Hello from Calgary

BMart519 · August 21, 2018

I've been reading these forums for a while and finally had to break down and create a profile so i could start posting. Really enjoy the unbiased analysis on the main site and the quality of the info on these forums.

I moved out to Calgary, Alberta about 10 years ago from Windsor, Ontario where i grew up and was taught to play by my father. Fun fact: Windsor is the only border crossing in North America where you have to travel North from Canada to reach the US.

On to the golf: I learned young and never really improved to be able to shoot below 100 (was usually 110-120) due to lack of practice and any formal lessons. This lead to frustration and leaving the game from high school through university. Been back playing the past 7 or so years since moving out west and have improved from a 100s shooter to playing in the high 80s low 90s through a few lessons, self education, and targeted practice as a result of performance tracking. Next goals are to consistently shoot in the 80s and have my first round in the 70s. Driver swing is in the 95 mph range which is on the low side for someone in their early 30s, relatively athletic, and over 6'0 tall.

The sticks: I've gotten some good mileage out of a set of Cobra S3 irons (and some matching hybrids that i pieced together second hand) after growing up on a knock off set of ping hand me downs from dear old dad. These new hollow body irons from PING and others has definitely got my attention as a possible upgrade for the distance challenged like myself. Current 7i flies 145 and i've gotten as much as 20 extra yards on the sim with the Ping G700s off the rack.

Engineering background, so the stats nerd in me drove the purchase of a ShotScope V2 which is my go to for scoring and stats and replaced the free Golfshot mobile app. I've got 3 years of decent data on Golfshot averaging about 20 rounds per year (only 6 months max to play up here). I would love the opportunity to do some equipment tests one day while living next to a 27 hole facility with driving range.

Recently had a putter fitting putting me in a #9 style head, but haven't worked up the courage to commit to such a big change from a face balanced mid mallet. The fitting definitely has me considering a fitting session for new irons. But the $500-$700 difference would probably be better spent on another set of lessons.