Bubbly Pop

I purchased a Callaway EPIC Heaven wood (7) about two months ago and I can honestly say I've had the best results with a new club I've ever had in my life. I'm a low ball hitter and a 3 wood or a 5 wood never get up very high for me, hence I had forever given up on dropping anything into a green from a distance and have it stay on. The 7 wood has been a godsend, hitting greens from 185 to 200 yards like the ball was dropping from the clouds. Loved it so much a got a 9 wood a month ago. Same thing, 170-180 yards dropping in from the sky and sticking. No need for Christmas gifts this year, Santa already took care of me.

Well, I received my 225's about a week ago, and after 27 holes they are getting traded in. I ordered them without even hitting them, as I've always loved Mizuno, these looked perfect for me, and they are beautiful. However, and I hate to be the guy to say it, but the hollow bodied Mizuno 225's just doesn't feel like a Mizuno to me, not even close. They are a nice profile size, and look exactly as I would want them to, but they just feel, well, hollow. I'll try another Mizuno option, but these are not it.

Yep, pre-ordered mine (225's) on Jan 3rd, still not here..................just........................waiting..........................

I believe the only reason to carry a 3W will depend on how far your driver is off the tee. For example, I love my 3W but only off the deck, never off the tee. I use it for second shots into long par 4's and 2nd shots on many par 5's. If you only have it in the bag to occasionally drive with, I don't see the point of carrying it. I use it off the deck 4-6 times a round depending on the course.

As always, it depends what works for you. My address for both likely looks the same to a casual observer, but there are subtle differences. Since there will be relatively small breaks in most short putts, staying quite square is important to me so I can track a very specific line (more mechanical). I also hit just a tiny bit down on these, which keeps the ball tracking firmly. On longer putts, since they are rarely going to travel on a straighter line than short putts, are more about speed. Often several different lines can be taken depending upon green speed, slope of a the particular green your on, etc. Hence longer putts are more about feel for me, picking a more general line toward the peak of the desired apex and then feeling the speed necessary to use whatever slope/break exists to get to the desired apex point. I achieve this best when my stance is just a bit open when compared to a short putt. Different strokes for different folks, keep trying different variations until the results speak for themselves (saving more short par putts, reducing your number of three putts when starting from 20'+ from the hole.

All my clubs (sans the putter) have Golf Pride Tour Wrap (mid-size) grips. They are softer than most grips and tacky (when clean) which keeps the club feeling secure in my hands without needing to squeeze at all. My putter is a Two Thumb grip (out of the UK) that is flat on top and bottom and quite wide, comfortably accommodating both hands using my putting prayer grip (how appropriate).

I'm lucky in that the course I belong to in Pittman NJ (Running Deer) owns/operates 7 other (semi-private) courses within a 50 mile radius, and you can play any of them under the same membership. I still occasionally play 3-4 other area courses that either have interesting layouts, unique green complex's, or both. However, it's a good deal joining a course that is affiliated with other courses in order to regularly enjoy more variety for the same $'s.

Being a "feel" putter, trying to use an alignment mark only serves to make me try and be extra exacting, which causes some tension, which leads to missing the damn putt anyway. Although, if you prefer to look at the ball instead of the hole when making a putt, it would seem to make some sense to use a mark to ensure you start it on the desired line.

G425 - It's a screamer.

To explain my one and only swing thought (be ready, it's weird) you have to understand that it has nothing to do with golf, I only use it to calm my mind when over the ball. I've found that any thinking is counter productive for me, as it only leads to tension. So, when anything try's to force it's way into my mind prior to swinging I mentally sing a line from a song in the musical Annie, "The sun'll come out tomorrow, you can bet your bottom dollar, Tomorrow". It's impossible to be fearful or tense when I internally sing that, it's so weird it just makes me smile when I do it, and then I swing. By the way, it's a song my now 25 yr. old daughter used to always sing to me when she was little, whatever works my man.

Ping G425 Max - My FIR percentage has increased almost 20% since obtaining this club.

Just like it is for the Pro's, it depends on the course. Some courses have quite reasonable rough so bombing and gouging makes sense, as shorter clubs into the green out of shorter rough works well for me. When I play a course with longer (or wet) rough, being in the fairway further back is a better bet in order to obtain a GIR. So, my score on a particular day is better when I hit fairways (further back) on courses with dense rough, and my score is better when I bomb it, even into the rough, on courses with shorter (and dry) rough.

Played at Pinehurst (#2 and #8) last month and procured the GolfLogix book for each course well before my trip. I've played there previously, sans the green reading books, and what a difference having them made on these two courses. I wouldn't necessarily get them for my own course since I play it regularly and I've become completely familiar with where to go and where not to go on each green. However, on a course your unfamiliar with, especially those with complex greens, they are incredibly helpful and will save you several strokes at a minimum.

It makes sense that putter grips fit how you opt to hold the putter, which is why I've had such a long road to find the perfect grip for myself. I use a prayer grip, such a wider grip on the putter really helps make room for both hands being in essence in the same place on opposite sides of the grip. Watched Matt Wallace a few months back (PGA player) and he grips the putter the same way. I could read his grip and it said "Two Thumb" on it, so I Googled the name and it turns out they are made by a UK company. They come in a couple of different widths from very wide (45 millimeters) to a bit less wide (32 millimeters). I ordered the "Original" width (the widest) for $32 (plus about $60 shipping from the UK) and I've been playing it for 3 weeks. What a difference, especially in my short putts where I often have had a pull problem. Look it up if you prefer wider grips, it was worth it for me.

1) Putters are so uniquely personal 2) I like pretty things 3) I got tired of collecting ex-wives (much more expensive than any putter) I currently only own three (down from about 8), Cameron Phantom X 6 STR with a Cameron Jumbo Matador grip and a custom paint job, an Evnroll ER2 CS with a Two Thumbs grip and a Cameron Phantom X 8 with a Two Thumbs grip and a custom paint job. When one goes cold for a bit the others are ready to fill in (put me in coach!). Always looking for a new putter that looks great and will listen to me (unlike the wives).

Great topic, as I believe putting is the most uniquely personal part of the game. The litmus test is "what are your results" and keeping your stats (putts per round, how many three putts per round, etc.) is the only real way to measure the level of success one is having. I feel like I have tried every conceivable option over time in order to find what produces the best results I'm capable of. For about the last 10 years I've used a prayer style way of holding the putter, but only recently have I found a particular putter grip that works best for me, it's called the "Two Thumbs" grip and it is produced in the UK. Matt Wallace uses it on the PGA Tour, it's really wide (there are several width options) and totally flat on top. In comparison to my historical putts per round I'm killing it with this grip (now averaging 31 putts per round), look it up it's a quite interesting option.

Received the part from Motocaddy as promised, uninstalled the offending part and re-installed the new part in about 45 minutes (at least the 18 screws securing the main motor area make me feel good about it not falling apart due to bumpy course conditions). Plugged in the battery and SHAZAM we are back in business. Thanks everyone for guiding me to the right people (thanks Jake and Josh from Motocaddy for your expeditious service). I look forward to walking and working to shed the COVID 30 (pounds) I've gained in the last year. Happy Golfing

Thanks for the info, it will help me self assess. I purchased several Edel SMS wedges recently (54 & 58 V-Grinds w/MODUS 105 shafts) and I've played them as they came (the heavier weight in the center) for five rounds. Have to tell you, I love how they feel/perform. Now I'm going to move the heavier weight to the toe and play five rounds with that configuration and compare the two results, and so on. I've always been a Cleveland wedge guy, although I tried Vokey's some years back (just didn't work for me), but I have to say I'm really impressed with these SMS wedges. The leading edge appears to sit more square/flush with the ground than the Cleveland's, and that's really appealing to my eye (who would have known?) Throwing darts from 60-90 yards makes them appealing, but my great discovery is my touch on delicate shots right around the green is much improved. Getting up and down more frequently than usual, such I remember I may have even wept a tear of joy after one particular short sided, severely down hill chip from deep rough, stopped 4 inches from the hole. If your current wedges are not your soul mate, and it's about time for new ones, I strongly suggest you consider Edel SMS wedges. Happy Golfing

I appreciate that this trolley usually works quite well (#1 Most Wanted), which is why I choose it (are the golf gods trying to tell me I should just ride? ) Nonetheless, Motocaddy rep's out of Cali were very responsive, once you fine people provided me their contact info, thanks. They coordinated getting a part on it's way to me and it sounds like a somewhat easy fix. I'll let you know how it goes (now I've got to find where I put that nail gun?)

Thanks everyone for your input, I appreciate the info and the encouragement. I'll reach out to the Cali based Motocaddy team.

In my experience I would say better (amateur) players I know seem to care about what others see them playing. Also, some have the attitude that playing more forgiving irons is almost paramount to cheating. My thoughts, both ego and being self-conscious are simply hurdles for human beings to overcome in general. Over time I've learned to accept that any assistance I can obtain with consistency, hence scoring, is welcome. I'm a high single digit hdcp but I've always struggled with iron play. I now play super forgiving Srixon ZX4's, and the consistency in my iron game is steadily improving. Most of us don't play this game for a living, play the most forgiving clubs your ego can handle, the game is supposed to be fun.

I had been researching electric push carts for about the past year (i.e. trolley's) because I like to walk when playing, but a hip issue is aggravated when I have to push my cart 18 holes (yeah, I'm getting older). In early April I decided to purchase the Motocaddy 7 (it came from the UK) and I received it a couple of weeks ago. Very sleek and compact unit, seemed easy to use. I read all the instructions, charged the battery and remote overnight, and it worked well in my backyard when I tested it out before going to the course. First round with it, six holes in, it stopped running and wouldn't respond to the remote. Took it home, tried recharging everything, plugged it in, nothing, no power to the cart even though the battery and remote reflects they are fully charged. Contacted Motocaddy via their site and received a "we are real busy and will get to you when we can". A week later still nothing. At this point I feel a little like I may have purchased a $1,500 non-motorized push cart. Until these are readily available via a U.S. distributor I wouldn't bother investing in one.

Forgiving you say.........you need look no further than the PING G425 (Max or LST). Talk about simply point and shoot, I've gone from hitting approx. 50% of fairways (G410), to hitting +70% without any fall off in distance. I know there are longer options out there, but my ego doesn't need to be stroked, what I need is to be playing my 2nd from the short grass over and over (with reasonable distance) and the G425 is the shanizzle where that is concerned.

I gamed a Phantom X 6.5 (center shafted) all last year and it worked great for me. I put the SC Matador Oversized grip on it and it is wide enough to accommodate my holding the putter in a prayer grip. Of course I had it custom painted, as I can't even look at the standard neon paint. Three weeks ago I received the Phantom X 8 putter (double bend) I sent in for a custom paint job, looks incredible, but after 8 rounds I've found I can't putt worth a damn with it. Totally different feel. Tried going with an Evnroll oversized grip, as SC didn't have any oversized grips available, still doesn't feel comfortable. Going back to the 6.5 this weekend.

Having tried out the multiple offerings available this winter, as my iron game has always been the bane of my existence, I found there currently are a number of great sticks out there. I honed it down to Mizuno and Srixon (I've been a Mizuno player for 15 years), but the Srixon's ZX's won out this go around, they simply sound and feel amazing. Good luck in your search.