Firebird

I got shingles back in 2015 which lead to postherpetic neuralgia. I found that after 9 holes the pain got too much and most times I had to stop. I went to get a lesson to find out if there might be a away to modify my swing to minimise the pain and the only thing the pro suggested was to change my clubs. I talked to a friend who is a Physics Professor and he showed me on a scope the amount of vibration that was coming back though my Wilson FG tour irons with S300 steel shafts. Interestingly we found that forged irons made little if any difference to the level of vibration. So I then started looking for replacements. I went to Callaway, Ping, Mizuno and Cobra Performance Centres and went through the fitting process advising them of the situation. So in the end it came down to two sets, the Apex and the Steelhead Pro with Recoil graphite shafts. Callaway was great and allowed me to take one of each to my friend to test. And the difference between the two was surprising. The Steelhead Pro has polyurethane inserts and that reduced the vibration dramatically. To the point that it allowed me to complete most probably 80% of the time. Sorry fo the long introduction. It took me about 6 months to get used to the different feel, distance etc. I initially really struggled with swing speed, I felt like I was swinging normally but my impact was really inconsistent. I eventually got a couple of lessons and found that I had altered my swing to try to compensate for the pain in my left side and secondly I was actually swinging too hard. By modifying my swing and slowing everything down I finally started to hit the ball ok and I now love the feel these clubs provide and I can now play 2-3 games a week with minimal pain.

I looked at the Precision Pro but in the end picked one off eBay for $110AUD. The reason was simple. The only thing you can use in competition is distance, so features like slope etc have to be tuned off.

Most driver comparisons show little difference in distance between clubs. The key difference is forgiveness. I tried Sub Zero when I was looking for a new driver and found that it was less forgiving and did not feel as good at the standard Epic Flash. BTW I also tried the Mavrik and did not find it as good as the EF. This will always be a personal thing however.

I tried Sub Zero and found two issues when compared to the Epic Flash. The first was inconsistency and forgiveness, I found that if my swing was even slightly out and I missed the middle of the head the results were not great. Where with the standard Epic Flash the majority of the time I would be either on the fairway or in the first cut and I would only loose 10-20m. Secondly the Sub Zero did not feel as good which lead to a lack of confidence with it. BTW, I was not fitted, I just went to the local Pro Shop and Range and hit in total 8 drivers. Callaway (Sub and Standard) Mavrik, Rouge, Epic Flash, Cobra Speedzone and Ping G425. The difference in feel and forgiveness between these was amazing. It was a toss up between the Epic Flash and the Speedzone. However not long after that they had the Epic Flash of special for $199 as the new version had been released which made it an easy choice. I have to say that it is one of the best drivers I have ever hit.

I have a 45° and 50° Callaway Steelhead Pro with Graphite Shafts - came as part of the set and 48° and 54° Clevelands with steel shafts. I love the way the 48 feels when pitching and chipping and find that I can open it up to almost flat and hit a full shot with confidence.

My wife and I sighed p for 3 lesson each and I have o say that it was an enjoyable experience. However I still think it comes down that the Pro that is running it. Sam was one of the best I have had lessons with.

Would be great to see how Pro V1 fear under this level of scrutiny. I have played 1 round of golf in 4 months and is was boy did it show in my score. For the first time in years I broke a century. Fingers crossed that Dic Dan see sense and open up regional vic again.

I like to go for it but it depends on the risk reward factor and what length shot I will have. If for example I know if I hit the good shot I will be on the green or just short, then I will go for it. However if going for it means I am left with a 50-70m shot or worse in the rough should I not hit it well I would rather lay up at full wedge distance. Much easier to hit a full shot than try to hit a 1/3 - 2/3 swing wedge.

My thinking around this is simple - Would upgrading improve my game, if so why. It could be that you are using older irons that do not offer forgiveness or wedges that simply do not feel right etc. However would the money be better spent on lessons?

My understanding is that the any ball flight limitations are targeted a Professional players only, however if you want to play the same balls they do then they will be available to buy. I think a better option is to narrow landing zones, increase the height of the rough etc then it becomes more a game of skill than technology.

This year I have tried a number of different golf balls just to see if there is anything better than what I have been gaming for several years. I tried Bridgestone Tour BXS, Srixon Z-Star, Wilson Duo Pro and of course Pro V1. In the end I came to the conclusion that there is very little difference between them and the ball I play which is a Seed 01 except the price. Z-Star are usually about the same price $44 a doz where the others even on special are around $60AUD. The other difference is that I find on short chips I put more spin on the Seed where the Z-Star is not as good. The other nice thing is that downunder these are available to buy from the Golf Clearance Centre buy the dozen. https://seedgolf.com/products/seed-sd-01-the-pro-one-subscription?selling_plan=511410367&variant=31507621478462

I carry a driver but weather I hit it depends on how I am feeling and the way I am swinging. On holes where I can get away with it, as there is a nice wide landing zone I will generally hit it, however if I am having a really good round and are up there to win the comp it will stay in the bag. One thing I did notice is that you have Sub Zero versions, when I was looking to change my driver and 3 wood I tried these and found them allot less consistent verses the standard Epic Flash. One trick I was taught years ago was how to maximise your landing zone off the tee. Nowadays hit a fade so I was taught to tee up on the right edge of the tee box and aim at a point 10m from the left edge of the fairway. This provides a much bigger area for the ball to fade in to. You just have to remember to swing on the target line. Naturally if you hit a draw the opposite applies.

I use Kirkland Gloves as they are well priced and for me last at least 10 rounds. I am yet to wear one out, usually I change because they have become dry and crispy. I agree that lessons are essential however make sure you ask the pro to check you have your clubs set up properly - for example is the grip the correct thickness, lie angle etc as all of these can usually be easily changed and at little expense. The amount of golfer I play with that do not know the rules and therefor do not use them to their advantage is surprising. It can make the difference between a good round and a great round.

Thanks. Taking some getting used too again as the sweet spot is small, but when you hit it they feel great.

Hey dudes, When I was ill it was recommended that I use graphite shafts to minimise the vibration which certainly helped and allowed me to at least finish 18 holes most of the time. However I really like the lack of feel this shafts provide. Now that I have recovered I decided that it was time to see how much difference there is between Graphite and Steel S300 shafts. The only choice was Topflite Tour Irons or Wilson Blades. I looked at both and figure with the way I play today, blades were not the option. A few this to note, the clubs are traditionally lofted so 3 is 21* the 7 is 34* compared to my Steelhead Pro's 4 is 21.5 and 7 is 31, both shafts are stiff but Steelhead Pros are 1/2" longer. First impression - my god the heads are small and so is the sweet spot. Did not have time to go to the range so it was trail by comp. Was surprised how quickly I got used to them, yes I bladed my first shot but then hit the second well. Did not have a great round but that was expected. So what did I discover... Pro They are 12-15m longer than my equivalent Steelhead Pro's - for example the 4 iron (21.5*) vs Topflite 4 (23*) the Topflite was longer. They feel superb when you hit them right and horrible when you don't. Cons Miss the centre and boy do you get punished - 4 irons again, Steelhead I loose and 10-20m, Topflite 35-40m. Miss the centre or blade the ball and boy do you know it, my bottom hand is still sore this morning from the vibration. So the question is - Will I continue to play these and the answer is YES. The next question will be do I upgrade to newer technology, that will depend on how things pan out once I have a few rounds under my belt with them. Next question is do I try the Blades.

When someone re-releases that song The Streak but changes the words... Well the call him the cheat Shiftiest golf golfer on two feet He's as bent as he can be and Pay no head to the constabulary So that is why they call P Reed the cheat.

Epic Flash Driver

Would also check out the latest Wilson Staff Irons, the reviews on them are extremely positive.

If I was buying now, I would be looking at a mix set of Mizunos. JPX921 Forged 3-7 and MP20 8-AW. Gives you the best of both world - forgiving where you need it 3-7 irons and feel for you approach shots.

One that does not ask what your problem is but watches you swing and then outlines a solution to what he has identified.

I have really wide feet and have orthotics and the only shoes I find that fit are FJ. I suggest you look for the SL Pro when they are on special. I paid $129AUD for mine and they have lasted more than 2 years. Most comfortable golf shoe that I have ever worn.

Never really thought about having to stop playing in winter because of snow. It would be really hard to find a white golf ball.

The data is copied directly from MSG Ball Comparison 2019.

Good and maybe good news with regard to my finger. Good news it that it is healing nicely, as the skin above the joint was starved of blood for a short period the other layer went black and when the skin eventually peeled of the skin underneath was really tender and is still quite sensitive but is getting less and less every week. Since getting back playing my handicap as dropped 2 strokes in 4 weeks. I used to enjoy being a bandit.

Will try to make a video but will have to wait till the new year.