[Would you give up distance for accuracy?]

Accuracy, in my opinion, is far more important than a few more yards.  I don’t hit long off the tee anymore (210-220) but often beat folks who can hit 30 to 50 yds. longer who have trouble staying in the fairway.  
 

The course you play makes a huge difference.  Tall rough, trees, water, and bunkers eliminate most of the advantages of longer, less accurate drivers.  In fact, I think they cause golfers to score more doubles and triples, which negatively impacts other parts of their game as they fall behind and start to push trying to catch up.  
 

Now, if I could hit long and find the fairway…

[How many sets of clubs have you owned in your lifetime]

Wow!  A trip down memory lane.  Far more sets when listed than what I remembered.

Wilson Sam Snead Blue Ridge - first set 

Cougar set

Ping Eye 2 

Cleveland VAS 792 - Corey Pavin!

Cobra King II

Ping S59

Ping S56

McGregor V-Foil

Cobra UFI

Mizuno MX23

Mizuno JPX800

Wilson Di7

Wilson C11

Ping G25

Nike Sasquatch

Wilson D300 - w/Half & Half shafts

Cleveland Black

Titleist AP1

Ben Hogan Edge - 2018 model

Titleist D300

In reviewing this list you’ll see that I was trying to buy a lower score!  Working, raising kids and caring for a sick wife cut into my practice time.  I was sure, a lesson for some of you, that by buying a new set with the “latest technology” I could improve.  In the end, practice, practice, and more practice reduced my handicap.  
 

Good memories about the past.  I gave away most these sets to either my kids or work associates who couldn’t afford a decent set - decent used liberally with some of these sets.  I still see people from time to time at charity events using the set I gave them.

 

 

[When Your Body Changes Should Your Irons Or Shafts Change With It???]

Thank you for your service, and to all the other readers/subscribers who gave their time and effort to keep our country free.

Have you thought about having the hip surgery, then looking at your club needs?  From what you have said your hips aren’t going to get better.  I know a number of people who have had hip surgery and bounced back without any complications - including my 91 year old father.

if you enjoy your clubs, we’re appropriately fitted with those shafts, and want to keep them for the next few years, that might be the best option.  I was swinging stiff metal shafts until about 55.  Then I switched to regular shafts and in 2022 went with graphite Senior flex.  My distances have remained consistent with the shifts.  As we get older our bodies start to lose flexibility which impacts our swing.  An accident and football has really limited my backswing, yet with the proper shafts I am able to keep up with most players.

good luck!

[Golf Architecture for Non-normal People]

Interesting post and something I haven’t given significant thought to over the years.  In my youth, I remember sketching out golf holes while sitting in class or during boring meetings.  Most were evil designs trying to trick players - like Z shaped par 4 holes on islands that very few regular folks could ever play.
 

I have noticed that As time has progressed and GPS has become more common, I find scoring becomes easier.  I know my basic distances, GPS shows me where the trouble is, all I need to do is hit it - not always so easy.  Many of the visual challenges I faced on new courses in the 70’s up to early 2000’s have been eliminated by technology - some had handy books with distance markings.  Today,  I no longer question whether a hazard is reachable or not, with technology I know.  I may start playing new courses without GPS just to see how it impacts my shot choices.

[Do you choke down on your clubs?]

I rarely choke down on clubs.  Like others, it is most common when the ball is above my feet.  There are times when trying to flight the ball low, below obstacles and into the wind, that choking down helps.  Short chip shots are another common time when control is important.
 

I do however choke down on my putter frequently, especially on short putts.  That however is a love/hate situation as age related inconsistencies start to impact my game.

[Does anyone walk anymore?]

Yes, love walking the course.  I use a push cart - Sun Mountain bag & speedster with fitted bottom - when playing 18 holes.  Usually carry, about 80% of the time, when playing 9 holes.  It is easier  for me to stay focused on the round and the next shot.  I enjoy conversing with playing partners, but it seems like my attention is “off & on” when playing in a cart.
 

I play in a number of best ball charitable events where carts are required for the 5+ hour marathon.  During these events I inform my playing partner that I will be walking often during the round and not to take offense it’s nothing they’ve done.  
 

If you push a cart, but are frustrated with your bag twisting on the cart, try the Sun Mountain 3 wheel speedster with the Sun Mountain molded bottom bag. It works very well and keeps my bag steady throughout the round.  
 

Walking is good for your health - makes that extra beer go down better knowing you’re just “rehydrating” after the round.

[3 Wood Versus 5 Wood]

No 3W for me.  I carry a 16.5 “4-wood” instead, although I generally hit my 19 degree hybrid for shots of 180+ yds.  Thinking about switching to an 18 degree 5-wood, but afraid to lose the hybrid consistency.

[Ready Golf - The New Norm?]

I’v3 golfed for 40+ years now and my opinion there are a number of ways to speed up play, ready golf being the best.  I also agree that spending time shooting distances, checking email, etc. has slowed down the game.  There are times where knowing the distance to clear a bunker is important - to the golfer who can consistently hit the ball - but I find many of the people playing so focused on distance it paralyzes their game.  They then skull the shot, scoop the shot, and whole routine starts over…
 

Beyond that, there seems to be a societal trend of inconsiderate behavior.  To many people think only about themselves and not enough about those playing or behind them.  

[Do you still carry a 5-iron?]

I am 64 and dropped the 5i a few years ago and replaced it with 5h. There are times the gap between my 6i and 5h frustrates me, but hitting a 5i consistently off the deck was more frustrating.  

[Do you work in the golf world? Or Wish You Did?]

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.  

[Golf bags- stand or cart, and why?]

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!

[Handling the Off Season]

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.  

[Would you rather... Masters edition]

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!

[14 Way Bags - Love em? Or Hate em?]

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.

[What is your greatest golf memory?]

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.

 

[BOA vs. LACES]

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. 

[AVX vs Left Dash]

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.

[Tell me your Top 10 courses played!]

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

 

[Best clubs of all time?]

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.

 

[Kids Clubs]

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.

[If I was fitted for driver, should I assume the 3 and 5 wood with the same shaft family will fit my swing?]

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.

[Earth Day 2021 - from above/quiz]