#CobraCONNECT Challenge 3

[yungkory]

And we're off.. had to bust out the Puma hat





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[robertson153]

currently 87F and 60% humidity
feels hotter than it measures because we're so close to the equator. the sun here doesn't mess around!

It’s 8:45pm here right now with 80% humidity and 82*. Here’s the next couple of days. And yes I’ll be playing 36 Saturday


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[THEZIPR23]

About 5 degrees cooler than average and about 10 at night. 

[yungkory]

Just finished my round. Sorry @palvord there was no magic today. It started promising with a birdie on #1, and being level par thru 5, but then my club selections kind of let me down. More on this later.

7/17/19

West Loch Municipal

67.2/109

84 gross

Clubs selected: Driver, 5i, 8i, 56*

 

Quick glance via Arccos:

 

So typically I'm able to overpower this course since it's pretty short at around 6000y and I can put the ball out a decent way with my driver. Arccos shows the course having blue tees, but in reality there's only white, and red. Sometimes, the white tees are where the blue tees would've been, sometimes they're where they're supposed to be -- so the course never plays its actual stated length. What I didn't account for when picking clubs were the 20 mph winds today. It turned driver + wedge holes into "holy cow I need to think about this now" holes.

I started off pretty strong even though I turned over my drive a little too much, but I got a free drop off the path and flagged a 56* for a 2' birdie (the first putt I've attempted that counted for a score with my new Spider X, if I missed that... let's not think about it).

I made myself look really stupid on #2 after chunking my 5i, and chunking my 56* since I was at an awkward distance. This is usually what happens when I try to step on my wedges, they just go higher or get chunked. Crappy lie in the bunker for my 4th shot, I was lucky to nearly chip it in once I finally got near the green, and made a 4' breaker to save bogey.

#6 was a mess because I chunked an 8i after a nice 5i off the tee left me 150y with that stiff wind in my face. This was where I started to have issues with my club selections. I normally hit 4i off that tee because 200y off the tee puts you into great position, but in a wind like today I would've took a 5w, maybe even a 3w. Since I was so short I had to step on an 8i and ended up chunking it into the trash which took me 2 shots to get out of.

#8 was another oversight because it's also normally a 4i/5w off the tee because it requires accuracy with water on the left and right, and a very elevated tee shot. In the wind today, there's no way I had a shot at par with hitting 5i back to back so I decided to try and hit a high draw and blocked it straight into the water:

#10 is another non-driver hole but you can get away with it if you bail out right, and play from the 11th fairway over the trees that separate the holes. Genius me duck hooked one into the hazard.

The rest of the round was a bunch of careful navigation with my 5i and 8i. I've never hit so many 3/4 shots before, and I don't ever intend to! This was very challenging, but surprisingly I didn't get punished too much by not having my full arsenal of clubs. I definitely could've shot a better score if my driver was working better and didn't cost me 2 penalty strokes, but that's golf! Thanks to @palvord for the invitation, even though it made the round harder, it was still a great time!

Good luck to everyone, and if you guys have any questions feel free!

Edit: sorry I don't have any other pics than the one I posted before I teed off. I actually had to turn my phone data off because it was dying. I finished the round with literally 1% battery.

[MattF]

12 hours ago, yungkory said:

currently 87F and 60% humidity

feels hotter than it measures because we're so close to the equator. the sun here doesn't mess around!

Pffft. That's an average day in summer where I'm from originally but with closer to 80-90% humidity.

[palvord]

5 hours ago, yungkory said:

Just finished my round. Sorry @palvord there was no magic today. It started promising with a birdie on #1, and being level par thru 5, but then my club selections kind of let me down. More on this later.

7/17/19

West Loch Municipal

67.2/109

84 gross

Clubs selected: Driver, 5i, 8i, 56*

 

Quick glance via Arccos:

 

So typically I'm able to overpower this course since it's pretty short at around 6000y and I can put the ball out a decent way with my driver. Arccos shows the course having blue tees, but in reality there's only white, and red. Sometimes, the white tees are where the blue tees would've been, sometimes they're where they're supposed to be -- so the course never plays its actual stated length. What I didn't account for when picking clubs were the 20 mph winds today. It turned driver + wedge holes into "holy cow I need to think about this now" holes.

I started off pretty strong even though I turned over my drive a little too much, but I got a free drop off the path and flagged a 56* for a 2' birdie (the first putt I've attempted that counted for a score with my new Spider X, if I missed that... let's not think about it).

I made myself look really stupid on #2 after chunking my 5i, and chunking my 56* since I was at an awkward distance. This is usually what happens when I try to step on my wedges, they just go higher or get chunked. Crappy lie in the bunker for my 4th shot, I was lucky to nearly chip it in once I finally got near the green, and made a 4' breaker to save bogey.

#6 was a mess because I chunked an 8i after a nice 5i off the tee left me 150y with that stiff wind in my face. This was where I started to have issues with my club selections. I normally hit 4i off that tee because 200y off the tee puts you into great position, but in a wind like today I would've took a 5w, maybe even a 3w. Since I was so short I had to step on an 8i and ended up chunking it into the trash which took me 2 shots to get out of.

#8 was another oversight because it's also normally a 4i/5w off the tee because it requires accuracy with water on the left and right, and a very elevated tee shot. In the wind today, there's no way I had a shot at par with hitting 5i back to back so I decided to try and hit a high draw and blocked it straight into the water:

#10 is another non-driver hole but you can get away with it if you bail out right, and play from the 11th fairway over the trees that separate the holes. Genius me duck hooked one into the hazard.

The rest of the round was a bunch of careful navigation with my 5i and 8i. I've never hit so many 3/4 shots before, and I don't ever intend to! This was very challenging, but surprisingly I didn't get punished too much by not having my full arsenal of clubs. I definitely could've shot a better score if my driver was working better and didn't cost me 2 penalty strokes, but that's golf! Thanks to @palvord for the invitation, even though it made the round harder, it was still a great time!

Good luck to everyone, and if you guys have any questions feel free!

Edit: sorry I don't have any other pics than the one I posted before I teed off. I actually had to turn my phone data off because it was dying. I finished the round with literally 1% battery.

I know you're not thrilled with the score, but that is pretty dang good shooting in high winds. 

You're experience with needing to hit 3/4 shots or try to step on it with some awkward distances is more what I expected with this kind of a challenge. 

I hope you had fun and all that stuff too.

[JohnSmalls]

13 hours ago, yungkory said:

currently 87F and 60% humidity

feels hotter than it measures because we're so close to the equator. the sun here doesn't mess around!

87 with 60% humidity and an ocean breeze sounds a lot like vacation

[bardle]

19 minutes ago, JohnSmalls said:

87 with 60% humidity and an ocean breeze sounds a lot like vacation

Come on guys stop heckling him for living in Paradise. Hot is relative to what you are used too. Plus @robertson153 and @JohnSmalls The southeast isn't really a fair comparison...We chose this hellish climate to live in. But the winters are nice.  

[JohnSmalls]

1 hour ago, bardle said:

Come on guys stop heckling him for living in Paradise. Hot is relative to what you are used too. Plus @robertson153 and @JohnSmalls The southeast isn't really a fair comparison...We chose this hellish climate to live in. But the winters are nice.  

Its the freaking Catalina Wine Mix......I mean CCC3 challenge. Heckling is expected and encouraged for far less than living in paradise. 

[KurtActual]

Hi, this is Texas calling. Did someone complain about heat?

[Bucky CC]

Unfortunately my round scheduled for this morning was rained out.  Tomorrow the heat index is supposed to hit 110 and this weekend I'm playing in a two day tournament so yesterday's round will have to suffice as my official entry for the week.

Date Played: July 17th
Course: Door Creek GC in Cottage Grove, WI
Course Rating/Slope for tees selected: 69.1/120
Gross Score: 77
Clubs Used:  3H, 7 iron, 9 iron, and 54° wedge.

I am on vacation at the family lake house about 2 hours from my home this week.  I chose Door Creek as it is relatively short at 6067 yards (par 71) and I've played it quite a few times before.  Last week I downloaded their scorecard and figured out what my average approach distance would be using Driver, 3W, and 3H.  I let @revkev pick his clubs first which eliminated my driver right away.  Using my inner Bryson I ended up calculating 3H, 7, 9, and 54° covered about 90% of the anticipated shots.

The strategy seemed to work to perfection on the first hole.  Nice hybrid off the tee left me 138 yards from the green.  I hit my 9 iron a little too far but chipped in for birdie.

I played steady par-bogey golf for the next 14 holes but finally ran into some issues on Hole 16.  I yanked my tee shot left into the trees and had to punch out sideways to the fairway.  I hit the back of the green with my next shot but it took a huge bounce and found a pond behind the green.  Luckily a good chip and one putt salvaged a double bogey.

I had a ton of fun trying the 4 club challenge this week.  I was amazed at how close I was to my full bag scores using 1/3 of my normal clubs.  It definitely forces you to think in great detail about how you want to play every shot on a hole.  While I'm excited to have the entire bag at my disposal for a two day tournament this weekend I will definitely be coming back to limited club rounds again in the future.  As a bonus I also feel much more confident in my 3H, 7 iron, 9 iron, and even 54° wedge after using them in so many different ways during the round.

Outside of one unlucky bounce on hole 16 (which could have happened with any club) this had the makings of a great score for me.  Fantastic challenge Cobra and MGS!

[KurtActual]

Man, I really love the feedback yall are able to give using the Arccos system. Being a data nerd for a living, it plays right to me.

[goaliewales14]

How does everyone feel about the Connect grips?  Do you wish they were in a different model of grip?

[robertson153]

How does everyone feel about the Connect grips?  Do you wish they were in a different model of grip?

I play with Winn Dri Tac midsized grips, I couldn’t find anything that looked similar, so I just went with what looked the closest. I do miss my Winn’s


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[bardle]

3 hours ago, goaliewales14 said:

How does everyone feel about the Connect grips?  Do you wish they were in a different model of grip?

I'm not sure if you are aware but they give you a while bunch of choices for grips. It's not just a single one. They have at least one choice for every preference. 

[Nunfa0]

4 hours ago, goaliewales14 said:

How does everyone feel about the Connect grips?  Do you wish they were in a different model of grip?

I went with mid size grips for my clubs and I am very happy. They have 4 wraps on them so are really chunky. I am so used to them now that when I swing a club with a standard grip it feels like a twig and that it's going to fly out of my hands . The grips are comfortable and have just the right amount of tackiness to impart the utmost confidence (look at me using my fancy words)

[goaliewales14]

4 hours ago, bardle said:

I'm not sure if you are aware but they give you a while bunch of choices for grips. It's not just a single one. They have at least one choice for every preference. 

I just looked and they did a lot better with the offering than when I bought my F8 3 wood.  That makes things a lot nicer! 

[robertson153]

Played my round today, but I’m gonna hold out on posting my score until I know that’s the one I’m turning in.
I will tell you I played my home course that’s a rating of 71.10 with a slope of 129. So if I do play again it’ll be at this same course.


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I’m gonna go ahead and post my round. Shot a solid 82 10 over. If some putts that I missed by inches would’ve dropped, it would’ve easily been a 78, would’ve should’ve could’ve. Best part about my round was NO doubles, and 2 birdies. When you tee off with a hybrid, it’s not long enough to get in trouble. So here’s the recap.

4 hybrid, 7 iron, PW, 58*
Rating of 71.10
Slope of 129
Gross score of 82 (10 over)


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[russtopherb]

8 hours ago, robertson153 said:

I’m gonna go ahead and post my round. Shot a solid 82 10 over. If some putts that I missed by inches would’ve dropped, it would’ve easily been a 78, would’ve should’ve could’ve. Best part about my round was NO doubles, and 2 birdies. When you tee off with a hybrid, it’s not long enough to get in trouble. So here’s the recap.

4 hybrid, 7 iron, PW, 58*
Rating of 71.10
Slope of 129
Gross score of 82 (10 over)


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I've never even sniffed 82 with 14 clubs! Great round.

[bardle]

I couldn't get my round in yesterday and have family coming in today so here is my round from last weekend that will have to be good enough. 

Date Played: July 13th
Course: Pinetree CC in Kennesaw, GA
Course Rating/Slope for tees selected: 72.8 / 136
Gross Score: 101
Clubs Used:  3W, 5i, 8i, 54º

It was a weird round. Not many great shots and had several OB tee shots with my 3 wood. I left ALOT of strokes out there. I meant to get another round in yesterday but ended up getting rained out. Still not a bad round for me with 4 clubs from the blues. 

[bardle]

Bag Review:

I love this freaking bag. I don't have a lot of experience with different bags so it could be that. My last and only bag prior to this was a Maxfli stand bag. While that bag worked (Kind of) it was a major problem. The stand system sucked, there were only like 3 pockets, and the bag never seemed to want to fit more than 2 clubs comfortably in any slot. I got to the point where I just laid the bag down because I was so worried it would fall over during someones backswing. 

So with that knowledge in hand, take this review how you will...

The Black / Black Cobra stand bag is awesome. The stand system is incredibly stable, and there are plenty of pockets to go around. I really like the water bottle slot, When you first look at it, it doesnt look its going to work, but I've had as big as a 42 ounce swell in it with no problems whatsoever. 

The bag is really light for all that it has. Heavier than my last but that doesnt mean much. I walk often. As much as I can really and I have no complaints about it. The extra ball pocket and water bottle container are both in reach while walking. the strap system is extremely comfortable and super easy to adjust, even while its on your back. 

Here's a little guide to what I keep in all of the pockets just for fun. Its also worth noting a glove isnt shown here because there is a velcro glove spot on the bag under the handle. 

Large Pocket: Bag of extra tees in the bottom, Extra sleeves of balls

Small pocket attached to large pocket: Personal belongings, usually car keys and I keep my markers and ball mark tool in there as well

Opposite Side: Loose balls, Driver adjustment tool

Bottom pockets: Small pocket on top is loaded with loose teas cause they are super easy to grab from there, pocket under that has miscellaneous items (Sunscreen, Scorecard, etc..). Club cleaner tool in the mini-insert pocket next to it. \

If I have a complaint, I would say that on the bottom end of the bag my clubs have a tendency to get jammed up and not want to settle. But thats about it. 

Sidenote: I'm trying to get this review done before the weekend and I forgot to take the pictures of the pockets, etc.. like I wanted too. If anyones interested I can get those for you for sure. 

[KurtActual]

While I think this reaction was the goal of this thread, but damn! My next set of clubs will probably be Cobra. That's just a good looking set!

Adding a Cobra F8 3-4 Wood today if all goes according to plan.

[russtopherb]

How are the reviewers finding the shoulder strap fitting side to side? That's a big issue I'm running into with my son right now, he wants a dual shoulder bag but we haven't found one that fits him comfortably. The adjustments on the bags we've tried so far have only had minimal adjustment in that aspect.

[bardle]

44 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

How are the reviewers finding the shoulder strap fitting side to side? That's a big issue I'm running into with my son right now, he wants a dual shoulder bag but we haven't found one that fits him comfortably. The adjustments on the bags we've tried so far have only had minimal adjustment in that aspect.

What exactly is the problem with the other bags you've tried? I haven't had much issue. My putter occasionally tries to escape but I can quickly tighten up one shoulder so its angled a little higher to prevent it. 

[russtopherb]

9 minutes ago, bardle said:

What exactly is the problem with the other bags you've tried? I haven't had much issue. My putter occasionally tries to escape but I can quickly tighten up one shoulder so its angled a little higher to prevent it. 

The shoulder straps are too far apart and no good way to really adjust them to fit. Granted, he's 5' 5" right now (and growing) so that's part of the issue.

[JohnSmalls]

@Nunfa0 we need some of your cheeky banter to spice things up, exactly how does one carry a bag in the land down under?

[palvord]

Played my four club round yesterday. Had fun with the challenge. For sure enjoyed being able to play after a lesson. I felt more confident and comfortable in my full shots. Lost most of my score to a poor short game. But, overall I’m happy with how I played.

Course: Rackham Golf Course
Rating: 71.6
Slope: 129
Gross Score: 90
Clubs used: 3w, 7i, PW, 52*


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[bardle]

31 minutes ago, russtopherb said:

The shoulder straps are too far apart and no good way to really adjust them to fit. Granted, he's 5' 5" right now (and growing) so that's part of the issue.

O interesting. I can take a look and let you know. I'm 6'3 so I don't usually even think about that stuff. but I'll see what the adjustability looks like on tightening up the distance between the straps sometime this weekend and get back to you if none of the other testers do before me. 

[MattF]

1 hour ago, JohnSmalls said:

@Nunfa0 we need some of your cheeky banter to spice things up, exactly how does one carry a bag in the land down under?

You strap it around your waist!

[Nunfa0]

2 hours ago, JohnSmalls said:

@Nunfa0 we need some of your cheeky banter to spice things up, exactly how does one carry a bag in the land down under?

 

1 hour ago, MattF said:

You strap it around your waist!

Well being upside down your balls do have a tendency to fall out so you do need to keep all zips fastened at all times. Strapping it round your waist is ok but I find on the shoulders with a leg rope from the bottom of the bag to either leg to stop it from just falling off works for me.