**Golf Talk** thread

[patweisers44 696]

Ok, so the kids got me golf lessons from a local pro as a Fathers Day gift. What can I expect?

 

I generally shoot between 85-95 but that is all based on athletic ability (not golf ability) and the fact that I have an above average short game. Well, that and the fact that I dont generally play super tough courses. The last couple years I havent even had a driver in my bag, because EVERY time i hit it, its nothing but i high, soft fade (or slice at times). My swing is that of a "sweeper" and I never take a divot on purpose. when i do, its when i hit it fat and its behind the ball.

 

Truth be told, I am a little afraid of the embarassment i might have of swinging in front of a professional.

[cbfalcon 824]

Ok, so the kids got me golf lessons from a local pro as a Fathers Day gift. What can I expect?

 

I generally shoot between 85-95 but that is all based on athletic ability (not golf ability) and the fact that I have an above average short game. Well, that and the fact that I dont generally play super tough courses. The last couple years I havent even had a driver in my bag, because EVERY time i hit it, its nothing but i high, soft fade (or slice at times). My swing is that of a "sweeper" and I never take a divot on purpose. when i do, its when i hit it fat and its behind the ball.

 

Truth be told, I am a little afraid of the embarassment i might have of swinging in front of a professional.

 

If you are shooting in the 85-95 range, the pro has seen much much worse. You'll be fine.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

i havn't taken a lesson in 12 or 13 years but i took a handful as a kid. one thing i recall is how half the stuff the pro said really confused me. things like not swinging so upright. the V's and the way they should point i had no idea wtf he was talking about . I think i was just too young to understand, that and golf terminology/teaching is such a personal thing. hopefully you can relate to the pro and likewise.

 

good luck and enjoy it.

 

jot down some key points at the end of the lesson and practice them on your own at the range or at home.

[cribdog 0]

Heading out for our "Ryder Cup", San Diego vs. Riverside. 72 holes over 3 days, 8 man teams, all match play format. We start off with a Schamble today (both teammates drive, choose the best one and play your own ball in from there), followed by 4-somes Saturday morning. Saturday afternoon we break up into 9-hole matches, first one is a 2-man scramble then alternate shot. Finish Sunday with singles while also playing 2-man better ball teams in your 4-some.

 

Unfortunately Riverside has dominated lately, after a nice run by SD. I do think this is the year we get the cup back! Either way it is a great time. Supposed to be topping 100 each day, it may be a tough 36 on Saturday. High pressure golf that really tests your nerves...you sure don't want to let your team down!

[cbfalcon 824]

Last weekend I shot an 82 at Lake Arlington. Easier course but a handful of really demanding holes. Went 39-43. Always nice to get into the 30's. My issue? 35 putts. I only missed one bad one (2 footer on #17). The issue was I simply made nothing outside of 4 feet all day. Probably had 6 birdie putts inside of 10 feet and went 0-for.

 

My ball striking is really really good though. I've been hitting the gym pretty hard and have gained about a club and a half distance with my irons. Meanwhile I'm hitting the driver straight and a consistent 270 yards.

 

Playing Champions Circle again on Saturday. It's summer in Texas, thus my alarm will be set for 5:15am tomorrow with a 7am tee time.

[DankNuggs 305]

playing on cape this weekend, weather looks terrible but F it.

[rallo 132]

Played a weird round yesterday where i went 35 on the front followed by a crowd pleasing 45 on the back. (par 71 slope 134) It's only the 3rd full round of the year (because of back troubles and a weird thumb incident that sent me to the ER). I honestly wasn't expecting a whole lot out of the round until I hop and stopped an 8-iron to within 4 feet on the second hole. Also had a couple of gap wedges that I laid in around 8 feet or so... Even had a rare sand save for par on the evil uphill 230 yard par 3. Then... wow... enter the 11th hole and hard high hook out of bounds, followed by a tee shot fanned off to the right where i had to punch out (made triple). Was able to grind out a few pars until the 16th where my tee shot found the no-mow left and i couldn't find my ball... ugh. It's funny how a round can go from "I'm back, baby!" to "WTF was that?!"

 

Either way... the point of this post was to endorse a product... turns out it was 96 degrees and humid as fock... now... i rode a cart, but it was still oppressive. (and i'm a poosay) Enter http://www.tgw.com/customer/category/product.jsp/SUBCATEGORY_ID/9250/refScid/1340/sattr0/Color/sattrVal0/Varsity+Blue Frogg Toggs Chilly pad. It was a gift that i really had little expectations for, but performed very well... you just wet it, wring out the excess water, then put it on your head or wrap it around your neck inbetween shots. It holds water but stays dry to the touch. It was only like 10 bucks or so. You guys should give it a try!

[cbfalcon 824]

Similarly...I went 38-49 last week.

 

Really, I sucked on the front also, but managed to get up and down a few times. Back side, I started pulling everything. Then I tried to fix it and hit 2 shanks. That I chunked a couple chips. Whatever.

 

This seems to happen to me about once every 20 rounds. I just completely lose it and shoot a "which one doesn't belong?" round. At least it happened on the back, allowing me to keep it in the 80s.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Falcon - can you believe the freakish weather we've had lately? All area courses are loving the shiat out of the rain - will be green as hell this weekend!

[DankNuggs 305]

I put up a monster round last weekend. 39-39 (course has a slope rating of 133)... Cold on the first tee i bogeyed the first 3 holes. Also had a max triple on the back that given my HCP prob should have been scored a double, hands were slow on the drive, went OB, angrily dropped the ball and hit before marking off the yardage, went 20 yds over the green OB lost again. F it... 3 birds in the round, 2 on the back, and countless lip outs and tap ins.

 

 

Short game has been awesome. I spent a few sessions at the chipping range a month ago just hitting 20-30 yd chips. Got confident with the contact. Previously i used to keep the ball way back in my stance to increase the ease of contact, the detriment being its much tougher to stop the ball and keep it from rolling. Fast greens and downhill chips you need that open face touch to have a chance...

 

I also used pro-V's for the first time in a long time (i had been very loyal to the NXT Tour-S and B-300 RX-s) the pro'v's just bite so much harder on the greens, night and day.

 

I hadn't lost a ball in 5 rounds previously, but that max hole i lost 2 pro-v's thats like $8-10 in balls. Thats why i never played them even though i have like 4 boxes of them i've acquired as gifts over the years.

 

Playing again this sunday... Rounds this year at this course have been 85,83,83,82,78. Hoping i can keep momentum, but seeing as i've broken 80 precisely twice in my life (72, and the 78) its really hard to count on it.

[cbfalcon 824]

Falcon - can you believe the freakish weather we've had lately? All area courses are loving the shiat out of the rain - will be green as hell this weekend!

 

It's been great!

 

After a fun run of using coupons/discounts to play Fossil Creek, Tangle Ridge, Champions Circle, etc, I'm returning to ole Meadowbrook this weekend for the for time this year. I've actually always loved the layout (for a muni) but just can't stand the greens. I love fast greens, but theirs have been like concrete in recent years. It seems like wedges can't even hold without taking 5 bounces.

 

But all the rain has me thinking this is the week to play it. I've got a positive attitude about it due to the rain and a Saturday high of 88, which I'll never see as we'll be off the course by noon.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

I am heading out to play this afternoon at a nice private course. Going to be hot, though.

[DankNuggs 305]

I am heading out to play this afternoon at a nice private course. Going to be hot, though.

jealous, have fun, you at the cape?

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

jealous, have fun, you at the cape?

Nope, so it is going to be really hot. It is supposed to be about 95 with a Heat Index over 100. I played on Monday at TPC Boston and was gassed on the back 9 from the heat.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Nope, so it is going to be really hot. It is supposed to be about 95 with a Heat Index over 100.

We call that spring in Texas.

[DankNuggs 305]

Nope, so it is going to be really hot. It is supposed to be about 95 with a Heat Index over 100. I played on Monday at TPC Boston and was gassed on the back 9 from the heat.

Nice, I have an invite to player Norton in the fall, heard its great. Friend has a membership at eastward Ho in Chatham and it has reciprocal privileges at TPC, pretty cool

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

We call that spring in Texas.

I played with a guy from Austin on Monday. At the beginning of the round, he said the same thing. By the end of the round, he was like, "WTF?"

[Cruzer 1,992]

I played with a guy from Austin on Monday. At the beginning of the round, he said the same thing. By the end of the round, he was like, "WTF?"

He must of either been a poosay, or a transplant. If we see the high as only 95 we are happy. It's nothing to already be mid 80's by 8 a.m.

[DankNuggs 305]

He must of either been a poosay, or a transplant. If we see the high as only 95 we are happy.

low humidity 95 is much different than new england 95 with 80% humidity and a 70 degree dewpoint

[Cruzer 1,992]

low humidity 95 is much different than new england 95 with 80% humidity and a 70 degree dewpoint

I agree. But our humidity is actually higher than most think here. Our average relative humidity for the month of July is 69%.

[Electric Mayhem 35]

I went out for the first time this year on the 5th. I play once a year, maybe twice and it shows, i think I shot like a 125 or something. I took some 2xPars to sit holes out, one so I could properly dress my hot dog after the turn and 2 or 3 where I OBed my first couple of shots and got frusterated.

 

Anyway, I kinda don't like golf, but I kinda like the idea of not sucking. My clubs are the ones I got from my Dad when I was a teenager, so the woods are all the small ones like they used in the 80's. I've used my friends' ham-head drivers a couple times and liked them so I went to GolfSmith and got a used Calloway Diablo monstrosity for 50 bucks. Score.

 

I'm going to try to go to the range a few times and see if i can suck less. I think I've been 'playing' for 25 years and have yet to hit an iron shot that felt right.

 

I'd like to get a book i thnk that gives you some pointers. I've heard Nick Faldo's "A Swing for Life" is supposed to be good. Any other suggestions? I know the basics, I think I have a decent swing, but I'm all over the place.

[edjr 5,538]

Just got an invite to play Ferncroft in a couple weeks. $110 for the round plus a cart. I already took a couple days off for golf tournies, I really shouldn't take anymore, I just started

[drobeski 3,061]

I am heading out to play this afternoon at a nice private course. Going to be hot, though.

Oh, nahh im all set. Thanks tho

[BunnysBastatrds 1,902]

Nope, so it is going to be really hot. It is supposed to be about 95 with a Heat Index over 100. I played on Monday at TPC Boston and was gassed on the back 9 from the heat.

 

 

What do they charge to play the TPC there? It's a hundred here.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

 

 

What do they charge to play the TPC there? It's a hundred here.

I have no idea what they charge. I played for free, including open bar

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

He must of either been a poosay, or a transplant. If we see the high as only 95 we are happy. It's nothing to already be mid 80's by 8 a.m.

Well, he had a UT golf bag and a UT tatoo. That probably means he is not a transplant. On the poosay thing, how can you tell the Texas poosays from the non-poosays? They all look and act the same.

[BunnysBastatrds 1,902]

Well, he had a UT golf bag and a UT tatoo. That probably means he is not a transplant. On the poosay thing, how can you tell the Texas poosays from the non-poosays? They all look and act the same.

 

Did he say things like "you sumbitch"?

[Cruzer 1,992]

Well, he had a UT golf bag and a UT tatoo. That probably means he is not a transplant. On the poosay thing, how can you tell the Texas poosays from the non-poosays? They all look and act the same.

You kidding? UT has as student body of damn near 53,000 - there are tons of out-of-state kids at that school. Far as the poosays, there are the ones who travel to the East coast to play golf and cry about it being hot.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

You kidding? UT has as student body of damn near 53,000 - there are tons of out-of-state kids at that school. Far as the poosays, there are the ones who travel to the East coast to play golf and cry about it being hot.

 

So, today it is going to be 99 degrees with a heat index of 110 here. In Austin, it will be 95 with a heat index of 96. You guys are used to having 30+ days of 90+ temps. We have 5 in a row and it is yucky. Sort of like you guys wear gloves when it is 40 degrees and we still wear shorts.

[Cruzer 1,992]

 

So, today it is going to be 99 degrees with a heat index of 110 here. In Austin, it will be 95 with a heat index of 96. You guys are used to having 30+ days of 90+ temps. We have 5 in a row and it is yucky. Sort of like you guys wear gloves when it is 40 degrees and we still wear shorts.

Now this is a good summer day for Texas - will have this same stuff this weekend. For some reason we have had crazy weather here ourselves - set a record high the other day of like 73.

[KSB2424 3,082]

I went out for the first time this year on the 5th. I play once a year, maybe twice and it shows, i think I shot like a 125 or something. I took some 2xPars to sit holes out, one so I could properly dress my hot dog after the turn and 2 or 3 where I OBed my first couple of shots and got frusterated.

 

Anyway, I kinda don't like golf, but I kinda like the idea of not sucking. My clubs are the ones I got from my Dad when I was a teenager, so the woods are all the small ones like they used in the 80's. I've used my friends' ham-head drivers a couple times and liked them so I went to GolfSmith and got a used Calloway Diablo monstrosity for 50 bucks. Score.

 

I'm going to try to go to the range a few times and see if i can suck less. I think I've been 'playing' for 25 years and have yet to hit an iron shot that felt right.

 

I'd like to get a book i thnk that gives you some pointers. I've heard Nick Faldo's "A Swing for Life" is supposed to be good. Any other suggestions? I know the basics, I think I have a decent swing, but I'm all over the place.

 

The properly dressing your hotdog comment made me laugh so I'd figure I take the time to respond to your post.

 

My advice would be as follows.

 

1. Even though it sounds as if you arent trying to be super serious about golf I'd still suggest that you get newer technology than your 1980's clubs. The problem is a new set of irons, plus hybirds, plus fairway woods, plus maybe even a new driver could end up being over a thousand bucks when you add it all together. For you that doesn't seem practical as you dont play all that much. My suggestion, and knowing you are a Costco guy would be to buy this: http://recs.richrelevance.com/rrserver/click?a=88ac00e4f3e16e44&vg=3ec3d3e6-edbc-4f13-b85b-d54ffde87d22&pti=4&pa=HorizontalTop&hpi=1564&stn=PopularProductsInCategory&rti=2&sgs=&mvtId=0&mvtTs=1374250677938&uguid=4a87b842-52e5-44c3-ccbb-584ffde71091&channelId=WEB&s=03c27da7-e0c1-47cf-a0f6-f3aa0394e97c&pg=1317&p=724132&ind=0&ct=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.costco.com%2F.product.100039843.html%3Fcm_sp%3DRichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory%26cm_vc%3DcategorypageHorizontalTop%7CPopularProductsInCategory

 

This would be a good beginner full set (sans putter) for a good price for everthing included. You have a new full set from Driver to SW Costco also sells a good Callaway ball for really cheap as well.

 

As far as a book or whatnot, that is fine but to get better you really just have to play more. The oldest and most read golf instruction book is probably Ben Hogans Five Fundamental Book. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ben%20hogan%20golf%20book&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFive-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf%2Fdp%2F0671612972&ei=VmfpUfvrB8yp7AbQgoGgBA&usg=AFQjCNG1LGHgmQxu8p171icdNJMLQwTwOA

 

[DankNuggs 305]

 

The properly dressing your hotdog comment made me laugh so I'd figure I take the time to respond to your post.

 

My advice would be as follows.

 

1. Even though it sounds as if you arent trying to be super serious about golf I'd still suggest that you get newer technology than your 1980's clubs. The problem is a new set of irons, plus hybirds, plus fairway woods, plus maybe even a new driver could end up being over a thousand bucks when you add it all together. For you that doesn't seem practical as you dont play all that much. My suggestion, and knowing you are a Costco guy would be to buy this: http://recs.richrelevance.com/rrserver/click?a=88ac00e4f3e16e44&vg=3ec3d3e6-edbc-4f13-b85b-d54ffde87d22&pti=4&pa=HorizontalTop&hpi=1564&stn=PopularProductsInCategory&rti=2&sgs=&mvtId=0&mvtTs=1374250677938&uguid=4a87b842-52e5-44c3-ccbb-584ffde71091&channelId=WEB&s=03c27da7-e0c1-47cf-a0f6-f3aa0394e97c&pg=1317&p=724132&ind=0&ct=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.costco.com%2F.product.100039843.html%3Fcm_sp%3DRichRelevance-_-categorypageHorizontalTop-_-PopularProductsInCategory%26cm_vc%3DcategorypageHorizontalTop%7CPopularProductsInCategory

 

This would be a good beginner full set (sans putter) for a good price for everthing included. You have a new full set from Driver to SW Costco also sells a good Callaway ball for really cheap as well.

 

As far as a book or whatnot, that is fine but to get better you really just have to play more. The oldest and most read golf instruction book is probably Ben Hogans Five Fundamental Book. http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=ben%20hogan%20golf%20book&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&ved=0CCoQFjAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FFive-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf%2Fdp%2F0671612972&ei=VmfpUfvrB8yp7AbQgoGgBA&usg=AFQjCNG1LGHgmQxu8p171icdNJMLQwTwOA

 

Old clubs are fine, if anything they will force you to make better contact, and once you hone the swing to the point you want to step up to a better set you will benefit from it even more.

[Cruzer 1,992]

Old clubs are fine, if anything they will force you to make better contact, and once you hone the swing to the point you want to step up to a better set you will benefit from it even more.

Depends, how old, and what kind of clubs. EM is just trying to suck less, and more than likely he's still never going to play more than 8 times a year. A set of Hogan Medallion blades from '82 would prolly hone his skills - but he'd also never invest teh time it would take to actually see even a slimmer of improvement.

 

I'd suggest a thick bottom soled, offset, cavity back of some kind. For as little time as you're going to invest, a knock-off-copy is fine - maybe a Square Two line or something. As far as tips and book - again, based on the assumption you are spending very minimal time practicing - I'd forget the books. Those and video won't do you a bit of good unless you are willing to work at it.

 

* Go to the range.

* Grip the club with a baseball grip - forget about the other stuff.

* Hit balls - when you start making solid contact and you are hooking the shiat out it, move to a grip that you are comfortable with . The idea is to get the feel of squaring the club, rotation, and solid contact.

* Once you do this - come back for more.... Unless you do this, the rest won't matter.

[WhiteWonder 2,170]

I went out for the first time this year on the 5th. I play once a year, maybe twice and it shows, i think I shot like a 125 or something. I took some 2xPars to sit holes out, one so I could properly dress my hot dog after the turn and 2 or 3 where I OBed my first couple of shots and got frusterated.

 

Anyway, I kinda don't like golf, but I kinda like the idea of not sucking. My clubs are the ones I got from my Dad when I was a teenager, so the woods are all the small ones like they used in the 80's. I've used my friends' ham-head drivers a couple times and liked them so I went to GolfSmith and got a used Calloway Diablo monstrosity for 50 bucks. Score.

 

I'm going to try to go to the range a few times and see if i can suck less. I think I've been 'playing' for 25 years and have yet to hit an iron shot that felt right.

 

I'd like to get a book i thnk that gives you some pointers. I've heard Nick Faldo's "A Swing for Life" is supposed to be good. Any other suggestions? I know the basics, I think I have a decent swing, but I'm all over the place.

 

i would absolutely suggest new clubs. not brand new thousand dollar clubs, but what you did in going to grab a used, modern driver was a good investment. game improvement clubs are called that for a reason.

 

sure, if you are going to invest a lot of time practicing, then maybe you can stick with your 80's clubs but I think for what you want to do, investing in some more forgiving clubs with thicker soles and larger sweet spots is the right idea.

 

you already have a driver. pick yourself up an inexpensive set of irons, a 3 wood, 3 hybrid, sand wedge (~56 degree) and putter. I think between ebay, craigslist, used clubs at retail stores you should be able to put together something solid for roughly $400

[Little Rusty 17]

golf talk.......

 

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

 

 

 

Golf ~ even better than Baseball for naps

[swirvenirvin 25]

So we have a ton of work golf outings, and I play in 3 or 4 of them a year and there are probably 7-8 of them. One of them however pisses me off. They do it to encourage woman play, but they give 2 strokes for every woman on the team. Last year it was 3 strokes, and I think the realized how stupid it was. They already get to tee up 100 yards further and if you actually have a good chick on your team for a scramble that is huge. She hits it 150 yards dead straight and its like a 250 yard drive and the men go reach out and go for it.

 

Is this typical for other geeks? This is the only one I know that does this, and we focking lost because of it. Shot 11 under which was pretty damn good, and thought would take 2nd. But one of the 2 chick 2 guys (fokcing old, like 55+) shot 12 under. Then they start calling out lady long drive and closest too, and the one chick on their team won them all. Then lost tie breaker for 2nd place to another 2 chick 2 guys team. They start off -4. DUMB IMO

 

I did win us a skin. 470 yard par 5 and maybe played one of the best holes of my life. Slight dogleg right, fadeded a perfect drive arund 295. 185 left and hit the 6 iron about 10 from pin for eagle putt. First two guys missed it and then I nailed it.

[Cruzer 1,992]

So we have a ton of work golf outings, and I play in 3 or 4 of them a year and there are probably 7-8 of them. One of them however pisses me off. They do it to encourage woman play, but they give 2 strokes for every woman on the team. Last year it was 3 strokes, and I think the realized how stupid it was. They already get to tee up 100 yards further and if you actually have a good chick on your team for a scramble that is huge. She hits it 150 yards dead straight and its like a 250 yard drive and the men go reach out and go for it.

 

Is this typical for other geeks?

I've never seen something like this. Then again, I never get worked up over anything that happens in a scramble - or team type events. There is so much bs, brother-n-lawing, and shadiness in those that the only thing to do is enjoy being out, drink some brews, and have a good time.

[edjr 5,538]

I dominated geek fantasy this week and I had 0 points from Hunter Mahan rd 3, that focking quitter

 

 

 

 

just kidding, that was 100% the right call. Good for him.

[Patriotsfatboy1 1,432]

So we have a ton of work golf outings, and I play in 3 or 4 of them a year and there are probably 7-8 of them. One of them however pisses me off. They do it to encourage woman play, but they give 2 strokes for every woman on the team. Last year it was 3 strokes, and I think the realized how stupid it was. They already get to tee up 100 yards further and if you actually have a good chick on your team for a scramble that is huge. She hits it 150 yards dead straight and its like a 250 yard drive and the men go reach out and go for it.

 

Is this typical for other geeks? This is the only one I know that does this, and we focking lost because of it. Shot 11 under which was pretty damn good, and thought would take 2nd. But one of the 2 chick 2 guys (fokcing old, like 55+) shot 12 under. Then they start calling out lady long drive and closest too, and the one chick on their team won them all. Then lost tie breaker for 2nd place to another 2 chick 2 guys team. They start off -4. DUMB IMO

 

I did win us a skin. 470 yard par 5 and maybe played one of the best holes of my life. Slight dogleg right, fadeded a perfect drive arund 295. 185 left and hit the 6 iron about 10 from pin for eagle putt. First two guys missed it and then I nailed it.

 

Never played in one like that. However, I have seen mulligans in these events that can be purchased. Bottom line is that just about any scramble is a joke, so don't expect that it is going to be based on skill.

[edjr 5,538]

 

Never played in one like that. However, I have seen mulligans in these events that can be purchased. Bottom line is that just about any scramble is a joke, so don't expect that it is going to be based on skill.

 

Worst idea ever are mulligans for a 4 man scramble