TJ1975

Cut +2 Amateur: Christo Lamprecht

I use a stand bag most of the year and enjoy walking. However, in NC we play through the winter with one of my groups (they mostly ride), and we start early (as soon as the frost is off the ground). The temps start 34-40 degrees in the morning, and end up 60 by noon to 1pm. If riding on those days I'll take a cart bag because of all the junk I have to carry around (clothes, handmuff, scotch, etc.). Also take a cart bag if we're expecting rain. Cart bags and tour bags look ridiculous to me (just my opinion though).

4hrs. No excuse for a non-tournament round to take longer than this. Play ready golf, be respectful, and use good judgement as to when to hit in respect to the group ahead of you. There will always be the folks that have no self awareness, and the folks that think their three foot putt is to win the US Open. In that case the only thing you can do is notify a ranger or the clubhouse, never confront them. Golf is a game of etiquette and respect, unfortunately not all see it this way.

1. Royal Dornoch 2. pine valley 3. black Diamond ranch quarry course 4. the ocean course Kiawah 5. congressional 6. Mid Pines 7. pinehurst 2 8. Brora 9. Linville 10. The Old Course HM. The Dunes Club HM. The Legends heathland

I play with a group of 9-10 guys every Saturday. Ages 40-57. None of us are going to qualify for the US Open. We play for fun and a couple of dollars. Five of the guys were getting frustrated and a few stopped showing up. I talked to them about playing the gold tees and talked them into a money game (just a trick). Some of us had to play tips, some white, and some gold. 4 of the previously mentioned frustrated golfers participated and I had them play the gold tees. They had a blast and continue to play from the “up” tees. Take ego out of the equation. It puts too much stress on you mentally and physically to have to hit two perfect shots to reach every par four. I’m a 2 hdp and I would not have much fun or success hitting woods on every second shot. It’s a game. Have fun. The only guys that get eye rolls where I play are the guys playing the tips that can’t break 90.

Unbiased reviews from “normal” golfers, not guys who play everyday for a living. I’m not a “blog” guy, but I spend so much time on here gathering info, I figured I’d join. Great people, great reviews.

If I hit the ball straight it’s normally a mistake. I’ve always worked the ball both ways. I grew of playing blades, persimmon, and balata golf balls. Hitting it straight wasn’t really an option. Now that I don’t play as much my ballstriking and consistency suffer because of it, but I am who I am at this point unless I dedicate more time to the game.

When my alignment gets off, I will switch to the mallet. I always used a blade since I was little, but I play so infrequently now I don’t trust my “feel” of the club face releasing at the correct point in the stroke causing me to miss very short putts. The blade cures this but gives me very little in the way of feel

This boils down to skill level and comfort. For those with the skill to flop and bump and run effectively, then the decision boils down to the lie, type of grass, grass direction, and other specific factors. Once both are practiced enough to become an effective part of your shot selection, the choice when you walk up to your ball becomes quite evident (you will know which shot to hit). I wouldn't force one or the other if I didn't have confidence. When choosing, remember that the risk/reward is usually greater (IMO) with the flop shot (it's hard to tell how the ball is sitting on the grass sometimes). Better to choose the shot that will guarantee a putt for par even if it's from 15' if there is any indecision.

As I've gotten older, I don't tend to go at the ball as hard anymore. I've switched to almost all spikeless and have noticed no difference in stability. If you walk a hilly course and the conditions are wet, I would definitely wear my spikes though.

1. Pace of play. Learn ready golf. If you are learning the game you will undoubtedly fall behind on some holes. Talk to experienced players, it won't annoy them, they'll be happy to help you through things like when to let groups behind you play through. 2. Greens etiquette.....Repair (properly) pitch marks. Please pick up your feet when walking on greens. Don't spit seed shells on the green (or dip). Knock the sand off your shoes before walking to the green after playing out of a bunker. 3. Jerks.....You will run into jerks on the course from time to time. Perhaps they are members that think they own the place, perhaps they are having a bad round and let the world know it with their attitude (club throwing guy), perhaps they are sloppy drunks.......Politely apologize and ignore these folks and make a "note to self" that this is not how to act in any situation. I used to be one of these jerks when I was younger, and it cost me a lot of friends that I enjoyed playing golf with. Turns out they did not enjoy playing golf only when I was with them. Recognize "the jerks" and make an oath not to be one of them (this is half the battle in regards to "golf etiquette") Play with more experienced golfers when you can. Ask questions. Common sense and a little respect goes a long way in golf.

“Until the sequins fall off” - M. Jackson or until it gets a hole or tear.

4 sets..... Hogan's was the first set (can't remember the model) High School (Wilson '56 dynapower musclebacks) Hogan Apex in college Won a set of P790's about 4 years ago and playing ever since. Blades are blades.....swap out shafts and replace the grips. If they look and feel good, play 'em.