Yesterday's news

[revkev]

I may be turning 61 next week but I always seem to be learning. If it weren't for a thread on the forums I would have laid out $800 for a new set of irons and then frustrated when they made little difference in my score. Why? Because I don't hit iron enough to make much difference in what I shoot - Putter, Driver, wedges, fairway/hybrid, irons. That's the order of how frequently I hit my clubs in a given round.

 

However if we start to look at meaningful shots (not tap ins or 15-25 footers where there is little chance of make or 3 putt) It's probably Driver, Wedges, Putter, Irons, fairway/hybrid with the last two categories switching depending upon the course set up (length).

 

At any rate I hit my hybrids remarkably well and my fairway wood is coming on. They were all bought on the cheap because they were used or several generations old but unused. I bought a 6 hybrid today that falls into that category also.

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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[tommc23]

I think for me it goes back to when I was playing paintball or hockey when I was younger. The newest and shiniest thing always catches my eye and it's unlike golf where the new tech is all that is available unless buying used. When I try something new most of the time it's not a whole lot different. I fight the urge to buy something new often.

 

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[gaussman1]

We all have different motivations but as long as you're pretty well fit with your clubs then chasing a tangible change in your game with new equipment is a bit of a pipe dream. But sometimes it's just fun to buy something new. If you have the means and it makes you happy to do so, then why not? I like to buy putters. Maybe one or two a season. I'll eBay the old one and move on. Some stay for a while, some go quickly, none really make a statistical difference. But I like to have something new to look at every so often. What's the harm in that?

 

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[PlaidJacket]

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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I'm a lot like you Rev. All my irons are custom fit and purchased in August 2014. I carry one FW metal of the same vintage. Putter is 2015 custom fit also. My driver is a 2014 SLDR I got when doing a review here on MGS. It's the only non-fit club in my bag. I suppose I just got lucky as it turned out to be the best driver I've ever had/played. So... I don't chase equipment either. There's no point in it for me. If I do anything this next year I might have new heads put on my wedges. I'll continue playing the SLDR until that face caves in.

 

I almost forgot... I did purchase a combo set of KZG Kyoei forged irons from one of our forum members several months ago. I'm going to have them setup by my fitter and test them out during the winter. We'll see. They'll either make the cut or they won't. The KZG's are older than the Wishons I'm playing now but look brand new! I just couldn't resist. 

[Kenny B]

Rev, I'm 9 years older than you, and I know for a fact my swing speed is quite bit less than it was 10 years ago.  I have always been trying to improve my game, so I have chased technology to help out.  The last few years I have noticed that I am not seeing very much improvement by changing drivers.  I am pretty sure that I can hit just about any driver with the proper flex the same distance.  Some may feel better, but distance is the same. 

 

I changed FW/Hybrids this year to Wilson D300 and I like the feel and I know what they can do.  I have been playing Ping i20 irons for about 5 years and switching off and on with my Macgregors that I reshafted.  I like both of them, but this summer I bit the bullet and bought a set of Bridgestone JGR Hybrid forged irons at a great price; super game improvement and probably better clubs suited to my declining game.  They are like having a full set of hybrids down to wedges.  I am finally getting them dialed in, and I think they are the best bang for the buck to help my game.

 

I also bought the Ping Sigma G Doon putter.  I like the looks of it and after I have been playing with it for 3 weeks, it has turned me from a decent putter to a really good putter; my humble opinion!!  I rarely 3-putt; I don't miss many short putts, and those 15-25 footers that you mentioned... I now expect to make a bunch of those.  The confidence of a good feeling putter is huge!  

 

The only clubs I did not change out this year are my SCOR wedges, but I did drop the 42 and 46 out to accommodate the JGRs.  

[cnosil]

I fall on the other side of some of the followup posters;  I will be 52 in a couple of months.   i have never changed my clubs a lot and most stay in the bag for a long time.  My next changes will most likely be due to a need for a need to change the flex of my shafts or to replace more irons with hybrids.   

 

Seems like every time I go look at new clubs and compare to my current games I don't see enough benefit that would drive me to make the change.  I change putters just because I like putters;  I would say it is like Carolina Golfer 2 and his love for irons.  

 

The more I read forums,  the more I read that people aren't getting significant benefit from new technology in clubs.  The exception may be someone who wasn't golf knowledgeable and just picked up clubs then became obsessed and went and got fit.  I think fitting for specs will provide a bigger benefit than just picking up newer and shinier.  

[silver & black]

If I'm being honest, It's all about getting something new, clean and shiny. If it helps my game it's a bonus. 

 

Being honest again; I kind of like that my clubs look used and have that "legitimate" patina that any well used, loved and taken care of tool has.

 

I won't be buying any clubs unless they will help my game.... or, I just want them.

[Badfish]

I actually touched on this subject in the "stuck in the bag, what won" thread.  In the past 10 years the only changes in my bag have been 2 drivers, 1 hybrid, and several driver shafts.  I will add that the grooves on my high irons/ wedges are noticeably worn and will be replaced before next season.  As much as I have loved my clubs, I am looking forward to some shiny new sticks in the bag.  I think I get my new equipment itch scratched from smaller things such as different balls, a new glove, unique ball marker etc.

[Jmikecpa]

I like shiny new toys but you have a point Rev. I am back to my 917 driver and 3 wood and Hogan the rest of the bag. This setup just works for me and never really even sure why I went away from it. Over the winter I plan to get a new set of Hogans made to the same specs so I have a second set just in case I can't get them in the future. I am not even sure I could think of everything I have purchased in the last two years and think all the change has hurt my game a bit.

 

 

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[hckymeyer]

I just like trying new stuff.  It's part of the fun of golf for me.  I really don't have any illusions that one new thing is going to give me another 20 yds, or drop 5 strokes off my game.  It's just fun to try new stuff sometimes though.

 

I've also been through multiple fittings for every part of my bag and have a really good idea of what specs and qualities will work for me.  

 

With all of the different clubs I've bought over the past 3 seasons and who knows how many drivers I've tried, my bag hasn't changed except for putter.  I may swap out a hybrid for a long iron but except for the new putter there isn't a club newer than 2013/2014 in the bag.

[Honest Wes]

I may be turning 61 next week but I always seem to be learning. If it weren't for a thread on the forums I would have laid out $800 for a new set of irons and then frustrated when they made little difference in my score. Why? Because I don't hit iron enough to make much difference in what I shoot - Putter, Driver, wedges, fairway/hybrid, irons. That's the order of how frequently I hit my clubs in a given round.

 

However if we start to look at meaningful shots (not tap ins or 15-25 footers where there is little chance of make or 3 putt) It's probably Driver, Wedges, Putter, Irons, fairway/hybrid with the last two categories switching depending upon the course set up (length).

 

At any rate I hit my hybrids remarkably well and my fairway wood is coming on. They were all bought on the cheap because they were used or several generations old but unused. I bought a 6 hybrid today that falls into that category also.

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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I'd like to say I bought new equipment to improve but I didn't. I was just an equipment junkie. Older and wiser. Still using last equipment purchased. Entering the super game improvement stage of my life (70+). May start looking in that direction.

 

 

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[STUDque]

I'd like to say I bought new equipment to improve but I didn't. I was just an equipment junkie. Older and wiser. Still using last equipment purchased. Entering the super game improvement stage of my life (70+). May start looking in that direction.

 

 

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Username checks out.

 

 

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[Peaksy68]

As you can see from my signature, I'm not one to change clubs easily.  Part of this is cost, but the main part is I can't find anything I hit better.  

 

My current irons were fit (in store) but at the time I wasn't swinging well, and I've never been comfortable with how upright they are. I'm tempted to bite the bullet and go to an independent fitter with full options and see what comes out on top.

 

Wedges get changed when they wear out, I'm having serious non buyers regret that I didn't load up on SCOR wedges when they were still available at low cost and buy a couple of replacement sets for future use. I've similarly missed out on Ben Hogan wedges at great prices.  I can still get them for less than current model Cleveland or Vokeys, even with shipping and exchange rate so might have just do it.

 

My putter won't be changing any time soon (thanks MGS and MLA)

 

My old Nickent driver, TM fairways and hybrid date back to 2008/2009. The Grafalloy Epic shafts are a perfect fit for me, and whenever I try a new driver with a stock shaft I wonder how it would go with a shaft that fits me as well as the Epic.

 

Unless I'm going to get a demonstrable improvement, I won't spend the cash. This also leaves more funds for updating my clothing ensembles!

[JDHolmes]

I've spent a goodly sum this quarter on equipment (+/- $3000) but not necessarily in pursuit of some illusive extra 10 yards or 5 stroke improvement. I bought a "new" set of irons for me, i-25s with graphite shafts because my i-15 steels were hurting my elbow and I didnt really like flight characteristics.

 

I did a full bag fitting and driver/shaft combo was clearly identified as were shaft/iron combo. I obtained the driver but decided to wait on the irons because the i-25s are working so well.

 

I bought a new putter because I was dissatisfied. Old one is back in the bag.

 

Ive bought stuff to fill holes in my bag as I've changed from a bomber to a more methodical golfer, doing more constructive course management and trying to play my strengths instead of covering weaknesses.

 

All with a simple, single mindedness to be better at this game. I'm still yet to beat my daily biggest competitor...myself and my expectations of excellence.

 

And thats why I love golf. I can improve daily, strive to be better, but there's always a forward path to more improvement.

 

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[Golfspy_CG2]

I may be turning 61 next week but I always seem to be learning. If it weren't for a thread on the forums I would have laid out $800 for a new set of irons and then frustrated when they made little difference in my score. Why? Because I don't hit iron enough to make much difference in what I shoot - Putter, Driver, wedges, fairway/hybrid, irons. That's the order of how frequently I hit my clubs in a given round.

 

However if we start to look at meaningful shots (not tap ins or 15-25 footers where there is little chance of make or 3 putt) It's probably Driver, Wedges, Putter, Irons, fairway/hybrid with the last two categories switching depending upon the course set up (length).

 

At any rate I hit my hybrids remarkably well and my fairway wood is coming on. They were all bought on the cheap because they were used or several generations old but unused. I bought a 6 hybrid today that falls into that category also.

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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Boy....I could have written a lot of this post myself...HA   But it boils down to what you say and some others have said, i know a new set of irons over the ones I just got two months ago, isn't going to give me 20 some extra yards...I'm much more informed about what specs i need than that.....ha   But it's the new shiny syndrome, and some of it is supporting brands that have been good to me in one form or another that year or recently.   As I age and relaize my years of a steady income are nearing an end, I'll ultimately find my way into finding "the" set and set tingly in with them for the long haul. 

 

.  I change putters just because I like putters;  I would say it is like Carolina Golfer 2 and his love for irons.  

 

 

hey....why do you have to be dragginig me into this....LOL

[STUDque]

 

I change putters just because I like putters; I would say it is like Carolina Golfer 2 and his love for irons.

 

hey....why do you have to be dragginig me into this....LOL

I'm gonna use this every chance I get:

 

 

 

 

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[null]

Spoiler alert: not everyone gets new equipment because it makes them better. I'd argue that the majority of the guys that are constantly changing equipment do so because they simply love playing with new equipment - whether they admit to that or not is another issue haha

[Canucklehead]

Spoiler alert: not everyone gets new equipment because it makes them better. I'd argue that the majority of the guys that are constantly changing equipment do so because they simply love playing with new equipment - whether they admit to that or not is another issue haha

Or try and attempt to one-up their regular playing partners who also constantly update their equipment

 

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[Golfspy_CG2]

Spoiler alert: not everyone gets new equipment because it makes them better. I'd argue that the majority of the guys that are constantly changing equipment do so because they simply love playing with new equipment - whether they admit to that or not is another issue haha

I prefer to think I'm providing s community service. Testing many sets for the masses, to be s resource if you will

[cnosil]

I prefer to think I'm providing s community service. Testing many sets for the masses, to be s resource if you will

And you do a great job. I think you test about 5 or 6 different bag configurations a month?

[Golfspy_CG2]

And you do a great job. I think you test about 5 or 6 different bag configurations a month?

Well that may be a bit of a stretch. But only because there are only so many days in a month. Ha

 

 

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[Bags]

I may be turning 61 next week but I always seem to be learning. If it weren't for a thread on the forums I would have laid out $800 for a new set of irons and then frustrated when they made little difference in my score. Why? Because I don't hit iron enough to make much difference in what I shoot - Putter, Driver, wedges, fairway/hybrid, irons. That's the order of how frequently I hit my clubs in a given round.

 

However if we start to look at meaningful shots (not tap ins or 15-25 footers where there is little chance of make or 3 putt) It's probably Driver, Wedges, Putter, Irons, fairway/hybrid with the last two categories switching depending upon the course set up (length).

 

At any rate I hit my hybrids remarkably well and my fairway wood is coming on. They were all bought on the cheap because they were used or several generations old but unused. I bought a 6 hybrid today that falls into that category also.

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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putter wedges driver in order of use putter most used club in everyone's bag

 

 

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[revkev]

putter wedges driver in order of use putter most used club in everyone's bag

 

 

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But many if not most of its uses are irrelevant. I could use hybrid to make stuff inside of two feet with the same proficiency as putter and if I've knocked a drive ob and an iron in the water on a hole I'm not going to care about the putt.

 

Putter usage doesn't measure the value of putting. Not three putting and getting the 50/50 mark stretched out past seven feet is what matters.

Learn to control my distance and work on knocking in half of my 7 footers and I'm good to go with putter. Nearly tour caliber there.

 

Look at the tour stats - strokes gained tee to green almost mirrors the money list not putting.

 

 

 

 

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[Fireinthehole]

Spoiler alert: not everyone gets new equipment because it makes them better. I'd argue that the majority of the guys that are constantly changing equipment do so because they simply love playing with new equipment - whether they admit to that or not is another issue haha

Every time one of these posts comes up it always has a “you're trying to buy game” feeling to it.

 

I love golf and I like playing with new equipment as you can see from my signature, I'm not trying to find distance. I don't play on tv so I don't get bent out of shape when I hit errant shots with them either. There's so many options out there, I just want to play a few before it's too late. Granted I have developed particular tastes and there are clubs I haven't sold-still have the first scotty I purchased; a futura mid mallet cut down to 35”.

 

I don't have a wife, kids or a mortgage so I'm free to indulge myself. Golf clubs today, tomorrow a Maserati might be next, that's the beauty of it!

 

 

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[revkev]

Certainly the idea behind golf is to have fun - if it's fun to buy new equipment then by all means do.

 

We sometimes read that golf is expensive. It can be but it doesn't have to be. If a person is wise in his equipment purchases, takes care of his equipment and doesn't make changes unless there is a clear benefit he doesn't have to spend a lot on his equipment.

 

 

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[Rickp]

Spoiler alert: not everyone gets new equipment because it makes them better. I'd argue that the majority of the guys that are constantly changing equipment do so because they simply love playing with new equipment - whether they admit to that or not is another issue haha

There's a lot of truth to this statement.

 

 

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[fozcycle]

To answer Rev's question.........No

 

I do enjoy the quest for something better, but it is really not wort( the coin. I was an 18 to 20 Hcap 20 years ago and I am still struggling in that I am an 18 to 20 Hcap now. I have gotten older and shortened the course by 500 yards. Occasionally, I can see a a glimmer of light on my game, but the overall has not changed.

 

 

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[Rickp]

To answer Rev's question.........No

 

I do enjoy the quest for something better, but it is really not wort( the coin. I was an 18 to 20 Hcap 20 years ago and I am still struggling in that I am an 18 to 20 Hcap now. I have gotten older and shortened the course by 500 yards. Occasionally, I can see a a glimmer of light on my game, but the overall has not changed.

 

 

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Occasionally I can have a want & need situation.

May not need it but definitely want it.

 

 

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[Rickp]

I may be turning 61 next week but I always seem to be learning. If it weren't for a thread on the forums I would have laid out $800 for a new set of irons and then frustrated when they made little difference in my score. Why? Because I don't hit iron enough to make much difference in what I shoot - Putter, Driver, wedges, fairway/hybrid, irons. That's the order of how frequently I hit my clubs in a given round.

 

However if we start to look at meaningful shots (not tap ins or 15-25 footers where there is little chance of make or 3 putt) It's probably Driver, Wedges, Putter, Irons, fairway/hybrid with the last two categories switching depending upon the course set up (length).

 

At any rate I hit my hybrids remarkably well and my fairway wood is coming on. They were all bought on the cheap because they were used or several generations old but unused. I bought a 6 hybrid today that falls into that category also.

 

I do hit newer stuff but I've yet to find anything in those categories that would threaten kicking them out of the bag. I will add that I've been fit half a dozen times and three of those times by a fitter who has extensive tour fitting experience. I'm at a point where I have a pretty good idea of what I need to accomplish what I want out of my game.

 

My question for those who are always chasing the newest equipment is why? Do you see tangible results? I realize that my age and lagging club head speed make it less likely for me to see big distance gains from the latest and greatest. But for those of you who drop coinage is it worth it in terms of tangible, long term results?

 

 

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BTW, HAPPY BIRTHDAY

 

 

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[Bags]

But many if not most of its uses are irrelevant. I could use hybrid to make stuff inside of two feet with the same proficiency as putter and if I've knocked a drive ob and an iron in the water on a hole I'm not going to care about the putt.

 

Putter usage doesn't measure the value of putting. Not three putting and getting the 50/50 mark stretched out past seven feet is what matters.

Learn to control my distance and work on knocking in half of my 7 footers and I'm good to go with putter. Nearly tour caliber there.

 

Look at the tour stats - strokes gained tee to green almost mirrors the money list not putting.

 

 

 

 

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zach johnson can never compete on paper with dj yet zach has 2 majors hmmm speith not super long

 

agree to disagree cheers

 

 

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