UpandDown

I have worn my Tour 360s for about fifteen rounds. I just played an entire round in the rain last week at Mayacama (unreal course in California) and never once did my feet get wet. After every round, I clean my shoes with a spray of the garden hose on the soles, a wet towel on the uppers, dry them with a towel, and shoe tree them. That's it.

I purchased a dozen along with a synthetic mat called Softee. It was a package deal. I have a back yard with about 60 yards of usable area for hitting balls. I can use a full swing with a 9 iron and stay in-bounds. I tried a driver and I hit the Birdie Ball out of my yard. The upside of this clever design is good audible feedback. The product can also fade, slice, draw, and hook. Of course, the real deal at a range is best, but these practice "balls" can work in the right spot.

PS, Please do not reply that Pete Caroll coaches USC. Real football is played in the Southeast.[/QUOTE] Ahh... someone who "gets it". As an Auburn alum, I admit I am partial to the SEC, and expect the SEC to provide a BCS Championship participant. I hope it is Auburn, but I see Florida and LSU as threats. No doubt West Va. will have a chance given the terribly weak schedule....what a shame to see a talented team like West Virginia suffer the fate of playing in the weakest BCS conference and having a schedule that should make them blush. On another side of the coin, Pete Caroll can coach, and I predict that he will find a way to win in the suspect PAC-10. My rank of conference strength this year...(with confernce winner) 1) SEC (Auburn).. what did you expect? 2) Big Ten (Ohio St) 3) ACC (Va. Tech) 4) Big 12 (Texas) 5) PAC-10 (USC) 6) Big East (West Va) Notre Dame will be in the mix because the NCAA needs them there. They will be solid, and they have premiere coaching. Watch out for Duke, too. They will sneak up on some teams.... relax....I am joking. I expect some response to this post... it's almost game time, friends! WAR EAGLE!

Erik, Thanks for the link to your software. I checked it out and was about to pull the trigger; yet I run Mac OS 10.3.9. I guess I will eventually buy a Mac Book and get with the current OS; right now my 10.3.9 serves me well. I think "Tiger" would really slow my system...older iBook. I read on your blog that making the software work with Panther would change the functionality. Thanks.

Erik... I got this off of PGATOUR.com and ihave read similar on USGA site... maybe I am missing something: The USGA decision was widely praised, to the relief of many amateurs and local pros seeking a faster and more accurate distance-measuring technique than trying to locate a hard-to-find plate in the ground or making a rough judgment based on a distance stake at the side of the fairway -- not to mention trying to figure yardage to the front of or to clear a hazard. But, as players flocked to test and purchase the electronic devices, golf’s governing bodies issued a clarification. Not all rangefinders are OK. In a clarification announced early last month, it was stated that “under the Rules of Golf, golfers must not use distance-measuring devices for handicap purposes or in competition that are capable of gauging or measuring other conditions that might affect play, even if such a function is not used.” Such a function might entail measuring wind speed and direction, or the slope of terrain.

Can you post a 10 on a hole with a 8.6 Handicap? I was under the impression that the max score you can post with your current handicap on a given hole is double bogey, under the USGA Equitable Stroke Control. Maybe I am misunderstanding the USGA rule. Thanks.

Not illegal anymore... as long as it does not adjust for wind/elevation, etc, then it may be used for handicap rounds. For tournaments, check with tournament officials before using, but most will allow. The Bushnell 1500 pinseeker pro "Tournament Edition" may be used, the "Slope Edition" may not be used for "handicap" rounds. The rules may differ in New Zealand, but the USGA allows approved rangefinders, now.

Based on the description of these clubs at TGW, I would guess that they are not as forgiving. If a club has "workability", it typically does not forgive mis-hits as well. Also, most game-improvement irons launch the ball more easily with a higher trajectory. These Cobras provide mid-high flight. So... compared to the other irons you have considered, I would agree with your comment.

2 Euro coin, too. I like the heft, size, color.

Another way is to form your own golf club. It takes a minimum of ten golfers, and you must play at least three rounds with some of the group, as well as one "sanctioned club" tournament... to be held by your club. The set-up fee is $100, and you can get the information at USGA.org. I may not have captured the language of the USGA rules, but I am in the ballpark. It seems fairly simple to arrange a club with your golfing friends who do not belong to a private club. I used the Golf Galaxy system last year and it is very easy and affordable.

Gas_Can is right. I use the Bushnell 1500 Pinseeker (w/out slope) and it is awesome. The driving range aspect is my favorite, as mentioned in point #5 of gas_can's post. Sure, it is another piece of equipment to "lug around", but worth the extra 10 ounces. In addition, I use a Mac and Skycaddie does not support Mac at this time, so I opted for the Bushnell.

I consider Adams, Cleveland. and TaylorMade to be equal in quality. Since you have access to TGW and can demo/test, I would try all three brands and then decide. Forget the label on the club and let the feel and performance dictate. You ask, "Are the Taylor Made's worth the extra bucks?" If you hit the TaylorMade clubs better than the Adams or Cleveland...heck yes they are! Most of us do not buy new irons regularly, so what's a couple of hundred $$ more if you like them? Just get a proper fit with whatever club you choose.

Has anyone seen and/or tried this product? It is a personal launch monitor that sells for ~$400. If it works as claimed, I would consider getting one to share with my regular foursome...of course they can share the cost, too! www.zelocity.com Thanks. UpandDown

Club designs and technologies change quickly. What does not change is the benefit from being properly fit. No matter what you buy, make sure to have the lie adjusted properly for your stance and swing. Also, have each club's loft measured to know what you are hitting. For example, many PW were lofted at 50 degrees until a couple of years ago when many manufacturers starting making the pitching wedge, say 46 degrees. Lofts have changed in recent years. Eventually, a gap wedge might be appreciated. As for brands... Ping & Callaway consistently produce game-improvement irons. G2s were big a couple of years ago, I think. Typically, game-imprv irons are cast, and I prefer forged which is why I like Mizuno. My Mizuno MX clubs are forged cavity backs which offer improvement with sweet forged feel. They MX-20s were replaced by the MX-23. You might be able to find a decent set of MX-20s on eBay. I think you are on the right path with the hybrids. The future looks to be hybrid, and I see the 2,3,4 iron moving to the attic for many players one day in the near future. With hundreds of options for you, take the time to hit several clubs. Golf is about more than swing mechanics. The club needs to look good to your eye at address, as well as perform well on the course. If you are not confident in your equipment, you will suffer where it matters... the scorecard. Best wishes. By the way... I have zero ties to Callaway, but they have superb customer service. While other companies may do as well, no one does customer service better than Callaway. That could be a factor for you.

I agree with Erik's comments. Plus, flexibility is paramount, and your improvement in flexibility will pay nice dividends. Distance is not generated from swinging harder, or being stronger. It comes from good mechanics, timing, and intense proper contact. Consider Charles Howell III. He weighs about 150, wet; yet he drills the ball. If you train your muscles and joints to be more flexible, you can improve your upper body turn, while maintaining a stable, solid lower body. I would start with hamstring exercises to increase flexibility, as well as shoulder stretches and exercises. A surgical tube tied to a solid object makes a good device to work on the shoulder/rotator-cuff. Check with a reputable source for some exercises. Also, walk the golf course whenever possible. Your heart will benefit, your legs will get stronger, and you will have time to prepare for the next shot.