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sglj3

 
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Posts posted by sglj3

  1. Now introducing:

    My name is Stan Johnson. I live in the Pacific Northwest of USA in the state of Oregon. I picked up the game in my early 20s through a friend. I wish I had played golf in high school but I ran Cross County and Track. I am 56, nearly 57 and looking to retire at 60. My present overall golf goal is to get my game in shape for retirement, I plan to play at least 3-5 days a week. I had some time off in my 40s as my best friend moved to SLC and my kids were both in sports so much of my free time was spent going to their events. I really started playing more about 6 years ago when my son decided he wanted to play. He played one year in high school and got a college scholarship for golf, that was fun to see his quick progress.

    My golf game. Well I am presently a 10hcp I have moved from a 22 when I started keeping track a couple years ago. Last year I dropped 3 strokes and am hoping to do the same this year. I had some hip repair (not a replacement) in January so May is when I can start playing again and I am SO looking forward to it. Living in Oregon we can play pretty much year round except for the occasional snow but we do get a lot of rain! So I play rain or shine. I practice in my backyard everyday as 2 years ago we ripped up our yard and installed turf and a putting green.

    Green.jpg.4279a8f4da2a5f1933a3c6f8a622130e.jpg

    Putting has always been one of my strengths and I continue to work on pace. Since adding the putting green 3 putting has nearly gone away and I work on my chipping so my over short game is dramatically improving. I actually have heard of Garsen and have one of their grips on a putter I won. I am testing the quad tour and will be comparing it to an OEM grip on a MOD1 putter and to an old superstroke grip. I am excited for the opportunity to test 3 different models to see which I feel most comfortable with and just feels right. I rotate between 3 different putters so I will not be installing these with tape so I more easily move them between different putters.

    I am very honored to be chosen for this opportunity and look forward to sending updates to the MGS family. Please let me know if you have any questions along my journey.

    =================================

    First Impressions 10/10 (separate post)

    Aesthetics (10 out of 10) 

    To me the grip has a very nice classic look. It is a one that clearly states quality but in an almost understated way. Garsen is really making quality grips that suit various grips and styles.

    The Fit and Feel (15 out of 20)

    As I have mentioned in my previous updates and initial impression I personally prefer a larger putter grip. I wanted to try this one to see how a smaller grip would work for me. I chose the tapered so it is even smaller than the standard tour grip but not in a bad way. It is very comfortable to use and I did not experience any issues with sweat or moisture causing slippage. Confidence is important when putting and the grip definitely fits that bill even for a smaller grip. I was able to install each grip on a putter so I could use them interchangeably throughout the testing period. I would consider the grip to medium to medium-firm in density with appropriate softness without squishiness. I did not give it full marks just due to the size.

    On The Course (20 out of 20)

    I was surprised at my confidence in using this grip. I had no problems with alignment or consistency in grip. I was definitely able to gather enough feedback from the club to keep my putts speed accurate. I did not keep any before and after stats as I feel the review of a grip is more about personal impression. That said I only had 2-3 3 putts during the whole time of using the grip so that is a positive. I experimented with many different grip styles during the test and I was able to comfortably use the Tour with all of them. I grip my putter with both thumbs straight down and no overlap so the flat front worked well with that.

    I did not install it with tape as at the beginning of the test I thought I would move all of the grips around to different putters but alas I did not move them. I am still confident in my views with regards to connection to the putter and the feel of the ball strike.

    The Good, the bad, the in between (15 out of 20)

    Ok bad news first. I struggled getting this grip on. Yes I was just using air but the other two went on easily but the tour felt like I was trying to squeeze my size 11 feet into size 9 cowboy boots. I am guessing you can imagine how long that would take! Second, the butt end of my putter has a little imperfection on it so it sliced a bit of rubber leading edge. It was small so I just trimmed off all the way around and no one would even notice. I don’t know if this was because of how tight the grip fits or the thin rubber at the end compared with the others.

    For the middle of the road, the grip is all black except for lettering and I personally like to have some style and uniqueness in my putter grip. I chose red for the Ultimate and that is much more my personal style.

    What’s awesome about the grip. Let’s start with customer service! I think from the day we submitted our color selections to arrival was just a few days. I did have a question about installation and they were very prompt in reply. 

    Play it or Trade it? (10 out of 20)

    For me it would be trade but not because it is not a quality grip it is the size. If you prefer a quality smaller grip and one that wins on tour then it is a great grip to get. Garsen in general is a company I have been following and am excited to have participated in this test. As for the Ultimate it is a keeper! 

    Conclusion

    Garsen has been making bigtime inroads on all levels of tour events with over 50 wins. All three grips use the same texture and the quality appears to be consistently great. I think the tour is a very nice grip, comfortable and durable. It is great for those wanting a more traditional size and look. I do not hesitate in recommending any of them including the Tour.

    Please let me know if you have any questions.

    Final Score (80 out of 100) including my initial impressions review

     

  2. 20 hours ago, TSauer said:

    A little chipping practice in the yard with varying targets. I’m wanting to work on a number/clock system to get my distances dialed in. 
     

    Also busted out the BirdieBall mat and did some putting practice with the Puttout; fun, but tough. I decided to pull out the ER2 again and I quickly remembered why I love that putter so much. 😬

    I am just glad we have a few nice days on the look ahead, been a little tough to get out back on the putting green in the rain and wind.

  3. As I get more serious about the game and preparing for lots of playing in retirement I have been working on shaping. I am not like Mac I don't feel the need to have wild shaping if the circumstance doesn't call for it. That said when stuck behind a tree or something the ability to sling a good draw/hook is a great feeling especially as a natural fader of the ball. I want to get better at the shaping so that when it calls for it am confident it will go where I want. Last summer I was playing on a course I never have before and it was a dogleg left with a 90* turn at about 185, my playing partner said the best shot would be a draw around the corner and it was totally open on the other side. So instead of trying to cover the edge with a straight shot I setup and executed a perfect draw and was a 60* wedge shot from the green in the middle of the fairway - such a feeling!!

  4. I have been an long time user of the first Rapsodo and I guess lucky as I have not had issues like others. That said the reviews and usergroups talking about the new Rapsodo @$699 look very good so I would add that to your list.

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