BMDubya

I feel like this really isn’t a question! Playing is the answer!

Yes, LFG!!! Enjoyed it last year!

I’ve been following and enjoyed reading this thread. I am concerned with this as well. My neighbor & I are going in on a LM. We has narrowed it down between the Skytrak OG or this MLM Pro2. I have played on the Skytrak & love it. We have enough room for the MLM2, but the only problem & questions I have for Al of you is, getting accurate readings with wedges, due to ball travel distances to the net & we both have driver SS of 115+. During my experience with the skytrak, I haven’t noticed much differences in the numbers. Of course we don’t need quite the ball travel with it. But when we hit wedges into the net now, we are getting closer, due to not wanting to hit it over the net. His coworker has the MLM2 & said that as long as we use the RPT balls, we are good. Said he tried using normal balls & wasn’t getting correct numbers with wedges & Dr/3wd. Said he bought more of the RPT balls & all is well due to the dots being picked up by the cameras. So has anyone experienced this? Purchasing a couple dozen of the RPTs would be expensive, but if it helps with the numbers & space restrictions, it would be worth it. Another, what would everyone here go with, between the two? Skytrak or MLM2? Thanks for any or all input!

This was my initial reaction too. But a guy in my normal group, got a Mav SZ from a guy he works with. He plays a Rogue St Max D. Kinda hits it sporadic, but nothing too fancy. He’s prob in the high 80s-low 90s SS. He was hitting his Rogue about like normal for the first 3-4 holes. Told him to try that Mavrik out. Hit it, it was ok. Was getting a little more distance, but kinda ballooning on him. Had him plug his shaft into that Mavrik head, and oh my! This guy, was a totally different golfer! Instant confidence! It was literally the best I’ve ever seen him hit a driver. He kept asking me what I would do if I was in his shoes. Long story short, he sold his Rogue that afternoon, purchased the Mavrik during the round (via Venmo) & is loving golf again. He’s always been one of the guys who thinks the newest is the greatest, but this was quite eye opening for him. At the end of our round, he said to me, now I see why you still hit that old Epic Flash 3D.

Logan, would you say the Malthus are bigger heel to toe length, than your other irons pictured? Beautiful build by the way!

Played in a scramble this past Saturday, at a friends club that I grew up at. We didn’t tee off until 11, but he asked we get there early & we could go play a few holes before we start. This is a 9 hole course, with a very limited range. So, everyone else had the same idea! It was pretty packed, but the way it was setup, when we left the clubhouse, we could drive beside the range & tee off on hole 6, a par 3. So off we go. I hit a good shot, to about 16ft, drained the putt. Off to 7, which is usually a driveable par 4 for most. It plays about 280yds-285yds, over a lake, but the green in guarded by a creek. The tee boxes were getting reworked, so they had moved us up to the dam by the small lake in front of the boxes. It ranged out to 209yds. I hit an absolute gem, to 8ft. Made the putt! Off to 8, a par 5, which is usually where I make my hay. Blast a drive down, had a PW left, put it on & 2 putt for an easy birdie. So now I’m thinking, damn, I’m -3 after 3, wth is going on. So onto 9 we went. 9 is a drivable par 4 for some, it’s a dogleg right. Card has it @ 333yds, but on a direct line playing closer to 300-305yds. So I hit one over the trees, and flies on the green, but rolls through. The green sits elevated, so it was going to be a tough chip. But I’m feeling good, hit my 58° up there to within tap in range. So I’m -4, through 4! Like, literally on fire! I’m wanting to play at least the next 3 holes, bc 1 is drivable, 2 is a par 5, and 3 is a shorter par 4, that’s east to score on. But we don’t. We hangout and wait for the scramble to start. We go on & shoot -21, and finish 3rd. But what could’ve been………

My SC Newport LN TEi3! It’s literally been in my bag since 98/99. Now I have tried other putters & still do. Yesterday, the epoxy had come loose from the head & I had to improvise using my driver in broomstick fashion. And wow, that worked out miraculously, luckily! If I had another choice, it’s probably the 2nd oldest club in my bag. It’s a 20° Adams Tour Proto hybrid. I can’t remember the exact timing I put this in the bag, but somewhere around 2009/2010. It just flat out works. It’s lofted as a 4 iron, which I also play in my Srixon 785 irons. But they go two different distances & flights, which I love. I’m typically a golfer that if it works, I stick with it. Played my Ben Hogan Apex Wdge pro irons for the better part of 13/14 yrs. Sweet spot have beautiful wear patterns. On a whim, I went & got fitted for the Srixons back in 18/19, and been playing them ever since. Have a somewhat older driver, Cally Epic Flash triple diamond. But it flat out performs. I test drivers every spring, and nothing knocks this out of the bag. I know the face is probably getting thinner & thinner, and will probably cave eventually. But I plan on using it until it does. I was gonna say the driver would be my club that would stay put, but I literally try replacing it every year, just with no luck!

Played twice this week. I’ve been playing really well all year. Shot 74 Wednesday this week, with a group from work. Today, was an absolute gem of a round. 77, with 31 putts! Now I know what you’re thinking, 77, 31 putts, big deal. Here’s the thing, my putter head actually fell off, like epoxy came loose & fell off, on the 2nd hole. Now we were playing for money, not a substantial amount or anything, and 1 guy did offer for me to use his putter, although I declined not feeling right. The kicker was, I ended up using my driver! I putted broomstick style & I can’t believe how well it turned out. I wasn’t sure if it was even legal, to grip down on the shaft with no grip, but the group all agreed that if I was to use it, no penalty would be called. So I gave it a go! Now I’ve gone back & forth over the past few years between broom & regular. But to have pulled this off, during a meaningful round, was something special to me. My playing partners were in more awe than I was, I think?!?! Crazy thing was, these greens were rolling about 11.5-11.8. They usually have a sign out in the pro shop, I thought it said 11.8, another guy said he thought 11.5. Either way, I was completely happy with my performance. Especially considering that putting is my biggest weakness. Maybe once I was dealt this today, my attitude was like screw it & I was just free wheeling all day? Idk?! So now, I’m currently debating on possibly switching to strictly broomstick, for at the very least, the remainder of this playing season!

I have switched from a std 3wd, to a 3HL. I got the ball fairly long, and hardly use my 3wd. I play an older Adams idea proto 4h @20°. I’ve had 2 3 wood, the past 10,11yrs. Had the TM RBZ 14.5°, which was an absolute cannon! But I generally would only hit it every once in a while. So a few years back, I started keeping stats & noticed that I didn’t really need it, but could use a 4/5wd. So I sold the RBZ & went with a TM M3 3HL. Still play it! But iykyk! A fairway wood is something you just can’t part with, once you find one that works! I would definitely look into the “High Launch “ options.

I may be the anomaly here, but I only play a 2 wedge setup, beside my set PW. Srixon 785 46° Bstone Tour B 52° Bstone Tour B 58° Ive always played with a 2 wedge setup & it has just worked out for me. I’ve never really been “stuck” in between wedges. I either choke down on my PW & swing easier, or step on the GW. Just have to adjust to course conditions.

Wow, haven’t really thought about this much. But I guess I’m in the minority here. But here I go. Driver - Callaway EF3D Woods - Taylormade m3 HL Hybrid- Adams Idea Pro Irons - Srixon 785 Wedges - Bridgestone Tour B Putters - SC Newport LN Golf Balls - Cally CS/TM TP5x Shoes - Footjoy Bags - Mizzy, but recently won a Sun Mountain tour Gloves - Usually don’t wear one, but when I do, FJ As you can tell, when I find something that works, I stick with it! Had previously played my Ben Hogan irons for 14-15yrs. Replaced the shafts in them 2x, but loved the heads. I usually test drivers at the beginning of each year & in the middle of each year. But I haven’t been able to find anything that outperforms my Epic Flash. I haven’t really messed with fairway woods, as my TM fits my gaps perfectly. I will be changing out my wedges after this season. Try to get 2 seasons out of them, but sometimes I don’t. PUTTING is what I tinker with the most. But that’s mostly what I do, tinker. Never really put anything in play. I’ve played my SC long neck, since around 98, when I got it. Now sure, I’ve switched putters throughout the years & tried many, but usually always come back to it. I did upgrade the shaft in it to a Fujikura MC Putter Shaft x-firm & I really enjoy it! Shoes have mostly been FJ from day 1. Have had some Nikes throughout the years, but I just like FJ. I typically don’t play with a glove on, unless it’s extremely hot, which it has been this year. Then I use FJ gloves. I was selected to do a review for a Mizuno BR-D2 bag late last year/early this year. Have played that all year. Excellent bag to walk with! Recently won a SM tour bag in a tourney, and will be switching to that. I generally ride, rarely walk. So I like having bigger bags, with more storage.

I haven’t gotten to play a wide arrange of courses. Played a few good ones. Probably can’t come up with 10, but I’ll try. In no particular order. Valhalla, Victoria Natl, Crooked Stick, Kiva Dunes, Pete Dye @ French Lick, Donald Ross @ French Lick, The UClub of Kentucky, Old Stone, Stonehenge, Indian Hills CC, pretty much wrap it up. I’m sure I’ve missed one or two, along the RTJ trail, but all these come to mind.

Long (Broomstick) putter. Haven’t been having much luck with my putter this year. Been consistently scoring decent, but still losing around -1.96 ~ -2.12 strokes per round on the greens. If I could tighten that up, I could get to scratch.

Biggest reason to date for me is, a) I feel obligated to play said club. b) With 4 kids, I don’t have much time to play as it is. c) I enjoy playing different courses. 20 years ago, I was a member of a club & it was indeed great times! But as they say, life happens…….

Cut -2 High Score 81

At our local muni, $4/bucket. Only problem is, it’s between 16-18 balls. Range balls, not premium. They do have mats & grass, both to hit off of. 1 course I play, no range. A couple of private courses, range balls are included with every round. Both of these courses have the titleist practice balls. Not a bad range ball, imo. Another private has a short range, 140yds and below, but you bring your own balls. But they have put poles in place around the perimeter & have the netting up, to make it accessible to hitting more clubs for other players. They are going to provide balls to members in their dues & guests will pay a fee, yet to be determined. The local driving range however, is $1/bucket, each bucket contains 12 balls. However, this is an old school range. May have 3 pro vs, 2 nitros, 2 pinnacles, 1 tour balata, 1 golden bear, & 3 balls that have a cut in them. You truly never know what you’re getting. I’ve spoken with the owner a couple of times, about maybe purchasing off the bay, some of the decent balls they have to offer. I’ve seen some deals on there, 500-600 decent balls, for under $100, shipped. He has a real problem with people stealing the good balls. Crazy.

I feel for you man! Or at least my Dad does. He’s 76, been playing for over 65yrs, NONE. I’ve played with him on numerous occasions, where he’s had tap ins on par 3s. Been with him when he’s hit the flag, a few times. Couple times left tap ins, couple times ricocheted into a bunker or completely off the green, resulting in bogeys or worse. Around 20yrs ago or so, my cousin wanted to get into golf. Him & my Dad worked together so they started out golfing together. First round out for my cousin, you guessed it. Hole in one. I think my dad said he’s witnessed around 9-10 aces. Always the bridesmaid, never the bride, I guess. I would trade both of mine, for him to have just 1! Hopefully one day, before he isn’t able to play any longer….

There are tons of games to be played, depending on your group size. 4 player groups, can play a game we call 6s. 2 players team up for the first 6 holes, then 2 different for the next 6, finally the last 2 that haven’t teamed up are together the last 6. We flip tees to see the initial pick, bc if you know the course, it can be a strategic choice picking your partner for a certain set of holes. If you have 2 groups of 4 or more, we play 1,2,3. First, establish the teams of 4. Then just like the title, first hole, you take the best score from your group. Second hole, you take the best 2 scores, third hole, the best 3 scores. Then start over on hole 4, back with using the top score. We have a group of 20-24 we play on Saturdays, & we usual play this. If team competition doesn’t sound like fun, you can always play the traditional “dots” or “points”. Establish what a dot/point will be worth, then keep up with your total. We play dot/quarter. Our breakdown is like this. Par/1, Birdie/2, eagle/5 Of course, you can add in greenies, sandies, etc, each being an additional dot/point. Pretty easy to keep up with on the card as well, as we just add the dots to each individual hole on the scorecard. We do play the traditional Nassau, when we have all caps similar. This classic game is fun. In ALL games we play, every player puts $5 into a skins pot at the beginning. There are a lot of games to be played on the course, just all depends on what you like.

This is where it’s at! My favorite ball is the TM TP5x. Was getting a great deal on the previous years, at around $32/$35dz. But then they ran out. I still have several boxes stashed, but I also tested other options, as I knew this day would come to an end. With so many options today, do your own research! I have a buddy, we will go in halves on whatever ball we are wanting to test. 2 sleeves each work out great! Then if you find something you like, you’re all set! The new Maxfli balls are good & at their price point, are very hard to beat. Other DTC companies offer great options as well. With the big OEM’s getting $52/$55dz for their premium offerings, you’re crazy not giving yourself the option of a premium ball, at a cost that pleases you.

I’m currently using the BR-D2 CARRY BAG from Mizuno. I won it last fall & it’s a pretty decent bag. I came from a SM C-130, so I did a complete 180°! I kinda consider this a Sunday bag, but it holds all 13 of my clubs with ease. Has a removable pouch for extra storage. My only complaint is, it has shorter legs on it. So you have to manually unfold them & they’re only around 12”-16”. While it still keeps your clubs off wet grass, I personally like the longer auto legs. It dies stand on its own, on level lies. So there is that. But it was free, so no worries.

3 rounds is my limit, unless I lose it of course! I think with the amount of shots a ball takes, within in your round, it could vary. Of course, if it gets nicked/scuffed, then I replace it, no matter the time. I’ve noticed while practicing into my net, a new ball will last around 270-280 shots. Of course it will last longer, but cosmetically I can notice a difference in it. I hit 10 shots, with every iron in my bag when practicing. So that’s 90 shots each session. That’s how I came up with my numbers. On days that I play, I typically try to hit the amount I think I might take on the course. (Play it out in my head) Now, when you’re playing, it could last longer. You may not have many wedge shots a round, fewer wedge shots is probably going to extend the life of your ball. Also, take into account that you’re probably taking anywhere from 25-34 putts per round. That stress free on a ball. Guess it really depends on your skill level/HC. If you’re a high cap, that averages 95+, you may want to change it more often. But then again, you may not be able to tell a difference?!

I’m in the majority here. I think your conditions will dictate your preference. I’ve played a few spikeless in the past, but I’m more of a spike player. 95% of my rounds are in a cart, so not much walking to do. Wet or dry conditions , spikes never let me down. I’ve been a FJ fan, since my high school days in the mid 90s. Have definitely tried other shoes, but typically end back up at FJ. As for comfort, the FJ Hyperflex are a very comfortable shoe! It’s their version of the “athletic “ style, but it is a spiked shoe. I tend to purchase online, but have ran across deals in stores, that I don’t pass up on.

I’m in this boat as well! With limited space in my garage, I’ve decided to go the skytrak route. I don’t plan on taking it outdoors, even though my range has 8 bats that are covered, so it could an option. I’ve been doing some research & reaching out to other skytrak users, to pick their brains. It seems like the best option, for me.

I’m 42, & started golfing around 12yrs of age. I haven’t had that many set honestly. 1. Tommy Armour 845 2. Ping ISI BeCu 3. Ping I3 Blade 4. Ben Hogan Apex Edge Pro 5. Srixon 785 (Current)

It’s TIMMMMMMME! Let’s go! I’m gonna say the cut will be even par & TW will be @ -1.