RoyF

Hybrids all the way. I liked hitting low flight long irons when I was younger and had a lot of confidence in them. I recently retired and decided to start golfing again, only to discover that I just can't get my long irons up and hit too many with poor contact. I purchased 3, 4 and 5 hybrids to replace my 3,4 and 5 irons and really enjoy the forgiveness they provide. I consistently hit good shots with them. My only regret is that I no longer have my trusted 4 iron for getting under and out of trees. I hit the 3h so far that I am thinking of swapping out my 3 wood for the 4 iron just to have that club for trouble shots (I play a tight wood lined course).

I'm more interested in cost savings than pure aerodynamics. While I agree that a scuff will have some effect, I don't think the quality of my game is such that I would ever notice. I don't have a standard rule for retirement, I'll usually lose the ball within 2-3 rounds, but if I don't I'll keep playing it until it looks like Frankenstein.

The USGA requires that you post all rounds played, with a few exceptions, like scrambles, alternate shot, etc. Each 9 holes has its own rating, so the resulting affect on your handicap index is accurate (explained here and video here). Just something to consider... While I don't agree with your decision, I admit that a rule I commonly violate is to use a different ball during a round. I might hit a Callaway Tour Soft on 1, lost it on 3 and pull a Titiest Pro V1 out of my bag. I never switch balls to putt or for a particular hole or shot, but I don't always stick to one specific ball during non-competition rounds. If a quality ball is on sale, I'll buy it. Now, during a tournament, I'm careful to use the same ball throughout. Hmm, in looking up the USGA rule so I could reference it, I may have learned something. The One Ball Rule is actually Model Local Rule G-4 and it is a rule that Committees may choose to use, I didn't know that and I don't know if I've ever seen it stated for a tournament that the rule is being used, I just learned at some point that a One Ball Rule existed and thought it was a standard USGA rule. Perhaps I haven't been the habitual criminal that I thought I was.

$350 I recently retired and decided to start golfing again, after quitting regular play 25 years ago and no play in 9 years. I've never purchased a new putter, so decided to "treat" myself. I splurged and paid $300 for an Odyssey AI-ONE Jailbird Mini. I considered getting the Spider Tour S at $350, but I preferred the feel of the Odyssey, so went with that. So the answer to how much I "would" have been willing to spend was $350.