CarlH

Right now I'm streaming "Mayor of Kingstown" (Paramount+). Also watching "Tulsa King", "Yellowstone"

@vandyland The monthly/annual cost doesn't bother me as much as the cost of the training bar...seriously? $200 bucks for a bar and some bands is a bit steep. I have heard that's it's high quality and that's all fine and dandy, but it's still fairly steep. Anyway, are the training sessions utilizing the bar mainly or do they require investing in further devices to supplement the training? Is the training bar required for most of the exercises? I really like the concept behind the program, but the initial investment (plus another $200 for the annual because if you're going to pay $200 just for the bar, not getting the training videos seems wasteful) is a bit off-putting.

When I was a higher handicap player and frequently lost balls in the woods or dumped them in the ponds or cut them (balata era), I had no issues buying used golf balls (even getting X-outs). As I got better, my preferences for golf balls evolved and I became more conscious of what ball I played. Now, I just prefer fresh, new golf balls. Last time I bought used golf balls was maybe 5 or 6 years ago when a kid was selling them from just off one of the tee boxes. He wanted $1 per ball so picked out 5 balls, gave him $5, returned those 5 balls and gave him 5 more used ones from my bag and gat a big "thank you, sir" from his smiling face.

First round of 2023 today with a 39/38 (77) ... I'm thrilled as I haven't been playing all that well in the last couple of months. Carded my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd birdies for the year in the round.

I had an awesome caddy at Bandon. He quickly figured out my game and guided me to a nice round.

All of my games (well, most) are competitive to some degree. My regular games all are some form of competitive games, either team or individual scores. The only ones that aren't are when I go out with my wife, who is a beginner golfer, and just practice. With that in mind, when I play a club tournament, it's not much difference. I don't feel any more or less pressure than I do for a regular game with the boys. My answer: The same

I'm playing the Edison 53 and 57 degree wedges, graphite shafts, +1/2 inch, 2up. I'll preface this with, I am not a good wedge player....it's definitely the weakest part of my game, probably adding a couple of strokes a round every time I play...but....having said that, the Edison wedges play nicely. They have a good feel to them (forged), and they set up nicely at address with a very good look to them. The sole is a bit different that what one is used to with traditional wedges, but that's not a hinderance. They react well on both soft and firmer turf and play very nicely out of the sand. Tight lies give me the heebie-jeebies and I struggle the same with Edison as I did with a more traditional wedge...but that's more my fear than a comment on the wedge. I haven't notice that I hit the ball on a lower trajectory or any longer than my previous wedges. And, I surely don't end up 35 feet closer (or whatever they claim). I don't place any special magic to them over and above a Vokey, Callaway, or Cleveland wedge...but, they are a truly nice forged wedge with great feel and strikingly good looks.

I'm using the Red Rooster gloves and have the subscription service. Not sure that you're saving much money with them over other premium gloves, but they are VERY nice gloves. The fit is spot on for me (XL), fitting much better than Titleist Players gloves or some others that I've used in the past. The gloves wear well and, so far, have lasted quite a long time. I play 3-4 times a week. I do store the glove in a box after play that keeps them lasting longer and not getting hardened like when you just hang your sweaty glove off the side of your bag or wad it up in a pocket. Anyway, with regard to the subscription, I have it set to 1/month, but I've suspended the subscription last month and may again this month. Thinking of just changing it to 2 gloves every 3 months. You can always add gloves (or accessories) to you scheduled order or you can skip the month as needed. Convenience is the biggest advantage, as I always have a spare or 2 handy. I think the model that I'm using is the Feather. I bought my wife a red glove and red storage box for her birthday (coming up Friday). Looks like a nice storage box and the red glove is better bold (but I have heard that it may stain your hands if you're a sweater).

Flat iron steak on the Kamado Joe for Christmas.

I used to have a lot more equipment but trimmed down tremendously prior to our move from Oregon to Arkansas. I still have several putters, several wedges, and a few extra woods lying around, along with a couple of training aids that never get used anymore. I do have 6 pair of golf shoes, though and probably 5 dozen golf balls. Still, I'm eyeing a new putter, maybe...thinking about adding a 6H to the arsenal, and not sure about what wedges I want to keep in the bag. It's a never ending story.

And he’s one of those that dressed up

It's been so cold here the last few days. Just yesterday, I saw a lawyer with his hand in his OWN pocket!

To be fair, you said Walmart....most people there are wearing pajamas that don't fit properly, regardless of the weather.

Determining which tees to play from based on handicap is about as accurate as deciding on what time you should go to bed based on your age. One doesn't necessarily correspond to the other.

Personally, I think the cuts server a greater purpose. It's what makes being on the tour difficult to maintain. In the early days of professional golf, they had to pay an entry fee to play and often walked away with a loss. Today's professionals have sponsors, both corporate and individuals providing an income for the player to cover these expenses. I've known several professional golfers over the years that have gone to the tours to play. They all had groups of people that sponsored them and they all were paid to advertise by their corporate sponsors. Yes, they're not making the big bucks if they don't make the cuts and eventually get weeded out but their expenses were being covered. Those that struggle make way for the next generation. The world is filled with golfers who think they're good enough to go on tour. Most, are not.

I would agree with this. I've been a member of a number of private clubs over the last 30+ years and have found that members of private clubs take much better care of their own course than people playing a muni course that they have little at stake. Of course, there are always exceptions. There are always a handful of members that think their stuff doesn't stink and it's not their job to fix divots and rake traps, but they are in the minority. Also, at public courses, there are many that take care to fix divots, rake traps, and repair ball marks...sadly, they tend to be in the minority. Kudos to those of you that are in the group that does take care of the course they play, whether it be an exclusive country club or the local muni! Whenever I've played golf with anyone that doesn't do the right thing, I will gently inform them that they should and/or how to properly do so. This is what it takes -- golfers such as us to educate those that may not be aware.

When I lived in Billings MT and joined the Yellowstone CC, the first thing that I had to do was have a sit down with the head pro. He didn't care if I was a new golfer or a seasoned vet, he went over his expectations from the members -- course etiquette, speed of play, course maintenance, among other issues. I wish every private club did that. Obviously, that isn't something that could effectively be carried out on public courses, but there should be some way to educate new golfers on the things about playing golf other than how to hit a golf ball.

From my point of view (having played Snell for several years), I prefer the performance of Maxfli over both Snell and Vice

6 foot and use a 34 inch putter, which I grip low on the grip such that my arms relaxed hanging below my shoulders with only minimal bend at the elbows.

Lately I've been looking at the websites for Edel and L.A.B. putters....oh, but the price! But, I keep looking. It's insane the amount of $$$ for a putter, even when it's your most frequently used club!

As it should be! As Masters winners, they're qualified to play. Stripping them off that would be totally out of line. Same for anyone that qualifies for the Open or the US Open. Past champions have privileges. Those LIV players who do not qualify by way of past performance should still be able to qualify by the same standards for qualification of any hopeful participant.

No doubt in my mind that the albatross is by far the more elusive trophy to get, requiring 2 good shots as opposed to 1 (whether it's skill or luck, whatever!). I've seen some bizarre HIO shots from mishits to well struck shots. Most interesting one was from a 24 handicap player who hit it into the trees, where it bounced around like a plinko ball before falling onto the green and rolling into the hole. My only HIO was a well struck 8 iron that found the hole. I was unable to actually see it because the pin was tucked behind a bunker. I have come close to an albatross on one occasion, but that's about as far as I can claim.

My issue is the added layers of clothing restricting the swing a bit and couple that with wet ground and turf interaction.....and scores go up accordingly. Next week will remain below freezing, so I'm sure the course will be closed.

Yep...we're a bit north of you and have had similar temps. I don't mind it in the 40s, but next week will be in the teens...besides being cold, I'm sure the course itself will be closed to keep the people off the greens. Of course, the weathermen get it wrong a lot and it may change.

Last few rounds have been cold....and so has my game! Played 2 awful rounds in a row....putting wasn't sharp, chipping/pitching was abysmal, and ball striking was erratic. I hate winter golf with the extra clothing and (for me) wet/muddy turf with dormant grass. Supposed to be very cold this week and next week I'm headed to Plano, so likely won't play until after the New Year. Happy Holidays to everyone here on MGS!