Golf!!!2!

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by 2Stonedbirds

While waiting for my T200s from Titliest, I took my specs to Sub70 and ended up getting a full bag. Really enjoying them so far.
Also picked up a mlm2pro and set up a practice/simulator in the backyard. Loads of fun, and the metrics and video playback seem really helpful. Just gotta get after it and practice more. Crazy to see how much clubheads deflect on off center hits.

Which Sub70 model did you get? I've been looking at them off and on for a couple of years. Almost pulled the trigger once but the Canadian rep was a jacka$$.

[2Stonedbirds]

Originally Posted by CarlLester

Which Sub70 model did you get? I've been looking at them off and on for a couple of years. Almost pulled the trigger once but the Canadian rep was a jacka$$.

For irons I went with a combo set; cavity backs 4-6, and what they call tour cavity 7-pw. 286 wedges, 50, 54, 58, 62. All irons and wedges except the 2 iron have stiff DG Mid 115 shafts, +0.5". I like the wedges so much I retired my vokeys in the other bag, and got the same specs in 52, 56, and 60.

849D driver, 10.5° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 3W 15° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 5W 18° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 3H 18° Aldila NV S Hybrid '23 85
699 v2 2I 17° Aldila NV S Hybrid '23 85

I've pulled the 5w, 3 Hybrid, and 62° wedge out of the bag to make up 14 clubs. Also got a putter from them which I like, just not -quite- as much as my old Odyssey.

Going to fiddle with 3w adjustment as well, it's actually 1° weaker than my titleist 4w, and so far I'm carrying and rolling out farther yardage with the 2 iron.

Also did a little ink fill on the wedges and 2 iron. Happy with the results.

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by 2Stonedbirds

For irons I went with a combo set; cavity backs 4-6, and what they call tour cavity 7-pw. 286 wedges, 50, 54, 58, 62. All irons and wedges except the 2 iron have stiff DG Mid 115 shafts, +0.5". I like the wedges so much I retired my vokeys in the other bag, and got the same specs in 52, 56, and 60.

849D driver, 10.5° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 3W 15° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 5W 18° Aldila NV S Wood '23 65
949X 3H 18° Aldila NV S Hybrid '23 85
699 v2 2I 17° Aldila NV S Hybrid '23 85

I've pulled the 5w, 3 Hybrid, and 62° wedge out of the bag to make up 14 clubs. Also got a putter from them which I like, just not -quite- as much as my old Odyssey.

Going to fiddle with 3w adjustment as well, it's actually 1° weaker than my titleist 4w, and so far I'm carrying and rolling out farther yardage with the 2 iron.

Also did a little ink fill on the wedges and 2 iron. Happy with the results.

Wow you really did go all in! That's great. Glad to hear some real world feedback. As I mentioned, I've been tempted and will probably pull the trigger at some point (I actually don't 'need' anything at the moment and still have a set of Srixon irons coming my way )

Hope you continue to have success with them.

[2Stonedbirds]

Originally Posted by CarlLester

Wow you really did go all in! That's great. Glad to hear some real world feedback. As I mentioned, I've been tempted and will probably pull the trigger at some point (I actually don't 'need' anything at the moment and still have a set of Srixon irons coming my way )

Hope you continue to have success with them.

Thanks! I hope so too, it depends on the day though lol.
When the T200s show up I'll see how they compare. So far they are much more forgiving than my 710 musclebacks (no shock there) and feel pretty damn good.
The Srixons are so hot. You'll have to give us a range report on those. ZX5s?

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by 2Stonedbirds

Thanks! I hope so too, it depends on the day though lol.
When the T200s show up I'll see how they compare. So far they are much more forgiving than my 710 musclebacks (no shock there) and feel pretty damn good.
The Srixons are so hot. You'll have to give us a range report on those. ZX5s?

ZX7. They were an impulse buy. Hope to use them a couple of times later this week

[2Stonedbirds]

Nice. I hope you're happy with them.

[GioforPM]

Bah, supposed to play Kananaskis today. We shall see. Is anyone in that area?

[DoubleK]

Originally Posted by CarlLester

ZX7. They were an impulse buy. Hope to use them a couple of times later this week

Are those the blades?

I know two guys that went from mizzy to Srixon and said they wouldn't go back. That's high praise IMO. Mizuno fanboys are renowned for defending their forgings.

[Goriders]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Are those the blades?

I know two guys that went from mizzy to Srixon and said they wouldn't go back. That's high praise IMO. Mizuno fanboys are renowned for defending their forgings.

I’ve been running my Mizuno’s for at least 10 years. I don’t think I’ll ever give them up. I love Mizuno irons.

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by DoubleK

Are those the blades?

I know two guys that went from mizzy to Srixon and said they wouldn't go back. That's high praise IMO. Mizuno fanboys are renowned for defending their forgings.

No, not pure blades. I think they have a Z-forged or something that is the true blade. The ones I got are like a tour cavity style, forged players style club.

Anyway, they arrived on Thursday and I got to play with them on Friday and Saturday. Really liking them so far - they look really good to my eye and seem to fit nicely (I bought them on a whim so they are not custom fit or anything - but I got a smoking deal on them). I had 4 birdies on Friday, and another 6 yesterday including birdies on all of the par 3s. Lots of good shots with them. We'll see if the honeymoon lasts!

[CarlLester]

Originally Posted by Goriders

I’ve been running my Mizuno’s for at least 10 years. I don’t think I’ll ever give them up. I love Mizuno irons.

Mizuno and Srixon are what I was deciding between as well.

[Weitz]

I’ve golfed in Phoenix a bit (TPC and some other tracks)

Heading down in December for a short trip for a football game bookended by 2 rounds of golf. Anyone have any suggestions?

1st round would prefer to be close to airport so time isn’t wasted much when we arrive as sun sets fairly early

2nd could be anywhere as we will have lots of time.

Thanks!

[DoubleK]

Papago is close to the airport.

Make sure you check the overseed schedule and allow for 6 weeks otherwise you are going to be CPO and in for a muddy mess.

I'll be down there in November, so will have better info then.

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by Weitz

I’ve golfed in Phoenix a bit (TPC and some other tracks)

Heading down in December for a short trip for a football game bookended by 2 rounds of golf. Anyone have any suggestions?

1st round would prefer to be close to airport so time isn’t wasted much when we arrive as sun sets fairly early

2nd could be anywhere as we will have lots of time.

Thanks!

I'm going to assume you're staying near the stadium? You're coming down when prices are almost at their highest. The biggest jump takes place after January 1st, so you might be able to catch some deals here or there, but I will mention, some courses have already made the first jump to higher prices, ahead of overseed. On overseed, you shouldn't run into much of a problem as most are going to be six to eight weeks into their rye turf. Some courses do enforce CPO for an extended period, but that is usually over by Thanksgiving. Coming in during December should see most CPO restrictions lifted already.

For rounds close to the airport I would recommend Legacy Resort or The Raven. Both are really nice layouts and usually have great conditions. They are both higher value tracks as well. Both are under $20 Uber ride from the airport. The aforementioned Papago is an option, but I think the bang for the buck is on the low side. Not a great layout and conditions can be hit and miss. ASU plays there and runs the agronomy program which is why it can be it and miss.

Since you say you have lots of time I'll suggest some courses on the perimeter of metro Phoenix where you will get great value. Starting closest to the stadium.

Quintero is a spectacular golf course and is really untouched desert on many of its holes. Tough course, but extremely picturesque and worth every dollar you spend.

A real hidden gem is Wickenburg Ranch. It's in a retirement community, but don't let that dissuade you. It is a great golf course that will test your game and provide one of the more enjoyable experiences.

Sterling Grove is a new track that is just a couple years old. Another really great layout that is designed for the better golfers out there. This one is slated to go private, so play it while you can.

Verrado is a golf community that is gearing up to go private. They have 36 holes, one of which is already private. The public course is really nice but somewhat pedestrian. I would put it down for conditions and value for sure.

Honorable mention for around the stadium, and with a caveat. IF you know someone who is American military (preferably airforce) try and get them to take you to Falcon Dunes. A really nice Gary Panks track that doesn't charge an arm and a leg, and you get to watch the fighter jocks doing their takeoffs and landings all day. Nothing cooler than having an F35 or F16 come roaring in overhead after hitting your shot. These guys know where they are and they will sometimes put on a bit of a show for you.

If you don't mind a drive here are the courses I would recommend in a heartbeat, every time, and believe they provide the best value for your dollar.

Ak Chin Southern Dunes, in the southwest corner of metro Phoenix (Maricopa), is a must play course, if you like bunkers. This Fred Couples layout was built for players and has some real gut busters from the back of the course. Move up a couple tee boxes and it becomes a very playable and extremely enjoyable round. Fairways are lined with bunkers and greens become islands in a sea of sand. But a fantastic layout that should be experienced.

Gold Canyon Golf Resort, in the very southeast corner of Metro Phoenix, is a 36 hole facility that offers two distinct 18 hole tracks. The premiere course, and most expensive, is Dinosaur Moutain. It is one of the most scenic courses you will play. Your round works its way around and over Dinosaur Mountain and has spectacular views of the Superstition Mountains. Conditions are always top notch and the view will make you forget how badly the course is kicking your ass. The other course on property, Sidewinder, is probably the better challenge overall. The first eight holes lure you into a false sense of security, as the final ten feature elevated turtle shell greens. Bring your "A" wedge game or it will kick your ass. Conditions on this course are always top notch and the value is off the charts.

While I am not a fan, this list must feature We Ko Pa, which is on the very eastern edge of Metro Phoenix. A 36 hole layout with two very different 18s, neither of which I think is fair. But the courses are always in a awesome shape, do not have a house in sight, and provide a great bang for the buck. Ben Crenshaw (Saguaro) and Scott Miller (Cholla) designed two beautiful courses but with some features that will leave you scratching your head as you come off the greens. Once you finish you can head to the casino onsite and donate your money to the Yavapai tribe who owns the facility.

[Dion]

Just got home from a week's vacation in Minnesota where I went to visit my brother and his wife. While I was there, I got to play a few rounds on my favorite course Jacks 18. The fall colors were spectacular this time of the year.

https://www.ruttgers.com/golf/jacks-18

[PaperBagger'14]

I saw this posted on Reddit today and holy did it make my stomach turn. There was an assault (x3) on a golf course in Burnaby. One of the assaults was mostly caught on camera where the assaulter hit another golfer over the head with a driver and broke the club head off. The video is gross but you don’t *see* the assault, but the sound is gross.

Luckily the 3 guys hit only had minor injuries. Hope they nail this drunk with a few heavy charges.

Semi NSFW

https://www.burnabynow.com/local-new...course-9707865

[Winsor_Pilates]

Again?!
That's wrong with golfers in Burnaby?

[Lanny_McDonald]

Has anyone gone the LAB putter route? Putting has been the bane of my golfing existence for years, having the worst case of liprocy you can imagine. I had a friend suggest torque being the issue so I bit the bullet and had LAB look at my putting. They suggested a certain setup for a putter and I mulled over the cost/benefit. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

[nfotiu]

Originally Posted by Lanny_McDonald

Has anyone gone the LAB putter route? Putting has been the bane of my golfing existence for years, having the worst case of liprocy you can imagine. I had a friend suggest torque being the issue so I bit the bullet and had LAB look at my putting. They suggested a certain setup for a putter and I mulled over the cost/benefit. Is the juice worth the squeeze?

Do you do any kind of SG stat tracking? My kid was asking about a LAB a little while ago, but I am taking a no new putter stance even though he had a pretty good discount.

He's improved a fair amount by being very deliberate in tracking his stats in Decade. It's really helped him understand where he's at compared to benchmarks he wants to be at for college.

It helps a lot to know where you stand at 3 putt avoidance from different distance ranges, what your make rate is from different distances and how it compares to a benchmark.

It helps check if you are being realistic about how many 8 foot putts you should make. If you are 3 putting more than average from inside 30 feet, is it because you are always giving yourself 5 footers? That's easier to correct than trying to sink more of those 5 footers.

There are so many aspects to putting that you have to understand for sure what parts need to be worked on to be sure if a new putter or change in stroke would help.

But I'm not your Dad so by all means go the new putter route if you think it will help!

[Lanny_McDonald]

Originally Posted by nfotiu

Do you do any kind of SG stat tracking?

I do track my stats, generally. Not religiously though. I rarely three putt, even from outside of 30 feet. My lag is not the issue. My converting from in close is the problem. Structurally, everything looks good. The comment from LAB was drift in the head of the putter where I am missing right over the edges of the cup, so a very minor problem causing loss of easy strokes. I actually have really good make stats from outside of ten feet (above average), where I run into issues is cashing in from eight feet in, then blowing easy strokes between four to six feet (below average). LAB's solution is a forward press, which is handled through a grip offset and an extremely balanced putter head to eliminate possible torque. It's an extremely frustrating problem because this very small challenge is hindering some really low scores and probably a couple stroke swing in handicap, which is huge for my handicap level. It ain't the yips, but it is almost as damaging.