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All you need to remember is this: "Tools, not jewels" Then you learn to live with the battle scars. The majority of us on the forums are such gear nerds, we're constantly thinking of the next set anyways. You might as well get some good use out of them before you have to sell them at 1/8th of the cost.

I know my wife asked " Who that was? and what rock from the 60s did he crawl out from under?" Of course I told her he is probably like me retired and not giving 2 hoots. Since I retired and got hurt I went back to my care free days of being Hippie Stu. Let my hair grow back out and my beard too. Hey I do not have to deal with customers or the public any more. My wife quirked " well at least you can pull the long hair look off and he can not."

I pulled the trigger on the Ogio Woode 8 Hybrid. There's another thread started on this bag and is what got me interested. I've been playing a 14 slot for years so this is really going to take some getting used to. Like I mentioned in the other thread, I just hope that the clubs don't end up bouncing around and falling out of order while on a cart. That might just cause me to lose my OCD mind. If the clubs can stay organized like this, I'll be happy. the more I practice, the luckier I seem to get..

For those of you who play forged irons and have any degree of "club cleanliness/keeping them looking new" disorder, how is that working out? I'm not going to lie, I have this problem. I was just looking at used forged irons to serve as reference, fairly new models at that, and see quite a lot of them wearing what many call beautiful patina, well earned and loved battle scars. I'm considering my first set of forged irons and this (dumb as it may sound), is something I'm thinking about. PING's Indestructotanium has ruined me.

What I think is happening, from what I read, is that you have a point of view you accept as correct, and disregard anything that goes against that. You're putting Pebble, Harbour Town (that is for some reason spelled using UK English which is hilariously ironic to me), and whatever other iconic US-courses on some pedestal that no one else has them on, and translating that DJ choosing to play an international event is somehow un-American. Also that it somehow devalues the tournament as a whole when they choose to sit out. It's a golf tournament broski, in 4 days no one will give the slightest sh*t about it, so you should get a head start on everyone and move on. Don't watch it or pay attention to it, I promise everyone will be OK.

Okay major update... I know I missed the upload but with a baby on the way it takes priority... plus it is headed for 0 deg for the next 10 days here in Fort Worth which makes it darn near impossible to build a golf club... how ever while I am waiting on a few things I’ll be able to attests get the looks part done.

DJ and the rest are independent contractors, they can play anywhere they choose, with a few limitations. They MUST play in 15 events co-sanctioned by the PGA Tour. In addition, as of 2018: If a player didn't have lifetime membership status -- that is to say, having 20 PGA Tour wins and a minimum of 15 years on the PGA Tour -- or veteran status -- being at least 45 years old -- then they have to add an event to their schedule each season they hadn't played in the prior four seasons. Unofficial events like the Presidents Cup and Ryder Cup count toward the total event tally, but a player needs to add a new event to their schedule, provided they plan on playing less than 25 tournaments that season. So not exactly as @Shapotomous suggests, but they do have to play different events regularly. I'd prefer to see the US players in all of the US events, but they don't owe us anything beyond their PGA Tour requirements. DJ doesn't OWE a thing to Pebble Beach or AT&T, he's not selling out, he's doing what he thinks is best for himself. If DJ hurts himself tomorrow and never plays golf again, AT&T isn't going to go out of its way to support him, the PGA Tour will pay him whatever pension he is due under the rules, and no more. Its business. The couple million he gets for showing up in Saudi may be the smartest thing he's ever done. Another way to look at it, because DJ isn't there, and a bunch of other top players, a bunch of fringe players will get a chance to play this week, maybe play well enough to earn a nice check, maybe even play well enough to get close to next year's exemption. DJ's choice gives a chance to someone who may really need it.

back on track here... Jordan Speith takes the lead at -10

Done. (Brought the vice and air compressor inside at lunch because it was way too cold to be standing around outside for more than just a few pictures.) Absolutely thrilled with how these turned out. Thanks to everyone who has been reading and commenting in this thread. Now, to hit them!

I don't know about putting tobacco on my food... Yes, I know, autocorrect.

Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

i can think of about 4 million reasons he’s taking the week off haha. couple that with massive jet lag from a 12 hour time difference and it makes perfect sense

HOLY COW GUYS HE WAS RIGHT. THEY'RE TALKING ABOUT IT AT THE CAPITAL

and? DJ (along with finau and whoever else flew to the desert for a huge check) owes nothing to me, you, Pebble Beach, or the annoying amateurs they usually play this tournament with. as long as their tour obligations are met i honestly couldn’t care less where their money comes from, or what weeks they take off.

Love to see him playing well being from the same high school class he had become my favorite for the next generation so to speak.

great day on the harder track. now he gets to play the easier course all weekend with a lead. it’s great to see him playing well again.

JS had really good day at Spyglass. I think, just maybe he’s back. His putter sure was back today. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Spieth is starting to look like he might have finally turned corner....pretty good showing last week and now looking really good through 36 holes at The AT&T. Especially considering most of the field is over par at Spyglass and he is 5 under with 1 hole to play. The weekend will tell the real story, but it’s nice to see him back in the mix Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

....also, money talks. cold hard cash

Gamers all the time. Why practice with something different than what you use on the course? Clubs are tools, not jewelry.

BREAKING NEWS:*******GOLF IS NOT PLAYED JUST IN AMERICA******

Whenever you're ready, we're all keeping the water warm for you to jump right in! #clubhos

Ugh.. I feel for you man. I completely ruptured my Achilles tendon about 10 years ago. Surgeon said it looked like 2 horsetails. I was on a cast/boot for months. As of today, I have no mobility issues, but my calves are totally different sizes and shapes. It felt like forever to get back to walking, but you will get there. Do your PT. Follow the surgeons instructions to the letter. Get a knee scooter. (life saver) find an extra comfortable chair to sleep in for a while. Pick up some new games for the Playstation.... Good luck man. That injury sux.

I have forged Mizunos - MP 18 SC and I've had them not 2 full seasons. I'll be honest, it's tough to see some of the WITB and how shiny those are looking in the bag. I clean mine after every round, but have traveled with them and there is a ton of bag chatter. However, the feel and consistency I get from these far outweigh the look factor. They have some dings and scratches but still look good to me. Also to note - I usually have them in a bag with 14 dividers.

The room was full of pregnant women with their partners. The class was in full swing. The instructor was teaching the women how to breathe properly and was telling the men how to give the necessary assurance to their partners at this stage of the pregnancy. She said "Ladies, remember that exercise is good for you. Walking is specially beneficial. It strengthens the pelvic muscles and will make delivery that much easier; just take several stops and stay on a soft surface like grass or a path."* She looked at the men in the room, "and Gentlemen, remember -- You're in this together--It wouldn't hurt you to go walking with her". The room suddenly got very quiet as the men absorbed this information. Then a man at the back of the room slowly raised his hand. *"Yes", answered the Instructor. "I was just wondering if it would be all right if she carries a golf bag while we walk?"

West of pdx now. Most snow expected tonight into tomorrow. Drive safe Kenny

I knew I wasn't alone . Holy Hedoublehockeytsticks, those are like new! You did actually use them right? So this tells me that, with some extra care, the affliction can be manageable.

Maybe I'm behind everyone else on this, but if you haven't checked out the "Hack it Out Golf" podcast I highly recommend it. Mark Crossfield, Scott Fawcett, and Lou Stagner...some VERY good discussion and perspectives on a wide-range of topics. Scott Fawcett is particularly engaging to listen to...some unique ideas, a very matter of fact way of expressing things, and a willingness to pull no punches. For example, in one episode I listened to this morning he volunteered (and was adamant) that the Tiger Woods vs Jack Nicklaus "who's the greatest" conversation is ridiculous...that it's Tiger by a mile and not even close.

True story...the condiment aisle can make even the worst chefs palatable.

Tools not jewels is the way I see it too. I love my old hand planes with the years of work and patina they have acquired. I look at them as "experienced"...lol. My MP 64's are looking experienced these days... I just embrace the patina and think of all the fun I've had with them.

I’m a lefty, like @Rickp so rather than search for his post I’ll reply here.... i have a SM7 58* M grind. Rick, it’s a great club from bunkers, but trust me it’s not magical from tight lies or compacted sand. It’s better than a high bounce wedge, but for players at our level, technique is usually more the issue than a few degrees of bounce. Keep in mind we’ve been playing a lot of wet courses this winter, and the combination of soggy, tightly mown turf and muddy, compacted sand will play havoc with anyone’s short game. ive been having success using more of a putting style stroke with either an 8 iron or PW lately. It’s not as precise as a 52* or 58* specialty wedge, but I’m finding it a lot easier on CPO days.

Just joined the Veterans Golf Association. $42 membership fee, lots of local tournaments planned this year so I figured I’ll give it a try.

Watching the replays tonight. Nice eagle 2 by Spieth Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

Everything is cured, ferrules are turned and shined with acetone. Painter's tape is on in preparation for grips. Hopefully the weather gets up into the 20s again tomorrow so I can work in the garage for a bit with the air compressor. I didn't make any dire mistakes on the ferrules this time through. The epoxy filler in the gaps worked well, the sander turned down the slightly mushroomed ferrules perfectly, and I really only got a little too much off of the pitching wedge. But it's hardly noticeable, and after they get some bag wear they'll all blend in anyway. I stuck a split grip on the wedges and chipped for a bit in the basement. They felt excellent. Really looking forward to getting these on the course in the spring.

CPO is just messing with me now, ugh!

Just got this for wife since she's so obsessed with distance and using ARRCOS app on her phone. I figure it's better then the blender or vacuum I was thinking for Valentines Day [emoji12] Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

Y'all talking about deals over on the other site made me go window shop. I'm now the proud owner of another driving iron. I just sold one because I said I'd never use it. Thanks. Thanks a lot. Cobra KING Utility (2016 Model) with two adapters, for those curious.

that’s an apples and oranges comparison. skipping the waste management for a large guaranteed payday isn’t the same as skipping a major but to answer your loaded question: no. generally what the people on tv choose to do with their lives doesn’t bother me one iota.

edingc’s WITB – 2021 Edition 
 I’m finally back for another WITB update following a season and offseason full of big changes! Fair warning, this is a pretty long post. The 2020 season was a crazy year for my golf game. I topped the 75 rounds played mark, thanks in large part to #CobraConnect Challenge 4 and COVID ruining other summer plans. Additionally, the continuation of my lessons led to pretty big improvements in my golf swing. This winter I took a long look at my golf bag and made some major tweaks based on what I’ve learned about my game over the past two years and where I want to get during the 2021 season. So, this post is not only a “What’s in the bag?” but also a “Why is it in the bag?” Driver – Callaway Mavrik (9°), 45.75", Aldila Rogue White 60 (130 MSI) X-Stiff I’ve been through three driver fittings in the past two years since picking up golf seriously as a hobby. All three fittings yielded low-launch, low-spin shafts and very little loft to combat a very steep swing that I’ve gradually neutralized through my lessons and practice. I fit into the SpeedZone Xtreme Tour Length driver with an Aldila Rogue Silver stiff shaft for #CobraConnect. As I finished out the year and spent time on the range this winter, it became pretty apparent the club wasn’t the right pairing for my improved swing. I couldn’t elevate the ball, even with the driver loft dialed up a bit, and I produced too much spin. I picked up the Mavrik off Callaway Pre-Owned on a whim, hoping the Rogue White would be slightly more active and get the ball up a little more. My guess was correct – in my first range session with the Mavrik, I picked up extra head speed from the club length, hit all-time bests in ball speed and most importantly, launched the ball about two degrees higher with ~500 RPM less spin. It was the first time I’ve ever recorded 270-plus yards carry from range balls on my FlightScope Mevo. The kicker of it all is that I didn’t lose any accuracy with the longer shaft. I’ve come to realize that for me, the shorter driver shaft of the Tour Length SpeedZone Xtreme was a Band-Aid on my otherwise awful driver swing. 2 Hybrid – Callaway Super Hybrid (17°, lofted to 16°), 41.5", Mitsubishi Tensei CK Pro Orange 80 Hybrid Stiff I’ve always carried a 3-wood because, well, everyone carries one? Looking back at my Arccos data from 2020, I hit 3-wood a whopping 14 times over all of my rounds. And that number is only that high because during the #CobraConnect 14-club challenge week, I was forced to use the 3-wood multiple times each round. That means, by my own election, I only chose to use the club less than five times. Why carry a club I’ll never use? I find the shorter length and design of the hybrid to be better off the deck for me, and it’s a rocket launcher off the tee. My home course is not particularly long, but the lone par 5 on the back nine could be in trouble this year thanks to this club. I think the Super Hybrid could be a reliable 230-yard carry club from the deck if struck well, and even longer off the tee. The Super Hybrid was another Callaway Pre-Owned purchase. 4 Hybrid – Callaway Epic Flash (21°, lofted to 20°), 40", Mitsubishi Kuro Kage Silver 80 Hybrid X-Stiff I think the Epic Flash hybrids got lost in the shuffle between product cycles since they were released well after the Epic Flash woods. The Epic Flash hybrid launches the ball pretty high and really far, and for me will serve as a 5-wood equivalent. I certainly feel it was a great deal for $160 brand new on eBay. As I mentioned above, I don’t play a ton of afternoon/evening golf on dry courses, so carry is almost always king for me. I expect the Flash hybrid to give me another a tee club for some of the short doglegs my home course offers, and also to provide a club that I can drop and stop balls on the green from 210 yards out or slightly more. My only complaint about the Epic Flash is that it is definitely draw-biased. I also immediately replaced the stock Tensei AV Silver stiff shaft. It was way too soft. I much prefer the stouter feel of the Kuro Kage Silver, although there may be room for a change here in the future. 4-AW – Sub70 699 (4-6)/699 Pro (7-AW) Combo Set, 1° Flat, 37" 7 Iron, Mitsubishi MMT 105 TX I was honest during #CobraConnect – I just didn’t get along well with the SpeedZone irons. Even when I struck them well, I struggled with distance consistency and that was a major turn off. This winter, the volume of mat work increased. As the number of swings went up, so did the pain in my elbows and wrists. I decided this offseason was the right time to move to graphite, especially given the number of quality options in heavier weights. I very nearly jumped on a mixed 2021 Callaway Apex set after demoing the Apex Forged a few weeks ago with the MMT graphite shaft, but the cost was more than I wanted to pay. Sub70 699s and 699 Pros have always been on my radar, and when a used combo set popped up on their site at a major discount, I jumped all over them. I finished reshafting the Sub70s with the MMT 105 TX shafts this week. They turned out great, and look awesome when combined with BB&F Co. Mr. Peacock ferrules. I chose the MMT 105 TX largely because the raw weight (113 grams) is similar to shafts I have been fit for in the past. Initial numbers with my test 4 iron two weeks ago at the range were extremely favorable. Loft-for-loft, the Sub70/MMT combo launched the same as my beloved KBS C-Taper Lite shafts but I picked up a little swing and ball speed. I can’t wait to get these out on the course in the spring. I detailed the build over in this thread, but all-in, the DIY Sub70s were comparably priced to ordering a new graphite-shafted set from Sub70 and much cheaper than ordering the new Callaway combo set I had been thinking about. 54°/58° Wedges - Cobra KING MIM Black, 1° Flat, Mitsubishi MMT Wedge 105 TX These wedges were the all-stars of #CobraConnect for me and stay in the bag for the 2021 season, freshly reshafted to match the Sub70s. There’s not much to say about these wedges because they are great, although I do plan to have my shop bend them slightly more upright. I tend to miss right and off the toe with the flatter lie angle. I should not have let my fitter talk me into going this flat last summer. As of Feb. 13, the wedges have been bent back to only one degree flat. Putter – L.A.B. Golf DF 2.1, 36", 68°, Black with Custom Sightlines, BGT Stability Tour, L.A.B. Press II 3° I detailed my fitting and ordering experience for this over in a separate thread: Putting has historically been one of the weaker parts of my game, especially speed control, and I hope the L.A.B. is the answer to those problems. I only got the putter out on a real course a few times at the end of last season, but the results were great. I’ve had an entire winter’s worth of practice with it on my EXPUTT simulator, so I expect to hit the ground running once we thaw out. Grips – Lamkin Sonar Tour As a part of the iron project, I ordered enough grips to outfit the entire bag with Lamkin Sonar Tours. I played the regular Lamkin Sonars for #CobraConnect and loved the pattern and traction. However, as someone with small hands, I found the reduced taper design of the regular Sonars to be a little too large. The Sonar Tours have a more traditional taper design and feel amazing in the hands. Ball – Snell MTB-X Optic Yellow I swapped between the MTB-X and Srixon Z-Star XV toward the end of last season, but still prefer the MTB-X. What’s next? I’ve made a deal with myself, with a few exceptions. There will be no changing of this equipment for the next two seasons as I continue my quest to become a solid single-digit player. I ended last season right around 10, and think I probably could have played better throughout the year had I not changed around equipment so much. That’s not to say I won’t dabble in a few experiments here or there or apply to be an equipment tester again here on MGS. I picked up a 2016 model Cobra KING Utility head for cheap a few days ago. I mentioned I don’t often play courses where wind/roll in a big factor, but when I do, I might prefer to swap in the KING utility for the Epic Flash. I can always loft the Super Hybrid up a little more to fill the gap in that situation. I’m looking at shafting the KING Utility with the matching MMT utility shaft, and I may also look at ordering a matching MMT hybrid shaft for the Epic Flash and Super Hybrid. As you can probably tell, I’m really loving the feel of that profile. Always fun to see the change from when I first joined…

I’ve got a better chance of catching a Unicorn than a selection of LH wedges. Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

Only thing I do this with is wedges. I hit a lot of wedges and play a lot of golf so if I can extend their life I will. They are the same specs so it works for me.

I’ve been playing the MCC plus 4’s for awhile now....I love them. I would recommend checking out the “Align” version as well. Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

Thinking that I'm also likely to make a custom version of this for myself. I've got some pressboard in the garage. I'll get Kirke or my wife to help me: I'm going to take my stance and then mark my foot position for a wedge shot and some mid-iron. Kind of a hybrid of the version 1 and 2 of the DUB.

Happened to a buddy, I believe he suffered a full or partial re-tear after the walking boot was off due to a minor slip. Make sure you focus on lots of mobility work all up and down the back of the affected leg - plantar fascia, calves, hamstrings especially with all the extra time spent sitting.

If you like the feel of midsize, go with it. As I read the Plus 4 stuff, they make the grip slightly thicker than "normal" under the right hand, when normal means the grip tapers from top to bottom. Who knows if that would be a better choice for you, its worth a try, maybe just on one club. I have a hard time believing the "more power" claim, but if it fits your hands right, its a positive thing. As I read the GP website, the TV 360 is simply the Tour Velvet without any label, so that it looks the same no matter which angle you look from, making it a nice choice for adjustable clubs. I'm not sure if offers any advantage in irons. I'm a big proponent of Iomic grips, in my experience they start as tacky as any grip I've played, and STAY tacky for far longer. I've had them on clubs for 3 years and they still remained properly tacky. They do sell a Midsize grip, in a number of colors. https://www.iomicusa.com/fullswing/sticky-mid On the other hand, they're pretty expensive. If you like them, and you tend to keep your clubs for a while, I think they're worth it.

I'm the most anal person I know when it comes to caring for my stuff, but even I don't expect my (forged) irons to stay like new. I go to great lengths to protect them, bag with individual slots, iron covers on every other iron, clean with water & toothbrush and dry once a week or more. I've posted pics (link below) of my 20+ year old Wilson Staff RM Midsize irons I sold a couple years ago, in shockingly good condition according to everyone who ever saw them and the thrilled buyer. They had a few micro-scratches and dings but most people thought they were new until they looked closely - after 20+ years. With just a little care consistently, your clubs can stay in excellent condition for years. Most people don't choose to take care of their clubs, and that's perfectly fine with me. They all make kid me, and yet they all marvel at how good my clubs look... YMMV

Yeah, I know. Doesn't look any better tomorrow, and I'm tired of take-out and delivery food after a week. I've been driving through the Gorge for Thanksgiving and Christmas for 52 years; seen some pretty nasty roads. A few years ago coming down for Christmas, we saw a snowplow/sanding truck upside down in the median on I-84... we kept going because if we stopped, we wouldn't get going on the ice again. Should be better once we get past Portland.

I swear my phone does the most ridiculous auto corrects lol....I mean I was a big fan of tobacco products for years but eating...not so much

Well of course they'll be available in a few weeks right after I pulled the trigger on NL 623-M (their Super Bowl 15% off promo was too much to resist). Interesting similarities between 623-M and TA III, other than some different milling on the back heel/toe. Seems to lend some credibility to those saying these are all outsourced blanks with some custom milling/stamping "finishing touches"? I do think the extended weight pads on heel/toe of TA III might add to some perimeter weighting increasing MOI/forgiveness. Comparison pics: Question to @GolfSub70 if you happen to know - the "porting" on the TA IIIs? Seems to be random (some possibly weight-filled ala PXG, some just open ports), was this done on the fly to adjust SW while these were in Proto stage, or does it serve some greater purpose and will that be the way it is rolled out for purchase (like tungsten plugs in the toes of long irons)? Any idea if these will be along the same price line as the 639 MB/CB? Might be fun to do a shootout between the 2 once they finally come out!

Thinking about switching putters. Finished up most wanted blade Putter testing last week and started mallet putters yesterday. My results from yesterday compared to my results from blade putters seems to indicate that I putt better with a blade putter. When I was testing the exputt I saw some indications of the same thing. Still have some of my blade putters for the past, may be time to do some more experimentation with my currently owned putters or just buy a new putter!