DymnDog

Although I know the sound (because I play Ping), whenever someone comments on it, I say "I don't care if it quacks like a duck as long as it keeps hitting the ball like it does."

I only consciously choke down for my (patent pending) punch out shot from under the trees with my 4hy and a basic chip shot move to reliably shoot the ball out low and straight about 100yds to get back on the fairway. I practice it at the range and it's saved my bacon more times than not.

I played these BRX's and thought they were great. Any errant shot wasn't the fault of the ball. I appreciate Bridgestone for their generous gift to try them out. I probably would not have picked them up off the shelf otherwise. When I burn through my current stash of new balls, I will strongly consider purchasing some.

Fun!

But you can also flip pancakes with it!

Which Sun Mountain bag do you have? That sounds like it would check most of my boxes.

I have a related question about gimmies (however they're defined): I thought after someone says "You're good" it means I'm close enough that I'll most likely get the ball into the hole on the next stroke. So I pick up, and add one stroke to whatever I had at that point. I still consider it a gift because the next stroke (no matter how close) is never guaranteed. But others seem to think that "You're good." means you can count your last stroke the same as if you got it in the hole. That seems pretty generous.

As a scientist, I enjoyed reading such a well written study! I'm impressed at the level of detail (even giving the exact measurements of soap used to wash them). The key point to me is that older studies (that set the prevalent mindset that submerged balls are no good) studied balls with composition and materials no longer used in newer balls.

Good point. Getting fit might be a better thing to do first. Thank you.

Makes sense. The guy offered to meet me at a local range to do some side-by-side comparisons. Seems like a good idea. Thank you.

I've been playing PING G20's (2011) that I bought used a few years ago. I have no complaints with them. Great set (driver, woods, irons and wedges). They are definitely NOT holding my game back. A local guy put up a set of PING G425's (2021) irons for sale and it started me wondering if I should at least get irons newer than 10 years? I can't find an apples-to-apples comparison of the two sets. I'm hoping some PING aficionados might help me to 1.) rationalize the purchase and feel good about it, or 2.) snap me out of my fever dream and just keep grinding on the G20's because it's not going to provide a noticeable difference (besides the dopamine high of getting new clubs). Thank you!

One "Tip" I learned when starting was: DO NOT TELL THE PERSON NEXT TO YOU AT THE DRIVING RANGE THAT YOU ARE JUST STARTING. My head got so full of well-intended advice that my head was spinning, and I had no real way to tell the difference between good and bad advice.

I'm listening to Sherman's Book on Audible during my morning walks and it's really great. But he refers to so many illustrations I bought a physical copy too to look at when I get home. I know the Audible Book comes with a pdf of illustrations but I like the full physical book.

2003 Bettinardi / Hogan BHB-9: I picked up a beat up one for cheap (beat up because it's made out of a solid piece of aluminum). I polished it up and always get people asking about it when I sink 'em. I use a pendulum style stroke so this works well for me. Jim Furyk won the 2003 US Open with one.

Walking gives me 1.) More time to think about my next shot. 2.) An opportunity to talk to myself to keep my head in the game. 3.) More flexibility in my back and hips. I get achy and tight sooner when I use a cart.