John S

I have purchased driving irons twice in the past 5 years.  They have not worked out for me as I am now a senior and these clubs require high club head speed to be effective.  They launch low so with swing speeds in the mid ranges they may not be optimal.  Every time I get "optimistic" I put one in the bag just to switch back to a hybrid within days.   I always think they will be good for tee shots on short tight par fours but the drop off in distance compared to a 5-wood or even a hybrid negates any accuracy advantage.  The same holds for long par threes.  If I can get 220 or 230 out of these clubs they may provide an advantage but at 180-200 they serve little purpose and they are not advantageous off the turf.  If you have the speed more power to you however for the mid-range speed or senior players be ready to trade or sell at a loss.

I am responding as I never get tired of reflecting on these courses and the life long memories they have provided
Pine Valley
National Golf Links of America
Bethpage Black
Oak Hill
Eastward Ho
Kittansett
Old Course St Andrews
Kingsbarns
Pinehurst 2
Wannamoisett

The putter- stroke- stance- face/shaft angle- is one of the most "individual and subjective areas in golf.  "different strokes for different folks"/
If asked if a shaft in a putter would make any difference 10 years ago I would have laughed the question off as foolish.  However, with the data now available from trackman technology the fact that the smash factor from a putter is typically higher than the smash factor of a driver, as high as 1.9 it follows that there may be advantages from a shaft matched to a desired smash factor.  A player that routinely putts on fast greens may look for a shaft that reduces his smash factor for example.   I am still not sold on this "benefit" but I can see where the numbers indicate that there may be something to this.  Putting still remains a very individual pursuit with subjective measures such as "feel" playing a big role in success.  I believe that anything that raises confidence benefits the player. If a shaft accomplishes this by all means give it a shot.   I would think that if you hit a variety of putters on a trackman and determined the smash factor that "felt" best you could match up shafts /head combinations that delivered the targeted results.  

The putter- stroke- stance- face/shaft angle- is one of the most "individual and subjective areas in golf.  "different strokes for different folks"/
If asked if a shaft in a putter would make any difference 10 years ago I would have laughed the question off as foolish.  However, with the data now available from trackman technology the fact that the smash factor from a putter is typically higher than the smash factor of a driver, as high as 1.9 it follows that there may be advantages from a shaft matched to a desired smash factor.  A player that routinely putts on fast greens may look for a shaft that reduces his smash factor for example.   I am still not sold on this "benefit" but I can see where the numbers indicate that there may be something to this.  Putting still remains a very individual pursuit with subjective measures such as "feel" playing a big role in success.  I believe that anything that raises confidence benefits the player. If a shaft accomplishes this by all means give it a shot.   I would think that if you hit a variety of putters on a trackman and determined the smash factor that "felt" best you could match up shafts /head combinations that delivered the targeted results.  

The size was needed to have the stability and strength to hold up with the speed training and to maintain that on the course. When one looks at the numbers being closer to the hole is better than be further away from it. He and every pro knows that and he looked for a way to be closer to the hole. He and his coach also spent lots of time with Chris Como who is focused on biomechanics in the swing so that what he was doing was being done correctly.
He talked about the injuries in an interview last year and mentioned how some would go directly to his size and speed training as the cause but noted that his issues were already existing and that there may be some aspect of that training having a role. But one of his injuries came from playing ping pong.
Granted it’s a different game when it comes to long drive and they don’t necessarily have the same wear and tear on their bodies as touring pros but they cream of the crop are all very big and very strong and most if not all of them are doing heavy compound lifts. 

Cobra made a pretty big bet on one-length clubs based on Dechambeau's "theories".  Dechambeau, in my opinion, has made a living off the bomb and dig approach.  His one-length club "theory"  has not resulted in wide appeal so Cobra has not benefited from broad market acceptance.   I would assume that rolling out the one-length line has resulted in a financial loss for Cobra and they will probably drop this program at some point in the near future.  This is just an assumption however I have not seen any indications that players are moving in this direction.  The one-length clubs seem to have limited appeal and have failed to achieve any degree of wide-scale acceptance
DeChambeau's exceptional length may be a plus in marketing drivers and that may be the reason Taylormade is interested in his endorsement.--
His length may have had an impact on the wider acceptance of Cobra drivers so that may be the rationale for Taylormade signing him.  When you- combine the narrow acceptance of the  "one length club" theory and the fact he is no longer a high-visibility player due to his move to LIV it is hard to understand the appeal DeChambeau has to the Taylormade brand.  I actually had to look up LIV stats just to get an idea of what his recent form looks like.  He dropped off the radar for me.  

Cobra made a pretty big bet on one-length clubs based on Dechambeau's "theories".  Dechambeau, in my opinion, has made a living off the bomb and dig approach.  His one-length club "theory"  has not resulted in wide appeal so Cobra has not benefited from broad market acceptance.   I would assume that rolling out the one-length line has resulted in a financial loss for Cobra and they will probably drop this program at some point in the near future.  This is just an assumption however I have not seen any indications that players are moving in this direction.  The one-length clubs seem to have limited appeal and have failed to achieve any degree of wide-scale acceptance
DeChambeau's exceptional length may be a plus in marketing drivers and that may be the reason Taylormade is interested in his endorsement.--
His length may have had an impact on the wider acceptance of Cobra drivers so that may be the rationale for Taylormade signing him.  When you- combine the narrow acceptance of the  "one length club" theory and the fact he is no longer a high-visibility player due to his move to LIV it is hard to understand the appeal DeChambeau has to the Taylormade brand.  I actually had to look up LIV stats just to get an idea of what his recent form looks like.  He dropped off the radar for me.  

Cobra made a pretty big bet on one-length clubs based on Dechambeau's "theories".  Dechambeau, in my opinion, has made a living off the bomb and dig approach.  His one-length club "theory"  has not resulted in wide appeal so Cobra has not benefited from broad market acceptance.   I would assume that rolling out the one-length line has resulted in a financial loss for Cobra and they will probably drop this program at some point in the near future.  This is just an assumption however I have not seen any indications that players are moving in this direction.  The one-length clubs seem to have limited appeal and have failed to achieve any degree of wide-scale acceptance
DeChambeau's exceptional length may be a plus in marketing drivers and that may be the reason Taylormade is interested in his endorsement.--
His length may have had an impact on the wider acceptance of Cobra drivers so that may be the rationale for Taylormade signing him.  When you- combine the narrow acceptance of the  "one length club" theory and the fact he is no longer a high-visibility player due to his move to LIV it is hard to understand the appeal DeChambeau has to the Taylormade brand.  I actually had to look up LIV stats just to get an idea of what his recent form looks like.  He dropped off the radar for me.  

Revamp in the works.  One bad golf trip so it must be the clubs.
Adding Mizuno 225's to replace standard hot metals.  New Evenroll blade ER1
New shafts for the wedges - KBS Hi Rev
Driver stays-  simply due to the fact I am now broke!!!
I am sure the bad trip was based on the clubs presently in the bag, not the fact I have not
hit a ball since Novermber and every course we played had a 130 plus slope.
I know the issue I just can not resolve the mental challenges.  Costly

I believe getting a qualified fitting every decade or so is probably worth the money.
Basically, you are looking for "Your" numbers including swing speed, launch angle, spin rates, etc.
Assuming your handicap remains relatively constant and is mid to low number, chances are your personal stats will remain constant and change more or less with your age and flexibility.  In my experience, the numbers for me seemed constant in my 30s and tailed off a bit in the 40s 50s.  The major changes involved swing speeds which in turn impact launch angles, spin rates, etc.   The older you get the more the speed becomes a challenge.  Knowing the true numbers, percentage change, etc can help in making decisions to change shaft flex, shaft weights, club designs, etc.  In general, using technology to minimize the impacts of age is a good strategy.  Weaker shafts at a certain point can increase swing speeds preserving some distance.  There is no fighting the aging process but you may be able to delay the major impact by keeping an open mind and knowing your numbers and how they relate to club/shaft selections.
Lastly, the numbers are what you want, not necessarily the $3000 custom set they will try to sell you.  To some that may be worth it but for me I want to know what I should be looking for wherever I decide to buy clubs, including the used markets.  

I believe getting a qualified fitting every decade or so is probably worth the money.
Basically, you are looking for "Your" numbers including swing speed, launch angle, spin rates, etc.
Assuming your handicap remains relatively constant and is mid to low number, chances are your personal stats will remain constant and change more or less with your age and flexibility.  In my experience, the numbers for me seemed constant in my 30s and tailed off a bit in the 40s 50s.  The major changes involved swing speeds which in turn impact launch angles, spin rates, etc.   The older you get the more the speed becomes a challenge.  Knowing the true numbers, percentage change, etc can help in making decisions to change shaft flex, shaft weights, club designs, etc.  In general, using technology to minimize the impacts of age is a good strategy.  Weaker shafts at a certain point can increase swing speeds preserving some distance.  There is no fighting the aging process but you may be able to delay the major impact by keeping an open mind and knowing your numbers and how they relate to club/shaft selections.
Lastly, the numbers are what you want, not necessarily the $3000 custom set they will try to sell you.  To some that may be worth it but for me I want to know what I should be looking for wherever I decide to buy clubs, including the used markets.  

I typically look at the condition of the ball after any given round and either return it to the bag or put it in the shagbag should there be any scuffs, marks, etc.  Very unscientific and probably not best practice

I think you may have ended up working with a "salesman" as opposed to a true fitter.  The LA Golf and Hzrdus USA 75 gram are apples and oranges in my opinion.  You opted not to go with a $900 shaft/head 3 wood build and he went to the stock shaft and tried to sell you the head.  That is unfortunate as Club Champion can do a very good job under the right circumstances.  YOu did the right thing getting fit,  maybe just got unlucky with the fitter.   Make sure you get your specs from them as you may be able to get some decent results with a qualified club repair/builder in your area as long as he has your specific data.   You could also call a manufacturer and talk to them about the fit options based on your specs.
 

The 6.0 LZ is a somewhat stiff and mid/low launching shaft.  I just went through the process of putting a "beefy" KBS tour in two wedges with the idea I could produce optional low flight shots when desired.  Unfortunately it turned out I could only produce low flight shots and lost some "feel" at least in my opinion/mind. 
I pulled the shafts within 2 weeks and put conventional wedge shafts back in.  I wrote this one off to a failed experiment.  This being said the SM8's are tried and true wedges so the shaft has probably been well tested and fits a specific profile/player.  You may want to reach out to Titleist and ask about the player profile this shaft targets.  My "guess" is this is a preferred optional shaft that is targeting single digit higher swing speed players.  TOTAL GUESS but Titleist can let you know.
 

With respect to the issue with the "chips".  Titleist will/should stand behind their product regardless of who you purchased this from.  I would ask your Pro to contact his Titleist Representative ( regional factory rep that sells to the private club) and let him take a look at it.  OR go to any local demo day and ask the Titleist Rep directly.  The last thing they want is a dissatisfied person around the many potential customers they are trying to sell clubs to. If your private Club is having a demo day you may get a very positive response from the regional Rep if you approach him with your issue.  
If this is indeed a manufacturing defect they will resolve your issue.  I once had a head go bad and Titleist actually sent me 2 replacement heads.  I let then know and they told me to just keep the extra for my troubles.   I have a good view of Titleist as a company as a result however I know the response can be subjective depending on the individual that handles the claim.
With respect to the negative comments about your swing, I would say that club heads have to stand up to mishits by design since most EVERYONE, even the guys who view themselves as superior players, mishit drivers.  The thought that chips on the crown from mishits are acceptable and the fault of the player as opposed to a design flaw is laughable. 
 
 

With respect to the issue with the "chips".  Titleist will/should stand behind their product regardless of who you purchased this from.  I would ask your Pro to contact his Titleist Representative ( regional factory rep that sells to the private club) and let him take a look at it.  OR go to any local demo day and ask the Titleist Rep directly.  The last thing they want is a dissatisfied person around the many potential customers they are trying to sell clubs to. If your private Club is having a demo day you may get a very positive response from the regional Rep if you approach him with your issue.  
If this is indeed a manufacturing defect they will resolve your issue.  I once had a head go bad and Titleist actually sent me 2 replacement heads.  I let then know and they told me to just keep the extra for my troubles.   I have a good view of Titleist as a company as a result however I know the response can be subjective depending on the individual that handles the claim.
With respect to the negative comments about your swing, I would say that club heads have to stand up to mishits by design since most EVERYONE, even the guys who view themselves as superior players, mishit drivers.  The thought that chips on the crown from mishits are acceptable and the fault of the player as opposed to a design flaw is laughable. 
 
 

I have been playing golf for 45 years,  I became very active in my early 30's and have played regularly since.
I love the game on many levels.  As a player I love the fact that you can never master this game. You always have room to improve and age only increases the opportunity for adjusting expectations and improving on a relative scale
I believe golf exposes who a person is.  You can not "hide".  You can learn more about a person in one round of golf than you might learn in years of casual contact.  The "cheater" is exposed, as is the "whiner or excuse maker" as is the "great guy" the person with integrity, the person you can trust with your wife and your wallet while you are away for a month.  Many of my lifelong friendships originated on a golf course.
I have been following My Golf Spy for years.  I think you are truly providing a service to the consumer cutting past the hype and exposing the realities beyond the marketing.   I read the postings constantly, listen to the podcasts, read the annual reviews etc.  I think this is a great source of high level golf related informaiton
I am brought to My Golf Spy seeking information, true reviews, and connection to other informed golf enthusiasts
I am from Colonie NY, I am a member at Colonie Country Club and have played most courses in my region over the past 40 years.
The best thing about my region is the access to a wide variety of courses, designed by some of the legends such as Ross, Mac Kensie, Tillinghhast, MacDonald, Raynor, Emmet etc etc.  This area has a rich history  and the courses reflect this history.  Courses such as The Sagamore, Glens Falls Coutry Club, Taconic, Dorset Field Club, Equinox, Ekwanoc, Wolfreds Roost, Troy CC, Mohawk, Edison, and recent additions such as Colonie CC, Saratoga National, Links at Unionvale, Okemo, and so many others feature works by some of the best golf architects past and present.  This is a great region to play golf.   
The downside without question is the short season
I am a semi retired consultant 
My user name lacks originality as it is basically my initials. My lifelong nickname is Smitty