daverain1

I went to GOLFTEC to get fitted expecting to upgrade my Ping G425 Max to a 430 10K. Surprise - the big winner was the AiSmoke Max (over Ping, TM, Cobra.) The Ai Smoke Draw was just a hook machine for me - the adjustability in the Max was a difference maker. I only played on round with it, but hit some drives 20 yards past where my good drives from the Ping would end up. I also went to a softer/lighter shaft than the Vylyn 65 g stiff I was playing. I had some mishits (blaming it on the different shaft) and the ball still carried well and in play. At the fitting my swing speed jumped from 85ish to 95 ish with no loss in dispersion. And the Cally was longer than the Ping 10K for me - I went back and tried the Ping again last just to be sure.

The Therabar is the best! I also recommend it for someone with the issue. I was demoing clubs inside at PGA superstore then had outdoor fitting off matts. After I ordered my new 'Zunos, blew elbow out with a driver swing - new clubs showed up a couple days later and I counldn't play. Rehabbed with Therabar and also wore an elbow brace with straps. I though the brace just gave me added support and confidence - stopped using it after about 6 months.

My group played through many Connecticut winters, if a course was open we played, including in snow. As a New Englander, must mention LL Bean has Fleece lined pants and jeans. Most public courses in CT allow jeans in winter. Agree with others - layer up! I found I could play in any cold with an Under Armour base Cold Gear base, long sleeve shirt or turtleneck, and a warm pullover or sweatshirt. It it was windy, i threw a windshirt over the top. Footjoy makes some lined golf sweaters with a windproof lining - also great option.

I've run a northeast snowbirds group to MB for 20+ years. My advice is to choose a section (North MB/Calabash NC, Central (near airport) or south (Murrels Inlet/Pawleys and go from there. No one wants to spend 45 minutes driving when there's so many local courses. Our group plays 36 holes a day - I've found with some packages you can get free replays or other deals. I've used both Golf Trek and Golf Desk to assist with booking. They will know the best deals. Legends had good courses, lodging, free beer and breakfast but is a bit of a golf factory with 4 slammed courses out of the same clubhouse. Barefoot is less so - 3 really good courses with Dye, Fazio and Love - Norman course just ok. If you go south, there's a Litchfield group - River Club, Litchfield, Heritage, and Tradition. Willbrook Plantation is a gem. Another good multi-course location is MB National. King's north there is one of the most fun courses in MB, other two tracks are also always in good shape - well run facility. Good luck - I don't think there's anywhere in the US with a better selection and reasonable cost.

The TaylorMade RBZ 13 Piece Speedlite Set is listed $1199, or $200 cheaper than Golf Galaxy, etc. Must be a decent quality set, better than the usual $700 box sets.

Regarding the Callaway Org 14 - great looking bag, lots of large pockets. But club dividers around putter well separated from bag top in less than 6 months. In looking at reviews, that's a common issue. I sent back to Callaway, I assume they will ship replacement. One other issue with Org 14 - its too short for Sun Mountain cart (Pathfinder 4). The top cart straps slide up across putter well unless you hike bag up - I've been running it 3" above the bottom bracket - because the bag is wide it was also rubbing on front wheels of my 4-wheeler. I'm likely going to replace it with a Sync.

I have a 4 wheeler - Sun Mountain Pathfinder 4. I find it lighter and easier to push than my old Clicgear. Maneuverability not an issue, and I also let it roll (straight) down hills. The front axle / wheels on the Pathfinder can be adjusted to be wider to avoid bag rubbing./ But I also find that non-Sun Mountain bags sit too low and top straps hit the putter well. I secure mine 2-3" off the bottom bracket, which also helps with keeping a wide bag from rubbing against the wheels - but less than optimal. I've had Ping Pioneer and Callaway Org 14 bags - neither fit great. Point being - check how the bag fits on 4-wheeler before buying.

I also bought the murdered out Evnroll (ER5) and its approaching a year old at Christmas, about 100 rounds on it and also showing wear through on a couple corners. I bought it not only because it looks great but because it works great. IMHO, as long as a golf club is functional, there's nothing wrong with wear, and nobody I play with would give it a second look. I do always keep the headcover on when not in use, but wouldn't consider refinishing. If I bought a club for looks alone, I wouldn't use it on the golf course. That's not to imply anyone that wants to keep their clubs pristine is wrong, just a different philosophy about what their use is. Some people wash their cars weekly, some not at all.

My experience has been that there's significant differences in spikeless soles, I had slipping problems with Puma Ignite NXT - they have a rounded lug sole and slipped on wet turf a few times. I also have Adidas and New Balance Spikeless that have aggressive traction and rarely slip with those. Some of the FJ Flex and Nike models have flatish areas on their soles - I wouldn't trust those.

I've been pushing a cart for 10+ years now - would never go back to carrying or riding when given a choice. My last two carts were a Clic Gear and a Sun Mountain Pathfinder 4. Some tips: Make sure your bag fits well on cart. My Ping Pioneer is a great bag but sits low on Pathfinder and straps are up in putter well. To compensate I mount it higher - its actually off the bottom platform. One great thing about Pathfinder is the front wheels can be adjusted for width -I have mine set wider so it won't scrape bag if bag twists and more stability. The four wheeler is very stable and tracking adjustable - I often let it roll downhill freely. Make sure it collapses to fit in trunk. Both the Clic Gear and SM collapse well, Clic Gear built very strong. The only reason I replaced it was because tires and strap had worn out, and it was getting beat up looking. Bag Boy 4 wheeler is good model too - just couldn't find one during Covid. Lastly - why push? My back is no longer stiff after 18 holes, and I've gone 27 many times. I have speaker, cigar case, rain gear, way too many balls (because I pick up more than I lose) clubs, etc. in a full size bag. My older foursome all bought electric push carts, but we only have one big hill and easy pushing the rest of the way.