***Official 2025 Golf Thread, tbd*** (11 Viewers)

[belljr]

Distance, yes. Accuracy, no. Which is why I shouldn't have hit it.

I'm horrific out of the sand. The bunkers at my club aren't that great, so I'll blame that. 

... I just meant golf is "funny like"....one man's trash is another man's treasure. You need me to hit a sweep hook around a tree with an iron no problem. High fade not so much.   My driver is opposite lol bunkers yes!!!! 50 yard wedge of a tight fairway I'll pass

 

[BeTheMatch]

... I just meant golf is "funny like"....one man's trash is another man's treasure. You need me to hit a sweep hook around a tree with an iron no problem. High fade not so much.   My driver is opposite lol

I've been forced into learning a pretty cool shot. I can hit a five iron about 175 yards now that doesn't get any higher than about eight feet off the ground. (Trees are a problem on my home course.)

 

[belljr]

I've been forced into learning a pretty cool shot. I can hit a five iron about 175 yards now that doesn't get any higher than about eight feet off the ground. (Trees are a problem on my home course.)

The hooded punch

 

[MAC_32]

I will seek out the advice of a golf simulator pro this winter, but so I don't wander in completely uninformed do any of you have any recommendations for new clubs? To say mine are old would be a vast under statement. I inherited my irons from my old man about 25 years ago and they were at least 10 years old at that time. My driver, 3 wood, lob wedge, and putter aren't as old but I'd guess they're all 20+ years old too. I always said once the kids started getting older and I played more that I'd get fitted and with 12 rounds last year and 5 already this year it appears that time is now. 

I'm generally around 80 on easy courses, but have much more volatility on more challenging treks because my sand and get out of trouble games are atrocious - and I leave a lot of yardage out there with these old clubs. Off the tee, iron play, short game, and putting rarely all click at the same time but I go through hot streaks with each - works for scrambling as long as I'm on a team that can adapt to whatever part of my game is hot that day.

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I totally dig what's in my bag - Mizuno 921 Hot Metals, Ping G425 driver, and Titleist SM8 wedges.

Ping drivers are very forgiving - The 400 and 425 Max versions particularly.

I played with a Taylor Made Sim2 rental clubs this past weekend. Didn't care much for the irons (too offset for me now) but I did hit the driver well even though it's a completely different feel from Ping.

 

[Hankmoody]

I will seek out the advice of a golf simulator pro this winter, but so I don't wander in completely uninformed do any of you have any recommendations for new clubs? To say mine are old would be a vast under statement. I inherited my irons from my old man about 25 years ago and they were at least 10 years old at that time. My driver, 3 wood, lob wedge, and putter aren't as old but I'd guess they're all 20+ years old too. I always said once the kids started getting older and I played more that I'd get fitted and with 12 rounds last year and 5 already this year it appears that time is now. 

I'm generally around 80 on easy courses, but have much more volatility on more challenging treks because my sand and get out of trouble games are atrocious - and I leave a lot of yardage out there with these old clubs. Off the tee, iron play, short game, and putting rarely all click at the same time but I go through hot streaks with each - works for scrambling as long as I'm on a team that can adapt to whatever part of my game is hot that day.

I agree what Andy said - I love the Mizuno Hot Metal Pros I just went to (9 years with prior set).

However, from a prior post I made on the subject, I have a few more thoughts:

I reiterate the fitting comment with one caveat - those guys are there to sell you clubs and make as much money as possible.  They are going to try to sell you the most recent most expensive set every time.

I always tell people - as amateurs, we do not have access to the time and club resources pros do.  Playing Titleist vs. Callaway vs. Mizuno is a functionally irrelevant decision.  We can't get precisely tuned and fit into the "perfect" club for us because we're not consistent enough for there to be one and we're not going to have a brand rep jumping whenever we snap our fingers looking for a different shaft.  If you're not spending 30-40 hours a week on your game you can't be.  We're far better off getting a set of clubs we feel great about and then hitting them - we'll adapt to the clubs way faster and easier than we have access to adapting the clubs to us.

What IS critical is getting the right model within whatever brand you choose.  If you're a Mizuno fanboy (I am) there's a vast difference between the JPX 921 Hot Metal vs. the JPX 921 Forged and a good professional fitter will make sure they put you in the correct set for your skill level.  If you're a Titleist guy they have about 6 different models from oversize to forged blades - so you gotta get that right.

Also key is the shaft, that's the transmission of the swing and the wrong shaft makes the perfect irons a disaster.  I've had really good experiences with fitting and guys that know how to focus on that.  If you're not spending 75% of the fitting time on shafts he's probably not doing it right.

 

[Da Guru]

This game can wear on you mentally if you want to play well.   I am around a 14-15 handicap for 18 holes. 

First 4 weeks of my league play were 43-39-41-40.  I think I am finally getting consistent play in all areas.  Driver was straight, irons were crisp, and was putting good.

Last 2 weeks, 48 and 50.   Two weeks ago driver went haywire, put 3 balls OB off tee and only hit one fairway.  Last night drove the ball well but topped my short irons, that has never happened to me before. I was 100-120 out middle on some holes and got doubles.

Twice I topped it and it went 50-60 yards on ground.  Then on last hole a par 5 I am 70 out in 2, I hit my SW like a missile, about 10 ft high through the green and into these bushes way behind the green, had to take a drop and chip back and end up with a 7.  

Back to the drawing board. 

 

[Zow]

Picking up my new SM9s today from my fitter.  

 

[belljr]

Booked my first ever pinehurst trip in the fall

 

[Barry]

Do you guys ever have a dream where you're trying to tee off but something keeps getting in the way? Sometimes it's a branch that keeps getting in the way of your back swing no matter where you tee up. Or a brick wall behind the tee box. A few nights ago the ball wouldn't stay on the tee. Every scenario I end up topping the ball.

 

[TLEF316]

Played in my annual charity scramble on Monday. Good times as always. My dad was begrudgingly planning to sit it out (he had to have a heart stent put in on Thursday...90%+ blocked artery. Thank god they caught it) but decided to give it a go anyway (doctor told him to wait 5 days for the puncture wound in his wrist to heal).

We finished -14* (you could "buy" an eagle on 18...a par 5, by donating $200 to the charity. We technically made a birdie) and finished 2nd. Figured we'd be in good shape as the team that has won the past 2 years was missing their best guy. But some other team that had never been there before went -16 and didn't even stay for the dinner afterwards....lame.

Still had a blast. I'm our designated first putter and I 360 lip'd out a 15 footer on the first hole. Not a great omen. But we bounced back to play really well and made 3 actual eagles.

- My drive, my brother hits his 2 iron to like 10 feet from like 220 yards. My putt.

- My brother's drive to about 6 feet on a very short par 4, his putt

and then the last one was the best. My drive, my dad lays up to like 50 yards out. Had like a bump and run half wedge to a sunken green. Basically you hit it like 35 yards, it disappears over a hill and then (if you're lucky) re-emerges like 5 seconds later near the hole. I sunk it with the official camera guy there snapping photos. Of course we all went nuts. Best shot I've ever hit (I have one other hole out eagle, but it was a 7 iron out of deep rough that was like 99% luck)

Love this game sometimes. Now watch me fire like a 93 this weekend.

 

[TLEF316]

Do you guys ever have a dream where you're trying to tee off but something keeps getting in the way? Sometimes it's a branch that keeps getting in the way of your back swing no matter where you tee up. Or a brick wall behind the tee box. A few nights ago the ball wouldn't stay on the tee. Every scenario I end up topping the ball.

Yes, I absolutely have this dream.

 

[WDIK2]

Do you guys ever have a dream where you're trying to tee off but something keeps getting in the way? Sometimes it's a branch that keeps getting in the way of your back swing no matter where you tee up. Or a brick wall behind the tee box. A few nights ago the ball wouldn't stay on the tee. Every scenario I end up topping the ball.

Yes, I absolutely have this dream.

I also have eerily similar dreams.  Ball falling off the tee or something else preventing me from swinging.  Mine usually involve a stance on soggy, muddy ground and I can't get good footing.  Then the ball will move on address or something.  All while my playing partners are getting frustrated I'm taking so long.

 

[belljr]

I don't think I've ever had a golf related dream

 

[Cowboysfan8]

I don't think I've ever had a golf related dream

Me neither 

 

[CGRdrJoe]

playing the south course at torrey next month, looking forward to it big time. we were lucky enough to talk to the right person who showed us how to get the local rate using our military id’s, otherwise i wasn’t going to pay 220 to play there

 

[Zow]

I don't think I've ever had a golf related dream

I do the night before tournaments sometimes. Or a night during a multi-day tournament and it'll usually involve my playing partners or some such. 

That said, my dreams are generally unrealistic. By that I mean the dream could involve playing gold while nonsensically riding a unicorn or some ####. I rarely if ever have actual dreams that could occur in reality. 

 

[Zow]

playing the south course at torrey next month, looking forward to it big time. we were lucky enough to talk to the right person who showed us how to get the local rate using our military id’s, otherwise i wasn’t going to pay 220 to play there

My favorite course I've ever played. Such a relaxing walk. 

 

[James Bond]

I don't think I've ever had a golf related dream

Well, the only golf related dream is that re-occurring one with Nelly Korda...   

 

[Gilroy34]

playing right now, par, double, triple to start and just hit driver down middle of 4.  I hate golf.

 

[belljr]

I mean if we're talking about getting it in the hole, sure I've had plenty

 

[Mookie]

Played for the first time in a few weeks last Sunday.  Finished up front nine with two sloppy double bogeys on 8 and 9 for 43.  Here's how the back 9 went:

10 (Par 4, 390 yds) - Missed 10 footer for birdie on the low edge. Par

11(Par 3, 180 yds)- Hit it in front bunker and wedged it out to 4" for tap in par

12(Par 4, 430 yds) - Made 15 footer for birdie

13 (Par 5, 530 yds)- hit it to 3' and made putt for birdie

14 (Par 3, 195 yds)- missed 6' birdie putt - bad push

15 (Par 4, 440 yds)- lipped out 20' birdie putt

16 (Par 4, 370 yds)- made 30' birdie putt

17 (Par 4, 450 yds) - hit flagstick with chip. Tap in par

18 (Par 5, 560 yds)- Left 20' birdie putt about 1/2" short.

33 or -3 for a 76 total. Haven't had a 9 like that in years.  Woulda coulda shoulda been so much better.  I've been replaying every shot in my head all week. Everything seemed so easy, but I'm sure when I tee it up Friday, that will all be gone and it will be the same infuriatingly fun game once again.  

 

[WDIK2]

I don't think I've ever had a golf related dream

I don't think mine are really about golf.  Something deeper.     Like scuba diving.

 

[bryhamm]

The hooded punch

Thought I stumbled into some bdsm thread.

 

[Zow]

Beat a D1 golfer by one shot gross from the tips at my course yesterday (78-79). With an OB ball and literally four lip outs. 
 

Game has never been better. Gamed the SM9s for the first time. They’re very much like the 8s (minimal zip/spin but very consistent). 

 

[gump]

Just renewed my membership at Pete Dye’s Southern Hills. It’s 30 miles from me but so worth it. Incredible golf…and an awesome par 3 6-holer.  Took my 4-yr-old out for the first time this morning to that…he loved it. We’ll be on the big boy together soon.

Video

 

[Zow]

Just renewed my membership at Pete Dye’s Southern Hills. It’s 30 miles from me but so worth it. Incredible golf…and an awesome par 3 6-holer.  Took my 4-yr-old out for the first time this morning to that…he loved it. We’ll be on the big boy together soon.

Video

Awesome. 
 

One of the big driving forces for me to buy a house on our golf course is so I can regularly take my kids out. 

 

[Barry]

Just renewed my membership at Pete Dye’s Southern Hills. It’s 30 miles from me but so worth it. Incredible golf…and an awesome par 3 6-holer.  Took my 4-yr-old out for the first time this morning to that…he loved it. We’ll be on the big boy together soon.

Video

it would be interesting to watch you swing to see if he gets the happy feet from watching Dad.

 

[gump]

it would be interesting to watch you swing to see if he gets the happy feet from watching Dad.

No question. I line up my clubface then get feet set. I also play with a towel in my back pocket which he started doing. I need to start paying more attention to the bad habits he sees. Which should actually help my game!

 

[Barry]

No question. I line up my clubface then get feet set. I also play with a towel in my back pocket which he started doing. I need to start paying more attention to the bad habits he sees. Which should actually help my game!

He seems to be holding the club properly which is the important thing.  I used to do the preshot shuffle and it kept getting a little longer until it became a problem. Had to go to the range and stop cold turkey. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

I'm surprised to find I'm having trouble selling my old driver. Has anyone sold stuff anywhere other than FB Marketplace or eBay? Anyone want to buy a G400 Max - even just the head?

 

[Da Guru]

Played in an outing at Bucks Run in Mt Pleasant MI past weekend.  What a beautiful course.  About 2 hours from Metro Detroit.  Highly recommend if you are in the area.

 

[TLEF316]

Holed out a wedge for eagle from like 110 tonight......no witnesses.

Started to celebrate but then felt like a total weirdo and stopped myself.

Technically my 3rd one, but I dont count one of them (was on my grandpa's old course last year on an insanely short downhill par 5. Hit Driver-PW to 6 feet and made a putt. I can't count that in good conscience)

First one I actually saw go in though...so that was a cool feeling.

 

[Zow]

Holed out a wedge for eagle from like 110 tonight......no witnesses.

Started to celebrate but then felt like a total weirdo and stopped myself.

Technically my 3rd one, but I dont count one of them (was on my grandpa's old course last year on an insanely short downhill par 5. Hit Driver-PW to 6 feet and made a putt. I can't count that in good conscience)

First one I actually saw go in though...so that was a cool feeling.

Nice. They're fun. I'd also count that third one assuming you were playing legit men's tees and the course had a slope rating.  

What's funny is that I made way more eagles when I started playing (had two in back to back holes including an ace back in 2013 when I didn't even know what I was doing) compared to what I make now. Of course I make way less double or worse by a lot, but eagles seem to come and go and go on long droughts. 

 

[Instinctive]

I have another round of noob questions:

1. I’ve finally got a consistent enough swing and distances to get a set of clubs actually made for me and not the random off the shelf set from 2015 that I started with to learn. Any tips? It’s a 4-hr session. 
 

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

3. I’m actually really really good with my pitching, approach, and sand. Like at their distances I feel fantastic about hitting the green with consistency. But…they don’t spin much. It feels like it may be the wedges (7 years old now and not that nice to begin with), since I’m getting the distance and the ball flight I want to see. Think that’s a reasonable hypothesis?

4. I have a lob because I felt like I should have a club for sub-80 yard shots that was better than trying to half or three-quarter swing a sand wedge. But I really suck with it for anything other than a full swing too. Is it just a bunch of time chipping and getting a feel for the non-full swings?

5. How do you choose what to chip with right around the green? I’ve been experimenting with the sand, lob, and 7/8 irons all to varying success. 
 

I’m losing strokes off the tee from distance still but hitting like 1/3 of fairways (vs 1/18 in January), and when I’m just off the green out to like 30 yards. But finally having some success with irons, pure striking my 4H almost every time…and having a blast. 
 

It’s crazy what playing like 20 times with an hour practice beforehand will do for getting better. 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Worst 9 followed by the best 9 of the year this morning. Weird game.

 

[Zow]

I have another round of noob questions:

1. I’ve finally got a consistent enough swing and distances to get a set of clubs actually made for me and not the random off the shelf set from 2015 that I started with to learn. Any tips? It’s a 4-hr session. 
 

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

3. I’m actually really really good with my pitching, approach, and sand. Like at their distances I feel fantastic about hitting the green with consistency. But…they don’t spin much. It feels like it may be the wedges (7 years old now and not that nice to begin with), since I’m getting the distance and the ball flight I want to see. Think that’s a reasonable hypothesis?

4. I have a lob because I felt like I should have a club for sub-80 yard shots that was better than trying to half or three-quarter swing a sand wedge. But I really suck with it for anything other than a full swing too. Is it just a bunch of time chipping and getting a feel for the non-full swings?

5. How do you choose what to chip with right around the green? I’ve been experimenting with the sand, lob, and 7/8 irons all to varying success. 
 

I’m losing strokes off the tee from distance still but hitting like 1/3 of fairways (vs 1/18 in January), and when I’m just off the green out to like 30 yards. But finally having some success with irons, pure striking my 4H almost every time…and having a blast. 
 

It’s crazy what playing like 20 times with an hour practice beforehand will do for getting better. 

You really need to go do a personal fitting and not have a brand in mind. 

 

[Instinctive]

You really need to go do a personal fitting and not have a brand in mind. 

That's what I'm doing. But I have read a lot that says fitting is only so helpful if you don't have some sense of what you want. Not true?

 

[Zow]

That's what I'm doing. But I have read a lot that says fitting is only so helpful if you don't have some sense of what you want. Not true?

That's contrary to my experience. In my experience, all the major club brands (Taylor Made, Titleist, Srixon, Callaway, Cobra, PXG, Mizuno) are all good tech. It just depends on what tech is best for you and your swing. A good fitting will have a fitter checking things like ball speed, spin rate, smash factors, etc. Additionally, such a fitting will also fit you in to a shaft (arguably more important than the clubhead). 

I've been professionally fitted twice and while it ain't cheap, I'm very glad I did it and did it without any brand loyalty (though apparently my swing is tailor made for Taylor Made). Nothing like address the ball knowing what it is in your hand is the best possible option for your swing. 

 

[Zow]

I have another round of noob questions:

1. I’ve finally got a consistent enough swing and distances to get a set of clubs actually made for me and not the random off the shelf set from 2015 that I started with to learn. Any tips? It’s a 4-hr session. 
 

2. All my research thus far is indicating Ping is likely the best brand to go with, as far as a mix of quality and yet still forgiving. Any thoughts?
 

3. I’m actually really really good with my pitching, approach, and sand. Like at their distances I feel fantastic about hitting the green with consistency. But…they don’t spin much. It feels like it may be the wedges (7 years old now and not that nice to begin with), since I’m getting the distance and the ball flight I want to see. Think that’s a reasonable hypothesis?

4. I have a lob because I felt like I should have a club for sub-80 yard shots that was better than trying to half or three-quarter swing a sand wedge. But I really suck with it for anything other than a full swing too. Is it just a bunch of time chipping and getting a feel for the non-full swings?

5. How do you choose what to chip with right around the green? I’ve been experimenting with the sand, lob, and 7/8 irons all to varying success. 
 

I’m losing strokes off the tee from distance still but hitting like 1/3 of fairways (vs 1/18 in January), and when I’m just off the green out to like 30 yards. But finally having some success with irons, pure striking my 4H almost every time…and having a blast. 
 

It’s crazy what playing like 20 times with an hour practice beforehand will do for getting better. 

Other answers:

3. Yeah, sounds like your wedges. They should be replaced every 75 rounds or so or once per year. 

4. I'm a 6 handicap and don't think I'm good enough to carry a lob/60 degree wedge. I switched to a 50-54-58 setup and it's helped a lot. You should practice taking shorter swings with your 54/56 from inside of 80. An easy way (though not ideal) is just to put the ball off your back foot and practice hitting the same swing but controlling the distance by varying how far the club goes back. 

5. For a beginner, I'd recommend picking one chipping style and club and just practicing a ton with it. As one improves, then incorporate several different chipping styles with the varying clubs (e.g. I have three different types of chips with my 54 degree and I have a low putting stroke chip with my 8-iron and several other chip swings with my 58). I do think eventually having a steady low chip with a 7 or 8 iron is a great tool. 

 

[Instinctive]

Other answers:

3. Yeah, sounds like your wedges. They should be replaced every 75 rounds or so or once per year. 

4. I'm a 6 handicap and don't think I'm good enough to carry a lob/60 degree wedge. I switch to a 50-54-58 setup and it's helped a lot. You should practice taking shorter swings with your 54/56 from inside of 80. An easy way (though not ideal) is just to put the ball off your back foot and practice hitting the same swing but controlling the distance by varying how far the club goes back. 

5. For a beginner, I'd recommend picking one chipping style and club and just practicing a ton with you. As one improves, then incorporate several different chipping styles with the varying clubs (e.g. I have three different types of chips with my 54 degree and I have a low putting stroke chip with my 8-iron and several other chip swings with my 58). I do think eventually having a steady low chip with a 7 or 8 iron is a great tool. 

What clubs do you use in the bag?

 

[belljr]

Outside a driver a 60 is the next hardest club to hit

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Other answers:

3. Yeah, sounds like your wedges. They should be replaced every 75 rounds or so or once per year. 

I chuckled at this. What...my clubs go stale after a year and a dozen rounds?

75 rounds is a LOT of golf. A lot.

 

[belljr]

I chuckled at this. What...my clubs go stale after a year and a dozen rounds?

75 rounds is a LOT of golf. A lot.

Yeah my wedges last me 3-5 years easily.      I do replace them "regularly" though .   meaning i'll get new wedges without getting an new clubs for "a while"

 

[Zow]

Yeah my wedges last me 3-5 years easily.      I do replace them "regularly" though .   meaning i'll get new wedges without getting an new clubs for "a while"

Right. I'm likely* getting new irons every five years, new woods every 2-3, and wedges every year (I play 75 rounds per year right now). 

*I'm still relatively "new" at this and have only begun playing seriously the last few years so I don't have some set standards yet. 

 

[Zow]

What clubs do you use in the bag?

Driver - SIM1

3 wood - Sim Titanium (dialed back on loft and setting so I actually hit it shorter - when I got fitted my carry with the club was only like 5 yards shorter than my driver)

3 and 4 hybrid - Sim Max

5 iron through 50 degree gap wedge - TM P790s

54 degree and 58 degree - Vokey SM9s

Putter - Scotty Cameron Phantom X12 (face-balanced)

What's funny is that the best club I hit during my last fitting was the TM Sim 5 wood. However, the variance in average yardages didn't ratio correctly (there was like a 30 yard gap between the 5 wood and my 4 iron) so the fitter strongly recommended I dial back the 3-wood and go with the hybrids. 

 

[belljr]

Right. I'm likely* getting new irons every five years, new woods every 2-3, and wedges every year (I play 75 rounds per year right now). 

*I'm still relatively "new" at this and have only begun playing seriously the last few years so I don't have some set standards yet. 

lol - thats crazy imo

other than wedges ill go 8-10 easily for everything.   I only play about 20-25 times now - even in my prime of 50ish I still went that same time frame.    I may replace a driver here and there just cause Im bored 

 

[Andy Dufresne]

Right. I'm likely* getting new irons every five years, new woods every 2-3, and wedges every year (I play 75 rounds per year right now). 

*I'm still relatively "new" at this and have only begun playing seriously the last few years so I don't have some set standards yet. 

To be clear, I was just teasing. As @Zow knows (IIRC) the golf season Minnesota is about 7 months long.

I'm glad some people get to play year 'round and can get that many rounds in. I'd have to play about 25 times a month to get to 75!

 

[Da Guru]

One over after 5 holes in my league last night.  Everything was working smooth.

2 bad decisions cost me at least  4-5 strokes and finished with a 43.

Pin was tucked far right, with plenty of green left I missed right into a steep trap, hit the lip first time and came back then blew it over the green.  Instead of putting for a birdie on a par 4 I scored a 7.

Next hole is a 415 par 4, I am still pissed about the 7 on previous hole and I worm burn my drive about 75 yards into deep rough. Instead of chopping it out with an iron 150-170 down fairway I used a 3 wood and top it about 50 yards still in deep rough. Took another 7.  Back to back triples.

Then finished par, par. 

 

[Zow]

lol - thats crazy imo

other than wedges ill go 8-10 easily for everything.   I only play about 20-25 times now - even in my prime of 50ish I still went that same time frame.    I may replace a driver here and there just cause Im bored 

Interesting. Obviously my fitter is financially invested in me purchasing more equipment, but he recommends far more often than what you do. I also assume that my swing will change over that time period and, assuming so, a different piece of equipment would become more ideal so the switch is worth it.