Best Golf related purchase in 2020

[Hoyoymac]

As a result of the worldwide Covid19 pandemic this year many people had a disruption in their lives.  My life was upended in a number of ways too.  The highlight of the year though for me and many others was that the sport of golf provided a welcome respite.  There is no doubt that I played and practiced more this year than any other prior year.

Having more time to dedicate to the game of golf and also more time at home allowed me to do several things that contributed greatly to my enjoyment of the game and for my performance to improve.   Ultimately resulting in reaching my goals for the year which were to reduce my handicap below 5, break par and break 70.  All of which were achieved.

It has been said that you can’t buy a new swing or golf game, yet there are lots of people making equipment purchases seeking to do just that.

Looking back over the past year and forward to the next I was reviewing all of the things that I did that made a contribution.  There were also numerous golf related purchases this past year and that got me thinking about what was the single best golf related purchase that did make the biggest contribution to my game?

Many of the purchases were guided by MyGolfSpy’s reviews.

Here is a list of some of my golf related purchases this year:

Putt-Out putting trainer & practice mirror with gates

Big Moss Putting Matt

Breakthrough Golf Technologies Stability Tour Shaft

Blast Golf swing analyzer

Superstroke Traxion Midsize Tour grips

Superstroke Traxion Tour 3.0 putter grip

Superstroke Counter balance putter grip weights

Corey Paul 52, 56 & 60 Wedge heads

Tour Edge XCG7 7wood & 28 degree Hybrid with Fujikura Fuel Stiff shaft

Fujikura Fuel Red stiff shaft for my Tour Edge EX 10 4 wood

Titleist 818 H1 25 degree hybrid with Mitsubishi Tensei Red shaft

New Titleist Cart 15 bag

Dave Pelz’s books - The Putting Bible & The Short Game Bible

Arccos Caddie Sensors & Link

Orange Whip Swing Trainer and Lightspeed

Check Go Pro ball spinner

Dave Pelz O-ball mask, elevated string line, putter impact tape 

8 dozen Bridgestone recovered Tour BRX golf balls to practice chipping & putting with the ball I game.

The Original Shag Bag

Grip replacement and club building supplies from Golfworks and BB&F.

Galway Bay rain pants and jacket.

Antigua performance polo shirts

Titleist golf caps 

Footjoy rain gloves

Footjoy rain vest

Ecco Biom 3 spikeless golf shoes

Footjoy professional spikeless golf shoes

Stretchy belts for golfing

Wilson Staff Tour gloves

Wilson Staff winter gloves

Stitch golf bag & accessories for a set of Corey Paul forged prototype irons

Martini Tees

Golf lessons from my local Teaching Professional

 

I’m sure I’ve missed some.

 

So what made the biggest difference in my opinion?

The Arccos Caddie grip sensors and App provided me with knowledge about my game that guided most everything else.  The club gapping information and statistics pointed me to the equipment changes to consider and the areas of my game that I needed to focus on.  That information led me to the Dave Pelz’s books which gave me more knowledge and understanding of what to do and how to do it to get better.  Most of the purchases followed after that.

The best part of the Arccos Caddie grip sensor purchase was that I got them for free as a result of their promotion with Ping for those who had bought qualifying Ping clubs recently. 

The reason I hadn’t bought the Arccos system prior to that was that I wasn’t convinced that they worked, was unsure if they were convenient to use, and I thought they were expensive.

If I knew how much of an impact they would have had on my game I would have gladly paid for them.

 

What purchase did you make in 2020 that made the biggest difference in your game? 

 

The most recent purchase I’ve made, and based on my immediate results, my prediction for 2021 is that the one that I think will make the biggest difference in the coming year is the Orange Whip Trainer and the Lightspeed trainer bought as their Distance Duo package.

What is your prediction for next year?

[Rchang]

Tie for the Putt Out which has helped with my confidence  on shorter putts. And Callaway Mavrik Max 5w. Am able to hit a green 200 yards out with confidence now

[Headhammer]

Driver lessons! Wished I had taken more.

[juspoole]

Would have to be my current driver.  Callaway Mavrik Sub Zero along with the Ventus Velocore Blue 6X shaft.  I turned my driving into a weapon this year with the help of this club.  Looking forward to 2021 and a full year with this club as I didn't get it until around July.  

Also, big find was Rhoback clothing brand.  Shirts and especially quarter zips are a great and soft fabric that fit me extremely well.  

Bettinardi Inovai 6.0 with Stability shaft has given my putting a bit of a boost, but nothing major thus far.  

Still plenty of work to do.

[cnosil]

Single best golf related purchase would be my golf lessons.  I could buy all the equipment in the world,  but it would not have helped my wedge game.  

[PMookie]

First would be getting lessons from Tyler McGhie. First-ever pro that LISTENED when I said I have back issues...

Next would be the Honma purchases: driver and irons. I shot more rounds in the 70s this year than any year before, and these clubs have something to do with that (lessons mentioned only started two months ago).

[Middler]

Generally I’d recommend lessons for almost anyone.

I mentioned this in another thread but the most value added golf buy I made in 2020 was my (MGS recommended) Precision Pro NX7 Pro rangefinder. After telling others my Garmin GPS was just as good, I admit I was wrong. Depends on the course, but my GPS was off by 10-20 yards sometimes, and no not due to pin placement. Some of the course mapping files must be wrong. Once I started sighting approach shots with the rangefinder, it shaved at least 3-4 strokes per round off my scoring average. I was missing some shots having the wrong club when my GPS was wrong, no more. And FWIW many of my golf buddies have Bushnells at twice the price and when we sight alongside each other on par 3’s, I get the same yardage just as fast as they do. Why spend 2X?

The least value added buy in 2020 was a Club Champion driver fitting. Not to say they can’t be extremely valuable, but those who say a paid fitting is always value added for all players under all circumstances are simply wrong. I’ve detailed where my fitting failed elsewhere, no desire to rehash. I am using my OEM driver shaft again, my $450 CC shaft is in the closet (ouch).

[PMookie]

7 minutes ago, Middler said:

Generally I’d recommend lessons for almost anyone.

I mentioned this in another thread but the most value added golf buy I made in 2020 was my (MGS recommended) Precision Pro NX7 Pro rangefinder. After telling others my Garmin GPS was just as good, I admit I was wrong. Depends on the course, but my GPS was off by 10-20 yards sometimes, and no not due to pin placement. Some of the course mapping files must be wrong. Once I started siting approach shots with the rangefinder, it shaved at least 3-4 strokes per round off my scoring average. I was missing some shots having the wrong club when my GPS was wrong, no more. And FWIW many of my golf buddies have Bushnells at twice the price and when we sight alongside each other on par 3’s, I get the same yardage just as fast as they do. Why spend 2X?

The least value added buy in 2020 was a Club Champion driver fitting. Not to say they can’t be extremely valuable, but those who say a paid fitting is always value added for all players under all circumstances are simply wrong. I’ve detailed where my fitting failed elsewhere, no desire to rehash. I am using my OEM driver shaft again, my $450 CC shaft is in the closet (ouch).

Sell that $450 CC shaft!!!!!!!!!!!!

[fixyurdivot]

@Hoyoymac, your 2020 golf purchases are more than I have made in the past 20 years .  That is quite a list!  My best purchase for this year was the used V2 I got from a fellow spy. In second place would be my G400 5w.

[cciciora13]

Easily my Sub 70 699 irons. Have increased my accuracy and shot dispersion and made golf so much easier and fun. Additionally my scores have lowered as well. Closed second was the range finder I bought from costco helping me dial in my accuracy. Not a purchase, but the best golf item was my review of the GS53 Hogan Driver; It is my favorite club to hit in the bag!

[OxfordJeff]

I haven’t bought a ton, but I’m loving my perfect practice putting mat!

[pulledabill]

I bought a set of Mizuno 919 tour irons. Not a ton of time on them but love the feel. 

[Pandaman]

Mine was Skytrak (luckily ordered it just in time, before stocks ran out), which got delivered on my first day of full lockdown.  And upgrading my outdoor net so I could use it safely.

[Vegan_Golfer_PNW]

I would say my planemate and Monte’s  videos. Close second are my 0211s as I haven’t had as much confidence in a set of clubs than those

[dlow206]

Besides lessons, my best value purchase was a brand new Evnroll ER2 for $110.

[2puttbogey]

Took advantage of the PXG sa!e and got fit for a driver and irons.

[Tom D.]

9 hours ago, Middler said:

Generally I’d recommend lessons for almost anyone.

I mentioned this in another thread but the most value added golf buy I made in 2020 was my (MGS recommended) Precision Pro NX7 Pro rangefinder. After telling others my Garmin GPS was just as good, I admit I was wrong. Depends on the course, but my GPS was off by 10-20 yards sometimes, and no not due to pin placement. Some of the course mapping files must be wrong. Once I started sighting approach shots with the rangefinder, it shaved at least 3-4 strokes per round off my scoring average. I was missing some shots having the wrong club when my GPS was wrong, no more. And FWIW many of my golf buddies have Bushnells at twice the price and when we sight alongside each other on par 3’s, I get the same yardage just as fast as they do. Why spend 2X?

The least value added buy in 2020 was a Club Champion driver fitting. Not to say they can’t be extremely valuable, but those who say a paid fitting is always value added for all players under all circumstances are simply wrong. I’ve detailed where my fitting failed elsewhere, no desire to rehash. I am using my OEM driver shaft again, my $450 CC shaft is in the closet (ouch).

That driver shaft that's in the closet would be all caps for me - OUCH.  And I'd have it listed on the bay, to recoup some of that $ (also I'd never have to see it again).

[sirchunksalot]

I've bought quite a few things in 2020, but nothing like you, @Hoyoymac. I picked up new Vokey SM7 wedges, Cobra F9 3 and 5 wood, a PuttOut trainer, alignment sticks, a Planemate, and a rangefinder. 

I think as far as beneficial to my game it would be the F9's. They filled a gap missing at the top of my bag and are more repeatable for me than my previous TaylorMade Burner Superfast 2.0 3 wood. 

As far as the most fun, I would say that the $18 I spent on the Wilson Staff Fluid Feel irons is pound for pound the winner. Pair that with the Spaulding wood I picked up from @deejaidand I've had a blast. I can't score too well with them, but the conversations one had here have been the highlight of my year. 

[Tom D.]

Was all over the bay this year selling stuff to afford new or newer (club ho was an avocation this year for sure).  Loved the look of the new nickel finish on the L.A.B. Golf DF2.1 so swapped out my previous 2.1 and B.2 for that.  Also got fitted for my 0211's (a first for me), and got into shafts that I never would have ordered if I hadn't been fitted (made some good $ on a set of  Cobra F-Max Superlite irons to help me out on getting the PXGs -- along with their great price reduction). Upgraded to CBX2 version of wedges, from the prior gen CBX.  And moved from Rogue FW to Titleist TS2 4W & 7W.  Now that I've actually put all that down in one place, I guess there were only a couple things that held their place in the bag, and that would be the G400 Max driver, and the oldest club in the bag, which I still hit the straightest - an older Cobra Baffler 23* hybrid.

Wishing all my fellow spies a happy new year !

[cksurfdude]

#1. More lessons.

2. PXG 0211s

[JP Labuschagne]

My only addition to the golf bag was a Taylormade Spider putter and my putting has really improved. Not sure if it just a mental thing, but the longer line really helps me to aim better and it feels like I am more confident with putts under the 7 foot range. 

I also discovered a new brand www.luckygolf.co and must say that I was really impressed with their towels and gloves, and I think they are reasonably priced as well.

Next item to buy is a new golf bag so let me know which one you recommend! 

[Tom D.]

On 1/5/2021 at 3:33 AM, JP Labuschagne said:

Next item to buy is a new golf bag so let me know which one you recommend! 

I'll throw in my 2 cents on bags/carts. Don't know if you walk or ride, but if you do walk I've read that doctors recommend you use a push cart instead of a stand bag (easier on the back).  In that case, a cart bag will work if you either ride or push.  I just LOVE the TopLok system on the Bag-Boy carts which integrates with that same system on either Datrek or Bag-Boy bags.  Quad XL cart is super easy to fold/unfold; it is also quite compact when folded, (and they make a great storage bag which keeps the trunk clean). Nice integrated beverage holder which is good size (holds my Yeti 20 oz. Tumbler with ease)  The Top-Lok system gets your bag attached and rolling toward the course in under a minute (no straps to mess with), and is very secure - you'd have to upend the whole thing for the bag to detach.  There are quite a few models of bags between the two brands (I have a Datrek) so it will depend on what features are most important to you. 

[ationgco]

Reminiscing best Golf related purchase in 2020...

#1) Renewed our Golf membership @ the Club. I am pretty 99% certain I myself have the lowest cost per round playing our course. the past 3 years

#2) Jones carry Bag in Maui less than retail. $90 Perfect old school bag walking the whole course Travel light.

#3) Titlelist stand bag @ the club. Great for walking the front 9 and loading it on the cart for the uphill back 9. The preferred bag for 2+ round days. Used up accumulated credit funds from monthly member tournament winnings + member discount. Out of pocket cost under $60.00 Score!

#4) Golf Pride Tour Velvet 360 grips from EBay auction @ 50% off. Sniped it!

#5) Gently owned Mizuno JPX 900 Tour 3 iron NS Modus3 Tour 105 Stiff also from EBay Auction. Fun to utilize on some days when we tee off the Lavander Par 4’s. Also Sniped it last second! ️

#6) and last but not the very least, Thermos Stainless Stell King Travel Tumbler, 2 Pack from Costco. ️ In the morning. Sturdy and keeps your beverage warm for hours. Was on sale at the warehouse during the Christmas holidays with rebate.

These items purchased made my early morning rounds more enjoyable and much more fun.

[Jackal]

I have jumped around with drivers over the last 10 years. Never buying the latest, maybe last years model.

My distance had dropped from 265-270 to around 235-240. It didn't matter what. 

I bought a used ( like new). Epic Flash SZ driver.

My plans were to re-sell it.

I put a non-pro Tensei white shaft in it, and I'm back at 250?? again.

When it gets warmer & drys up, it should be a little longer.

It seemed my distance was gone for good.

[Tom D.]

1 hour ago, Jackal said:

I'm back at 250?? again.

When it gets warmer & drys up, it should be a little longer.

Gotta love it when a plan comes together !

[Jackal]

33 minutes ago, Tom D. said:

Gotta love it when a plan comes together !

Thanks, it really gave me more confidence.

 This was an accident. My Son said hit it a couple of times.

The shaft was  a Hzrdus Black 6.5 shaft.

We had the Tensei already here, so it was put in and ( magic))!!!!

[GolfSpy_SHARK]

Last year I bought more than I ever have as well. Best purchase are a tie because the verdict isn’t out on my driver shaft but from early signs it will be the best purchase 

-HZRDUS green shaft and P790 irons. Irons towards the end of the year were really cooperating and knew where I was missing, distance and control are great, something I didn’t have before 

[TBT]

I love my Bushnell Wingman Smart speaker......great sound, easy yardages to front back and middle and the built in magnet holds it securely to the cart.

It went over so well in my Mens Golf Association that 3 other guys bought one a week later.


Sent from my iPad using MyGolfSpy

[DiscipleofPenick]

My pushcart from Costco! I get to keep walking, keep a better rhythm, keep losing weight. My back and legs feel so much better after a round. Gotta keep up with the little one.

Take Dead Aim

[RollingGreens]

On 12/26/2020 at 5:55 PM, dlow206 said:

Besides lessons, my best value purchase was a brand new Evnroll ER2 for $110.

That’s an amazing find at that price