Mark In Land O Lakes

I have been using the Wellput "Start" model. This one differs from the 2 other comparable models they have in that it is narrower (by about 6"), has only 1 Stimp reading (the others have 2 readings, I guess with and against the grain), and it doesn't come with the phone app which has a bunch of exercises you can do. However, it is cheaper! Quite frankly, I like it a lot; and am not sure that I'd be any happier with the other models. I set-up a putting station in which I butt-up the 10' mat to a 5' rug, and then place an open box at the other side of the rug. So in addition to being able to practice to the targets on the mat, I can now hit longer puts; I figure if I hit the put so it bangs the back of the box, that is about a 20 footer. For example, one exercise I do has me hitting 3 putts. The first one I try to bang the back of the box; the second to come up just short of the box; and the 3rd to just go to the end of the mat. Of course, each has to stay on the alignment line on the mat so I know that I started it straight. So I am able to practice clubface control and distance control. What else do you need? Definitely a "thumbs-up" from me!

Summertree is a 9-hole course in western Pasco County, FL. It caters to a somewhat older clientele, so it is not particularly long (which makes it ideal for walking). It is well-maintained, but most importantly of all, it has character. That is, it is not one of those flat Florida courses where the holes are seemingly indistinguishable. Not that there are major elevation changes (this is still Florida), but enough to make each hole its own. Not a lot of water (no long carries over water), mostly ponds that border the fairways that really come into play only if you hit an errant shot. Walking is really the best way to enjoy the course, especially the abundance of wild-life you are likely to see. You will see some cranes, a hawk that will carefully eye you before resuming his hunt, a gator or two, and occasionally some wild turkeys and even deer. Oh, and if you do ride, watch out for the blackbirds; they will brazenly steal any food you leave in your cart while you are on the greens!

I tried it last year, but it didn't work for me. Granted, I am a high-handicapper; so I'm not discounting that this is part of the problem. I tried it for 3 separate 1/2-hour sessions, and I don't think I hit one decent pitch shot onto the green in all that time. Seems like on every shot I either popped it up short, or bladed it thru the green. The company was good, though, and quickly granted me a refund. In retrospect, I'm thinking a 65-degree wedge was too much for me. I understand they have 2 less lofted versions, but I guess I'm a little gun-shy about trying them.