MarvChamp

56 degree wedge with proper bounce for the sand and turf we generally play here. Looking at Mizuno b/c I'm a fan and lost my Mizzy a long time ago. Best, -Marv

I am a 78 YO high handicapper so this won't apply to everyone. I have hybrids and fairways. My need is for accurate longer second shots. I love the 2022 Mizuno ST-X 220 line. So easy to get height and distance with my slow swing speed. They are more strong lofted than my traditional clubs. I have obtained 5 HY (23) and 6 HY (26), and now a 7FW (21) at good prices.. I add to that my trusty Cobra Fly-Z 5/7 FW (set to 5FW loft). Then, my Mizzy JPX800HD irons start with 6-GW. I have scored much better with that setup (and some better putting). That's my golf life today as age advances. Best to all you young guys and gals, -Marv

I have other bags, but I use a very nice vintage stand bag branded "TOP-FLITE" in the cart because: I like vintage stuff; it's slimmer and my cart partners' HUGE golf bags crowd me out otherwise; and it's black and red and I'm a Texas Tech alum. So it all makes sense to me. Best, Marv

Cobra Fly-Z 4/7 in my bag is a go-to. BUT want to look at newer, possibly Mizuno. Best, -Marv [Meant to say 5/7]

So far, I can't justify getting a new driver. Keeping my 2022 Cobra LTDx Max, but may cut shaft (Getting shorter in both drives and stature as I get older). Using the beautiful electric blue Nike Vapor Fly sometimes. Best, -Marv

I'm in...What a great offer!

I use it; my dogs use it. I still suffer from som old (very old) injuries in service. Yes, it helps with pain relief, sleep and relaxation. I told my VA doctor I was taking it. She was OK with it. I have never heard it will void your VA benefits. There are alot of myths and so ask and research. Get on Google. Research CBD in general (including the VA position), and the purity and dosages of the product you are checking out. Best to take drops on your tongue. But a buddy says gummies are good. Mickelson endorsed CBD chewing gum, I believe. I have no qualms about it and yes it is effective. Best, -Marv

I say Yes and that's what I have done (am doing). In 2023, I went with a "like new" 2022 Cobra driver and 2022 Mizuno hybrids. Now looking to replace my much older putter. IMHO, the technological advances in the newer putters are most interesting. Best, -Marv

Being pretty old and now being a high handicapper, I really appreciate courses that have taken the time and money to create a variety of tee boxes and/or to designate holes at which different tees may be used. And like others, I like courses that require me to think and try to get to strategic points to set up the next shot. And finally, cost...I will pay the price for a bucket list course. But prices are increasing for even the mundane. That prevents many from playing golf, the greatest game ever. Best, -Marv

Golf has taught me how competitively self-centered I am. Bad golf frustrates me because I want to appear better at it than than I am. It's the same syndrome that makes me want to "look good" on the first tee, when actually everyone else is wondering how they look in their new golf sweaters. My best rounds over the years came when I didn't "care" so much, snoozing in the cart between shots. Best, -Marv

I'll be using the ChromeSoft that my wife keeps buying at Costco even though I tell her I like to play Titleist TruFeel. I try to sneak those in the bag when she's not watching. Best t all, -Marv

Go Texas Tech!

Eagle Eyes wraparounds. I started with the ones that go over glasses, and loved them. Then had cataract surgery so don't need glasses for distance. But continue with the sunglasses alone. They work well for golf. Best, -Marv

It occurred to me...Does any other brand have a ball fitting that stacks up to Bridgestone's? I recall only that I thought it was very good and I used their product for quite a long time. Best, -Marv

Our City munis have golf associations. Very low cost to join plus various benefits, including several tournaments. The greatest benefits, for me, is playing golf in competitions and meeting new people. Both are good for the soul and keep us young! Best, -Marv

I sure agree with researching the MGS ball tests as a starter in ball selection. I used the Z-Star Divide in 2023 until I finally had cataract surgery and can see most golf balls in flight. I liked the Divide, but I'm not sure my very slow old man swing speed is a match. Over the last 2 months, I've gone back and forth between Titleist TruFeel and Titleist Velocity on the course. The Velocity feels a bit firm to me. The TruFeel is softer and I have gotten a little more distance. Odd, because the Velocity is supposed to be the "distance" ball of the two. Again, just my swing speed and style I guess. I thought I would play two more rounds with each, before I select the new gamer. Best, -Marv

"This process went on for nearly 2 months." Yeah, I know the feeling and the process. I came to a point in life where age and injuries old and new caught up with me. I have had so many clubs re-shafted in the effort to restore some of what I have lost. I have not, of course, but thank goodness for all the new technologies that help. And the eureka moment whent I have found "it" is wonderful. Best, -Marv

When I was about 11 or 12, I lived in far, far, and I mean far West Texas. The little oilfield town had a rocky, sandy, mesquite-filled double-greens 9-hole course. "Greens" is an exaggeration; I recall at least two that were oiled-down sand that had to be raked. Surprising, given the tax base those little towns had from oil production. But I digress...The all-grades band teacher needed a caddie. That sounded kind of foreign somehow...That was the job for me! We went out. He hit the ball. He threw the club a remarkable distance. He left. I stood there. He came back and explained lovingly that I was to carry his (expletive deleted) bag. And go get that (expletive deleted) club. He looked like a skinny Ichabod Crane with bulging veins and eyes. We proceeded. He hit the ball, threw the club and I retrieved it. A slight problem arose in my new career when he asked for a "five". I didn't have one, I said. Off he went again with his colorful explanation. I could go on, but no need...You can understand that I was hooked with that blank-blank game! I caddied all summer for him and others...the banker, preacher, and various oilfield workers. One of them donated an old golf club that I kinda bent back in shape and went to work. I dropped out of golf though and began again a few years later at the Fort Knox Course with some drunk battle buddies. But that's how I started with the greatest golf summer ever. Best, -Marv

Not much about shafts from me, but I have a 2022 Cobra driver and older Fly-Z fairway. According to Cobra both have "SmartPad technology, a specially designed part of the sole. This ensure that the club will sit relatively square, regardless of the loft." In other words, changing loft won't close or open the face. I have to assume Cobra engineers wouldn't make untrue statements. As far as shafts go, I have a great (FOR ME) Aldila Ascent 50HY (R-2) flex in my Mizuno hybrids; and a great (FOR ME) Matrix VLCT-Sp Lite Flex for +75mph speed (old guy) in the Cobra Fly-Z 5/7 adj. FW. I really like both even though the latter is heavier b/c both are the low kick high launch that I like. And the Cobra LTDx Max driver has the very light UST Mamatya Helium 4F2. AND I like a midsize grip which (I THINK) helps me avoid the left side miss. But, see, there are S0-0-0- many variables. I don't see how even a fitter can cover them all, though there are wonderfully talented fitters in the community. For me, it requires trying numerous clubs and combinations and a huge amount of patience. Sorry to be long-winded and probably wrong-headed! Best, -Marv

I HAVE more irons (and other clubs) than I actually CARRY. Most of the time it's 6 iron through GW; 4 and 5 hybrids; a 5/7 adjustable fairway; driver, all in (very) senior flex. Often I will note that I actually use fewer irons than I carry. But, as said, I have enough for most of the dragons, bears and other wildlife I'm likely to encounter in my adventures. Best, -Marv

Was laid up for awhile this month, so it is that I was searching for a new 5HY to replace my old Mizuno JPX Fli-Hi direct iron replacement, and, lo, there it was, up for bid...a pristine 2022 Miz ST-X 220 5HY 23 degree loft. Thinking it was out of my price range, I put in a Scrooge bid . And got it. When I say pristine, I mean new. Hit it two days ago on the range. High, long and a slight tendency left. (Remember: I'm old, so "long" is relative.) Best, -Marv

Love the stats and reviews on Titleist 2022 T400 irons. I play older Mizuno SGI irons now, and they have my heart, though, I would like the extra distance on offer from the Titleist. Haven't really decided. Best, -Marv

These sorts of stats help me to remember who I am on the course and to manage expectations as has been said. I once, years ago now, always scored in the low '80's. Age, injuries and Mr. Rheumy Arthritis have taken their toll now, so I have to accept that DISTANCE is not my game, though I can get the driver out there a bit. Focus in practice is on ACCURACY; using fairway woods, hybrids and longer irons to hit TARGETS so I know how far I can reliably send them. Putting is still a work in progress. But, you know, even at age 78, I want to persevere and keep lowering that handicap like everyone else. Best, -Marv