[Dlow206 does away with double bogeys]

I had similar issues with my backswing. Took an entire offseason (last year) to change it. Stay with it! You'll be in the 80s in no time.

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

Pulled the trigger on a Down Under Board. The new "pro" model that's adjustable and can accommodate flared feet.

It's normally something I'd DIY, but I want it now. Too lazy to make a trip to Home Depot...

I really struggle with proper lower body rotation in my swing. Always searching for something that provides the right feelings to make my practice time more valuable.

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

6 hours ago, ncwoz said:

Day later than I was hoping, but worth the wait! Maltby TS-1's, 4-PW (8i in single pics) for your viewing pleasure...

Game on! 

[2020 Forum Member Review - SuperSpeed Training System]

Working from home now that Michigan is back on modified COVID restrictions. Has the perk of being able to get outside to do protocols at lunchtime.

I started the fourth protocol per the recommendation of the SuperSpeed team in this thread. Very happy to see my speeds have stayed steady despite some layoff time.

Also, I continue to pass the turf tear test...

[Tour Striker Planemate]

25 minutes ago, Getoffmylawn said:

What's your understanding of their prescription for when to use the red band?

I've glanced through the videos and see the red band being used/recommended for offseason strength building.  I've been cycling through the advanced protocols with the long green band for several weeks now and I'm wondering if it would be to my benefit to migrate to the red band.  But, I've also seen precautionary statements on the site stating that the red is only intended for more advanced players, which I certainly am not!

The videos seem to show the bands as a workout tool mostly. I doubt I'll switch to them, as right now I have enough trouble standing up the shaft with the green band .

[Tour Striker Planemate]

Strapped the Planemate on with the longer green band today for the first time since July. When I first tried the longer band in July, I really struggled and couldn't figure out why. Not wanting to really mess up my golf swing in season, I stopped using the Planemate until this past week.

Much better results with the PM today. One of the changes I've been working on with my swing coach is getting the hand path less in-to-out. For me, the feeling is that the hands chop down left and beat my body during the downswing. When I execute this feeling correctly, I no longer have issues with the band going under my hands. 

I'll have to keep messing around with it some this winter. I really do enjoy the short green band for takeaway and following through work in my basement.

 

[GolfSpy AFG’s Speed & Swing Odyssey]

1 hour ago, BMart519 said:

Have you seen some of the literature on decreased force output resulting from static stretching? Probably not a huge deal, but the general recommendation is dynamic warmups before your working sets with stretching and mobility work afterwards. One of the things I saw, suggested that hip flexors are the only muscle that show any benefit (higher vertical leap) to static stretching pre-use which is mostly associated with how restricted they are from extended periods sitting. 

I was aware of the static stretching stuff, but didn't know about the hip flexors. I've been getting up earlier this fall so far to work on my hip flexors specifically because I have very limited internal rotation in my right hip. It creeps up in my golf swing with poor lower body rotation in the backswing. I've seen some good progress just working 5-10 minutes per day on the flexors. 

[edingc's Work In Progress]

10 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Not expecting you to give the full rundown, but can you elaborate on what the GolfStrong program entails from an exercise/frequency/sets & reps standpoint?

It consists of a lot of similar stuff to the exercises he has been posting on Twitter. But basically it's a three day per week workout with a mixture of flexibility work, heavy compound lifts (one or two per workout) and then some explosive movements with bands/balls/kettlebells.

To be honest, you'd probably find it quite light on volume compared to what you're running now. I do, too, but I'm always more interested in the flexibility/mobility work and the explosive exercises, which are things I don't do enough of at the moment.

[edingc's Work In Progress]

I'm officially switched into offseason mode after a 14-hole practice round this past Saturday in pretty cold temperatures. If the longer term weather forecast is correct, I may be able to get some more golf in on Black Friday, but I'm not getting my hopes up.

I've been lifting for the past month or so and am glad to see most of my progress I made last winter/this past spring has not been lost. I'm not at @Getoffmylawn strength levels yet, but I'm slowly making progress and am stronger than I have been ever in my life before this point. My plan is to continue the "peaking" program I am on currently until around Christmas when I will be running a modified version of @Fit_For_Golf's Golfstrong workouts until the snow is gone.

The PlaneMate has been getting some use in the basement with whiffle balls. Despite the low ceilings I can practice my takeaway and shortened follow through, both of which the PlanteMate is very good at reinforcing. Additionally, I have been chipping into a cushion working on low point control. I switched to a reverse overlap chipping grip in October and it has made a world of difference in my consistency.

Starting tomorrow, Michigan is going into a modified COVID lockdown (not nearly as strict as in March), but I will be working from home again for at least the next three weeks and probably will be at home most days until spring. This means I can continue to workout at lunch and probably get my SuperSpeed training started a little bit earlier than I anticipated.

My goal is to get to the heated range once a week throughout the winter, weather permitting, to work on full swings. I need to make a decision about what irons I will be gaming next year. I've never 100 percent gotten along with the Cobra SpeedZone irons, and a few weeks ago I took out my Maltby PTMs for a practice round and really struck the ball well. As of right now the PTMs are winning the race to be in my bag at the start of next season.

I'm unhappy with my bag setup between the driver and 5 iron. I currently carry a 3 wood, 17 degree hybrid, and 19 degree driving iron/SpeedZone 4 iron (two to choose from). I typically design my bag around my home course, but I hate having so many "single use" clubs. The 3 wood is never used, the 17 degree hybrid is great off the tee but I struggled with it from the ground/fairway, and I generally like the driving iron but wish it was the lower lofted of the hybrid/driving iron combo I have going.

The Callaway Super Hybrid intrigues me. I've wondered if I could game the 17 degree version (perhaps turned down to 16 degrees), which might be easier to hit from the fairway than the 3 wood, but still be an option from the tee. I could then pair it with some sort of driving iron in the 18-19 degree range, and a regular hybrid around 21/22 degrees. I've been looking at the TaylorMade GAPRs and the Sub70 line of utility clubs and hybrids. 

Just a thought. I doubt I will make any changes until early summer next year. But it's fun to look!

[Instagram Contest Crew (for tagging)]

Swore I posted here before, peer pressure and all...

@edingc 

Some nice wins here already!

[Maltby TS1 Irons]

52 minutes ago, Kansas King said:

@edingc

How are you getting along with the PTMs? I was browsing the Matby forum yesterday and Britt had said they only have 8 sets left of the PTM with the DBM finish. I figure I'll wait to see what Matlby comes out with next year to replace the TE and PTM with but I kind of like what I'm seeing with the PTM. I always figure I can find a slightly used or NOS set if I don't like what replaces it next year. 

Both my assembled set and the spare set of heads I have are the pearl chrome - can't speak to the DBM finish, but...

I like the PTMs a lot. They got relegated to my backup set in early July by the #CobraConnect Challenge SpeedZone irons, which I stuck with throughout the rest of the year. This winter at the range I'm going to do a thorough comparison between the SpeedZones and PTMs to see what I want to play next year. I took the PTMs out for a practice round a few weeks ago and hit them really well. Obviously they give up distance to the SpeedZones (which are really, really loft-jacked), but they feel fantastic and the shape is much more compact, but still larger than a true blade.

Oddly enough, to my eye the PTMs have a slight bit more offset than the Cobras do (at least in the shorter irons) and they seem to get along better with my swing. That and the rocker-style/v-style sole is fantastic and forgiving.

And, just going by score, I shot all but one of my best rounds of the season with the PTMs in the bag. 

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

21 minutes ago, yungkory said:

Sick early review! I took your advice and went to the shop yesterday while da wife and MIL were shopping at a nearby store. I think I'm gonna go back up to 34" as it allows me to be just a little bit more up-right, and I feel like my elbows are in a better position.

Either of you guys got your fitting vids up on YT by chance? I watched the "how-to" but seeing a real-life example that seemingly worked out well would help put my mind at ease.

Here's what I sent over:

 

[GolfSpy AFG’s Speed & Swing Odyssey]

9 hours ago, Getoffmylawn said:

Hey, I know this thread is slowly becoming a little tedious...I admit I'm very much using it as a log and as a motivator, but I don't want to bore anybody, so if there's any additional content or stuff anyone wants to ask me about please let me know!  I don't think gratuitous shirtless male photos are in order, but I am toying with trying to catch some video of some of the big lifts...I'm not far off from a 400 pound deadlift.  In any event, feedback is more than welcome!

Today was SuperSpeed Level 3, followed by a "B2" workout:

Preacher Curls - 105, reps at 12, 4, 2, 2

Reverse Grip EZ Curls - 85, reps at 12, 5, 3, 2

Box Jumps - 3 sets of 6

Machine Leg Press Calf Raise - 180, 1 set of 12

Lying Leg Curl - 130, reps at 11, 4, 3, 2

Squats - Straight set of 275 for 12 reps, widowmaker at 185 for 20

Just makes me feel very weak when I read some of these numbers... .

Good on you for keeping a pretty consistent routine throughout all of the gym closures! Have you been able to swing a golf club to check on any speed progress?

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

4 minutes ago, dlow206 said:

@edingc- great in-depth review above.

I played like crap yesterday, but my putting with my DF 2.1 was the only highlight of my round. Made quite a few of my putts under 10 feet, so was happy with that. I typically find a way to miss too many putts within the 5 to 10 foot range. I think the secret for me was the wristlock grip that i threw on there.

Thanks!

If that wrist-lock grip gets you the right forward press in a comfortable manner, the DF is going to be money. I really am glad the Press II grip is working as well as it is for me. I did not like the feel of the OG Press grip (the heavier rubber one) at all and took a chance on the Press II. Love it.

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

Adding my "final" (for the 2020 season at least) review here and will also update the main post:

Looks - 4/5 Stars

There is no doubt the DF 2.1 is funky looking. Bottle-opener shape aside, the biggest thing you notice is the size of the head. The DF 2.1 makes my Spider X look tiny in comparison. After a few rolls, however, the head’s size feels more and more natural. 

The combination of the black grip, black Stability Tour shaft and black head is very pleasing. The head finish is matte, and L.A.B.’s updated branding on the sole of the club looks better compared to previous iterations of the putter. Since the finish is matte, there is no issue with sun glare or reflection.

I’m very happy L.A.B. was able to accommodate my request to combine sightline options. I like having lines both parallel and perpendicular to my aim line. I also like that the outer lines frame the golf ball at address. I have a tendency to set the face too open and put the ball toeside, and these lines provide a nice reference for me to address the golf ball.

Sound and Feel - 4/5 Stars

The adjustment period has been relatively painless, with the biggest change being how light the head feels throughout the swing compared to my previous gamers. 

The sound of a putter is strongly correlated with feel for me. Having played the Spider line of putters, this is my first non-insert putter in some time. The DF 2.1 has horizontally milled lines on the aluminum face. Keep in mind I am gaming the DF 2.1 with the BGT Stability Tour shaft. I chose this shaft specifically because L.A.B. recommended it to achieve a “softer” feel. 

Putts struck out of the middle have a soft, muted sound and feel. As you move more to the heel and toe of the putter face (of which there is a lot to hit!), the sound becomes more metallic and pingy. This leads to those putts feeling firmer than ones out of the middle. 

I’m thoroughly enjoying the sound/feel of this putter.

Basic Characteristics - 5/5 Stars

The strength of this putter is its outstanding distance control. Given a few minutes to get a feel for the greens, I’m confident I will leave almost all of my putts within a 2-3 foot circle of the hole (that is, if they don’t go in!). It does not seem to matter if I don’t hit a putt just right - distances are repeatable and insulate against my stroke being imperfect.

There is definitely something to the lie-angle balance technology, but you have to be careful not to manipulate the club with your hands. Coming from a standard putter, it took a few practice sessions to eliminate my hands from causing rotation of the face.

I went up to a 36 inch putter to alleviate some of the stress on my lower back. This has been a resounding success. I have practiced a lot since receiving the putter (much more than I had all season up to that point) and have no back pain whatsoever. I am more upright in my stance and my eyes now rest about one-to-two inches inside the ball at address.

Miscellaneous - 5/5 Stars

The included leather headcover is very high quality. It has very strong closure magnets but is still easy to put on and take off, appears to be made from quality materials and the embroidered L.A.B. logo is top notch. 

To attach my Arccos putter sensor to the Press II grip, I had to take a small drill bit and deepen the hole at the end of the grip. I’ll admit it was a little unnerving to take a power tool to a brand new $700 putter.

On Course Performance - 5/5 Stars

With the nice fall weather holding on as long as it has this year, I’ve had more opportunities to play than I anticipated when starting this post. I ended up squeezing in a total of four rounds (54 tracked holes) with the L.A.B. The results were very promising.

 

The four rounds were the best putting performances of my season! And that was despite playing courses I hadn’t previously played more than once during the year.

In 54 holes I tallied only two three-putts, for a three-putt percentage of 3.7 percent. In comparison, my final 54 holes with the Spider X yielded five three putts, and I recorded 11 three-putts over 36 holes at one point during the last week of the #CobraConnect challenge.

Although I have no on course data to support this claim, my second putts are also of much more makeable distance. It would have not been uncommon in the past for my second putt to be four feet or longer. With the L.A.B. so many of my second putts are tap-ins.

“Early” Overall Score - 4.5/5 Stars

Yeah, the L.A.B. DF 2.1 is an expensive piece of golf equipment. However, if current trends hold, the L.A.B. will be a major reason for me finally staying in the single digits. I have not tried/tested/purchased another piece of equipment that has made such a dramatic change to my game in such a short period of time.

[Maltby TS1 Irons]

Well, seeing as TXG is going to review the Inesis irons, I'm guessing there isn't much merit to Ian feeling Maltbys are unfinished but rather that Golfworks hasn't sent a demo set to review. Or rather, I should say I bet TXG would do a review if sent a set regardless of any preconceived notions.

Still seems like Golfworks is missing a golden opportunity here, but obviously I have no insight into the inner workings of the company.

That being said, I keep looking at the TS-1s and then am quickly reminding myself that I already have a set of built PTMs and another set of prestine PTM heads sitting in my basement...

[How'd you play?]

Brrrr!  Had some sunny weather that pushed temps up just past 40 after a hard frost last night. Quite the difference from the 65 degree day I had for my rounds Tuesday.

Went back to the "goat track" and played another practice round of 14 holes. Played three or more balls on the first 11, and then played the final three holes "for real."

Had a lot of fun, made several birdies, lots of pars and don't think I doubled any of the balls I played. Still lots of things to work on, but I hit some really good shots and some really bad ones. About normal for me. 

I think next week officially starts the "offseason" and a move to the heated range.

EDIT - Not that it matters, but I was +1 over the final three "real" holes. Parred the par 4, bogied the par 3 after missing my 12 inch tap-in (dumb), and parred the par 5. Had decent looks at birdies on the first two holes and didn't miss by much. Still loving the L.A.B. DF 2.1.

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

52 minutes ago, dlow206 said:

I can actually wrist lock putt with the existing OG 3 grip, but the superstroke will probably be more comfortable

I do something similar with the Press II. I grip down enough so that there is a slight bit of contact with my inner wrist. 

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

Since it was brought up, I broke out the putting mirror to see where my eyes align when addressing the ball. With the 36" L.A.B. my eyeline is somewhere between 1.5-2 inches inside the ball.

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

45 minutes ago, dlow206 said:

I've come to the conclusion that a 33" putter is too long for me (even a 32" is too long), so i am going to try something unique with the DF 2.1 (not modifying the club/shaft itself). Let's see what happens.

Funny you mention length. One of the reasons I went to the longer putter was so that I could practice a little more without back pain. So far, so good. I spent well over two hours hitting putts this week and had no back pain whatsoever.

I am slightly inside of the ball with my eyes. I rely on the line on the ball to aim and then just match up the lines on the L.A.B. Works well for me.

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

20 hours ago, ncwoz said:

New irons, here we come! Now for the rest of the set!

Ooooooohhhhh, what heads did you decide on?

[What/How Did You Practice Today?]

Ninety minutes spent on the putting green and short game/pitching/chipping. I'm enjoying the warm-ish weather and since the range is closed, I have no choice but to chip and putt. Probably explains how I had one of the best short game rounds I've had all season on Tuesday.

I've been playing around with a reverse-overlap palm type grip for my pitching and chipping at the recommendation of Scott Fawcett on Twitter and have had some really great results. The grip seems to keep the wrists out of my short game which has led to a lot more consistency. He recommends it from 60 yards and in, but I've found with I can go out to about 80-85 yards with my 54 degree wedge and really "dead arm" the ball well. Nice high, soft flight.

I do really need to practice my 45-65 yard shots, however. It's just an uncomfortable distance for me.

[Unofficial Review: L.A.B. Golf Directed Force 2.1 Putter]

23 hours ago, yungkory said:

I had no idea they were milled, I thought I read somewhere that it was an insert. That makes me feel a lot better about blindly ordering one after never feeling it in the hands.

As promised. (Don't mind the EXPUTT stickers.)

[Show us your Maltby!!!]

12 hours ago, Popeye64 said:

They are only down to a few sets left of the PTM Black. I just picked up another set myself before they disappear.
The PTM fell victim to a run away best seller in the TS line. Its really a shame because in doing fittings I would sell three sets of PTMs to one set of the TS line. It was a do all, be all, no nonsense iron that damn near everyone could hit well. Wasn't fancy with understated good looks.
Will be interesting to see what comes next. Because the TS line knocked out almost three heads. The MMB-17, the PTM and the TE is just holding on.

Sent from my SM-G981U using Tapatalk
 

I saw the PTMs were being discontinued and was surprised. They are such a great design. Love mine, and they're going to give the SpeedZones a run for their money this offseason.

[Transition from “normal” diet to plant based vegan]

Count me in as another person interested in your progress.

Now, I will say that my wife and I are complete opposites as we're ketogenic and have been for over eight years now. Meat and cheese being staples of my diet, with non-starchy vegetables too, of course. 

Still, finding what you can stick to and make you feel good is important. There's not a one-size-fits-all approach to dieting, as much as many people will want you to believe.