MN Loon

Not sure it counts, but I volunteer and work the PGA 3M Open in the Twin Cities. I’ve worked the course with Rickie Fowler.

Nice question and good comments. I am in the “depends on the situation” camp. Over about 5 years I acquired 4-5 different good quality bags that could be used in different situations. I agree with the comments that a stand bag is the most useful. Whether Ogio, Titleist, Ping, and others, they are very flexible and are great at the range and can always work in other situations. That said, at 64 yrs. carrying a 14 divider full size stand bag is too much. However, if I can walk that is my preferred way of playing. For that I have a smaller backpack style carry bag and an unstructured 7 club bag. When playing back-to-back rounds I push the Sun Mountain 14 way divider w/putter well and the SM push cart. It’s a wonderful setup and quickly becoming my preferred way of walking. Unlike some push carts, the Sun Mountain bag/cart combo has a nice molded bottom that fits into the cart and keeps the bag from shifting around while in use. Cart bags are great if you plan to ride the majority of time. They are especially useful if the weather is inclement because they hold lots of stuff and you don’t need to carry or push the heavier than normal bag. In conclusion, start with a divided stand bag because they are the most useful. Then if you prefer riding, go to a cart bag, if you prefer to walk get either a push cart bag or lighter weight carry bag. NEVER toss or trade in bags. Buy bags for there use and you will get a nice collection for different purposes - plus you’ll need bags for the new clubs you’ll be buying!

I am not a low single handicapper, but do live in Minnesota which has the same weather barriers. I use our club simulator and focus on getting my distances accurate. I find after having control of direction, understanding the gaps in distance is important to lowering scores. I am always very patient when heading out in Spring because the ball is now above, in sand or on some sort of uneven lie. This changes the swing plane, causing early season frustration. That said, spending time at the range purposefully, practicing short shots and PUTTS keeps my scores close to the season before. We went to Florida in February and my scores the first few times out were comparable to last October, after spending a few hours on the range and greens. I am also in my mid-60’s so I don’t have the strength and flexibility of younger folks who should be able to bounce back easier.

I am with the play crowd. Fun to be on sight, but there is nothing like playin* the course - especially the Monday after while th3 stands are still up!

I prefer the dividers, whether 14 or even down to 10. I once owned a nice Ogio carry bag that featured two large openings in the middle for your Driver, Fairway, and Hybrids, plus 3 dividers on each side for irons, 2 large for wedges and a putter well. That was my favorite bag for organization. in my opinion, cart bags should have full length dividers. Especially pushcart bags. With the clubs sitting sideways, it is easier to get them in and out. I have a nice Sun Mountain bag, with a bottom that fits their push cart to avoid the bag moving around, that is set up well. divders also help if you have lager grips.

This is a fun topic. Enjoy reading everyone’s comments. I’ll add my top 3: 1) My first Hole in One while golfing with my youngest son. He was on the High School team and we were on the 16th hole of the evening, a par 3 of 158 yards. Hit just above the hole and rolled ( I was always say spun) back in to the hole. It was the first HOI either of us had experienced. 2) After my late wife passed, I met a lady for coffee and then went out to play a round. I shot a 78 and was hitting shots even I couldn’t believe. I thought she must be very special and we married 18 months later. 3) Playing Whistling Straits, Pinehurst and Cour d Laine golf courses. I know that’s 3 courses, but they were wonderful experiences.

I have Foot Joys with the BOA and find them superior to regular laces. The fit is more consistent from toe box to heel. I was concerned purchasing them 3 years ago that the system would wear out before the shoes. That has not been the case so far.

I switched to the AVX last year and like the way it plays. Played AP1 most of the past 5 years, but improved consistency with AVX sold me on the new design. Keep in mind, I have a slower swing speed than many who have responded. My game is dependent on hitting it straight and hitting greens in regulation.

1. Whistling Straits - Straits Course 2. Pinehurst - #2 3. Pinehurst - #6 4. Hazel fine 5. Whistling Straits - Irish Course 6. The Quarry 7. The Wilderness 8. Warwick Hills 9. Troy Burne 10. Mendakota or Somerset

I have to agree with those saying Ping Eye2 for irons. Ping Anser putter with the heel/toe weighting. Callaway led the innovation in Drivers and Super Game Improvement irons. Taylor Made was the first to make hybrids - rescue clubs - popular.

Agree with others that kids should play with kids clubs. Shaft flexes, length, etc. all designed for the golfer of that age is best. Success is important with all sports. Adults can have trouble playing adult clubs, much less kids. My wife was using a boxed set of Target Adams clubs to start vs using an extra set of mine. Recently we purchased her the Ping GLe2 and we can both see the difference. Start the kid on properly sized clubs and when they can play well enough to get around an Executive Course, look at a better set. Craig's List and others have lots of kids sets.

Great question. I went to Club Champions and the Driver shaft was different from my Fairway Woods. The heads were the same model, but the set-up was a little different to maximize shots off the deck. I do not use my 3 Fairway off the tee very often, but need the extra distance on longer par 5s.