ballplayer002003

I have been playing very poorly lately. The last three weeks, I've noticed that my game has been progressively getting worse and worse. I don't know why. I'm thinking it's because I've been playing with my high school team (I coach) and many of our kids have only started playing this year. So I am constantly watching bad swings and poor decisions. Anyway, my game finally tanked last week. I couldn't get a shot airborne and if I did, it was a SHANK. Yes, I said it...SHANK. I had ball marks on my hosels. How could this happen? One day after practice, I went to the range to work on my game. I must have hit 100 balls before I gave up and left in utter disgust. I was ready to quite golf. I was not having any fun and have been playing the game too long to hit the ball this bad. I text the pro at my course to see if I could get a lesson. This was my last ditch effort to save my game. This guy is such a great instructor, he told me what my problem was in ONE swing. ONE! I was squatted down too much at address. He just told me to stand tall and get my hands higher at address. When I was squatted down, I could not clear my hips out fast enough so my hands only had one place to go, which was outside with my hands staying wide open. I have to admit, I've played 9 holes standing more upright and "feeling" like I am trying to mimic how Bryson looks at address, and I am starting to hit the ball better again. I am starting to hit the sweet spot more. It's amazing how I didn't realize this, and how one little thing can make or break us in this great game. Well, more practice is needed with this new set-up but I am optimistic once again.

Could be. So maybe a slight toe hang and not a severe one like the Del Mar? I have never been a good putter, I don't three putt a lot of greens but I also don't make a lot of 12 footers either. I just feel like I am leaving a lot of scoring opportunities out there. I, like most, have always just picked up a putter that looks good and I just go with that. I am thinking it's time to see what an expert thinks instead of my jacked up mind.

I took out an Odyssey Stroke Lab Marxman the other day and played with it for a round. It was a face balanced model and I found that I putted pretty well on most greens. The main difference for me was on long putts. I found it hard to get the distance control with the insert. It felt like I was hitting the ball with a pillow. I can't say that this was a bad thing and I know after a few rounds I would obviously get the feel for it, but like you, coming from an all steel putter it was just different. I think I am going to go this weekend for a putter fitting. I took a video of my stroke from above and I have a weird putting stroke. Mine is more of a straight back then I seem to cut across the ball on my forward swing. So I am not sure if one would consider me to have a straight back straight through, slight arc or what. Guess I want someone to tell me which type of putter I should try. As you know, the Del-Mar has a pretty big toe hang, and I do miss a lot of short putts to the left so who knows. The struggle is real though. haha

I gamed this ball all last summer and I am not a fan of it. I heard nothing but good things about Srixon and every now and then I would find one and play it. So why not give it a try? I found the cover to be very thin (which Srixon says is the thinnest) meaning it's not very durable. There is a noticeable seam on a lot of the balls due to the cover being so thin. I also found them to not be as long as others I have played. The spin is good on these around the greens though. They are not a hit and spin back 5 ft type of ball, but they are a hit and stop ball if that makes sense. I switched from Bridgestone to Srixon last year because the price was right (buy three get one) so I figured I would give it a shot...should have stuck with Bridgestone.

I'm with ya...I think the Del Mar is one of the most beautiful putters on the planet. That being said, I am currently in the market for a new putter as well. I have gamed it for a long time, switching back and forth between a few others I have, but I recently have begun to lose faith in the Ol' Girl. I have never been for a putter fitting, just go with what looks and feels good to me (maybe that's why I suck at putting). I like the looks of the 5.5 as well but I may think about looking at going completely in the opposite direction and maybe try an Odyssey for a softer feel. Who knows.

Congrats gang! This is HUGE! Should be a lot of fun to follow along!

That sucks about your wedge, we have all been there. Simple solution is get better, hit more greens in regulation so you don't need to bring your wedge. haha On a serious note, I always put my putter cover on top of any club I bring to the green and I place both in a direct line back to the cart.

I would say we can't help you. I will also say, go out and buy a bunch of balls you are interested in and try them. Hit full shots with your irons and woods as well as half shots. Hit wedges, chip shots, bump and runs etc and see what ball feels best to YOU. That's the ball you play.

Much like everyone else, I got mine when Covid first shut everything down. I have a Clicgear and I love it. The main thing for me was how easy and small it is to fold down. This thing is super rugged and durable yet folds down super compact. I like this. Now, does it have tons of storage...no. It has a small basket by the handle and a compartment that you can put balls, keys and your range finder if you choose. What is also nice, I went to a larger bag (hybrid) so I don't need more cart storage since I now have more than enough room in my bag for bulkier items.

I would second the Mizuno JPX line as well. I had them, but got rid of them for my Callaway Apex 19 combo set, they are so nice and a much better feel than my Mizuno's, however, not as forgiving. I would also look into Srixon's new ZX line, you can combo those as well. The good news is that you can try them all during your fitting...that's the fun part! Let us know what you choose.

Tot Hill is a nice little hidden gem! Love the first par 3, its beautiful.

Being a LIFELONG Bears fan, I was worried about this draft...hell, I am worried about every draft given our history. For the first time in a LOOOOONG time I was pleasantly surprised when we drafted Fields. I have coached and played football for many years, and in my humble opinion he is the second best qb in the draft. Lets Go!!!! He has proven history at a major school unlike our last drafted qb. Now lets see how he does.

small world. See everyone, that's the plus about living in such a small state. haha

Yeah, it was right outside my classroom. It was tough. Where in Dover did you teach? Central Middle? I was there before coming up here to Smyrna.

2000, go Gulls haha, I am down in Dover I teach in Smyrna

I will say, this past week I dialed my driver up from 9 degrees to 10 and I am bombing drives. That one degree has made a big difference for me.

Look out now!!!! Another Delaware member...we are taking over this site! haha Welcome, I see you went to Salisbury, I did too! I am ALSO a middle school teacher, where are you at?

My buddy played Bandon and said the same thing! He absolutely loved the courses. Bandon is on my bucket list for sure. Call me crazy, but I hope we play when it's windy as hell...I just feel like it's only right to do that. haha

Australia...ummmm ok. haha Hope you guys get out soon and they lift it.

By re-routing the club like Matt Wolf, I am picturing you just shallowing out your swing, making sure you don't come in as steep. This would give you the tendency to draw or hook more. That's not a bad thing. It also sounds like you are not throwing your hands down at the ball anymore either when you do this. Again, it is hard to tell without a video. Back in quarantine...what town?

I have to agree...wedges. You probably use your wedges on almost every hole, unlike your driver or hybrid. Sure, getting a new driver, wood or hybrid is far sexier you will score with your wedges. Go get fit for them. They will look at gapping, loft and lie and bounce. I replace my wedges about every three years. I know they say to do it every season but I don't have that kind of mulla sitting around. Ten years is far to long.

I found 7 to be harder than 2. I played both from the tips and yes, they are both long. I just found that 7 had a ton of elevated greens with very subtle breaks that are hard to read. The teeth of #2 is easily the greens, no doubt. However from tee to green it is not very difficult. I just think 7 is a beast, plus it has a higher slope rating at 143 compared to #2 at 138. Just to be clear...Bethpage Black has a slope rating of 144. Pinehurst 7 is one of my favorites and should be on everyone's list when they visit Pinehurst.

5'10" and I use a 34". I used a 35" for years but the past two years I've played a 34" and feel it just works better.

Try both woods and hybrids. I carry a 3 and 5 wood and I also carry a 4 hybrid. I hit my long irons pretty good, but the 4 hybrid is just easier to launch. It's also a ton more forgiving. You just need to ask yourself what is it that you are looking for in a club. Also, if you can get on a launch monitor (simulator), hit the long clubs against fairway woods and hybrids so you can compare. It's a marathon not a sprint, enjoy the process and don't rush, there are tons of clubs out there. Find ones you like and pull the trigger.

Why not grow the game with our youth and underprivileged. I coach high school golf and I am also a coach for the Jr. PGA program as well as working at a course in the summer, and I can tell you that a lot of times, the kids are not well received on the course. Many members at a lot of courses will complain that there are kids on the course because they (members) can't play certain holes due to us having matches etc. on their courses. I understand that they pay a membership and that they want to play, but I LOVE watching kids go out with each other to play this game that we all love. There is nothing like watching a group of kids show up each Saturday to go walk the course to practice. This is how we grow the game. We as adults should be more patient. The PGA should spend the money teaching adults that without kids, we wont have a PGA much longer. Kids should not be made to feel "in the way" when they are trying to practice or compete. Spend the money on equipment for kids, right and left handed boys and girls clubs, bags, hats, coaches, and balls. These top tier guys don't need more money. The sport needs an injection again. Much like when Tiger was at his prime. Golf was fun and exciting so kids wanted to play. We are starting to lose that again. Grow the game PGA, invest in the youth and not just the ones that can afford it.