The Golf Thread

[ChicagoCavFan]

I guess I'll add this here, as I just got new irons (wedding gift from fiance). I had been playing with Callaway Big Bertha Gold's (very rare) with Graphite shafts from the late 90s. Loved 'em. Am typically in the low 90s...as I'll undoubtedly have a blow up hole per 9. However, first time out this year with the Callaway's and I shot an 85...with a 7 on 18. Wasn't pleased with that - made the 19th hole tougher to swallow.

So...I essentially had an open slate to get whatever I wanted. Had them fit as well. Stayed with graphite shafts - due to the weight. The steel felt different, although I probably would have adjusted. I was in a bad motorcycle accident 3 years ago, and have nerve damage down my left arm. I have a Unicep now - as one of my bicep muscles is dormant. Plus an 8 inch plate in my forearm keeping my bone together. Able to play though - but my strength is not what it used to be.

So, what did I end up getting....

the Mizuno JPX-EZ 4 - Gap, plus the Titleist Vokey 56-14 and 60-10.

I haven't scored like that first round yet (have only gotten 2 rounds under my belt), but I can see the accuracy improvement with my iron play. Literally was the closest I've ever been to a hole in one last week (rolled right by hole stopping at tap in distance). Even the long irons have a better level of accuracy - adding to my confidence.

Granted, the irons I was using were from the 90s and purchased at Play It Again Sports near Great Northern Mall.

Unfortunately, had to cancel on my league this year due to my workload. Only am able to play on wknds, and we are planning an October wedding. If I get 15 rounds this year I will be very happy. Luckily Liz's dad plays. We playing on Fathers Day.

 

[Funny Man Rocco]

Finally bought a shaft for my Callaway Razr Hawk driver head. I have been teeing off with a 4 wood hybrid before this and now and I'm used to playing with limited clubs but holy hell I can't figure out the driver. I'm going to the range again tonight to try and get comfortable with it before hitting the course this weekend.

 

[Nathan S]

 

[Phills14]

Tied for 2nd in the 1st round at Bay Hill!

 

[FiveThous]

Pardon me if this is the wrong thread, but I'm in the market for some new irons. My budget is around $500-$600. I don't have to spend that.

I'm a recreational player, I play probably a half dozen times a year. Could someone recommend a set up to that price range that could last me 5-10 years?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Zog]

Pardon me if this is the wrong thread, but I'm in the market for some new irons. My budget is around $500-$600. I don't have to spend that.

I'm a recreational player, I play probably a half dozen times a year. Could someone recommend a set up to that price range that could last me 5-10 years?

Thanks in advance!

I’d probably go to a shop with some gently used clubs or try ebay. Just make sure you’re getting a good quality brand and forged club heads and the clubs should easily last you ten years or more.

It’s probably time for new clubs for me, but my Titleist clubs are going on 13 years old now and I try to play once a week when the weather is nice. Those clubs have probably been through 1000 rounds.

 

[FiveThous]

I’d probably go to a shop with some gently used clubs or try ebay. Just make sure you’re getting a good quality brand and forged club heads and the clubs should easily last you ten years or more.

It’s probably time for new clubs for me, but my Titleist clubs are going on 13 years old now and I try to play once a week when the weather is nice. Those clubs have probably been through 1000 rounds.

Let's say the majority of that budget is in Dick's Sporting Goods gift cards, how would that change your opinion? I can go to Golf Galaxy or Dick's Sporting Goods with those gift cards.

 

[Derek]

@FiveThous

TaylorMade has put out some quality lower priced clubs for mid to high handicap players in recent years. $500-600 could get you some good clubs.

Ultimately, I'd recommend taking advantage of one of the professionals at Dick's or Golf Galaxy, and get something fitted to you. There are a ton of options in your price range, and those guys will get you into something that not only fits your price range, but fits your game.

 

[Zog]

Let's say the majority of that budget is in Dick's Sporting Goods gift cards, how would that change your opinion? I can go to Golf Galaxy or Dick's Sporting Goods with those gift cards.

Dicks is having a sale right now on some iron sets from Taylor Made and Callaway:

https://m.dickssportinggoods.com/f/up-to-300-off-select-irons-gat2018

I like the idea that @Derek has, especially if you can pick up a new set for $400 and spend the rest on fittting. Although the only thing I would add is that if you’re only playing 6 times a year you should certainly weigh the cost of the fitting. It will be beneficial, but I guess I’m not sure if it will make that huge of a difference if you don’t play that often.

 

[Derek]

In my experience, as long as you end up buying clubs at the end, the cost of fitting is minuscule. I’ve never gone through Dick’s or GG for the service, so obviously you should get a quote before diving in, but the fitting would certainly be worth it.

 

[BMAN]

I’m just starting to golf. Have a used set of clubs I bought off my brother. Played a couple times so far. Have friends that golf that are willing to help. Any advice to improve?

 

[Zog]

I’m just starting to golf. Have a used set of clubs I bought off my brother. Played a couple times so far. Have friends that golf that are willing to help. Any advice to improve?

Go to the range with your friends and hit a bunch of shots. Playing on the course is fun and will certainly help you get better, but hitting shots over and over on the range can help you develop consistency in your swing - then go use it on the course.

You can watch some videos on youtube if you're specifically struggling with something, there are some helpful channels.

 

[Jake]

I’m just starting to golf. Have a used set of clubs I bought off my brother. Played a couple times so far. Have friends that golf that are willing to help. Any advice to improve?

It's a difficult but satisfying game once you figure it out. There isn't much of anything I'd rather do than golf.
If your new, work on grip, stance and alignment. Get that right, it's huge. Develop a smooth tempo in your swing. Learn to putt and chip, it's the great equalizer. It's the scoring that matters, this coming from a guy who drives it very well. Learn a basic bunker shot that'll get you out, it's not too difficult. Don't read too much too soon and don't take advice from just anybody. Most hacks don't know shit. If your buddies are over 10 hdcp they may not know too much. Good luck, it's the greatest game on earth, that why all the athletes and rich guys who could do anything they choose choose to golf.

 

[Nathan S]

It's a difficult but satisfying game once you figure it out. There isn't much of anything I'd rather do than golf.
If your new, work on grip, stance and alignment. Get that right, it's huge. Develop a smooth tempo in your swing. Learn to putt and chip, it's the great equalizer. It's the scoring that matters, this coming from a guy who drives it very well. Learn a basic bunker shot that'll get you out, it's not too difficult. Don't read too much too soon and don't take advice from just anybody. Most hacks don't know shit. If your buddies are over 10 hdcp they may not know too much. Good luck, it's the greatest game on earth, that why all the athletes and rich guys who could do anything they choose choose to golf.

To add to this, if the pace of play is slow, consider hitting putts and shots around the green an extra couple of times when you're playing rounds. You can get twice as much out of a practice round if you sneak in extra shots here and there.

 

[Nathan S]

Tiger got me like