Golf Fever

I typically buy used and I was looking at picking up a set of irons this offseason. The used sets and new previous-generation sets I looked at were still $700-$1000. Most were 4-PW or 5-GW. I play 6-PW in my irons. Rather than wasting money on a 4i, 5i, and GW that I'll never use, I ended up getting a new set of Mizuno JPX923 HM for $137 per club. $137x5 was cheaper than the used sets I was looking at and I got fitted for them and hitting them more consistent than any irons ever had.

I went the lighter/counterbalanced route this year. I got fitted for a PXG 0211 driver last year with a Riptide CB 60 shaft. The driver felt so much lighter than my previous driver (Callaway Big Bertha Fusion) and I picked up 20-25 yards with much better accuracy with it. So over the winter, I decided to go all in and picked up the XXIO 4 hybrid and the XXIO X irons. Got them online without testing. First impression was they were going to be way too light for me. Didn't think I'd be able to feel the head during the swing. Hasn't been an issue though. Been hitting the 4 hybrid almost a club longer. I don't hook the hybrid either like the previous hybrids I've had. I've been hitting the hybrid so well I had gapping issues between the 5 iron and 4 hybrid. Had to pick up the XXIO 5 hybrid as well. Didn't pick up distance with the irons, but hitting those straighter as well. Only negative with lightweight/counterbalanced options is if the club uses the backweight in the grip like the Cleveland Halo XL, your options for changing the grip are limited and you can't fit any shot tracking sensors into the grip.

I originally started trying some apps on my phone for shot tracking (can't remember which apps) but found the GPS accuracy on the phone was pretty horrible. Then tried using the Microsoft Band which used Taylormade's Myroundpro app for post round shot tracking. The Band also had horrible accuracy though. Then bought a Garmin S20. Found the GPS accurate and shot tracking and editing easy enough but like the OP said, it lacked data analysis features. Then went to the Shot Scope V3. It was basically everything I wanted except the accuracy around the greens. The shot tracking was way off on where I putted. I basically had to manually edit every putt after the round. Lastly, got the Shot Scope X5. I think the GPS is more accurate than the V3. Only need to manually edit a few putts per round. Loving the X5. Best subscription-free option in my opinion.

That's a good point. I'm probably just don't have my eyes above the ball.

I found out my brain and eyes naturally align left of target. Started using a Red Arrow Divot Tool and a line on the ball to help align the putt and seen improvement in my putting stats.

Got my first ace! #11 at Jackson Park. One hopped it into the cup

My scores have dropped and I've been playing so much more consistent since I stopped tweaking my swing with every swing tip I find on youtube. Having said that, I'm currently watching the shortgamechef, Derek Uyeda, and Eric Cogorno. Got to get my fix somehow on the days I'm not golfing.

I've used golfstix, swingemagain, and pga value guide. I generally check all three and see which one has the better values. Here's some of the trades I've done before. No complaints on any of the sites. Swingemagain does occasionally have a 20% bonus on trade ins.

Loving mine. I can't hit fairway woods but I can crush the Hy-wood.

Love the Cleveland XL Hy-Wood. Never been able to hit a fairway wood. But I can hit the hy-wood off the tee or turf. It's essentially a counterbalanced 3h with a shaft length half inch shorter than a 5w. Fills the gap between my driver and 4h better than a standard 3h. I tried 2h but not enough swing speed to get the launch I needed. Also find the club very forgiving with the large head.

Check out XXIO clubs if you can find them. They are specifically made for slow swingspeeds.

lostgolfballs .com

Jim Furyk, -12

Harris English, -4