Chizzle

Out of all the equipment, golf balls may be the most expensive because they are close to being consumables. With your current level or ability in golf I wouldn't worry too much about equipment. I think the cheapest model from any major brand will do you justice. The only thing I may think about is durability but durable typically = more money. Feel will probably become important at some time but spin is going to be more important. I feel like all the top tier premium balls feel the same or very very similar. I think working on and improving your golf swing will help you a lot more with enjoyment and score than playing say a TP5(x), prov1(x), ect. If you got the money to burn, dont think you can go wrong with prov1(x), tp5(x), srixon z star tour, or bridgestones top tier ball (tour b rxs?). Not sure wanted all that but just my 2 cents

I see. Thank you for clearly clarifying. I dont think you're wrong about tech advancements to subdue a course. I think it's happening now with the current legal equipment. I think the playing field is leveled because everyone uses the same parameters for equipment and I think your arguement is why not change those parameters. I also agree that there are people that accept things without question, but that doesnt make them wrong or any worse or better golfer. In the competitive aspect, I dont think making things easy is better for the sport. The players skill creates shape, distance, spin, getting out of bunkers, tightbloes, bad situations, ect. For leisure, like many people have said, do whatever you like but I dont think it will be as great as you think.

The longer this thread gets, the more confused I get about why you're fighting for this. If you are bored watching golf now, watching golf with non conforming equipment will be a novelty for a short while and then that will get boring to watch too. I relate this to baseball. A lot of people are bored watching baseball because they only want to see homeruns. They dont understand how hard fielding a ground ball is, or throwing a pitch where and how you want it, or the art of base running, or the strategy of the game. I think there is no end to what to do if in creating excitement in sports. As far as a second league, they dont do it because it wont be profitable at that scale. That's like saying they should televise triple a baseball or the equivalent of minor league nascar or F1. There is a small population that will enjoy it but for how long? I think most people will just say "they aren't good enough for the (insert top level major sport) so they are here". At the end of it, even if OEMs decide to put money into developing non conforming equipment, take the small sample size of this pole, it's not worth trying to invest in 10-15% of the population. If they are going to get into a 10-15% niche market, it's going to be fore the super limited edition and super expensive stuff IMO. Lastly, the argument about the three point line I feel is opposite to your intention. It made the game more exciting because it made it harder. Harder to make because its further and harder on the defense because it expands the capability of the offense. The current debate seems lean towards making it easier. End game, are you hoping to see matches and rounds like it is played in a video game?

Going to take fastballs of the chest because there is only 364 days left until next years hockey tryouts?

Just a couple things. The idea or saying that hitting blades make you a better ball striker is half true. The reason why I think its half true is with blades, you have to have good contact or your hands will hurt from all the vibrations. Part of it is willingness to get better and part of it is probably subconsciously your brain trying to protect itself. I like the feel and feedback from blades. More forgivingn clubs make me feel disconnected. Second, I think a lot of golfers need to figure their swing out instead of thinking or hoping new clubs will fix their tanks, hooks, push slices, chunky shots, thin shots, ect. I understand there is a need and use for different types of clubs but I also think people are shying away from trying to really fix their swing. With all that being said, I'm not sure how relevant this test would be besides collecting data. What I mean is even in data its an average. Golf is different for everyone. Even MGS most wanted, or most forgiving, or most distance may not apply to some. Perhaps one that didnt make the cut is better for me than the average. Although data collecting is important, club fitting is even more important. If the clubs are fitted for you, whether it be blades or GI or SGI or a hockey stick, no other testing or opinion matters. I think that's why when listening to no putts given, they all say go get fitted.

A lot of good advice. Just curious what you think or what aspect do you feel you need improvement? I totally agree with the people saying get a newer (not new) driver. M1 and newer. The technology gap is silly. I switched from a R1 to flash sub zero and gained on average 20-30 yards. Just for reference, I bought my driver used on callaway preowned website and they have other brand's clubs too. As for your 150 yrds and in, the shaft may have a thing with it but to put it blunt it's more about your ability and the types of shots you have available in your bag right now. I agree with everyone and think your irons are plenty. If you're thinking you want new or newer clubs just because its "time", I would stay with your current set up until you have the means to get what you REALLY want. If you feel you need more distance or forgiveness, then it's time to start doing homework. If it's more about strike, your shot shape, or scoring i think you should use the money for lessons. New clubs dont fix shanks, chunks, skulls, yanked hook balls, slice way out, or poor course management.

I just try to get better which usually results in better scores. I try to be consistent with balls I use. I also dont like the feel of those balls.

I like Tigers the best. I like simple but Tom Brady's is too simple. Peyton manning's is too loud for me. Phil. I just dont know what to say about that.

Right now is the cleveland launcher 3 wood but I'm looking around for a "new" 3 wood. I can still hit it 240-250 but when it's off it is ugly.

More and more it sounds like the purpose of this thread is not to "push the envelope" but to validate and push for "the easy way out". I think we golfers tend to blame everything but ourselves for not being successful in this game whether it be the clubs, wind, balls, etc. I have a golf buddy that complains about his clubs and he says he needs new clubs. I often tell him it's not the clubs, especially when the majority of his shots are slices as well as thin and fat shots on his approach and chip shots.

Only golf app I have is golfpad. Distances seem accurate enough (gives standard front, middle and back but not to pin), allows for score keeping, shot tracking, and provides a little summary all for free. The paid version gives more analysis and connects to smart watches but I dont pay and I dont have a smart watch. A lot of downloads and a good rating are the reasons why I use this app. Thinking of buying a range finder though for more accurate numbers.

As far as rules from 200 years ago to 50 years or last year, that is the evolution of the game. That evolution is not only equipment but humans too. I just recently saw a clip on YouTube about Tiger and how he changed golf. The part that caught me was more about the physical. Not many tour players before tiger had a fitness regiment. Case in point-John Daly. Although he may be a slight outlier, there werent guys on tour then that look like they do now. Phil is another point where he is better now but he had to evolve with the game. This change equaled to more distance and better endurance. The governing bodies of all sports look at this and evaluate equipment and create rules or restrictions. I also think non conforming equipment for the pros take away the dream. Say Rory uses a non conforming driber and outdrives everyone, people would just think "well it's because of the equipment" and not his ability. Because the playing field is level, that is something that stands out from all the great skills he has in this sport. But like alfriday101said, I dont care what people use if they're just whacking and hacking at the driving range or wherever but anytime someone takes this sport serious (ie score, lessons, handicap, skins) that just ain't it.

Im sure you've checked this out already but if you havent, I think Rick Shiels complete driver guide is the easiest to understand. I would definitely recommend video taping yourself but if you cant, bare minimum, use a full length mirror so you can see and check yourself. Good luck and bombs away!

I'm not sure what you mean by "just as hard to hit". I could be wrong but I think I used the ping g400 and what I can say from my one experience is that your swing doesn't change but the distance does. The way I see it is hitting a 7 iron is hitting a 7 iron. To Timote's point, i dont think players distance clubs and non conforming equipment improve your ability, but it makes it more forgiving. Still have to put a good swing on it.

It is a pretty tough club to hit off the ground but on a tee could be a different story too. Not sure what types of results you are getting either but something that helped me with my three wood is hit it like an iron and make sure I'm not pulling my chest away through the downswing, impact, and follow through. I think our bodies unconsciously pull the chest away from the ball to generate power when that typically leads to topping the ball because I am moving away from the ball instead of through it. Not trying to convince anyone to use a 3 wood, just wanted to throw my 2 cents in. Sorry if this isn't the thread for this kind of stuff

I personally would never use it. Likewise, I wouldn't want to use a corked baseball bat, tighter wound baseballs, deflated football (cough), incorrect weight/size boxing gloves or mma gloves, ect. To me, it's about the integrity of the game. I honestly feel like the players distance irons are borderline, for lack of a better word, cheater clubs. I played a round with some when my clubs were being regripped. I typically hit my irons average to above average distance (7 iron 165-170) but I used a 7 iron for a 192-195 yrd par 3 and reached! As far as other people using it, that's their business. I dont think they will allow pros to use it. I see that as them using a performance enhancing drug. I wouldn't be surprised if guys not finishing in the money would use those equipment to gain an edge especially if they feel their career is in jeopardy. If people are in a competition, I think they should have to use conforming equipment. Could be a lot of strokes shaved or a little. I think it depends on if they shoot in the 100's, 90's, 80's.

Just curious if you're having trouble controlling your 3 wood as well. Not sure if you just skipped it or it didnt work out. Itll definitely help on those par 4s

So much good information just spewing from all of you. My two cents is have blance and a plan for practice. Golf has never been a one dimensional game. Once you are out on the course, just play. Working on stuff out on the course usually hurts your score. Also along with the range time, I think cardio is really important. We may not want to believe it because there isn't running (or walking for that matter if you ride a cart) in this sport but how many sports take on average four to five hours to play? Fatigue on the back nine will disturb your swing and more importantly your focus or concentration. I'm glad this thread is here because its given me ideas on what to do or how to structure my practice time. Thanks all

Rick shiels seems to be a clear winner and I like him too as well as James Robinson but I really like what top speed golf has to say too. To me, Clay Ballard is really easy to understand and is the one person that had me try to change my swing just a little bit.

Driver for sure. With that being said, I focus on my second shot. I feel it's one of the most important shots because it can make a bad driver shot not bad or waste a good driver shot and get a bogey or double bogey for the hole.

Hahaha. Golf will do that to you until you get that 1 shot per round or couple rounds that puts the strangle hold on and drags you back into thinking I can do this!

I would definitely choose pebble if I had $3k. I've played pebble and it's amazing if you can get over the price tag. Played like crap too. Along with pebble, I would play spyglass and Spanish bay and any other course on that peninsula until the money ran out

I would take a hole in one because that is what I am attempting to do. I feel like an albatross just happens as a result of being able to reach the green in two. When I am 240-255 out, my intent is not getting an albatross. My intent is to get it on the green for an eagle or easy birdie. I dont have one yet either though...

Congrats! It's funny because I recently had basically the opposite occur where out of quarantine, I shot I think a 92 and 93 at my home course. The following week, played at a different much more difficult course and shot 82. I typically shoot in the mid 80's. Like how a lot of people said, after you have the muscle memory for your swing, so much of golf is mental from course management to emotional management. Enjoy the win but dont just let it end there. Learn from that experience and apply it to all your future rounds. Congrats again!

Looks like you are consistently hitting off the toe. I would assume that you get a jarring feel when you hit the club. This feeling might feel normal to you if you're consistently hitting off center but like a lot or perhaps all sports that uses a tool to hit a ball or object, if it's in the sweet spot, it should be a smooth feel at contact or no impact sensation. This feel will translate through all clubs. Typically that sweet spot is generally in the middle of the club slightly below the mid line. As far as making better contact, it's probably best to ask around and find a pro to give you a lesson. If you have the time to watch a bunch of youtube videos, multiple cameras to watch your swing, and hours of trial, then that's one way too. Its doable but I think harder.