bagger05

My Christmas gift wishlist is a little short and my wife suggested an animal driver headcover. I've always liked them, but if I have one, would that make me look like a total d-bag? I like this yellow lab (because it looks like my dog) and this polar bear (because I kinda like polar bears and polar bears = ferocious and ice cold, which is what I wish my golf game was like). If it makes a difference, I normally shoot mid 90s (in case it's one of those things where it's okay if you're good, but not okay if you're not very good).

Thanks for the advice from everyone! So for someone of my ability, is getting my clubs bent going to be good for now, or is it worthwhile to get a set that's fitted just right for me? If I'm going to make a big club purchase, I'll probably wait until Christmas. But if getting the clubs bent is going to do the trick, I can drop that money right now and maybe knock that out next week. I suppose my point is that I don't see the need to spend $50 or so on my current set if I'm just going to get rid of them in a few months. Also, what's a good place to do the launch monitor? Is Golfsmith a place I can do that? And what about getting the clubs bent? Would my local golf superstore do it, or is this something that should be left to a specialty shop? Thanks again for the advice!

Here's my story. I got my first set of cheapo Wal-Mart clubs maybe five or six years ago, but only really started playing consistently the last couple of years (once per weekend when there's not snow on the ground). This year I also have gotten some lessons and on the advice of my instructor, I'm in a continuing education class he does (about 12 people in each session) for now and will probably do another set of lessons next spring. I have since "upgraded" my set to some Nike VR full cavity backs I found for cheap on Craigslist and other clubs that I have found good deals on since then (Adams a7os 3H, Cleveland CG-14 56* and 60* wedges, TM Burner driver either 08 or 09 not sure which). As far as my game goes, I'm stuck in the 90s. I've started tracking my "handicap" on oobgolf, so with limited data I'm currently a 20.5 but have never broken 90 before. All parts of my game are hit and miss (short game will be on but ball striking will be off or vice versa). I really want to improve and start shooting better scores. I know new equipment isn't the final answer and I'm not blaming my clubs for bad swings and scores, but I've heard a lot of people say that it helps to get fitted. So enough back-story, here's the questions: 1. Am I a good enough golfer to warrant a fitted set of clubs? Is this something that won't really pay dividends unless I'm a 15 handicap or something? 2. How do I find out if my current set even needs to be changed? It is very possible that my current sticks are just fine for my swing. They're all regular shafts and I consider myself to be a regular guy... so maybe there's no need for a change and I just need to put in more time on the range and get better. Can I go to a Golfsmith or something and say that I'm interested in new clubs and see what they recommend before I invest real money in a more thorough fitting? Are there any quick checks I can do to know if at least my shaft flex and lie is correct? I don't want to spend a bunch of money on a club fitting only to have them recommend a set of Nike VR full cavity back irons with regular shafts. 3. If I do need new sticks, how much can I expect to pay for a fitting and equipment? If I go somewhere to get fitted, do I have to buy from them or can I shop around? Just to get an idea, I checked the Callaway website for a set of X-22s (5-PW) and with custom shafts and grips it's about $600. Is this the ballpark I can expect to stay in? Will I get a discount if I end up buying a set there? 4. What else do I need to know? What questions am I too ignorant to not think to ask? So there you have it... thanks in advance for the advice! I know I'll get some good input from this group!

Thanks a lot for all the advice!

So the driver that is currently in my bag is a $20 POS that I got to replace the POS that came in my box set I got when I first started playing the game (not because I thought it was a better club, but because the head on my other driver flew off). I've taken some lessons and my full swing with my irons has gotten a TON better, as well as my pitching and chipping. The driver is taking a little bit longer, but it's coming along. Now I'm not a crazy person... I don't know much about golf but I do know that new equipment is fun and exciting, but it doesn't fix your swing. However, I wonder if I should go ahead and get a new big stick now so as my swing improves it will develop with the club that I'm going to be using. The other side of that coin is what happens if my swing changes too much and the club that I get isn't the right club anymore? This feels like somewhat of a chicken and egg thing. Should I get the driver now and "grow into it"? Or should I get consistent with my current club and upgrade once the swing is better? Thanks for your help!

I'm still trying to get one I'm comfortable with. This is what I'm going with right now: Stand about 5-10 yards behind the ball, see the shot I want to hit, and pick my target. Line up my target with some sort of a mark a few feet in front of the ball Align my clubface to the mark Stand to the club and grip Look at my target and envision my shot one more time Waggle Swing Sometimes when I'm envisioning my shot and picking my target in step 1, I take a little half practice swing and sometimes I don't. I'm still working with it to see what feels the best, but I want to find that balance of getting loose and getting my mind right with not taking too long and over-thinking.

I've been shopping for a new bag as well, so I've been doing some research. I think that the Nike SQ Tour stand bag would suit you well. The 14 full length dividers are very nice and it has a ton of pockets and such. I really like the way the legs deploy and it feels really sturdy when you set it down. I'm also a big fan of the cooler pouch. It comes in some pretty good looking color combos as well. I'd also take a look at the OGIO Grom. It matches up with the Nike on pockets and features, but doesn't have the 14 dividers. However, the Grom has a specific spot for your putter which I like, and also I personally like to drape an arm over my clubs when I walk to keep them quiet and it works better with the Grom's divider system than with Nike's system. I also think that the Grom has some "cooler" features than than the Nike. The zipperless ball pocket and ball silo both add to the cool factor. Not to mention I love some of the color schemes. As far as functionality, I think the Nike's legs feel more reliable and it stands sturdier. I also liked the carry system on the Nike better than OGIO. It just felt more comfortable. If you ride 95% of the time, I'd recommend the Nike. I think the 14 full length dividers would make the biggest difference. If you're simply looking for a good bag that is functional with a lot of features, I'd recommend the Nike. I think the Nike might be the better overall bag, but I'm having a hard time because that black plaid with red trim looks almost too good to pass up.

I just got a good deal on an Adams Idea a7 3 hybrid and I just love it. It's the club that I finish up my full swing practice with at the range because I hit it really well. I'd recommend giving that one a shot if you get a chance to hit it.

I'm in the United States Air Force. I get access to the USAF Academy golf courses, and I've heard they're really nice. Hopefully I'll get down there sometime this season.