Off season"? I've played outdoors like three times already this year, in CT no less. Played indoor sims a few times also and all I can say is Trackman is significantly more accurate than the other versions, I won't even play them anymore as they routinely show driver shots that I know were crushed going like 150 yards. The other issue, at least for me, is most times the indoor sims are paired with a bar, and me and the boys got no self control so things get ugly.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

I've had a quiet winter, mostly my own fault, since I have a Skytrack set up in the garage -- an investment in my son's game more than his parents'. Have hit on it a few times, and ramped it up a bit for Feb trip to FL. Brought the clubs to FL, and practiced at a course one day, and played the next. It was pretty much the same as when I left off in the fall - bogey golf. I was happy to be hitting more shots than not cleanly. I'll do things more as we get closer to full outside play - which at Pedros Midget stated, has been doable much of the winter in CT.

My son is the more serious golfer, and has been taking lessons all winter and doing both home hitting and Trackman at various facilities. He's getting ready for his final HS golf season before graduating. The team has been doing Captain's practices, which for golf means going to Golf Quest to hit balls, but their season officially starts March 18, and first match is early April. They have a good chance to win their league, and maybe states, but this is in part due to lots of good golf schools switching to a fall season, including the consistently best team in his league.

 

[kenneycb]

Had a huge breakthrough in my game last year, shooting mid-80's consistently and breaking 80 once. Then I had a kid at the end of July and stopped playing. Been to the sim about 1x / month since November and game is in a much better starting point than it's been previously. Looking forward to playing whatever limited golf I'll be able to play. Putting and short game is still shit, but what's the fun in practicing that?

 

[Pablo's TB Lover]

I played the Magnolia course at Disney World Golf when we were down in Florida a few weeks ago and shot a 74... for 14 holes. The final 4 holes are being rebuilt currently.

But at least after an ugly 50 on the front 9, I had finished birdie-bogey-par before hitting the abrupt end. As good as I could have hoped for to knock the rust off.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

Aside from a round while on vacation I haven't played since the end of November. My low round was an 83 last year and I had a bunch of 87/88/89's. I'd really like to break 80 this year and I think my best way there is to really work on my putting.

Does anyone have any particular putting drills that they'd recommend? I have a putting green 10 minutes from my house that I could go to every day for 20 minutes and I'm committed to putting the work in.

 

[TFP]

How’s everyone’s offseason going?

I'm officially antsy to get back outdoors up here. I've already done a trip to Pinehurst (Mid Pines, Southern Pines, Pine Needles, #3 and #4) and Charleston (Charleston Muni, Chechessee Creek Club, Kiawah Ocean Course) the last two months, but it's time for the regular golf to start here. Hopefully in the next couple weeks the snow melts and we're good to go.

I had a huge year last year, both in travel and quality of my game. Got down to a 5 index which is by far the lowest I've ever been, carded 100 rounds, and played some real bucket list courses. Bandon, The Old Course, Sand Valley, Erin Hills, Streamsong...it was a big year. While the game has regressed (back to an 9 at the moment), I've got another elite set of trips lined up. Chambers/Gearhart/Bandon and 2 weeks in Scotland highlight the year on top of what I've already done. Plus I'll be playing plenty at Marlborough and then all the other New England courses I can.

And the best part is all the golf I get to play with @PedroSpecialK. One day I'll get good enough to beat him. Plus @Gunca and @Zomp owe us a rematch at their course.

 

[Zomp]

We do! It’s coming.

As Gunca said, I’ve been swinging it great this off-season. I say that nearly every year but this year especially I’ve gotten rid of the steepness in my swing by focusing on staying in posture. You could go back a few golf threads and read my struggles with my driver. My attack angle has been near -4.


This is from last night and wasn’t out of the ordinary. +1.6 attach angle with the driver.

 

[TFP]

Obligatory response to my post:

 

[TFP]

This is from last night and wasn’t out of the ordinary. +1.6 attach angle with the driver.

Hot damn son.

 

[kelpapa]

I haven't been golfing since an Arizona trip in early December to catch the Pats MNF game. I golfed 126 holes over the course of five days on that trip, and managed to raise my handicap from a 10.? (career low) to about a 12.5. The low last year was an 81, after I broke 80 for the first time ever in late December of 2021. This trip was the first time I have golfed with a complete set of clubs in well over a decade. I picked up (I think) brand new 3 and 4 woods at CPO for ~$65 each before that trip.

My course has a soft opening at the end of April, and I plan on being up there almost every weekend in May. I will probably make it to Arizona in October, and hopefully a few other times this year.

 

[Oil Can Dan]

I'm officially antsy to get back outdoors up here. I've already done a trip to Pinehurst (Mid Pines, Southern Pines, Pine Needles, #3 and #4) and Charleston (Charleston Muni, Chechessee Creek Club, Kiawah Ocean Course) the last two months, but it's time for the regular golf to start here. Hopefully in the next couple weeks the snow melts and we're good to go.

I had a huge year last year, both in travel and quality of my game. Got down to a 5 index which is by far the lowest I've ever been, carded 100 rounds, and played some real bucket list courses. Bandon, The Old Course, Sand Valley, Erin Hills, Streamsong...it was a big year. While the game has regressed (back to an 9 at the moment), I've got another elite set of trips lined up. Chambers/Gearhart/Bandon and 2 weeks in Scotland highlight the year on top of what I've already done. Plus I'll be playing plenty at Marlborough and then all the other New England courses I can.

And the best part is all the golf I get to play with @PedroSpecialK. One day I'll get good enough to beat him. Plus @Gunca and @Zomp owe us a rematch at their course.

Holy crap! I want to be you when I grow up!

 

[TFP]

Holy crap! I want to be you when I grow up!

And I want to be @PedroSpecialK. It's good for us all to have dreams.

 

[Zomp]

Hot damn son.

I mean it doesn’t mean anything if I can’t translate it to the course, but I’m hopeful. Especially because I think trackman shorts me yardage indoors.

I know it does because Gunca only hits it 330.

 

[Zomp]

Holy crap! I want to be you when I grow up!

I like to think of TFP as a childless version of myself.
Both are bald, handsome, charming. One is a family man, the other plays sick golf courses all the time.

 

[TFP]

I like to think of TFP as a childless version of myself.
Both are bald, handsome, charming. One is a family man, the other plays sick golf courses all the time.

View: https://giphy.com/gifs/new-york-yankees-9t6xpYZ9npJmM

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

You guys need a sitcom. Lol.

If we are sharing golf plans for 2023, my family is doing a trip to Ireland to celebrate a dual HS/college graduation for my son and daughter. As part of the trip, we are playing Lahinch (just the boys), and Portmarnock (all 4). Not a true golf trip, and we are renting clubs, but really looking forward to it.

 

[cshea]

Started swinging the clubs this week, trying to hit 50 balls into the simulator 2-3 times a week. Goal for this year is to consistently break 90.

 

[Dave Stapleton]

So I plateued a bit last year. I was very steady and shooting around mid 80s but couldn't really get it going consistently or for an exceptional round. Really want to get new clubs as I am due but have been a bit gun shy. Looking to getting out there soon and seeing Gunca destroy my course. Zomp/Gunca please be sure to let me know when you are down my way again at the simulator.

Two year's ago was my breakthrough so I am hoping this year is it. My wife also gave me three lessons (for Valentines Day) with the head teaching pro at my club (really talented teacher) so I am looking forward to that. Will be my first instruction in a few years.

 

[thestardawg]

I havent picked up a club since September. Went through some crap at the end of last year (amputation of big toe- not looking for sorrys...its life) but have been cleared to golf which is awesome/

Last year I regressed quite a bit. Started the year as a 9 ended as a 12.6. Lowest round was 80 which should have been 78 except i threw up all over myself the last three holes.

Im playing my first round of the year Sunday. Im in Vegas for business and then Im playing the Wynn SUnday. No idea what to expect. I might shoot 130. I might fall over taking a big swing. It should be entertaining.

My goals for the year are simple. Break 100 by end of May. 90 by end of July and 80 by end of September I think once I get used to my altered balance Ill be fine, and Im certainly physically stronger thanks to PT and some weight lifting. i had lost distance last year, but I should be able to increase my drives this year

Oaks opens on March 29 weather permitting. Happy to host any of you who want to play the course.

 

[TFP]

Oaks opens on March 29 weather permitting. Happy to host any of you who want to play the course.

Damn man - glad you're back on the mend. I will be taking you up on this because I absolutely miss playing that course. Let's make it happen.

 

[thestardawg]

Damn man - glad you're back on the mend. I will be taking you up on this because I absolutely miss playing that course. Let's make it happen.

Looking at the bright side, I should be able to jack my handicap up to 16-17 before I figure out my swing.

Oaks was in amazing shape last year. Greens were best Ive played on.

 

[3puttking]

I mean it doesn’t mean anything if I can’t translate it to the course, but I’m hopeful. Especially because I think trackman shorts me yardage indoors.

I know it does because Gunca only hits it 330.

Trackman shortens yardage for me as well. It reads 10-15 yards short for me.

 

[TimNJsoxfan]

Played twice in January, and twice in February here in NW NJ! Unreal winter. Now of course as spring approaches, its gonna snow every friggin weekend!

I really got my driver straightend out this past fall and winter. Consistently keeping the ball in the fairway at 225-250 yards. I need to work on staying focused to stay away from the "disaster" hole, at least one per round. (triple bogey or doubles on par threes)

This spring im going to work on trying to get a little draw on the ball with the driver to gain some distance.

I can feel a sub 80 score coming soon.

 

[cornwalls@6]

Had a back issue that shelved me from about labor day to the end of the season last year. Played a couple of times in TX last month, felt pretty good. So will start ramping up on the simulator at the club where I have a little side hustle, this week. Can't wait to get out for real.

 

[Over Guapo Grande]

Hitting the sims for the first time on Saturday. I have a new driver and new irons in the bag, so either I have no excuses this year, or a ton of them .

 

[yeahlunchbox]

After taking up the game in spring of 97 (hmm, anything big happen then I wonder) with a full set of generic clubs I bought at Golfers Warehouse, I've been slowly rebuilding my bag with used clubs over the last few years. My bag consisted of a TaylorMade M6 D-type driver, Callaway Rogue Irons (5-PW), a 50 degree Callaway JAWS MD5 wedge, and an old Ping Pal 2 putter I found in the woods along with a few other miscellaneous clubs.

Finally added a Callaway Rogue 4 hybrid that just came in last week. This will be the first hybrid I've ever owned, so I'm interesting how I'll end up hitting that.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

Hybrids have salvaged my game to whatever extent it’s been salvaged. Got to a point I could not get good contact or distance on 3-5 irons. Switched to hybrids, and got back the distance and proper gapping between clubs. I hit them higher too. I’m now hybrid 3-6. My distance isn’t so great anymore - 225- 235 driver, so maximizing distance on those clubs has been important, as I hit them a lot on par fours and medium to long par 3s.

 

[BroodsSexton]

Is there any reason not to throw a couple hybrids in the bag for a crappy golfer who has trouble with long irons (ahem)? Will I feel like less of a man?

 

[Bob Montgomerys Helmet Hat]

Is there any reason not to throw a couple hybrids in the bag for a crappy golfer who has trouble with long irons (ahem)? Will I feel like less of a man?

No reason at all. You'll have more fun, because you'll actually hit the ball a hell of a lot better than you would with long irons. I haven't touched a 3 or 4 iron in at least 10 years, probably longer.

 

[bsan34]

Hit whatever makes the ball go high, ideally straight, but most importantly predictably. Game’s hard enough as is.

On that note, I’m experimenting with some high lofted fairway woods to see what I think of the ball flight - Epic Max 7W (21*) and 11W (25*). If DJ and Michelle Wie West bag 24-25* woods, I’m certainly not too good for it.

 

[Pablo's TB Lover]

Is there any reason not to throw a couple hybrids in the bag for a crappy golfer who has trouble with long irons (ahem)? Will I feel like less of a man?

Go for it! I "accidentally" did this by winning Mavrik hybrid 3 and 5 irons last summer and the 3 iron has been a welcome addition. As @bsan34 says above, hybrids tend to be more predictable and my mishits get a much better result than an equivalent iron mishit.

 

[jercra]

Is there any reason not to throw a couple hybrids in the bag for a crappy golfer who has trouble with long irons (ahem)? Will I feel like less of a man?

I spent a bunch of time at The PLAYERS today and plenty of guys have hybrids in the bag. Hit what works, don't worry about the rest.

 

[jercra]

Trackman shortens yardage for me as well. It reads 10-15 yards short for me.

You guys are funny. If you're reading anything about "total" yardage from Trackman, you should stop. However, if you're indoors in a well lighted area with stickers or Titleist RDR balls, then what you're seeing about carry distance is correct (assuming you're using a TM4). It's a radar that can only track the ball in the air, but I can assure you that the calculated data from a very short amount of flight is very accurate.

 

[Gunca]

I think you mean Titleist RCT balls. But yeah, I have no issues with Trackman “shorting” me distance. Even without dotted or RCT balls, I find Trackman to be super accurate indoors.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Timely thread. I got to Bandon on Wednesday and am just wrapping up our yearly trip. The weather has been insane - the first day we got snow, hail, rain, wind, and sun all before the 5th hole. 30-40 mph winds one day and then today it was the most beautiful 55 degree sunny day.

My game is very weird right now, but I don't mind for March. I was really hot at the end of last summer and locked in a 1.8 for the winter and it's been really hard to play to even a 6 right now. Vanity cap for sure

 

[3puttking]

You guys are funny. If you're reading anything about "total" yardage from Trackman, you should stop. However, if you're indoors in a well lighted area with stickers or Titleist RDR balls, then what you're seeing about carry distance is correct (assuming you're using a TM4). It's a radar that can only track the ball in the air, but I can assure you that the calculated data from a very short amount of flight is very accurate.

To clarify, it over reads spin on irons for me. Titleist DCT Pro V1 was spinning 7500 on 7 iron. Used a Srixon Z Star XV with a dot and it ended up with 700 rpm less and a lot closer to my actual on course distance.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

Is there any reason not to throw a couple hybrids in the bag for a crappy golfer who has trouble with long irons (ahem)? Will I feel like less of a man?

Hybrids are in a lot of tour bags. The number is down a smidge lately because 7 woods are trendy.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to carry long irons you struggle to hit vs. hybrids. There are some good players out there replacing even their mid irons with hybrids. Play what works for you. No one cares what you're gaming.

 

[jercra]

To clarify, it over reads spin on irons for me. Titleist DCT Pro V1 was spinning 7500 on 7 iron. Used a Srixon Z Star XV with a dot and it ended up with 700 rpm less and a lot closer to my actual on course distance.

Spin should show up in italics if it doesn't read it properly, but yeah, with no dot indoors the spin is a crapshoot.

 

[Zomp]

If spin is a crapshoot indoors wouldn’t it affect carry as well? Or no because it doesn’t factor wind?

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Hybrids are in a lot of tour bags. The number is down a smidge lately because 7 woods are trendy.

It doesn't make a lot of sense to carry long irons you struggle to hit vs. hybrids. There are some good players out there replacing even their mid irons with hybrids. Play what works for you. No one cares what you're gaming.

I'm the total opposite, really good with long irons and struggle hard with hybrids. I go from a driver straight to a 2i and took 3w out of the bag.

 

[BroodsSexton]

But I want the satisfaction of hitting long irons.

 

[jercra]

If spin is a crapshoot indoors wouldn’t it affect carry as well? Or no because it doesn’t factor wind?

Yeah, that's what I'm saying. If you don't have dots or a radar ball indoors, all bets are off.

 

[Bongorific]

I'm the total opposite, really good with long irons and struggle hard with hybrids. I go from a driver straight to a 2i and took 3w out of the bag.

This is me. I mean I shoot around 90 anyway. But I’m much better with 3 and 4 iron than my 5 wood or hybrid.

 

[Zomp]

Heads up, titleist is doing their loyalty sale. Buy 3 dozen balls, get a dozen free.

 

[Doug Beerabelli]

Applies to V1, V1x and AVX. TGW is one vendor offering it. I did it through the pro shop at my club.

 

[TFP]

Applies to V1, V1x and AVX. TGW is one vendor offering it. I did it through the pro shop at my club.

Also the V1x Left Dash (my preferred ball)

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Also the V1x Left Dash (my preferred ball)

What's different about the left dash?