SteveGH7

I did the same with that promotion at Roger Dunn, but went with the Ai Smoke Max D HL 3Wood (16.5).

Cut line: +2 Low amateur: Stewart Hagestad

Marshall Canyon is a great course. Haven't played it in years but I remember it being challenging but fun, and lots of deer.

I've been very happy with the Cleveland HB Soft Milled from last year. Especially for long putts. Looks good too.

I played with this ball yesterday and enjoyed it. While the feel and sound felt different (maybe louder?) than the ProV1, the performance was strong.

Good to see another Orange County native here. Welcome!

I've done 3 fittings on separate occasions - irons, fairway wood, and a driver fitting. The irons were with a local, well reviewed fitter. I thought the fitting was thorough and well worth it. We tried a large amount of irons that I had in mind, plus a couple he recommended. Once we zeroed in on a potential fit, we tried some shafts in that iron head, and then the lie and length measurements. It felt exactly like how a fitting should go. The second fitting was for a fairway wood with the same fitter. This time wasn't as detailed. He had me try a large number of different brands, but didn't get into measurements or different shafts, which I thought was somewhat odd. Both fittings he sent me my data afterwards. Lastly, I did a driver fitting at a big box store. The fitter was nice and we had a good conversation, but I felt a little rushed. He kept the samples limited, as well as the shafts, but did test a couple different weights and lengths. I felt like we landed on a good option, but everything was rushed and I did not get the data sent to me (I should have asked). He also didn't test the recommended winner in the same shaft that my gamer was in (same brand head, different model and different shaft), which I thought would have made sense. All this to say, each fitting can be different even with the same fitter so make sure you do some research on what you want out of the fitting and bring with you the questions you'd like to ask.

I still have it. That's a good suggestion, thanks. My initial numbers with my G425 in the Orange Tensei showed fairly low launch and spin, which jumped up when I tried the Alta with the G430, so that may be why the fitter didn't try the Tensei in the G430. But I will take them both in and compare in the same head. I do like the feel of the Tensei.

I have this shaft in my G425, but I was not fitted for that driver. When I did a fitting the other day, they recommended the new G430 10k but in the Alta. They did not test the Tensei Orange in that head, and I did not think to ask as we tried various other shafts in other models. Is the Tensei Orange similar to the Alta since both are counter-balanced? I didn't see it listed as one of the shaft options for the new Ping, but curious if it would be a good option.

I think the primary difference is the experience of the person conducting the fitting, and the amount of time spent. The paid fitting would probably be about an hour with a fitter who has a bit more training. The free fittings are usually with a store employee in the main hitting bays letting you sample the different drivers, making some small tweaks, and explaining the numbers. If you are just looking to dial in your current driver or compare it to some of the stock new releases, stick with the free. However they might not have the different shafts to try in the free hitting bay. So it depends on how in-depth you'd like to be.

Based on looks, descriptions, and reviews, I have Callaway and Ping at the top of my list. But I also want to try the new Taylormade and Cleveland.

We are doing a fairly local golf trip in the summer to the Santa Barbara / Solvang area - Rustic Canyon and Ojai/Soule Park on the way up, Sandpiper, and narrowing down some others in the SLO/Solvang area. Was supposed to be a Pasatiempo trip, but we read they are doing some renovations this year so we are waiting on that.

I'm in.

I'm excited for this tournament, but I do miss when it was the Tournament of Champions and only featured the previous year winners. Made it stand out from the other signature events.

Trying to help my brother-in-law explore new iron options for his upcoming 40th bday. He doesn't get out too much due to work and young kids, but he plays to about a 12 - 14 index with a fairly fast swing speed. He was looking at the Titleist T200 but is also on a strict budget. What would you say are the closest DTC or "budget-friendly" brands?

Has anyone compared it against the previous generation's Epic?

Carry 6 - GW, 54 degree, 58 degree, putter, driver then to round out the bag depending on course and how I feel a combination of: mini driver or a 3 wood, 5 wood, 7 wood, or 5 hybrid.

I tried one at Roger Dunn recently. I was surprised how good it felt despite being marketed for better players. For those that have the 21 degree, how does it compare to a typical length/size 7 wood?

One thing that really helped me cross the breaking 100 barrier was focusing on my short game. Like most higher handicappers, tee shots can be struggle whether it's lack of distance or accuracy. So while working on driver was also key, I found that getting wedges that fit my game and really working at my short game turned a lot of potential triples or doubles into bogeys or pars. Something else I've found very helpful is forgetting about the big numbers when they do happen. Move on, clear your head, and focus on the next shot or hole.

Welcome! I'm in Huntington Beach as well. I haven't made it out to the Costa Mesa Country Club courses yet but I hear great things about them. I usually go to Meadowlark since it's fairly easy to hop on in the early morning.

My final review is now posted. Please take a look at my original post to view:

Most points: Scottie Scheffler Clinching Point: Clark

My buddy is planning his 40th birthday trip next year and wants to do a road trip to Pasatiempo. On the way there/back we are thinking of adding Ojai Valley or Soule Park and Sandpiper. Any tips on booking and lodging? We'd probably stay a night in each area.

I'm a high handicapper and went to a fitter for my irons and I really enjoyed it. I really enjoyed trying different clubs and shafts, and believe I benefited from the testing and measurements of shaft, loft, lie, etc. And most game improvement clubs fit to you can still be played as your swing improves and becomes more consistent (although I think most golfers at any HC level think they still struggle with consistency).