JRShields3 TPI Trip Winner-Follow his Experience Here

[Golfspy_CG2]

So if you all didn't see it last week the winner for the MGS trip to Titleist TPI for a full bag fitting including airfare and lodging was announced.

I'm glad to say it went to someone who was already signed up on the forum as a member.   Please Congratulate Jim AKA @jrshields3 on what is sure to be an unforgettable experience.  Yes people really do win these trips and they aren't some marketing gimmick..despite what some may say. 

He doesn't have dates for the trip set yet, but said he'd be happy to keep the forum updated on the events leading up to the trip and then share the whole experience at TPI on the forum as well.

Feel free to jump in and ask him anything about what he's hoping to get out of the trip or any idea of what setup he thinks he might end up with...I know we all go into fittings saying we'll let the experts do the recommendations.   But it's also fun to dream and guess what might be a good fit for us.

Congrats Jim, and we can't wait to hear about the trip. 

 

[Golfspy_CG2]

I'll stay by asking.

What  part of your bag are you most looking forward to in the fitting process, 

[cnosil]

I would like to hear how Titlist goes about doing the wedge fitting.   What are they looking for and what shots do they want you to try and hit.   Would love to have you go through the online fitting and then compare that to the results you get at your actual fitting.   

[jrshields3]

Thank you and I am really looking forward to the opportunity. I will hopefully get a chance to get some rounds in beforehand. You can see my current WITB below.

[jrshields3]

On 12/24/2019 at 11:20 AM, Golfspy_CG2 said:

What  part of your bag are you most looking forward to in the fitting process, 

I am looking forward to seeing what irons they put me in as I have never had great luck with  Titleist irons.

On 12/24/2019 at 4:07 PM, cnosil said:

I would like to hear how Titlist goes about doing the wedge fitting.   What are they looking for and what shots do they want you to try and hit.   Would love to have you go through the online fitting and then compare that to the results you get at your actual fitting. 

Very excited for that as well! I 'll use the online fitting and post on here. You can see what I am currently playing below.

[jrshields3]

On 12/24/2019 at 4:07 PM, cnosil said:

I would like to hear how Titlist goes about doing the wedge fitting.   What are they looking for and what shots do they want you to try and hit.   Would love to have you go through the online fitting and then compare that to the results you get at your actual fitting.   

Here's what the fitting tool says: Right numbers and grinds with the exception of the 58*, which is a custom grind T

[revkev]

Here's what the fitting tool says: Right numbers and grinds with the exception of the 58*, which is a custom grind T

First, congrats! What an incredible way to start the New Year.

Second, I still question the wisdom of so many wedges. Frankly I’m finding I’d prefer to play with 13 clubs than carry 4 wedges spread evenly. My numbers bear this out as well. My proximity to the hole, especially around the green, has improved by using fewer wedges.

I get the argument for even spacing but it assumes that a player has time to work on and then actually experiences those shorter yardages on the courses that he plays.

I will be interested to learn if your fitter actually advocates for that wedge set up.


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[Golfspy_CG2]

6 hours ago, revkev said:

 

First, congrats! What an incredible way to start the New Year.

Second, I still question the wisdom of so many wedges. Frankly I’m finding I’d prefer to play with 13 clubs than carry 4 wedges spread evenly. My numbers bear this out as well. My proximity to the hole, especially around the green, has improved by using fewer wedges.

I get the argument for even spacing but it assumes that a player has time to work on and then actually experiences those shorter yardages on the courses that he plays.

I will be interested to learn if your fitter actually advocates for that wedge set up.


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Rev.  Then you will cringe when you see what my wedges are with the T300 that just came in 

The set wedges are Poo 43* and a GW at *48

My current set up is 50/54/58, so that will change.   

I'll be back in Carlsbad in April and am planning on going back to TPi for just a wedge fitting.   But I'm thinking it could be either Either 54 and 58 or possibly 52/56/60.   5 wedges does seem a bit extreme.  But with my lack of length off the tee I miss a lot of greens.  So maybe having options in that part of the bag is a good thing. 

But I'm  sure the guys at TPI would get it dialed in correctly. 

 

 

 

[bens197]

Congrats!!! You’re going to have an amazing time!

The 2018 winners were family friends; to hear them share the experience outside of Titleist’s website story was really jaw dropping.

I’d like to say that jealousy and thrilled for you are interchangeable


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[revkev]

Rev.  Then you will cringe when you see what my wedges are with the T300 that just came in 
The set wedges are Poo 43* and a GW at *48
My current set up is 50/54/58, so that will change.   
I'll be back in Carlsbad in April and am planning on going back to TPi for just a wedge fitting.   But I'm thinking it could be either Either 54 and 58 or possibly 52/56/60.   5 wedges does seem a bit extreme.  But with my lack of length off the tee I miss a lot of greens.  So maybe having options in that part of the bag is a good thing. 
But I'm  sure the guys at TPI would get it dialed in correctly. 
 
 
 

I’m cringing at UConn’s performance tonight. :)

I miss greens too - having three choices - 52,58 or bump and run - that works for me - I’m not smart enough to do more than that - I only have a couple of Masters. I’m not a PhD.


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[cnosil]

10 hours ago, revkev said:

I miss greens too - having three choices - 52,58 or bump and run - that works for me - I’m not smart enough to do more than that - I only have a couple of Masters. I’m not a PhD.
 

 

A little confused @revkev  You mention going to 3 wedges instead of 4 or 5.   This statement discusses missing greens and using a couple of wedges.  Are you defining "wedges" in this thread as only partial shots and using fewer clubs for those partial shots?  Or are you including full swing shots with wedges?   

I carry 4 wedges (PW, GW, SW, LW) but only use a couple around the green but use them all for full swing shots.  Obviously there are two choices around the green,  use lots of clubs that will get you a variety of distances or use a 1 or 2 clubs and understand how to use those clubs effectively.   I fall into the later (as I believe you do);  I want to be able to do lots with a single wedge since it enables me to get comfortable with what that wedge does and how it will react.  

As for the fitting that is part of this thread,  how you plan to use your wedges will be a key question that needs to be asked.   My answers would be that I will use all my wedges for full swing,  I use SW and LW around the green,  and don't open them much.   

[jrshields3]

On 1/2/2020 at 5:28 AM, cnosil said:

I carry 4 wedges (PW, GW, SW, LW) but only use a couple around the green but use them all for full swing shots.  Obviously there are two choices around the green,  use lots of clubs that will get you a variety of distances or use a 1 or 2 clubs and understand how to use those clubs effectively.   I fall into the later (as I believe you do);  I want to be able to do lots with a single wedge since it enables me to get comfortable with what that wedge does and how it will react.  

As for the fitting that is part of this thread,  how you plan to use your wedges will be a key question that needs to be asked.   My answers would be that I will use all my wedges for full swing,  I use SW and LW around the green,  and don't open them much.   

I will be interested to see how I am fit as well. I use all my wedges as full swing options and I tend to like the Vokey 46* instead of the set PW. I use the 58* around the green and bunkers as well as full swings from less than 90 yds. I will use all around the green for different shots and try to hit to appropriate shots with wedges for full swing approaches. I have been looking at videos of testing of the new Titleist lineup and am going in with a completely open mind. 

Should be hearing from Titleist soon to schedule my visit.

[revkev]

A little confused [mention=16651]revkev[/mention]  You mention going to 3 wedges instead of 4 or 5.   This statement discusses missing greens and using a couple of wedges.  Are you defining "wedges" in this thread as only partial shots and using fewer clubs for those partial shots?  Or are you including full swing shots with wedges?   
I carry 4 wedges (PW, GW, SW, LW) but only use a couple around the green but use them all for full swing shots.  Obviously there are two choices around the green,  use lots of clubs that will get you a variety of distances or use a 1 or 2 clubs and understand how to use those clubs effectively.   I fall into the later (as I believe you do);  I want to be able to do lots with a single wedge since it enables me to get comfortable with what that wedge does and how it will react.  
As for the fitting that is part of this thread,  how you plan to use your wedges will be a key question that needs to be asked.   My answers would be that I will use all my wedges for full swing,  I use SW and LW around the green,  and don't open them much.   

Sorry that I dropped out. I’m defining wedges as anything under the PW in my set - let’s face it, those bad boys are so wrong anymore that it’s hard to think of them as a “wedge.”

So I’ve gone from 4 evenly spaced one to 3. I think fitters often fit to the long game - my question is, how often do I or you or anyone ever have an 88 yard shot in an actual round of golf? Throw in the fact that I’m likely to have a couple of shots around the green where I have to make a choice between the 88 yard club and the 100 yard club - it’s not conducive to great scoring and my proximity to the hole numbers around the green were bearing that out.

I reduced the number of wedges (and choices) and those numbers have improved without impacting my proximity to the hole on full shots one iota.

I hope that helps.




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[PlaidJacket]

3 hours ago, revkev said:

my question is, how often do I or you or anyone ever have an 88 yard shot in an actual round of golf?

Include me in the anyone group. LOL

Once or twice a round usually. At that yardage (88) I usually go with my 56*. Sometimes my 60* depending on the pin placement. I carry a standard set of wedges. 48*, 52*, 56*, 60*. I use them all - all day long depending on the particular shot situation. Sometimes a full swing - sometimes half. Other times chips and pitches. Besides putter they're the most used clubs in my bag. Works for me.

[revkev]

Include me in the anyone group. LOL
Once or twice a round usually. At that yardage (88) I usually go with my 56*. Sometimes my 60* depending on the pin placement. I carry a standard set of wedges. 48*, 52*, 56*, 60*. I use them all - all day long depending on the particular shot situation. Sometimes a full swing - sometimes half. Other times chips and pitches. Besides putter they're the most used clubs in my bag. Works for me.

And that’s great! But you see, I almost never would and yet there are a number of short game guru’s and subsequently fitters who would want me to carry that configuration.

It doesn’t suit my game - I didn’t figure that out because I didn’t like the set up - the numbers revealed it to me. I stink with the 56 around the green (for whatever reason) and a good with the 52 and 58 - I get the all significantly closer to the whole with 52,58 than I did with 52,56,60 from around the green and from fairway the difference in proximity to the hole is insignificant - I’m really not holing many more 20 footers than I am 22 footers.

My entire point is knowing your game and wondering if this fitting experience will take into account how our winner plays and the courses that he plays on.


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[cnosil]

3 hours ago, revkev said:

And that’s great! But you see, I almost never would and yet there are a number of short game guru’s and subsequently fitters who would want me to carry that configuration.

It doesn’t suit my game - I didn’t figure that out because I didn’t like the set up - the numbers revealed it to me. I stink with the 56 around the green (for whatever reason) and a good with the 52 and 58 - I get the all significantly closer to the whole with 52,58 than I did with 52,56,60 from around the green and from fairway the difference in proximity to the hole is insignificant - I’m really not holing many more 20 footers than I am 22 footers.
 

 

I think the confusion is not that you don't carry those wedges; because you do;  you focus on one or two clubs for your short game instead of playing them all.     Instructors, coaches, fitters, and players look at this differently.  If you play a single wedge you learn it inside out and can manipulate it and be confident in your results.   Others advocate using multiple wedges to vary distance and trajectory.   Both work and players can be successful with either.  I am with you,  I tend to lean toward one wedge when I get around the green.  

[revkev]

I think the confusion is not that you don't carry those wedges; because you do;  you focus on one or two clubs for your short game instead of playing them all.     Instructors, coaches, fitters, and players look at this differently.  If you play a single wedge you learn it inside out and can manipulate it and be confident in your results.   Others advocate using multiple wedges to vary distance and trajectory.   Both work and players can be successful with either.  I am with you,  I tend to lean toward one wedge when I get around the green.  

And in some ways I think they are out of touch with reality - what sort of time does their client have and what aspect of the game should he or she devote practice time to (if any.). Also how does he think. I’m certainly not advocating that everyone should do what I do beyond looking at your numbers, honestly assessing your game and working with your teacher and fitter accordingly.

At any rate can’t wait to hear about the OPs experience.


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[Golfspy_CG2]

2 hours ago, revkev said:

 

And in some ways I think they are out of touch with reality - what sort of time does their client have and what aspect of the game should he or she devote practice time to (if any.). Also how does he think. I’m certainly not advocating that everyone should do what I do beyond looking at your numbers, honestly assessing your game and working with your teacher and fitter accordingly.

At any rate can’t wait to hear about the OPs experience.


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Yeah, I know there is some down time until JR's fitting, but let's not get too far off the topic of HIS fitting

[revkev]

@ CG2 Yes - that's why I finished my last post with - I can't wait to see what are winner gets.  The more I watch golf on TV and think about this thread the more jealous I become - I even went to confession last week.

 

I'm very excited that a member of our community has this opportunity -

[Golfspy_CG2]

Rev, yeah I know and it's fine, it was a good conversation, I wasn't singling you out, as I had made comments about my wedge setup as well.  It's fine, I just don't want the thread to get turned completely into something other than his fitting.  

Sounds like it'd be a great topic for a new thread and get lots more opinions going 

@jrshields3 any word from Titleist or MGS yet?  We are all very eager!! 

[jrshields3]

On 1/13/2020 at 12:19 PM, Golfspy_CG2 said:

@jrshields3 any word from Titleist or MGS yet?  We are all very eager!! 

I was told I should be hearing soon. I am getting some range time and course time in but work and the weather haven't been as cooperative here in No CA. Also, seeing Titleist come out with all these new offerings has me salivating! The T100s look awesome and the new T400 would be fun to see how far they go! Also, the new Scotty line and the SM8s. I will definitely post dates once I hear.

[jrshields3]

Okay, my fitting visit at the TPI Training Institute is scheduled for March 13. They have been very accommodating and I am looking forward to the trip. I plan to get some rounds in before the visit so I will be ready for the fitting.

[Golfspy_CG2]

Great news.  Just far enough away to have something to look forward to.  But not so far away you lose the excitement. 

[fixyurdivot]

Totally missed this thread.  What a cool opportunity - congratulations @jrshields3!!!  Looking forward to hearing about your fitting and any changes this leads to.  

[revkev]

On ‎1‎/‎31‎/‎2020 at 8:23 PM, jrshields3 said:

Okay, my fitting visit at the TPI Training Institute is scheduled for March 13. They have been very accommodating and I am looking forward to the trip. I plan to get some rounds in before the visit so I will be ready for the fitting.

So jealous - Once upon a time I won a driver/fairway fitting at the Tour Performance Center at TPC Sawgrass through a MGS contest.  It was incredible - I can't wait to hear about yours, learn what advancements places like this have made and of course how they go about helping you select your set make up.

[jrshields3]

Just wrapped up at TPI and what a blast!!!!! Thank you Golf Spy and Titleist. I learned a great deal, especially on the short game side and really gained some experience on how to fill the gaps in my clubs and what makes the best club.

I will post pictures, hopefully by tomorrow. The folks at TPI were awesome and very welcoming. I didn't get to tour the club making portion due to the virus scare, but am welcomed back once this has passed for the tour so I definitely will be doing that.

On a crazy note, my current iron setup, Mizuno JPX 919 are 1/2" over. My new setup, T200 will be a 1/2" short! When we looked at Mizuno specs compared to Titleist specs that equates to a 1 1/2" difference! The great thing I found was my dispersion so so much tighter and I lost no distance.

More to come!

[Golfspy_CG2]

Awesome to hear. 

That wedge fitting area is the best isn't it.  Started at 100 yards---for me since that's my longest wedge--then worked into about 30 to 40 yards.  Really very cool. 

The length difference for me was a shocker as well.  Went from 1/2 over to standard, almost ended up at 1/4 inch short --and I'm 6'4"

Glad you got the trip in before the travel restrictions really hit. 

[fozcycle]

That was a terrific beginning, JR, I am anxiously awaiting the next installment of your experience.......and pictures please.


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[palvord]

That feeling of working to get things fully dialed in, and finding out what has been holding you back in the way the gear has been set up.

Can't wait to hear how the new set up works for you on the course @jrshields3

[Berg Ryman]

Can't wait to hear more about it @jrshields3! Really intrigued to hear about the wedge fitting.