Mid-Atlantic: NY, PA, NJ, DE, MD, VA

[DRLEONARD58]

Hello from Northern Virginia (Fairfax area)! 

1. I have been playing golf for ~25 years or so, I received my first set of clubs as a gift for my 8th birthday.

2. I love pretty much anything about golf, but the thing I love most is the community and the feeling of a purely struck ball -- chasing that feeling is what brings me back round after round!

3. I found MyGolfSpy when looking for reviews on gear from actual users and stuck around for the community and the other great content.

4. I am currently living in Fairfax, VA and my home course is either Burke Lake or Pinecrest. I am in a weekly league at Burke Lake, which is a par 3 course so that part of my game has been improving!

5. The best thing about golf outside of DC are the options of golf courses, the worst thing is that many of the courses are private or have reduced availability on the weekends.

6. I am a data scientist working for a contracting firm.

7. My username is basically the email account that I have had for years without punctuation or domain -- my first initial, my middle initial, my last name and my high school football jersey number.

[golfinnut]

1 hour ago, DRLEONARD58 said:

Hello from Northern Virginia (Fairfax area)! 

1. I have been playing golf for ~25 years or so, I received my first set of clubs as a gift for my 8th birthday.

2. I love pretty much anything about golf, but the thing I love most is the community and the feeling of a purely struck ball -- chasing that feeling is what brings me back round after round!

3. I found MyGolfSpy when looking for reviews on gear from actual users and stuck around for the community and the other great content.

4. I am currently living in Fairfax, VA and my home course is either Burke Lake or Pinecrest. I am in a weekly league at Burke Lake, which is a par 3 course so that part of my game has been improving!

5. The best thing about golf outside of DC are the options of golf courses, the worst thing is that many of the courses are private or have reduced availability on the weekends.

6. I am a data scientist working for a contracting firm.

7. My username is basically the email account that I have had for years without punctuation or domain -- my first initial, my middle initial, my last name and my high school football jersey number.

Welcome to MGS!  I'm in Leesburg.  I grew up playing Burke Lake & Pinecrest a lot as a kid.  So you must be a short game wizard if you play there a lot?   

 

My league is at Brambleton here in Ashburn  

[DRLEONARD58]

45 minutes ago, golfinnut said:

Welcome to MGS!  I'm in Leesburg.  I grew up playing Burke Lake & Pinecrest a lot as a kid.  So you must be a short game wizard if you play there a lot?   

 

My league is at Brambleton here in Ashburn  

I would say my irons play has definitely gotten better, but the short game still is hit or miss! When I hit more greens, I get to practice my short game less... but when I miss the greens I can be all over the place!

[grust26]

Hello from Western NY!

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score? I have been playing consistently for about 10 years now. Started in 2013 and currently playing around a handicap index of 7. 

What do you love about golf? I love the challenge of it and two shots are really never the same. Being outside after a long day in the office is definitely a huge plus too!

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? I often look at forums for more in depth reviews on products I am interested in. One of the current golf ball tests finally made me decide to take the plunge and register on the forums.

Where are you from? What is your home course? I am from the Rochester, NY area and currently have no "home course" since my group and I travel to all the different courses in the area.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? The summer and fall provide great conditions for many courses up here and it doesn't usually get too hot and humid in the summers. Fall golf in September, before the leaves start falling, is usually the best time to play here. The worst thing about my region is clearly the winter and not being able to play. The weather can turn on a dime at any moment sometimes.   

What do you do for a living? IT Analyst

How’d you pick your user name? I honestly tried to come up with something more creative but couldn't think of anything, so I grabbed the same user handle from another platform. I might change it in the future if I come up with something better.

Edited May 6, 2023 by grust26

[Seany D]

Play Calloway Maverick irons. Carry a driver 3,5 and hybrid3. A,P and 54deg wedge.

[DonnieGolfs]

@Lou Abel good place to start

[BKervin]

My bag current contains PXG 0211Z full set of clubs that were fitted for me at the Steve Dresser School of Golf in Pawleys Island SC this past year.

I still struggle with the new driver though.

[Thorkestra]

Hi there, I am a fairly new golfer, about 7 years but after the first two I had back surgery and am finally able to start playing enough to really be better. I am from Pittsburgh and live just north of the city now. I am retired Army and have recently sold my business so until I decide what is next for me I golf and keep the house in order. 

My home course this year is Birdsfoot GC in Freeport, PA. I picked this course because it beat me up a few times and I wanted to get it out of my head. I have made a fair amount of progress but I am hoping by playing the same course a lot to drop my average. 

 

My bag currently consist of the following:

Driver: Sim 2 Max with Ventus Blue Shaft ( when My back is wrecked and my swing speed is low I swap a RBZ stage 2 HL into the bag)

3 Wood: R15 with factory shaft

5 Wood: Callway Epic Speed with Hzrdus smoke

5-pw P790 with 95 VSS Elevate Shafts

Wedges: 50* Cleveland Zipcore mid bounce, 54 Vokey SM6 M grind, and 60 RTX 3 V-LG

Putter: Evnroll ER2 Putter

I have been debating about a driving iron/hybryd to fill the game but I am not sure what that would really open up for me at this point as I am currently getting lessons and we've changed my whole swing and I haven't 100% settled into it yet. Maybe end of season I will make a move on that.

 

[dannybenson6]

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

• I've been playing golf on and off for about 15 years (since I was ~12). I've been playing a lot since I started college in 2013 and even more in the last couple years. I am rocking a 9.5 handicap at the moment and I typically shoot a mid 80's score and have broken 80 a couple times.

What do you love about golf?

• I think my favorite thing (and I wish I realized it sooner) is that I can play and enjoy golf for most of my life. My father got me into the game, and I'm just getting to the point now where I can beat him on occasion. He's in his 60's now and it's something we love to do together, can be competitive at, and is often the center point around trips back home. It's not like other sports that are more physically demanding and require having a team. It relieves the competitive itch that I used to get from soccer, football or video games. Plus, there isn't many things more satisfying than striping one down the center of the fairway or sticking a shot close to the pin. The social aspect and respect for the game is icing on the cake.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

• I've been following MGS on social media platforms for a while now and keeping up with the YT content too. I love the reviews and insight they provide. I'd like to dive more into golf myself and MGS seems like a great place to start and get involved.

Where are you from? What is your home course?

• I'm from Jamestown, NY (I loved playing Cable Hollow in that area) - but after college I moved to Pittsburgh, PA and have been living here for 5 years now. I just bought a house so I don't plan on going anywhere for a while. My home course used to be 3 lakes on the east side of Pittsburgh, but I moved across town and I'm now searching for my new home course. Maybe it will be Lindenwood? Not sure yet. But I plan on eventually getting a membership to Chartiers Country Club since it's less than 10 minutes from my house. My favorite course in the area but is a bit of a drive is Birdsfoot!

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

• I really like the large selection of courses in this area. You definitely get something different from pretty much every course you go to. I think the worst thing is abnormally hilly courses and blind tee shots in the Pittsburgh area. Good luck shooting well on a new course! A lot of the better courses are private as well. 

What do you do for a living?

• I work full time from home as a Software Engineer. I love the flexibility in my hours and no more commute to the office!

How’d you pick your user name?

• I made an email with this username when I was very young, and it's just stuck as my main username ever since. I'm horrible at coming up with unique nicknames.

[MikeCeb]

Hi all, new member from NJ.  Lived most of my life in the north area of NJ.  I retired early at the end of 2018 from an IT career and moved to the shore area of southern NJ. 

I've been playing 30 years, most of it in the 24-28 handicap range.  In retirement I decided it was time to knuckle down and try to learn to play this game a little better.  After years of golf swing research (mostly YouTube), and lots of trial-and-error, and many swing rebuilds, I'm down at bogey level at 18 handicap. 

Over the last year I've done a full bag rebuild with my equipment except the putter which may be headed for upgrade too.  I'm finally using the right equipment for my slow swing speed which has helped.  I can break 90 from the senior tees, the white tees usually cost me a few extra strokes due to the longer length holes but I'm working on that.  

I enjoy reading and watching YT stuff on equipment and golf technology.  I used to tinker with some light club building way back in the day but now I leave that to the experts.  I co-managed a corporate golf league for many years where I used to work.  I'm now doing the same at my new community where I live now.       

Looking forward to being a part of the community and learning more.   

 

Edited May 29, 2023 by MikeCeb

[richk9holes]

4 minutes ago, MikeCeb said:

Hi all, new member from NJ.  Lived most of my life in the north area of NJ.  I retired early at the end of 2018 and I moved to the shore area of southern NJ. 

I've been playing 30 years, most of it in the 24-28 handicap range.  In retirement I decided it was time to knuckle down and try to learn to play this game a little better.  After years of golf swing research (mostly YouTube), and lots of trial-and-error, and many swing rebuilds, I'm down at bogey level at 18 handicap. 

Over the last year I've done a full bag rebuild with my equipment except the putter which may be headed for upgrade too.  I'm finally using the right equipment for my slow swing speed which has helped.  I can break 90 from the senior tees, the white tees usually cost me about 5 strokes more due to the longer length holes but I'm working on that.  

I enjoy reading and watching YT stuff on equipment and golf technology.  I used to tinker with some light club building way back in the day but now I leave that to the experts.  I co-managed a corporate golf league for many years where I used to work.  I'm now doing the same at my new community where I live now.       

Looking forward to being a part of the community and learning more.   

 

Welcome, I'm about 30 min north of you. I was shopping for a putter a few months back and found the biggest selection at the Golf Galaxy in Mt. Laurel. I'd say it was worth the hour to 80 minute drive out there to be able to roll everything that caught my eye. I spent about 2 1/2 hours trying about 70 different models and found a great 4 y.o. pre-owned at 1/2 off msrp.

Just to go identify exactly what you want and feel in hand, then go buy online it might be worth it.

[MikeCeb]

1 minute ago, richk9holes said:

Welcome, I'm about 30 min north of you. I was shopping for a putter a few months back and found the biggest selection at the Golf Galaxy in Mt. Laurel. I'd say it was worth the hour to 80 minute drive out there to be able to roll everything that caught my eye. I spent about 2 1/2 hours trying about 70 different models and found a great 4 y.o. pre-owned at 1/2 off msrp.

Just to go identify exactly what you want and feel in hand, then go buy online it might be worth it.

Thanks.  I was just there this morning!  I also drove over to the PGA SS in Plymouth Meeting PA the day before figuring I'd make good use of light traffic over the holiday weekend.   Since I'm lefty it's a big project to find putters to test.  I'll probably drive up to north Jersey at some point.  In the PGA store they must have thought I was nuts putting both lefty and right-handed just to feel of some other putters that were only in RH.  It's definitely a dead zone on golf stores in this side of the state.       

[richk9holes]

9 minutes ago, MikeCeb said:

Thanks.  I was just there this morning!  I also drove over to the PGA SS in Plymouth Meeting PA the day before figuring I'd make good use of light traffic over the holiday weekend.   Since I'm lefty it's a big project to find putters to test.  I'll probably drive up to north Jersey at some point.  In the PGA store they must have thought I was nuts putting both lefty and right-handed just to feel of some other putters that were only in RH.  It's definitely a dead zone on golf stores in this side of the state.       

East Hanover PGA store has a huge selection as well, haven't been to Paramus yet. E Hanover had a large L.A.B. and evenroll selection compared to others I've visited. Very large circle lined with all sorts, hundreds of putters it was fun.

[Gralem]

How long have you been playing golf? A little less than a year.
 

What’s your handicap or normal score? 20 handicap currently, but just shot two rounds in a row of mid 80s on a simulator. Game is trending!

What do you love about golf? The humor, the laughs, and once in a while a perfect shot.

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?  Wonderful site of all golf information, news and reviews  

Where are you from? What is your home course? I play different places in the NY or NJ area.

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?. Unacceptable conditions at some/most driving ranges. 

[BKervin]

13 hours ago, MikeCeb said:

Hi all, new member from NJ.  Lived most of my life in the north area of NJ.  I retired early at the end of 2018 from an IT career and moved to the shore area of southern NJ. 

I've been playing 30 years, most of it in the 24-28 handicap range.  In retirement I decided it was time to knuckle down and try to learn to play this game a little better.  After years of golf swing research (mostly YouTube), and lots of trial-and-error, and many swing rebuilds, I'm down at bogey level at 18 handicap. 

Over the last year I've done a full bag rebuild with my equipment except the putter which may be headed for upgrade too.  I'm finally using the right equipment for my slow swing speed which has helped.  I can break 90 from the senior tees, the white tees usually cost me a few extra strokes due to the longer length holes but I'm working on that.  

I enjoy reading and watching YT stuff on equipment and golf technology.  I used to tinker with some light club building way back in the day but now I leave that to the experts.  I co-managed a corporate golf league for many years where I used to work.  I'm now doing the same at my new community where I live now.       

Looking forward to being a part of the community and learning more.   

 

Welcome aboard!  Buckle in for the great ride!

[Jmferritto30]

On 2/11/2019 at 5:20 PM, GolfSpy MPR said:

MGS New Member Introduction: Mid-Atlantic Region

New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia

Welcome to the MyGolfSpy forums! We’re always glad to have new members contributing to the best golf discussions on the internet.  If you’ve already created an introduction thread, feel free to re-introduce yourself here!

If you haven’t yet done so, take a moment to check out the Moral Codes that shape how we treat each other here.

You’ll find that this community is very welcoming to newcomers so come on in, take off your shoes, and get comfortable. Tell us all about yourself. To help us get to know you, here are some questions you might answer in your new member post. Feel free to share some fun pictures of your golfing ventures as well!

1. How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

2. What do you love about golf?

3. What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

4. Where are you from? What is your home course?

5. What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

6. What do you do for a living?

7. How’d you pick your user name?

1. Been playing on and off since I was probably about 15 (currently 41), more on the last 4-5 years. I usually play 9 holes regularly and average around 50.

2. Just being able to get out in nature, forget about everything else going on in life and enjoy a sport. 

3. Heard about the website from someone I met through the PGA HOPE program and mentioned the forums and the opportunities for testing equipment. 

4. I live in Niagara Falls, NY and play regularly at Beaver Island Golf Course in Grand Island, NY.

5. Alot of beautiful courses in the region... however, can only play a few months out of the year due to weather conditions. 

6. I work for a pharmaceutical company as a Supervisor. 

7. My initials, last name and my hockey jersey number growing up (I was a goalie) 
 

[BKervin]

Welcome aboard!

[PeterPolinak25]

How long have you been playing golf? 20+ years

What’s your handicap or normal score?20

What do you love about golf? No two shots are the same and the competition 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? Possibly trying new stuff

Where are you from? What is your home course? Victor, NY Ravenwood

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? Best a lot of courses Worst short season

What do you do for a living? Sales

How’d you pick your user name? It’s what I usually use

[BKervin]

8 minutes ago, PeterPolinak25 said:

How long have you been playing golf? 20+ years

What’s your handicap or normal score?20

What do you love about golf? No two shots are the same and the competition 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? Possibly trying new stuff

Where are you from? What is your home course? Victor, NY Ravenwood

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? Best a lot of courses Worst short season

What do you do for a living? Sales

How’d you pick your user name? It’s what I usually use

Welcome aboard!

[EasyPutter]

7 hours ago, PeterPolinak25 said:

How long have you been playing golf? 20+ years

What’s your handicap or normal score?20

What do you love about golf? No two shots are the same and the competition 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? Possibly trying new stuff

Where are you from? What is your home course? Victor, NY Ravenwood

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? Best a lot of courses Worst short season

What do you do for a living? Sales

How’d you pick your user name? It’s what I usually use

Hey, you are just down the road an hour and a half from my neck of the woods in the suburbs of Buffalo!  Congratulations on your first post in the Forum and great way to get the ball rolling - I am sure you are going to discover in the MGS world there are plenty of people here well worth making friends with as the Forum is full of positive people with positive interactions [and nothing else is tolerated!]  Actually saw your PGA Head Pro this morning at Southern Meadows in Rush NY at the PGA HOPE session so small world!  Glad to have another Western NYer here and there are a few of us active.  Welcome in! 

[Wicki]

13 hours ago, EasyPutter said:

Hey, you are just down the road an hour and a half from my neck of the woods in the suburbs of Buffalo!  Congratulations on your first post in the Forum and great way to get the ball rolling - I am sure you are going to discover in the MGS world there are plenty of people here well worth making friends with as the Forum is full of positive people with positive interactions [and nothing else is tolerated!]  Actually saw your PGA Head Pro this morning at Southern Meadows in Rush NY at the PGA HOPE session so small world!  Glad to have another Western NYer here and there are a few of us active.  Welcome in! 

I grew up around the corner in Pittsford and Played many of rounds at Victor Hills!  Played Raven Woods just once while living in the area.

[Mike939]

Hi ,i am Mike from Montreal Canada,been playing golf for 45 years,now retired and working part time on a golf course In Mirabel Quebec called 4 Domaines ,a 36 holes championship course,i am 60 years hold,play around 60 round a year,handicap of 9(no mulligans and no foot wedges and i play were it lies,in my bag ping g425 max driver and 3 wood,mizuno hot metal pros 5-gw,callaway 3 hybrid,ping putter and cleveland 52,56 and 60.

[Mike939]

Hi ,i am new here,i am 60 year old ,been playing the game for 48 years,averaging a 9 handicap(no mulligans and no foot wedges)and finish all my putts.I am from Montreal,Canada,working part time on a golf course,playing an average of 60 round a years(season).

 

in my bag

driver and 3 wood:ping g425 max

hybrid:3 callaway rogue

irons:6-gw mizuno hot metal pros 923

wedges:52-56-60 ,cleveland

putter:ping response

 

[richk9holes]

8 minutes ago, Mike939 said:

Hi ,i am new here,i am 60 year old ,been playing the game for 48 years,averaging a 9 handicap(no mulligans and no foot wedges)and finish all my putts.I am from Montreal,Canada,working part time on a golf course,playing an average of 60 round a years(season).

 

in my bag

driver and 3 wood:ping g425 max

hybrid:3 callaway rogue

irons:6-gw mizuno hot metal pros 923

wedges:52-56-60 ,cleveland

putter:ping response

 

 

 

[BKervin]

23 hours ago, Mike939 said:

Hi ,i am Mike from Montreal Canada,been playing golf for 45 years,now retired and working part time on a golf course In Mirabel Quebec called 4 Domaines ,a 36 holes championship course,i am 60 years hold,play around 60 round a year,handicap of 9(no mulligans and no foot wedges and i play were it lies,in my bag ping g425 max driver and 3 wood,mizuno hot metal pros 5-gw,callaway 3 hybrid,ping putter and cleveland 52,56 and 60.

Welcome aboard!

[Luke Bilbrough]

Hi everyone, I have been a MSG member for a while now and have never posted.  That being said I found this group and figured I world give it a try.

I am from the eastern shore of Maryland my home course is Hog Neck in Easton.  I have been playing now for 6 years and am a 7 handicap.  I fell in love with the game and try and play a couple days a week with friends.  I got the opportunity to play TPC sawgrass this year shortly after the players and gave me a new respect for how the pros play the game.  

 

Edited June 7, 2023 by Luke Bilbrough

[BKervin]

1 hour ago, Luke Bilbrough said:

Hi everyone, I have been a MSG member for a while now and have never posted.  That being said I found this group and figured I world give it a try.

I am from the eastern shore of Maryland my home course is Hog Neck in Easton.  I have been playing now for 6 years and am a 7 handicap.  I fell in love with the game and try and play a couple days a week with friends.  I got the opportunity to play TPC sawgrass this year shortly after the players and gave me a new respect for how the pros play the game.  

 

Welcome to posting!!

[USMCSnyper]

How long have you been playing golf? 20+ years

What’s your handicap or normal score? 18

What do you love about golf? The absolute frustration when I play lol. 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies? I'm a golf gear junkie. I dont know other spies (but if I did...why would I blow their cover??)

Where are you from? What is your home course? Syracuse, NY - Northern Pines

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region? Great courses in and around Syracuse...but the season is TOO DARN SHORT

What do you do for a living? Global IT Director

How’d you pick your user name? Combo of my Veteran'ness and skillset.

What's in my bag? - See signature below!

How do I get the Veteran badge?

Edited June 8, 2023 by USMCSnyper

[Schaefer2017]

Checking in from Buffalo, NY!! Go Bills! I was recently exposed to this community by playing in a casual round at Elma Meadows, and being paired with a fellow spy! He enlightened me on what the community was all about and how much he has learned from reading these forums. He also had a pretty sweet LAB putter that he explained he got from a test. Very excited to break into this community and enhance my knowledge for the game.

 

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

- I started golfing 2 years ago, I am currently a 29.2 handicap. Playing pro-am baseball growing up, my coaches never allowed me to golf. Now I can't get enough of it. As a hockey player all my life as well.. the swing came a bit naturally 

What do you love about golf?

- I love that I can enjoy a beautiful day with good people. There's nothing better than planning a tee time with your best friends. I am also very fascinated by each and every course design, I love a course with some views. 

 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

- I was paired with a gentleman who showed me the community. I forget his username but his first name was Derek, a middle aged gentleman. He was extremely friendly, insightful, and positive. Derek is also a veteran. We had a great time and had just met each other that day. He told some very awesome stories. Meeting him made me want to come to this community with hopes of meeting more people like Derek

 

Where are you from? What is your home course?

- Buffalo, NY. The courses I frequent most is Cloverbank CC and Gowanda CC. I have no home course, I love playing every course possible

 

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

- Best things: Summers never really get too hot like down south. You can comfortably play all summer

- Worst things: Winters. (Snow)

 

What do you do for a living?

- I am a Account Executive for SpotOn POS

 

How’d you pick your user name?

- Its a name I most often use when making a Username

[BKervin]

10 hours ago, Schaefer2017 said:

Checking in from Buffalo, NY!! Go Bills! I was recently exposed to this community by playing in a casual round at Elma Meadows, and being paired with a fellow spy! He enlightened me on what the community was all about and how much he has learned from reading these forums. He also had a pretty sweet LAB putter that he explained he got from a test. Very excited to break into this community and enhance my knowledge for the game.

 

How long have you been playing golf? What’s your handicap or normal score?

- I started golfing 2 years ago, I am currently a 29.2 handicap. Playing pro-am baseball growing up, my coaches never allowed me to golf. Now I can't get enough of it. As a hockey player all my life as well.. the swing came a bit naturally 

What do you love about golf?

- I love that I can enjoy a beautiful day with good people. There's nothing better than planning a tee time with your best friends. I am also very fascinated by each and every course design, I love a course with some views. 

 

What brings you to MyGolfSpy? Do you already know any other Spies?

- I was paired with a gentleman who showed me the community. I forget his username but his first name was Derek, a middle aged gentleman. He was extremely friendly, insightful, and positive. Derek is also a veteran. We had a great time and had just met each other that day. He told some very awesome stories. Meeting him made me want to come to this community with hopes of meeting more people like Derek

 

Where are you from? What is your home course?

- Buffalo, NY. The courses I frequent most is Cloverbank CC and Gowanda CC. I have no home course, I love playing every course possible

 

What are the best and worst things about golf in your region?

- Best things: Summers never really get too hot like down south. You can comfortably play all summer

- Worst things: Winters. (Snow)

 

What do you do for a living?

- I am a Account Executive for SpotOn POS

 

How’d you pick your user name?

- Its a name I most often use when making a Username

Welcome aboard!  You are now part of the Spy Family