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I was doing so well then fell off the wagon. Bought a Titleist TSR2+ this week and a TSi3 20* hybrid this morning. The TSR2+ was just a rocket off the tee and well I go a great deal on the hybrid. Bag is now complete for another year I guess.

Continuing my slide into tech and the Garmin ecosystem. Garmin Venue sq. It's on a black Friday sale and I had a $70 Roger Dunn gift card in my wallet. The card was earmarked for balls, but after applying it the watch only cost $55 and change. Hard to pass up a Garmin product that will do golf, fitness tracking, and can also be a day to day watch.

that is HILARIOUS!!! BTW I've heard some of those old farts there in FL are pretty good with their ball retrievers, too

I could have used a ball retriever in my bag yesterday when trying to get my ball out of standing water in the fairway. Here is a tip to all... waterproof shoes are only effective if the water is below the top of the shoe... but they are also very good at keep water IN the shoe...

K fwiw I'm totally sold on lighter-flexier!! ..have struggled with driver for years and didn't even carry one .. used an aging Bertha Mini 1.5 = a large head / deep face 3W for my tee club... ..been taking my wife's old Amp Cell (pink lol) driver to the range and .. combined with lessons and full swing practice .. am (finally.....) starting to send balls downrange with it! Looking forward to next season and getting my GPLB dialed in

A little late to the thread... hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. I opted for Smoked Turkey this year... Today's sandwich was nearly as good as the Family Dinner last night

I may be nearing retirement age, 66, but I am not slowing down. My occupation, Pastor, is pretty much an on call 24/7 one. My observation is that people have become more and more needy, not a complaint just an observation, and far less respectful of other's time, that is a complaint but also an observation. I get texts, phone calls and facebook messages every day of the week, many well outside of regular business hours. I'm constantly forced to triage whether these need an immediate response and they are extremely disruptive. What this means is that I have had far less time to play golf than in years past. While I always knew that I could be called out in the middle of the night or a round for a death those occurances were few and far between. One occurred on thanksgiving evening, just as my company was leaving, thankfully. Ultimately it cost me a round that I had scheduled with MGSPer Larry D on Friday morning. I did finish what I needed to do around 1 and so called another friend and headed to the club around 2. They worked us in at 3. Since it was probably too late to play 18 - the course was still pretty crowed and its dark around 5:50 we decided to walk 9. It was a great decision. Bayou is a big course, I got 10K plus steps in for that 9 hole when most places walking 18 is 15-17K for me. We were done before 5 which meant under 2 hours for the nine. Had we ridden we would have been waiting on every shot. Instead we only needed to wait a few times (on the par 5's because one of the guys ahead of us could clearly reach them in 2 - no big deal. What I'm getting at is that it was a great time. I enjoyed playing an interrupted round, enjoyed the company, enjoyed the walk. Didn't play great but it was very hard to focus after losing a parishioner whom I've served for 16 years. I shall miss her. Additionally we have another one who is touch and go. I'm thinking that I am about to become a 9 hole walking golfer twice a week for the foreseable future - any one else fall into that category?

One thing I noticed in my swing is that you do have to be careful not to throw your pressure out over your trail foot without recentering or, worse, swaying to get the movement. Drew Cooper talks about feeling the pressure start to move back to center by P2/club shaft parallel in backswing, and for me that's a great queue to keep my pressure from doing that. I tend to get so "rotational" with my arms stuck to my sides. Feeling a lot of room in my setup and getting this width has drastically improved my path/face relationship. Looking forward to continuing my work on it.

Yes... but I see a zero putt on your card too!!! That makes up for the three putt! And by the way - Shout Out to @Golf2Much for running all the scores through a model he built to calculate the best ball scores. You are the Man G2M!!

Played my last competitive round of the year on Monday and we started on #10. Been struggling all year to keep the driver in play consistently and it showed up again today with 3 lost balls off the tee. Being at a facility where I can't hit driver on the range has definitely casues my driver play to take a hit. The good news is the rest of my game is decently sharp and I was able to snag the 2nd most birdies in round this year to only finish +1. If I can clean that up this offseason I should hopefully be in for a good 2023 season.

Jim, welcome to the forums! Here's my thoughts... Won't make much difference. If shafts were different brands, there might not be much difference in flex; one brand's Regular could be another brand's Senior. If they were the same brand, the Senior flex may have a slightly softer tip which would help launch the ball higher. Did trackman show a difference in launch angle or spin rate? You will see more carry distance if you launch the ball higher; there's an optimal launch angle number though for your swing speed. If you hit both shafts the same carry distance, you aren't going to see much difference on course. We are nearly the same on driver performance; I chose the 50g senior flex shaft because I'm 75. My last driver a few years ago had a regular flex shaft with a different brand. I was a few yards longer with the new driver, but that was likely due to the newer design driver head. To hit the ball further you(we) need to consistently hit the ball in the sweet spot and increase club head speed. Both require training and practice. If you hit the ball low, is it because you are hitting the ball low on the club face? There is less loft lower on the face than the middle and high on the face. What is your angle of attack (AoA)? I was generally a low ball hitter because I came up through the ball with a 5º+ AoA, but hit the ball low on the face. A swing change helped that, but it's a work in progress. By swinging more level through the ball, I launch the ball much higher and carry further. Not sure I helped you all that much... sorry!

I'll second the opinion on smoked, it gets stuck a nice crust and the flavor is superb. I'm really sad my smoker died on me before Thanksgiving.

Played a casual round yesterday with another couple that we know before Thanksgiving dinner. I was cold. Shot 86... 'nuff said!!

And now it is finally here…

Smoked is the way to go IMO. We did fried and baked (no smoker) but my parents used to do all 3 when they would have 40+ over. Smoked was always the best

After 3.5 inches of rain yesterday, the course was ridiculously wet. Skies were overcast and a cool wind kept us in a light jacket. With the wet fairways and cool air, the course played long. The greens rolled fairly well, but the breaks and speed were difficult to manage. Any shots from the fairway that were even the slightest bit fat were punishing. I added a club for every shot and still seemed to come up short of the green far too often. Closed the round out with an 85, which is disappointing but in relation to how others in my group played, not that bad. We had 2 threesomes today playing 1 gross/1 net best ball. My A player was a -1 handicap player and he played what he claims to be his worst round at this club, shooting an 87. It was indeed the worst that I'd ever seen him shoot. But, our C player played well and we ended up winning 2 of the 3 bets. (We play 6/6/6 with each 6 holes being one bet). Looks like another full day of rain tomorrow. Hopefully, not another 3+ inches!

One thing that a lot of us have noticed is how this setup really promotes a tempo check . Not to say that's your issue but I really need to stay mindful not to swing too aggressively. This shaft set-up will definitely call me to repentance if I start to get too impatient but that's a good reminder that I can quickly adjust for during a round. The shaft is doing a lot more of the work so just don't get over zealous or the face could hold open a tad longer. That said, with the correct sequencing, I've gotten my club head speed up to 116 and kept complete control of my shot. I felt like I was putting a full bore swing on the club BUT was much better sequenced and connected in my swing if that makes sense. So it's not that the shaft can't handle it is what I'm getting at

This is a great comparison pic!. Your original post about this position in the swing got me thinking and looking at my own takeaway. I had some really nice drives in the last few rounds with trying to feel myself in the position on the right. In fact, heading out to my mat now to work on it some more. It feels a little clunky with the irons... but I think that is because I'm not transferring my weight correctly with the irons.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss Rev. Prayers to you and all those who knew her. - While I certainly don't prefer 9-hole rounds over 18-hole rounds, I do enjoy them quite a lot. The smaller time commitment and easier walk make for a pleasant experience - it just always leaves me wanting more.

Range before gym this morning. Irons are heel side strike and some hosel rockets. I think I need to move back a smidge to compensate. When I strike well it was a nice fade but distance not there. short game practice was good getting chipping feels. Lag putting good. Learned I need better control to leave more short. I was blowing by more often than being short by 3 ft

Happy birthday @Mick Close. Hope you had a great day!

Funny thing happened when the weather warmed up a bit this week; I didn't want to golf. Now that I'm hitting the gym regularly, my interest in golf has dwindled. It appears that I can do one thing or the other but not both. So I've cleaned my clubs and put them away for the winter. I've got an extra set (and then some) still near the net in the garage should the itch hit. It's only been a couple weeks; we'll see how I feel during that random two day stretch in February when it nears 70°! In the meantime I've picked up two golf shirts and am close to pulling the trigger on a black Friday ball deal or two. In the gym I've been a little sluggish but managed to set PRs on all four main lifts. I got 160lbs for overhead press and 185 for 12 reps on bench press. I deadlifted 405 for a double a hit 345 for 6 reps and 365 for 4 on squats. Feels good.

Have to echo all that Kenny said. In all likelihood there will be very little difference between two. Hitting down is definitely a distance killer that I struggle with. Getting that attack angle up will not only help get the ball flight up, but also slightly lower spin which should help distance and roll out. Sounds like you have a good driver for you and with a few swing tweaks you'll be seeing the distance gains you're hoping for! Oh and welcome to the forum! Glad your reached out and hope you're able to get all the answers here!

I consider myself Expert with my ball retrieving...

No worries, I ended up with my best score of the year, 84. Long drive of 353 on hole 2. We played the Championship/Blue tees. I believe my course handicap was 14. I am the bottom score. Let me know if any questions.

I'm not sure if I am part of the solution or part of the problem on "how to move golf into the Modern Era". I consider myself a traditionalist when it comes to golf... but maybe better tagged as "Enlightened Traditionalist". I prefer to wear collared shirts, long pants (usually slacks), dress golf shoes but I don't mind what others wear - be comfortable. I don't really care for the Sportsbook Betting environment being created - though I do recognize that it increases engagement by a larger group of spectators that have some "skin in the game" while a tourney is going on. But is that increased engagement a positive or a negative? I can't say. I personally wouldn't bet on Golf - but to each their own. I would, however bet on myself... I like to have a side game going on with my playing partners or even a larger group, but I prefer straight forward games like low score (gross/net), skins and maybe a Nassau But don't take it too seriously... it is just pocket change, and I never let it slow down my pace of play. I am part of the MGS Staff... so I am a part of the social media direction of Golf. I would agree, the various social media platforms provides a lot of information to a lot of eyes... But with that should come a warning of caution... as it is easy to fall into the trap of "It must be true... I saw it on the internet (or social media as the case may be)" I'm a traditionalist, 72 holes, 'nuff said Want a "more exciting" golf event... watch The Match. But IMHO - there is a plenty of excitement and a certain majesty of a 4 day/72 hole event. The strategy combined with how your golf game can change from day to day (as we have all experienced) provides all the fireworks I need. Also, shortening the event doesn't speed up the pace of play, it just shortens the length of the total event by 2 days. If what you are saying is true about shortening the event to create more urgency and taking more chances with shots COULD actually slow down the pace of play as players "go for it" and find themselves searching for errant shots, or taking drops or getting officials rulings... instead of laying up, using the "fairway finder" drive, and playing to the safe side of the green. Women deserve equal rights and treatment on and off the golf course.

Nope!! I can tell you that if you ever play any of the courses at Bandon Dunes, a caddie will save you a bunch of strokes. It's expensive, but the experience is worth it and your score will be lower.

No he’s probably not. Most of the courses with caddies willl do that. Remember they are double bagging in many cases. So carrying two Tour bags is no fun chore for anyone.

I wouldn’t dare do that. Whenever I’m going to a resort Course with caddies. I always take my lightweight carry bag. I saw a Mr. Big Shot type pull up in a huge Escalade at whistling straights. He had a Staff Bsg and all the irons still had the plastic on them. The bag drop attendant starting switching then to a carry bag and Mr Big Shot said. Hey I just bought that bag yesterday. The bag drop guy said. Sir. Show me your PGA Card and we’ll be happy to leave the clubs in it. Otherwise they are going in this bag.

I'm a 67 year old with about 85 mph swing speed with driver. Only carry about 190 yards, don't hit it very high, but I am very straight. One fitter thought I should stay with a 55 gram REG flex the other thought I should go with a 45 gram SENIOR flex. I hit them about the same yardage on trackman but the senior flex felt a bit whippy. Stay with the senior flex and hitting it the same as always. But I've been AGONIZING thinking I should have chosen the senior flex. Maybe on the course I'd hit the lighter, more flexible shaft further. So my question is "how many more yards might I possibly pick up with the senior flex?" I've been tormented thinking I might be losing a lot of yards. But perhaps the difference between the shafts would only be a few yards given my slow swing speed and I shouldn't worry about all the distance I might be losing. Do you think that's right? (I wouldn't worry so much if the difference was only a few yards. thanks so much for the help, been really anxious that I've made a major error.

Zero is way better than just a three putt, it makes up 1.5 three putts! Unless you normally chip it in... I think @Golf2Much's model is a bit faster in calculating the various matchups and courses than the spreadsheet I'm using. It'd be nice to have something that could pull in the course details and read the scorecards, but that's pretty ambitious for a mini tournament.

I'm with you. I always considered myself a "blade preferred" putter. But I have really 4 in my rotation right now... two mallets and two blades. Some days my stroke is magic with each of them... other days... well... not so much. Most of my time over the past year has been with the Scotty Newport 2.5. I really love the slant neck... which is why I tried the 2 Ball Ten, and it sets up nice and square for me usually. I also have the Jet Set Newport 2 and most recently the LAB DF 2.1. Which I really, really like, but haven't committed to it for longer than a round or two. It is possible I don't have the best putter for me... but I keep looking and will see what a fitting tells me.

I would add that it would lead to much more conservative play vs more exciting play. If there is s cut after a round no point in going hard for it as one bad hole and you're done. Probably leads to more WD as well. More holes gives the ability to get back in it after a bad hole. Not to mention for the money these guys play for they should be playing 72. Also if 72 is too much to watch... Just watch Saturday Sunday.

Excellent. Can't go wrong walking whether it be a downtown stroll, scouring the links, or when serving others. I love the feel of game turf under my feet.

One of the reasons I know my real distances is because I know my course like the back of my hand. I have also plotted my course. On my early dew sweeper rounds I carry an old flag and flagstick that had been broken off. I will place it where I hit from and go to where my ball is at and shoot it to see how far I hit it. I have a notebook full of notes which I have memorized now. Like it has been stated before most people don't hit the ball nearly as far as they think. Like I stated I hit a modern driver only 215 220 or so and my 5 iron 160.

If you are really trying to improve then now is the time to do it. You have a setup that allows you to work on swing mechanics and not worry about ball flight and results. The more work you put in now in the offseason the better you will be come the golf season. If you don’t put in the work you will regress and be worst off and then have to spend time trying to get back to where you

thanks Jamie from Switzerland. I assume that the difference between the reg and senior flex would probably be minimal. I'm an old golfer but still play to a 5 handicap. I'm good inside a hundred yards and can put lights out but as I approach 70 my distance off the tee is really slipping. Oh well. And as an aside, a very good friend of mine lives in Geneva and some of my ancestors are from Glarus Switzerland.

Kenny You helped immensely. So glad to find a real person out in the cyberworld. As for the shafts, one was oban 45 gram senior and the other oban 55 gram regular. The 45 gram is their highest launching driver and the 55 gram mig-high launch. Both are for slower swing speed and smooth tempo swings. So I think the senior did launch a few feet higher but the carry and total distance were about the same. My angle of attack was about a degree or 2 down and I started trying to swing up and I think I've experienced what you mention--I'm hitting it low on the face. I think it launches a bit higher when I swing more level---although I probably only hit it 40 feet high. I think I'm just really close as to whether its time for the senior shaft. And most charts put me right on the borderline between senior and regular flex. In the end though the fitters thought the senior would be ever so slightly better but, as I said, when I hit it on the course it felt like I just couldn't control the face as well as with the regular. At any rate, would you agree that the difference between the 2 shafts is probably only going to be a few yards on the course?

This is the real reason your pants don't fit on the day after Thanksgiving.

Hmm interesting but don't think I'd agree with that. Something I'd like to see -- a shot clock!

4/5/3/5/6/4/4/4/5 (40) , 5/6/3/4/4/5/5/5/6 (43)

A few years back I was a big Bridgestone Treo Soft fan. When I switched cars I found a dozen I won a couple of years back in a annual charity event. I threw 6 in the bag the other day along with 2 of the yellow E-6s I had found. Our course has a strong Srixon presence and I have won so many the last 2 years of so I have bunches. I have gotten used to Srixon balls. I played the 2 yellow E-6s Saturday in the shootout. Used those same 2 balls for rounds Tuesday and Wednesday. They are wearing well and I do not notice any more distance or spin compared to my usual Q Star or Q Star Tour. If we play the Shootout Saturday I will more than likely put 2 Treo Softs into play. I mess around on my practice rounds and play whatever premimun scuffed ball I grab from the shag bag. These days it does not really matter to me. If I were going to play serious comp or big money matches again it would be either Vice or Snell balls or maybe the Z-Star

I stopped crouching behind the ball for putting. Do better when I start drawing a line from the cup to the ball. Often for short putts I draw a line with my eyes from 2feet beyond the cup back to the ball and then stroke the ball. Try not to take too much time between moving my eyes back and stroking the ball If I’m look like I’m taking time it’s just to figure out my speed. chipping seems to be different. I look for a spot to land the ball I actually have to stand on the side and have full view of both ball and hole and image the ball either dropping into the hole with wedge or play chip and roll with lower loft club So I walk from the side and start my routine from side rather than behind the cup.

Actually I'd love a decent caddie that's giving me advise like I had in Thailand, after 2-3 holes I was getting great help telling me which club to hit where the line is to putt. Shot 2 over par 7 shots better than my cap, I was walking on air such an advantage for me...

Don't bring it to Bandon. The caddies will take your clubs out and put them in a carry bag.

Just looked at some of what's on RBG and with 440 dollars in credits in my wallet... seems like some purchases might be coming soon.

Yeah, and I've said this before, but for those that haven't heard. Titleist actaully refer to them as a Tour bag now and not a staff bag. Because they felt calling them just staff bags limited the regular players from buying. But they felt anybody would want a Tour Bag...ha I know there's an old line sentiment out there that says if your not a PGA Tour Pro or PGA Golf Professional you shouldn't have a "tour' bag. But I'm of the mind, play what you want and like, and don't worry about what others say. I didn't go as far as to get my name on it. That would kill the resale value of course But as for the irons, i'm really looking forward to getting out with them possibly for a 9 hole run this afternoon.