***Official 2025 Golf Thread, tbd*** (15 Viewers)

[John Bender]

Also w hitting every iron straight out to the right the whole way (again not slicing, just a straight shank right). I'm wondering if I'm getting my body through way in front of my hands.

My finish was solid in every shot, belt buckle facing the target every time. It's another possibility that my body is already moving through the ball well before my hands get there.

Sounds like a block/push, not a shank.

Easy fix, your left hip only needs to move laterally about 3 inches, I'm guessing you're moving 6-7 inches. Just focus on turning your left hip, like someone is pulling your belt loop, really focus on turning instead of sliding.

Seemed to have got it worked out at the driving range (story of my life - we'll see when I get out there).

I kept my body a bit looser and slowed down my swing. Everything is one unit but moves freely through the swing and I was puring my 8 iron for a half hour.

Now, let's see what goes wrong next time I get out on the course.

 

[belljr]

double bogey 18 for a 77 this morning God I could not buy a putt

 

[belljr]

yeah my problem is when I'm hit the ball really good the back nine I just start over swinging because I'm loose I'm feeling good and then that just causes havoc

 

[Zow]

i'm playing in a couple of scramble-based events in June. looking for a "rock" to hit off the tee, i.e. great for distance, not workability, kinda like the old Pinnacle balls from the 90s.

thoughts or suggestions?

Pinnacle still makes a good one - Pinnacle Gold

I use this technique for scrambles too. Some other balls I like to hit off the tee:

- Volvik

- Titleist Velocity

- Titleist Tour Distance

- Callaway Diable

Volvik and Pinnacle definitely the cheapest

 

[Zow]

Also w hitting every iron straight out to the right the whole way (again not slicing, just a straight shank right). I'm wondering if I'm getting my body through way in front of my hands.

My finish was solid in every shot, belt buckle facing the target every time. It's another possibility that my body is already moving through the ball well before my hands get there.

Sounds like a block/push, not a shank.

Easy fix, your left hip only needs to move laterally about 3 inches, I'm guessing you're moving 6-7 inches. Just focus on turning your left hip, like someone is pulling your belt loop, really focus on turning instead of sliding.

Seemed to have got it worked out at the driving range (story of my life - we'll see when I get out there).

I kept my body a bit looser and slowed down my swing. Everything is one unit but moves freely through the swing and I was puring my 8 iron for a half hour.

Now, let's see what goes wrong next time I get out on the course.

Story of my last six months of golf right here. Since my game has gone south I've drug a few of my playing partners onto the range with me. Got the "you're a two on the range but a twenty on the course" comment a few times now. For me, I have a similar swing flaw to you where I'm twisting my hips too much inside and taking my hands in too far and hitting huge blocks. However, that seems mostly mental on the course.

 

[Zow]

cool. will keep it here.

eta: that news sucks, but is really just telling us what we already know. there were a lot of fringe who were not likely to be keepers in wake of tiger. first sign of financial stress they were always going to shake off. but with economy and job market stabilizing it probably wouldn't take much to get some of them back. just something eye catching on the tv. need rory, speith, or even tiger to shake the ground a bit. but could be a little while. still curious to see what china could mean for us manufacturers. and need to get the kids interested again. ricky fowler aint the silver bullet either.

One arguable upside to the correction is I think it's time many of these dumps who bring on billy casper, palmer, etc to operate ####ty properties on life support for however long just be allowed to die. thin the herd a bit. so many poorly run/operated courses out there wasting resources and money to present a poor product. and can we stop the trend of calling public golf courses semi-private and god forbid country clubs?

In Idaho we have a very STUPID State-wide Golf Association that is doing their part to kill the game at least for kids. Example:

My kid has been playing tournaments on the State level since he was 9 years old. Idaho is a pretty big State area-wise...so we're divided into 4 "districts." In order to qualify to play in the District and then State Championship a player is required to compete in 4:6 tournaments from June-July - with the State Championship being held in early August. Typically the 6 District tournaments are spread-out --- 3 tournaments in June and 3 in July...and there has never been more than 1 tournament in a week.

For the last 3 years the number of kids participating in our District has steadily grown. From about 10 boys 4 years ago to about 50 boys last year. I'm sure a lot of this is due to the fact that not a lot of 9 year olds in Idaho even have exposure to golf.

This year there is a huge drop off. When I looked yesterday only 5 kids in the 13 year old age group are even signed up for tournaments this year. Why?

Because of the way the IGA scheduled the events. From June 27-July 2 they have 4 tournaments scheduled. The other 2 take place on July 13-14. Note that not only are they expecting 13 year olds to play a lot of days in a row...the tournaments are held at difference courses each time...some of which are more than 120 miles away from Boise area.

When I called to ask them WTF did they schedule the events like this- they said it was because that was the only time courses had available. BULL ####! I know this because I play in a local tour of about 50 men and we schedule our events less than 2 weeks out and can always get prime tee times during week days.

Other things that piss me off about youth golf at the State level here.

1) They make all kids under 12 play from the Ladies tee box and the holes are often WAY too long especially for 9 year old girls. Last year they had them play one Par 5 that was over 500 yrds uphill. Outrageous. IMO - kids should play from yardages from which "most" are able to reach the green in regulation, and the course should be set up to encourage kids to shoot a low score. No one (least of all children) enjoy shooting super high scores. I've seen girls shoot in the high 80's for 9 holes (the max they can take on any hole is a 10 too)...and the winner shoot in the 60's for 9 holes. I've never seen a boy 12 years old or younger shoot under par in a tournament. (I'm sure there are kids out there who can and do break par easily, but Idaho isn't a hot-bed of amateur kid golf - so why not make it so the game is more fun for the few kids involved at this level...and maybe that would encourage more to try the game out).

2) They should allow the use of "caddies" for all kids. Not allowed in Idaho. In fact players are not allowed to speak with anyone except their playing partners during a tournament round. I've seen kids completely break down out there- crying to the point where they are unable to play. Tournament golf for kids is one of the few sports where everyone DOESN'T get a trophy, nor should they, but this an unusual position for kids today - especially those who play team sports. And many kids can't handle the pressure of having their athletic failures completely exposed. Most kid golfers haven't learned to keep their focus in the here and now. Having an adult caddie who can say "it's just a bad shot or bad hole, lets focus on making this next shot the best it can be" would help a lot.

2) They should use the big hole for all kids under 12 years old. Again who cares if a 10 year old shoots -2 in a District tournament in Parma Idaho, because the course they played was 2000 yrds (instead of 3000) with big holes. In fact I would bet kids who shoot close to par would see a dramatic increase in their intrinsic motivation to play the game. It would also spped up the rounds significant;y. That's what golf needs.

3) All Par 3/Executive courses should use the big holes for all players. It's not unusual to have a 9 hole round at our local Par 3 course take 2+ hours on a Sunday afternoon because the hackers think they are playing the Masters.

4) Range Balls should be free for kids (assuming there is space on the range available). That's an investment the course makes on the sustainability of their future.

Can't disagree with anything you said here. Not allowing caddies/coaches on the course for kids this age is absolutely stupid. Same goes for the length. Poor kid would need five really good shots to get to a green on a par 5. That's just dumb.

 

[Hooper31]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

 

[Prince Myshkin]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I'm curious as well. I personally don't think there has ever been a golf ball that can compare to the Pro-V. I do not have a super high swing speed, and I get more distance from them than any other ball (and I tested about 5 brands including Pinnacles, Nikes, other Titleists, and Bridgestones on a slow day at my local course a couple of summers ago). Add to that the superior feel and spin around the greens and I just don't think there is a comparison.

Unfortunately, I lose too many and they cost too much for me to play them consistently. I played Maxfli U6's and U4's a lot last year, but they jacked the prices up on them to the point where they cost close enough to the Pro-V that I don't see myself buying them anymore.

 

[urbanhack]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I'm curious as well. I personally don't think there has ever been a golf ball that can compare to the Pro-V. I do not have a super high swing speed, and I get more distance from them than any other ball (and I tested about 5 brands including Pinnacles, Nikes, other Titleists, and Bridgestones on a slow day at my local course a couple of summers ago). Add to that the superior feel and spin around the greens and I just don't think there is a comparison.

Unfortunately, I lose too many and they cost too much for me to play them consistently. I played Maxfli U6's and U4's a lot last year, but they jacked the prices up on them to the point where they cost close enough to the Pro-V that I don't see myself buying them anymore.

Bridgestone, Taylor Made and Callaway all make a high end ball that is comparable to the Pro V1. If the ProV1 was that much superior all tour players would be playing it.

 

[tommyboy]

I use proV's but I have also used bridge stone b330, Taylor made tp tours, and srixon z balls.

Bridegstone are probably the best of the bunch

 

[Prince Myshkin]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I'm curious as well. I personally don't think there has ever been a golf ball that can compare to the Pro-V. I do not have a super high swing speed, and I get more distance from them than any other ball (and I tested about 5 brands including Pinnacles, Nikes, other Titleists, and Bridgestones on a slow day at my local course a couple of summers ago). Add to that the superior feel and spin around the greens and I just don't think there is a comparison.

Unfortunately, I lose too many and they cost too much for me to play them consistently. I played Maxfli U6's and U4's a lot last year, but they jacked the prices up on them to the point where they cost close enough to the Pro-V that I don't see myself buying them anymore.

Bridgestone, Taylor Made and Callaway all make a high end ball that is comparable to the Pro V1. If the ProV1 was that much superior all tour players would be playing it.

Not sure I agree with the everybody would play them logic...I think it is pretty clear that Nike's top end ball (and other equipment) isn't anywhere near the quality of some of the others and Tiger, Rory, and several others play them. If a sponsor is going to pay you X amount of money to play their brand, and you feel like the difference in balls would cost you $Y, then it would make sense to play the other ball as long as X is greater than Y.

And the majority of tour players do play them. These stats are from the 2013-14 wrap-around season:

• The Titleist Pro V1 and Pro V1x combined for 26 PGA Tour victories. The closest competitor: 7.
• A Pro V1 or a Pro V1x was played by a competitor 3,355 times. The next most-played ball was used 707 times.
• 93 golfers used a Pro V1 or Pro V1x at the 2014 U.S. Open at Pinehurst. The closest competitor: 20.

All that said, what's good for the pro's might not be good for a hacker like me, but with the Pro-V I feel it is. Could be placebo effect, could just be the way it fits my swing...I still lose way too many and would love to find a cheaper option I like nearly as much!

 

[Judge Smails]

Just finished my annual 24 guy golf trip to La Quinta. 5 days. 25th year. Ryder Cup 12 on 12. We won the trophy in a thriller (came down to last match). That part was great. What was not was my consistency. Just too much going on. I used to play a lot more and now I try to dial it up a month or so before the tournament. Not the same. Doesn't work under pressure. Swing got too quick. I need to practice more and come up with a pre-shot routine and key I can rely on. Also, my short game, save for 2 back to back 15 footers we needed to come back from 3 down, was horrific. Can count on one hand how many times I got up and down. Funny, when I NEEDED to make a putt I always put a great stroke on it - either made it or hit a lip. But perfect speed. Otherwise I was sorta iffy

I had guys I normally trounce shoot the same as I did. Gonna get back to work. Life is too short to play ####ty golf.

 

[belljr]

A nice scramble ball especially when it's cold.

Callaway supersoft

 

[ZenMaster]

Played twice in Costa Rica this week at the Westin Playa Conchal while on vacation. 107 the first time, 101 the second time. Had 3 pars each time and had some good shots but very inconsistent - which is how I usually play.

Now that the flooding has stopped here in Texas, I'll be able to get back to my weekly lessons and play a bit more so hopefully what I'm learning will start to take hold. My biggest problem is overswinging or getting out of tempo and pulling everything left.

We landed last night flying in Dallas after connecting in Miami. Apparently my golf clubs took a detour to Orlando and when I checked this morning, the bag still had not yet been located. :(

 

[Quint]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I'm curious as well. I personally don't think there has ever been a golf ball that can compare to the Pro-V. I do not have a super high swing speed, and I get more distance from them than any other ball (and I tested about 5 brands including Pinnacles, Nikes, other Titleists, and Bridgestones on a slow day at my local course a couple of summers ago). Add to that the superior feel and spin around the greens and I just don't think there is a comparison.

Unfortunately, I lose too many and they cost too much for me to play them consistently. I played Maxfli U6's and U4's a lot last year, but they jacked the prices up on them to the point where they cost close enough to the Pro-V that I don't see myself buying them anymore.

i've been on the Bridgestone e6 for about three years, and have been throwing some Srixon Q-Star into the mix this season for comparison. the Bridgestone, for me, is a touch longer, but the Srixons feel better on and around the green and give me a little more workability moving shots left and right. one thing i have noticed is that the trajectory of each ball is almost identical through the bag. not sold on the Spin Skin Technology, thought that is some great marketing.

was really curious to play the Maxfli U series as well, but the price point is too high now. much more comfortable shelling out $25-$30/dozen for e and Q vs. $50 for the ProV, U, or R series.

 

[Quint]

Played twice in Costa Rica this week at the Westin Playa Conchal while on vacation. 107 the first time, 101 the second time. Had 3 pars each time and had some good shots but very inconsistent - which is how I usually play.

Now that the flooding has stopped here in Texas, I'll be able to get back to my weekly lessons and play a bit more so hopefully what I'm learning will start to take hold. My biggest problem is overswinging or getting out of tempo and pulling everything left.

We landed last night flying in Dallas after connecting in Miami. Apparently my golf clubs took a detour to Orlando and when I checked this morning, the bag still had not yet been located. :(

####. that's one of my nightmares. hope they find your clubs, and everything's in one piece.

 

[Apple Jack]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I get balls free so i play whatever I get rx/e6/nxt/prov. 5050, duo and supersoft are good balls for anybody with high spin (me). See if there is a bridgestone ball fitting near you and check it out. Its a pretty cool demonstration where youll get a bunch of interesting data on your swing and what happens when you hit different balls.

 

[Hooper31]

5050, duo and supersoft are good balls for anybody with high spin (me).

Could you expand on this? When you say "high spin" I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Are you talking off the tee with the driver? Or with your iron play? Both? I've got no idea what sort of spin I generate with any club. I've never been the process of being fit for clubs. I know I'm on the verge of getting significantly better as I'm learning about the golf swing. Haven't broken 80 yet, but I expect to eventually.

 

[belljr]

I've been a big Taylor made ball guy. Love the tp black then the penta then the tp 3 or tp 5 or whatever it was called.

I hate they keep changing the stupid name. Haven't tried the x yet

 

[belljr]

I did the Bridgestone ball fit. They said the Taylor made I hit gave me identical results. The b330 x or whatever it was would match. They are pretty good

 

[lod01]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I get balls free so i play whatever I get rx/e6/nxt/prov. 5050, duo and supersoft are good balls for anybody with high spin (me). See if there is a bridgestone ball fitting near you and check it out. Its a pretty cool demonstration where youll get a bunch of interesting data on your swing and what happens when you hit different balls.

I get balls for free too. When I spice into the woods, I go get a replacement. A lot of the time I come out with a better ball.

 

[Apple Jack]

5050, duo and supersoft are good balls for anybody with high spin (me).

Could you expand on this? When you say "high spin" I'm not sure I understand what you mean. Are you talking off the tee with the driver? Or with your iron play? Both? I've got no idea what sort of spin I generate with any club. I've never been the process of being fit for clubs. I know I'm on the verge of getting significantly better as I'm learning about the golf swing. Haven't broken 80 yet, but I expect to eventually.

im talking driver/full swing shots. a higher compression ball that you dont compress is going to spin a ton more off driver (slice/hook/balloon) than one you do compress. high backspin will rob you of both carry and roll.

 

[Da Guru]

Was playing some decent golf this year but the last 2 times out when I had an 8-9 or W in my hand I have hit a number of worm burners. Just grounders from the get go. I was 110 out a couple of times in the middle yesterday.. had my W and love that distance. Twice I grounded a shot 50-60 yards that never got airborne. Did the same with my 9 from 130. This has never happened to me before. I am dealing with a left shoulder injury and think I am putting too much weight on my right side while on my downswing. Any tips?

 

[Grahamburn]

i'm playing in a couple of scramble-based events in June. looking for a "rock" to hit off the tee, i.e. great for distance, not workability, kinda like the old Pinnacle balls from the 90s.

thoughts or suggestions?

I ran into some long drive competitors on the range before a round a couple weeks ago. They were hitting the Nike Crush, and they were bombing it...

Have any of you ever seen one of these guys live? I'm a long player, but these dudes made me feel like Corey Pavin.

 

[Apple Jack]

Was playing some decent golf this year but the last 2 times out when I had an 8-9 or W in my hand I have hit a number of worm burners. Just grounders from the get go. I was 110 out a couple of times in the middle yesterday.. had my W and love that distance. Twice I grounded a shot 50-60 yards that never got airborne. Did the same with my 9 from 130. This has never happened to me before. I am dealing with a left shoulder injury and think I am putting too much weight on my right side while on my downswing. Any tips?

hard to say without seeing, but my guess is that youre subconsciously scared to hit the ground because of your shoulder, resulting in you standing up before/at impact and topping it or catching it on the bottom groove.

 

[TheIronSheik]

I've gotten to a point where I can't chip anymore. I know I'm totally in my own head now, but I can't fix it. I'll practice chipping and I'm fine. But as soon as I get out on the course, my chips are terrible. I either hit it 2 foot or 40 yards. Chunk or blade. I shot a 101 this weekend with 3 pars and a birdie. If I can hit the green, no issues. If I just miss the green, 7's and 8's. I'm like Tiger Woods out there chipping now.

 

[Quint]

Was playing some decent golf this year but the last 2 times out when I had an 8-9 or W in my hand I have hit a number of worm burners. Just grounders from the get go. I was 110 out a couple of times in the middle yesterday.. had my W and love that distance. Twice I grounded a shot 50-60 yards that never got airborne. Did the same with my 9 from 130. This has never happened to me before. I am dealing with a left shoulder injury and think I am putting too much weight on my right side while on my downswing. Any tips?

picking your head up?

 

[Quint]

I've gotten to a point where I can't chip anymore. I know I'm totally in my own head now, but I can't fix it. I'll practice chipping and I'm fine. But as soon as I get out on the course, my chips are terrible. I either hit it 2 foot or 40 yards. Chunk or blade. I shot a 101 this weekend with 3 pars and a birdie. If I can hit the green, no issues. If I just miss the green, 7's and 8's. I'm like Tiger Woods out there chipping now.

i get that way every now and again (like last Friday).

quick fix: try chipping with something other than a SW or really lofted club. if you have a good lie, and aren't dealing with going around/over a hazard, grab 8i and put the ball back in your stance a bit. make an easy swing, with the idea of trying to hit the ball about as hard as you would hit a putt from the same distance.

it'll add some confidence with distance control and you won't be so concerned with blading or digging.

 

[Apple Jack]

I've gotten to a point where I can't chip anymore. I know I'm totally in my own head now, but I can't fix it. I'll practice chipping and I'm fine. But as soon as I get out on the course, my chips are terrible. I either hit it 2 foot or 40 yards. Chunk or blade. I shot a 101 this weekend with 3 pars and a birdie. If I can hit the green, no issues. If I just miss the green, 7's and 8's. I'm like Tiger Woods out there chipping now.

thankfully ive yet to encounter the yips. i had a club pro buddy who had the worst case in the history of the universe. i caddied for him in us open qualifying one year and it was horrifying to witness and not be able to run away. such a bizarre thing. eventually he shook it off a bit citing me hammering home soft hands. get your body loose and exhale before you chip. some people get way too tense chipping. dont worry about a miss. if you miss it you miss it. bfd. and never ever ever decel.

also, a lot of people seem to lose their chipping on the course by swinging too shallow, essentially dragging the club through too much grass before getting to the ball. getting move of a "v" angle of attack and follow through can get the ball up quicker, cleaner and softer.

 

[belljr]

if I have plenty of ground to work with I always hit at 8 or 9 just take a putting stroke get it on the green and let it roll I hate having a wedge in my hand around the green unless it's in the bunker

 

[urbanhack]

i'm playing in a couple of scramble-based events in June. looking for a "rock" to hit off the tee, i.e. great for distance, not workability, kinda like the old Pinnacle balls from the 90s.

thoughts or suggestions?

I ran into some long drive competitors on the range before a round a couple weeks ago. They were hitting the Nike Crush, and they were bombing it...

Have any of you ever seen one of these guys live? I'm a long player, but these dudes made me feel like Corey Pavin.

Yes....and you should try and hit the ball with a 49" or 50" driver. it's amazing how much distance it adds. I'm not sure how much longer their drives are, but back in the day, a lot of long drive guys were hitting 50+" drivers.

 

[Grahamburn]

i'm playing in a couple of scramble-based events in June. looking for a "rock" to hit off the tee, i.e. great for distance, not workability, kinda like the old Pinnacle balls from the 90s.

thoughts or suggestions?

I ran into some long drive competitors on the range before a round a couple weeks ago. They were hitting the Nike Crush, and they were bombing it...

Have any of you ever seen one of these guys live? I'm a long player, but these dudes made me feel like Corey Pavin.

Yes....and you should try and hit the ball with a 49" or 50" driver. it's amazing how much distance it adds. I'm not sure how much longer their drives are, but back in the day, a lot of long drive guys were hitting 50+" drivers.

Yeah, they were all playing Krank drivers and the shafts were noticeably longer. I was amazed how well they controlled it. 400 yards straight as a string.

 

[ZenMaster]

Being in the northwest I'm fortunate to play 12 months out of the year. Can be fairly wet and a bit cold in December and January, but we manage. Drives plugging in the fairway is worth it for a chance to get out and play.

When playing in the winter I use a Wilson Staff 50/50 Elite ball. Super easy to compress and has a very soft feel around the greens. Its supposed to be for older guys with slow swing speeds, but I'm not deluding myself into thinking that I'm always swinging over 100 mph. Sometimes, but not with regularity. This year I've continued using the same ball in the better weather. Used to play Bridgestone E6s, but I've been sticking with the Wilson this year. Again, just love the feel around the greens. Even when you hold the sucker in your hand it just feels "squishy" compared to other golf balls.

My understanding of ball compression and layers is limited, but my thinking is that the vast majority of guys playing ProV1s is way too high. Been hitting the Wilson from 250 to 290 when hit well with driver. I'm blessed with long arms and don't have to try to kill it to create a long arc.

Curious to hear what other guys are hitting off the tee. I easily could be talked into trying other golf balls. Any suggestions?

I've been playing the Bridgestone E6 or B330 since last year. For me, they do just fine.

I did just get a sample box of Vice golf balls - one sleeve of each of their balls. Next time I have the course to myself, I'll try them out from various places and see which I like better. Chances are I'm not good enough to really tell the difference. I've never played them before but they're a lot less expensive than other balls.

 

[urbanhack]

i'm playing in a couple of scramble-based events in June. looking for a "rock" to hit off the tee, i.e. great for distance, not workability, kinda like the old Pinnacle balls from the 90s.

thoughts or suggestions?

I ran into some long drive competitors on the range before a round a couple weeks ago. They were hitting the Nike Crush, and they were bombing it...

Have any of you ever seen one of these guys live? I'm a long player, but these dudes made me feel like Corey Pavin.

Yes....and you should try and hit the ball with a 49" or 50" driver. it's amazing how much distance it adds. I'm not sure how much longer their drives are, but back in the day, a lot of long drive guys were hitting 50+" drivers.

Yeah, they were all playing Krank drivers and the shafts were noticeably longer. I was amazed how well they controlled it. 400 yards straight as a string.

We had the long drive circuit out to our course when it was taking off in the mid 90's. I remember messing around hitting some of the longer clubs. After hitting some of the longer clubs, I then switched to my driver and it was like hitting a wedge. I always told myself I should buy one of those and use it to practice with before a round and then my driver would be a lot easier to hit. Hmmmmmm.

 

[TheIronSheik]

When will we know the entire filed for the US Open? Trying to get the office pool organized and seeing some differing reports.

 

[urbanhack]

final qualifiers are today. Should probably know the full field by tomorrow or Thursday at the latest.

 

[Dark Matter]

final qualifiers are today. Should probably know the full field by tomorrow or Thursday at the latest.

Link to Sectional Site Scoring:

http://www.usopen.com/en_US/news/qualifying/sectional.html

 

[GoL]

I've gotten to a point where I can't chip anymore. I know I'm totally in my own head now, but I can't fix it. I'll practice chipping and I'm fine. But as soon as I get out on the course, my chips are terrible. I either hit it 2 foot or 40 yards. Chunk or blade. I shot a 101 this weekend with 3 pars and a birdie. If I can hit the green, no issues. If I just miss the green, 7's and 8's. I'm like Tiger Woods out there chipping now.

I had this problem for a while and went to chipping with a hybrid on any tight lies. Just stroke it like a putt and nice you figure out the pace it's a nice tool for when the pressure is on.

 

[ZenMaster]

Played twice in Costa Rica this week at the Westin Playa Conchal while on vacation. 107 the first time, 101 the second time. Had 3 pars each time and had some good shots but very inconsistent - which is how I usually play.

Now that the flooding has stopped here in Texas, I'll be able to get back to my weekly lessons and play a bit more so hopefully what I'm learning will start to take hold. My biggest problem is overswinging or getting out of tempo and pulling everything left.

We landed last night flying in Dallas after connecting in Miami. Apparently my golf clubs took a detour to Orlando and when I checked this morning, the bag still had not yet been located. :(

####. that's one of my nightmares. hope they find your clubs, and everything's in one piece.

Clubs were delivered to my house last night around 8:00 p.m. I didn't get to play yesterday like I had hoped but at least they showed up - and they're all there and nothing was damaged. I get to do it all over again in two weeks when we go to Cabo but at least it's a direct flight.

 

[urbanhack]

bookmark

 

[Jayrok]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

 

[Hooper31]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

I don't believe in the range at all. Its too difficult to simulate the real course, especially if you're hitting off mats.

I practice on the course. Playing by myself every now and then I treat it like a range session. I'll hit multiple balls from the same spots and not keep score at all. If you haven't tried this I highly recommend it. Also, its much easier to do this if you're willing to hit a course at weird times when they're not busy. Understandably not an option for some folks that are limited as to when they can play/practice.

 

[Jayrok]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

I don't believe in the range at all. Its too difficult to simulate the real course, especially if you're hitting off mats.

I practice on the course. Playing by myself every now and then I treat it like a range session. I'll hit multiple balls from the same spots and not keep score at all. If you haven't tried this I highly recommend it. Also, its much easier to do this if you're willing to hit a course at weird times when they're not busy. Understandably not an option for some folks that are limited as to when they can play/practice.

I don't hit off mats. I love to play alone in the late afternoon when no one else is around. That's when I hit multiple balls from around the course and practice, as you said. I just don't get the time to get out and do that very often.

 

[tommyboy]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

because the driving range has no consequences for a bad shot. So you're relaxed and obviously you are capable of striping the ball in that environment.

either learn how to pretend that an actual shot on the course is a range ball, or change your practice on the range to one with consequences/tension.

 

[Dark Matter]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

because the driving range has no consequences for a bad shot. So you're relaxed and obviously you are capable of striping the ball in that environment.

either learn how to pretend that an actual shot on the course is a range ball, or change your practice on the range to one with consequences/tension.

or grab a couple a mean Bloody Mary's to get calibrated

 

[Grahamburn]

What do you guys do when your wife gives you a hard time about playing?

Divorce her?

 

[Jayrok]

What do you guys do when your wife gives you a hard time about playing?

Divorce her?

If only it was that easy. Encourage her to find a hobby and tell her how important it is for you to get to play now and then.

 

[encaitar]

What do you guys do when your wife gives you a hard time about playing?

Divorce her?

"Golf relaxes me. It's my moment away from the real world. It takes me away from the stress, worry, and never ending struggle of work and bills. Now, if my mental well-being doesn't matter to you, then sure, I'll stop playing so much. But you lose any right to ##### when I'm cranky, callous, and angry, as you've taken away the few hours a week I use to find my inner peace." (By using up all my crankiness, callousness, and anger at my golf game, but this can remain unsaid)

 

[Jayrok]

I hate the driving range. Within a few shots I begin to hit that stride where I am happy with every club I hit. From SW to driver. Thump, thump, thump.

Why is it so hard to duplicate your driving range prowess on the course? 10 handicap.

I hate the driving range.

because the driving range has no consequences for a bad shot. So you're relaxed and obviously you are capable of striping the ball in that environment.

either learn how to pretend that an actual shot on the course is a range ball, or change your practice on the range to one with consequences/tension.

Yeah, I agree in premise. I try to treat the range as if I'm playing a real shot. It's just hard to duplicate actual course conditions. I could pull the ball (not hook) ~10 yards left on mid iron shots on the course for 3 consecutive approach shots to greens.. drive straight to the range and hit is straight as an arrow. I have to lead the world in the sentence to self: "I just don't get it."

 

[Grahamburn]

What do you guys do when your wife gives you a hard time about playing?

Divorce her?

"Golf relaxes me. It's my moment away from the real world. It takes me away from the stress, worry, and never ending struggle of work and bills. Now, if my mental well-being doesn't matter to you, then sure, I'll stop playing so much. But you lose any right to ##### when I'm cranky, callous, and angry, as you've taken away the few hours a week I use to find my inner peace." (By using up all my crankiness, callousness, and anger at my golf game, but this can remain unsaid)

I'm leaning divorce.