[MGS Off-Season Speed Challenge]

@Getoffmylawn challenge accepted!

I'll use my Mevo+ baseline I took this past weekend. 114 MPH, maxed out ball speed was about 168 MPH on range ball mode.

Fastest ball speed I've ever seen on the Mevo+ was 171.8, that's the number I'm most concerned about. But I guess my goal would be 120 MPH swing speed. 

I will re-run this baseline once I'm in my garage for the winter as sometimes the Mevo+ seems to record slightly different based on conditions.

[The Stack System Review and Progress Thread]

Late October warm spell allowed me to get out to the range today to do a quick baseline with my FlightScope Mevo+. I loosened up for a bit with irons and worked my way up to driver to record a few swings. Best effort was below. This was a full swing, probably as quick as I'd try to swing on course as I was just able to stay in balance.

It'd be really cool to see 120 MPH next spring...

[What Equipment Have You Tested?]

Finally got to hit my new $93 PXG 0211 3 hybrid. First couple swings weren't great but after getting used to it, I can say that it will be replacing the Epic Flash in my bag without much further thought.

Didn't feel quite as fast as the Epic Flash, probably due to the head feeling slightly more dense/less springy, but the ability to go flatter than the Flash more than makes up for that. Some swings that would be dead hooks with the Epic Flash were just hooks with the PXG. Sole rails are a nice touch too.

I also really enjoyed the feel of the Tensei White AV Raw shaft. Very subtle kick under the hands which meshes well with my irons and is generally a good profile for me. No issues with height either.

Unbelievable deal.

[The Stack System Review and Progress Thread]

54 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Cody, can’t wait to see your updates.  Remind me again what radar device you’re using?

The blue/gray Swing Speed Radar. My opinion is that it reads 8-10 MPH high but it generally pretty consistent.

I was surprised to see what numbers I put up with my driver. I've had that radar since 2019 and remember when I started my driver speed on it was 108-109 at the top end.

[My DIY SuperSpeed project]

1 hour ago, bgolfing said:

Curious, do you think you could just pour sand into the shafts to get the correct weights and then plug them on the top and bottom?

I don't think that would work out for a few reasons.

One, I don't know that you could get weights heavy enough with just sand. Tungsten powder, maybe.

Two, the relative swing weights would be all wrong. While the sticks don't necessarily need to play/feel a certain swingweight, having weight up and down the entire shaft wouldn't accurately put the weight where it needs to be. Imagine swinging a piece of rebar and how different that feels from a golf club. 

[The Stack System Review and Progress Thread]

My order showed up last week, I unboxed it the other night and went through the baseline yesterday evening. 

It took me a few swings to get comfortable swinging the Stack, but overall these numbers are spot on. The last two rounds I played my best drives would have been about 310 total when adjusted for how the Stack determines distance potential.

The algorithm recommended the Foundations program to start (no surprise), so I'll be starting that on Saturday. My goal is to train M/W/F throughout the winter. Not sure how much more I can get out of my swing as I've gained quite a few MPH this year just from technique improvements, but here's hoping. 

[what are you working on this off Season]

Good thread, and something I've been thinking about over the past few weeks as the season wound down. Some quick highlights that I may expand upon over in my work in progress thread:

• Physical fitness. Last season I put all of my energy into getting stronger and gaining weight. I never lost the "fluff" that came along with that over the summer, so this year my focus is to maintain the strength I gained while losing weight.
• Putting - spending more time on my EXPUTT working on starting direction, club path and speed, especially for putts inside 15 feet.
• Driving - Last winter I didn't hit my driver that much in my home bay, not because I can't, but because I focused a lot on irons. My goal this year is to practice driver more often as that is a weak spot of my game (especially compared to irons and short game).
• Speed training/flexibility - I now have the Stack and Stick Mobility sticks that I am hoping to do three times per week.
• Game situation training - instead of only hitting balls of the Flightscope range, I want to play 1-2 simulator rounds per week just to stay sharp with "game like" conditions.

[The Force Pedal]

I never progressed beyond the tennis balls. I did feel like the tennis balls helped me feel transfer a little better, pressure location and transfer are things I struggle with big time.

I'll have to take out the balls again soon and mess around with them some more.

I'm sure the Force Pedals are much nicer and easier to use.

[edingc's Work In Progress]

It's that time of the year again, and a sad one at that. This post marks the end of my 2022 golf season. We're getting into true fall weather here in Michigan and my home course is closed for the year.

This is actually one of my favorite posts to write in this thread as it allows me to reflect on a lot of things. 2022 was a good year for playing golf:

• 85 times out to the course, consisting of:
  • 42 18-hole rounds
  • 38 9-hole rounds
  • 3 18-hole scramble events
  • 1 9-hole "wedge only" practice round
  • 1 practice outing

This was a much tougher season for me. I lost basically three weeks of prime season due to unexpected work commitments and then catching COVID in July. That resulted in a lot more nine-hole rounds as it took me a few weeks to recover fully.

The vast majority of my rounds were played solo at my home course, as has been the case for the past four years.

I'm finishing my year as an unofficial 6.7 handicap, which is basically a two stroke drop from 2021. I reached as low as a 5.8 this season, but I had a really rough stretch of rounds in August following a lesson that dropped out a bunch of low rounds.

My goal was to have fun and try to lower the handicap for the season and that's been a huge success. Some other statistics include:

• 18 hole average score of 80.5 ( down from 81.5 in 2021)
• 9 hole average score of 39.3 ( down from 41.4 in 2021)
• Averaged 9 greens in regulation ( up from 8.3 in 2021)
• Averaged 32.6 putts per round ( down from 32.7 in 2021)
• Averaged 32.5 percent fairways ( up from 29.9 percent in 2021)
• Recorded a new GPS-measured long drive of 327 yards and a new unoffically measured long drive of ~340 yards.

I'll keep this post focused on the positives, but thanks to ShotScope I have a good grasp of what I need to work on this offseason. More on that to come!

[How'd you play?]

8 hours ago, ejgaudette said:

Yeah the course is smaller and just got bought so I think they are trying to get people to join, plus the conditions are not the best, just ok and sometimes have some solid bare patches. The plan is to do some work on it though so I am guessing this will go up in future years, but I'll take advantage while I can.

I paid $700 this year, I expect it to go to $800 next year. Still a great deal. But yes, there are bare spots and some spotty conditions throughout the year. Still wouldn't change a thing! Golf is golf and we need more courses that are accessible to everyone.

[How'd you play?]

Played what might be the last round of the year yesterday afternoon. College roommate of mine was in from Florida and we went over to the only course in the area with no deciduous trees (no leaves to deal with). Because it was nearly 70 and sunny when we started, the course was packed. So we decided to scramble as we were paired with a retired couple playing their own balls. Ended up being a decent pace as we finished in about 3:45 with only a few longer waits between shots.

The scramble decision was a good one as the 10-15 MPH winds turned into 30+ MPH winds as the day progressed. It was all we could do to muster a +4, but we at least played the back at even par. We both lost our tee shots on the first hole and ended up with a double so in reality we played pretty evenly despite the conditions.

Took me a few holes to settle in, but going over my shots last night I had a lot to be happy with. Couple of awful shots, but I was pretty good from 100 yards and in and had two awesome tee shots:

A 3/4 wood over the water on a short par four the stopped 20 feet from the pin and lead to a tap-in birdie.

A very, very long wind-aided drive. I crushed it and the combination of the wind and firm fairways helped me out. Had I put it a little left I would have ended up driving the green and into the group in front of us!

It's been a wonderful year of golf, and I'm glad I got to wrap it up with a fun day (even with the crazy wind!).

[Matt Blois Returns to TXG]

Good to see him back, I immediately gravitated more toward Matt's channel after the split. Glad he is doing well enough to jump back in.

[Share your Shot/Hole Of The Day!]

"Boring" par, just like it should be. This was one of the purest drives I've hit all season. Beautiful tight draw. Cleared the trees that pinch the fairway at 250 and caught the downslope out the flat area in front of the green.

[How'd you play?]

Found out this morning that today was likely the last Sunday my course will be open for the season. Owner has invited me out whenever I want through the fall while they work on prepping for winter, but today was likely the last "real" round of golf at home for the season. When I started this morning it was barely 40 degrees. When I left three hours later only a few cars were in the parking lot, so I understand why he won't bother to stay open.

Probably one of the best ball striking days of the year with full swings. Pretty much everything was flushed today, except when it wasn't. And my short game was poor, and my putting was mediocre. 

All of that leads to an 86, which is one of the highest scores of the year. I'm disappointed with the score, but man did I hit some really solid shots today.

[Post Your Swing]

First video of myself in a long while. Still working on things, generally pretty happy with this.

 

[What/How Did You Practice Today?]

Had the night to myself so I enjoyed the beautiful weather with a couple of large buckets at the range after work.

I had another really good session, continuing a nice run to end the season. I've been focusing on a lot of little things lately, with my sequence being:

• Shoulder alignment check. My tendency is to close my shoulders.
• 60/60/100 feel for pressure at setup, top of backswing and finish.
• Pressure in the inner balls of feet, slightly favoring toes, especially in longer clubs.
• Straight right arm feeling in the backswing with left thumb pointing at sky.
• Complete my backswing with a full shoulder turn.
• Right shoulder stays back to start the downswing.
• Butt of club to 3 o'clock on downswing.
• "Swoosh" comes at/after the ball, which is only possible if I don't spin out from the top.
• Maintain balance throughout swing to finish.

Seems like a lot, but things are just clicking now. Lots of really solid shots, even with driver.

Spent the last 20 or so balls going all out and had some great results. With a slight breeze at my back I carried a few drivers over the back fence at 285 or so, and covered the 189 flag several times with my 8 iron.

I'd almost never swing that fully on course, but it's great mental work to show myself I can swing fast and still control the ball.

[What Have You Bought Lately? (CHA - Club Ho's Anonymous)]

Couldn't pass up the 0211 pricing.

Snagged a 19 degree 0211 hybrid with a Tensei AV Raw White. For $93 delivered I might as well take a shot.

Mostly excited about being able to go 2.5 or 3 degrees flat. My Epic Flash is a rocket launcher but it's impossible to not draw the ball. Should be able to get 1.5 or 2 degrees flatter than the EF on the PXG. 

[Mizuno JPX 923]

On 9/29/2022 at 7:09 AM, MattF said:

That Optimizer ALWAYS shows Steelfibers as a fit, regardless of the fact that it feels like crap for the majority of people.

 

On 9/29/2022 at 9:49 AM, dlow206 said:

i've been playing Steelfibers for so long (almost a year is a long time in my book), that i almost forgot that shafts can have feel lol. 

 

On 9/29/2022 at 3:25 PM, Golfspy_CG2 said:

Not in our case,it rarely comes up. We get recoil a lot.  I actually like the feel of it, it fits my aggressive transition which quickly becomes "moderate" speed

 

 

On 9/30/2022 at 1:29 PM, RickyBobby_PR said:

It’s why hitting the shafts are a must and even more so a fitting. The tool is a starting point to narrow down potential shafts.

Don't want to get off topic too much here, but I laughed a little when I read this because to me the SteelFibers are very smooth and feel quite lively. The Recoil I have feels much more dead to me.

That being said, when I was on the optimizer a few years back with an 85 MPH 7 iron the top three choices were SteelFiber i110, KBS Tour Regular and KBS C-Taper Lite Stiff. So maybe there is something to SteelFibers showing up quite often...

[Swing frustration, hitting same wall with lessons/coach]

You've gotten a lot of good advice in this thread already, and you seem to understand the limitations of what you can do with your available schedule. That's huge.

That being said, if you can play and practice smart more often, I bet you can shave those strokes. One thing my coach recommends is over exaggeration. If you hit a fade, try to hit a hook, etc. Once you get going in the opposite direction you can correct as needed.

And, of course, progress isn't linear for most people. I went from 20+ to 11 by myself in a year just by playing and practicing more often. After my first year of lessons my handicap didn't move much at all. Last year I went from 10+ to 8+, and this year I finally broke into the 6 range. I can't tell you how many different ways my coach has tried to describe a move to me throughout that process. 

[What/How Did You Practice Today?]

Continuing work on getting more upright in my backswing and getting a full shoulder turn. My tendency is to let the club work inside and behind me (fake turn). On the downswing that leaves me with no recourse but to flip hook or block. Or, if I try to hang back I'll hit it three fairways to the right.

Finished the bucket with a bunch of solid pitching wedges and five irons. Gives me some hope that I will get this offseason's practice off on the right foot.

[Share your Shot/Hole Of The Day!]

4 hours ago, ncwoz said:

Tough finishing hole for the front 9. Tree lined on the left that you can't go over, and bunker you've gotta carry, if you can hook it around the corner it can be 30-40 yards closer approach easily. I left my DI right and got just unto the rough. Flier lie and a little downwind and downhill to the green, which is guarded by two huge trees that "field goal post" the green. Best swing of the day with my 7 iron to just over 15 feet, and got the putt to drop for a bird!

Just when I think I don't need to chase more distance... then I imagine I was playing this hole in a match with you.

[Project find the right grip and grip size]

5 hours ago, AndySP said:

I actually love grips with more texture, maybe because I don’t wear a glove. I’d really like to find something rough and tacky, but I’m at a loss. 

Pure DTX might fit this description?

[Project find the right grip and grip size]

Going to undersized Star Sidewinders made a huge difference for me this year. So much more comfortable. On my SteelFibers, one wrap of 3M blue painter's tape on the upper hand and two wraps on the lower hand result in what is traditionally a "standard" size grip. I played Lamkin Sonars last year, but on graphite shafts with larger butt ends they were just a bit too large.

The other perk of the Star Sidewinders in undersized is that they are not too light (45 grams in black vs 47 grams for standard), so swing weighting isn't such a huge issue.

[How'd you play?]

Rare October 18 for me this morning. Up-and-down 78 / 77 adjusted. 

Should have been -3 after five holes but missed a one-foot tap-in and then proceeded to bogey five of the next six holes. Got it together for back-to-back birdies on 12 and 13, saved par on 14, felt like I might have something with 13 and 14 having great drives. But I missed fairways on the last three holes by well over 30-50 yards each and limped away.

Just cannot close out my rounds lately, driver has been a total bummer. Doesn't help that 16-18 is such a tough finishing stretch.

[Week 1 - Kickoff Virtual Weekly MGS Forum Golf Championship]

3 hours ago, Golfspy_TCB said:

Glad you were able to get out and play at least once.  What course were you at.  Were those 4 birdies natural?  what was your net birdie count?

Western Greens CC

All 4 were natural birdies, no net birdies today.