mgatesjr

I've always had stand bags. I walk and carry 60-70 rounds a year, so a cart bag would only be an option for me if I was some sort of masochist (I'm not). I've used Sun Mountain bags for the past 10 years and love them - very light, durable, and comfortable.

I have been a member of private clubs in the past and have been a member at a public course in my hometown for the past 2 years. The primary reason I joined was because my regular group all decided to join, and I either had to join or make new friends (I like the ones I have). I like it because it means I get to practice whenever I can squeeze it in, and as long as I play 4+ times per month the value is there. Secondary to the other items was quality of course (high), facilities, and ability to reserve advance tee times. Having been a member at private and public courses I will say that the private club experience is better - the staff at our current club treats us great, but it isn't the same as being at a private club. The course covers their greens for ~1 month every winter, and closes several weekends in the summer for VSGA events, which can be frustrating. At a public course you don't get the same amenities as you do at many private clubs - my former club had a pool, tennis courts, restaurant, and the public course is essentially just a really nice golf course.

If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em.

I'm team 3H. It's one of my favorite clubs to hit, and I feel very confident over the ball when I setup with it (this is likely purely mental, no reason I might not get the same result with a 5W but why mess with what works?). Besides the way I feel when I setup with it (comfortable, confident), I use it when I need distance and accuracy, and am not worried about a higher flight and softer landing. If I was looking for the latter I might consider a 5W instead. Maybe see if your local club has a demo 5w that you can hit on the range/take out for a round, or hit one at golf shop on a simulator, and see what feels better to you. Good luck!

I've been using a BlueTees Series 1 that includes slope and vibrates when you lock on to the pin, and recommend it. It was ~$150 a year ago, and the yardages seem to be in sync with the more expensive models (Bushnells, Callaway) that my regular playing partners use. If there's a 2-3 yard disparity, I haven't found that it has had any negative impact on my game.