What's in your bag and WHY?

[shredfit]

Obviously he doesn't understand the concepts of a handicap. Of course he just means a standard 15 handicap.

I know, I'm mostly being my smart @ss self.

[Jayel]

lol, no i do play at that level! just kidding, yeah; sorry for the mistype

[Zeph]

Irons - Olyo P2 - A cheap set, will be replaced by Mizuno or Titleist (most likely), bought in pro store, beginner set from recommendation from seller
Hybrids - Olyo 22º and 19º squarehead - decent clubs, bought from recommendation when I wanted something easier than longer irons
3 wood - Titleist 906F4, awesome club, bought after testing my friends club
Driver - King Cobra Speed LD, like it really well, bought since I've played with one on a simulator
Putter - Profound Dark Ace, bought from recs. Really like it, has helped me alot
Wedges 52º Olyo, cheap, first wedge. 56º, 60º and 64º Cleveland RTS DGT something. Use mostly 56 and 60, the 64 was most for fun. Bought after good reviews and recs from friends. :P

[rebby]

In my bag, err and my bag.

Bag: Hoofer Vantage

Like a lot of my equipment, I just got a new bag this year. I looked at a lot of offerings and really preferred the Ping. The club layout is pretty good (unlike the Ogio, I hated that layout) as are the arrangement of the various pockets. I've carried a Ping stand bag since I replaced the all plastic one that I got with my junior set many years ago so it just "felt" right too. As I'm reflecting on what is in my bag (and my bag itself), I find that some of my equipment follows the "because I've always done it this way" path.

Driver: 9.5' FT-5 N I-Mix w/Diamana WB 73 XS

I just got this driver in August and it replaced another Callaway, 8.5' Hawk Eye Pro Series. The Hawk Eye was a good club but it was way wrong for my game. The shaft was to soft, I had a higher launch than I really needed/wanted, the spin was ridiculously high (6800+!), etc, etc.

Before the Hawk Eye I a few of the various Big Bertha's, before that, well we're back to my junior sets. I'd always stuck with Callaway but this time around I looked at everything that I could find. I found myself coming back to the FT-5 over and over again. The look was right, the feel was right, and it performed well. Of course, I was coming at it with over 15 years of Callaway bias as well.

Once I settled on the FT-5, I started trying shafts and eventually settled on the Diamana because, according to the launch monitor, it gave me the most desirable results of everything that I tried. On the course performance has been very satisfactory as well. I do like the I-Mix system too. I have the option of swapping out the head for one with a lower loft or even the FT-i, or the upcoming FT-iq and FT-9. With a shaft that set me back about $350 (I-Mix markup ), this is a pretty big advantage for me.

Woods: 15' FT N Tour w/Aldila VS Proto 80 XS

I've never been much of a fairway wood guy, always preferred a 2-iron, but when I have carried a fairway wood it's always been a 4-wood. After my junior set I went to an old Ping Eye-2 4-wood. I loved this club and it was my go to club for a long time. Eventually the wire wrap around the hosel let go and I was "forced" to get a new 4-wood. Since I already carried a Callaway driver, naturally I was attracted to a Callaway 4-wood. I ended up with a WarBird 4 wood with a steel shaft. Up until just a few weeks ago, when I carried a fairway wood, it's been that WarBird.

When I replaced my irons a few weeks ago (I'll get into that more below), I dropped the 2-iron from my bag (there is no Titleist ZM 2-iron and I hit the new ZM 3-iron nearly as far as I hit my old 2-iron). This opened up yet another slot in my bag which I decided to fill with a fairway wood that fit me a bit better than my WarBird. Again, I looked at a lot of fairway woods and in the end I found that I was most comfortable with the Callaway, another FT actually. I preferred the Tour version so I was left to choose between the 13' and 15' fairway woods. I felt that the 15' was a bit more versatile for my game (and more like my 16.5' 4-wood that it was replacing) so that's what I went with. I choose a shaft that was pretty similar to what I put in my driver but a bit heavier. This extra weight gave me a bit more consistency down the middle which is what I wanted since I use this off the tee on shorter/tighter holes and occasionally I'll try to "thread the needle" on the longer par-5's trying to get home in 2.

Irons: ZM 3-PW w/S300

Again, ever since I replaced my old junior set, I've been a Ping guy. That's not saying much though since we're only talking about a few sets of irons. The first was a standard black dot set of Ping Eye-2's. Growing up this was my dream set of irons and I used them through high school and they served me pretty well. Once I got to college, started working and had some cash for a new set though, I decided I wanted a set that fit me better. Because I loved my Eye-2's enough I gravitated towards a new set of Pings and wanted something very similar to my Eye-2's. I walked out with a fitted set of i3 blades. The i3 blades performed very well for me and were great irons (I played to a +2 with them for a number of years). They did lack in a few areas however. Consistency, feel and workability. I found that occasionally I'd hit a "flyer" with these and end up off the back of the green. I never really understood why but I've read that this is just part of the trade off with cavity back irons (I don't know if there is any truth to that though). The feel was good, better than with my Eye-2's, but a lot of the feel was still pretty non-existent especially when compared to an old set of Wilson blades that I'd swing from time to time. Workability was also good as long as I didn't want to move the ball a lot. When I really wanted to shape a shot though, it was a lot of work with these irons.

The above fallbacks of the i3's is why I went with a forged blade this time around. Like my woods I tried a bunch of different sets and kept coming back to the Titleist ZM's and ZB's. In the end, I decided that I wanted the muscle back throughout the set so went with the ZM's. They've been a very good club and have certainly filled the holes that I had with my i3's. Time will tell if making the switch will prove to be an intelligent choice.

Wedges: i3 blade SW & 60' DCI

These are "left over" wedges really and will be replaced by spin milled Vokey's this winter. The SW is from my set of i3's and has been a pretty good wedge but isn't as versatile as I'd really like. A lot of the more difficult pitches/chips around the green require a lot more practice to adjust to the design of this club. I'm hoping to find the Vokey's a bit more manageable and easier to work with.

The 60' DCI is in my bag because when I decided to get a 60', it's all that the shop in town had to offer. I find that I don't use a 60' too often and, when I've needed it, the DCI has done well. This year I noticed that I was really having a tough time getting any spin with it though and alas, the grooves are shot. This will also be replaced with a Vokey.

For the first time ever, I'll also be adding a gap wedge to my game. I'm hoping that this results in better wedge play from 140-110 yards where I currently hit fractional PW's. Again, this will be a Vokey.

Putter: mallet

I've used this putter since I retired my old "Golden Bear". When I first bought this I wanted a mallet putter since the vast majority of greens that I played were pretty slow and I found that I did a little better with a mallet. Now that the majority of the greens I play are quite a bit faster however, I'll be replacing this with an Anser style blade (which also fits my stroke a little better). I'm not a big fan of the "plumber's neck" however so I'm leaning towards something w/out it (like the Odyssey White Hot Tour #2)

Ball: Pro V1x

I like soft golf balls, always have. Back in my high school days I stuck with the Titleist Tour Balata because of it's amazing feel and workability. The things that you could get that ball to do were amazing! On the flip side, it didn't go very far (although distance has never been much of a problem for me). Naturally I migrated to the Titleist Pro V1 and, up until about a month ago, that was my go to ball. The feel was great, workability was as good as it could get and, unlike my old balatas, it was pretty durable and the distance was acceptable as well. The thing that concerned me about the Pro V1 was the spin however. I've always been able to make the ball "dance" on the greens (Tour Balatas and Pro V1's? They should dance!) but this year the spin was a bit more than I really desired so I wanted something with the same feel but a slightly lower spin. I gave the Callaway ix and Titleist Pro V1x a try and eventually settled on the Pro V1x. The Callaway was nice but the feel around the greens was a bit firmer than with the Pro V1x. Next year I'll readdress this and give the Callaway another go since I did prefer the ix outside of 100 yards.

So there you have it... Perhaps a bit more than you bargained for when you first asked "why"???

[toogood]

I play what I play because I'm on staff with Titleist.

That and I think it's some of the best stuff on the market today. With the new lines coming out I'll be swapping the 3 wood and most likely the hybrid over to Titleist as well.

[yeis20]

Driver: Did not like my old one, wanted an upgrade, it had great reviews and I bought it on sale at the beginning of this years golf season for fairly cheap.

After a full season, I really like this club but might opt for a change... not sure yet. Has a high launch shaft on it. I have noticed certain balls can really balloon off of it and windy conditions are more challenging with the height I can get with it. Hit this straighter then my old driver but my game has imprved as well.


3w / 5w: once again, wanted to upgrade from cheapie clubs I bought just starting off as a lefty. Had great reviews from all levels of golfers. I REALLY like these clubs, picked them up around the same time as the driver.

For me, super easy to hit, great launch angle, long and I dont bother teeing these up from tee boxes. Love these.

3i/4i hybrid: Went big bucks here. Committed to these after reading some reviews on how rediculously easy these were to pick out of poor lies and would force me to get the 3i/4i out of my bag.

High quality craftmanship, maker of tight lies. Took some getting used to as the club heads feel really heavy... I like this feeling but they definitely felt different then swing woods / irons.

Very impressed with the performance in poor lie situations, word of caution... if the ball is lie really fluffy, this is not a great club to use.

Irons: once again, read reviews, researched my options for months, knew what I wanted from a set as an upgrade from my super offset, graphite shafted irons.

Very happy with the purchase and have the distances worked out finally.

Wedges: bought knockoff wedges graphite shafts that I wanted to upgrade.

Bought the best fit to my game at the time after reading reviews, reviews, and more reviews. It is really amazing what groove changes will do on wedges.

Note: The 64* was hella hard to locate in lefty. I hit it more then any other club except the putter and have had exception results with it but it took a good bit of work to get it right. It has earned the nickname "magic" from my playing partners.

Putter:

Always played an offset blade style and am comftable with it. If I do switch to left putts, the itsy bitsy spider has peaked my interest.

[NM Golf]

I play what I play because I'm on staff with Titleist.

On staff with Titleist with a 7 handicap? Are you a teaching pro? Do you work there?

Anyway, Driver: because it sets up slightly open and I can move the weights to promote a fade. Irons: I hit blades because I can knock them down when I need to and they lowered my extremely high ball flight. I ordered the new Titleist blades because I get them really cheap and exactly to the specs I wanted. Putter: because Scotty Cameron is the best.

[toogood]

On staff with Titleist with a 7 handicap? Are you a teaching pro? Do you work there?

I'm an assistant pro, and merchandiser. We do a lot of business with the Acushnet Company (Titleist, Cobra, FootJoy)

I used to be at about a 2 handicap wise, but there's a reason why there's the saying in the golf business - "If you want to play golf, don't get in the golf business." When I'm at work 5-6 days a week, with a new wife at home and a baby on the way, sometimes I just don't want to play golf. Thus, my game has suffered over the past year and a half or so. LOL Such is life though.

[glebert]

Tommy Armour Ayrtime High Launch driver - I have a big lag on my swing and need a high loft driver. The TA is a great driver (I've done direct comparison with the big OEMs) and can be had for a song.

Acer XP/Distance Master Pro Steel fairway woods - These are my clubbuilding projects, usually with somewhat random shafts. Once again very cheap, and they are solid.

Ram Laser FX forged irons (4-SW) - I recently switched to these from my other Ram irons (FX2 GT Steel) because I needed stiffer graphite shafts. I got them for cheap on ebay (see a trend here?) and they are really nice. These are my first low offset forged cavity backs and I am really liking them.

Ram Troon Grind 58* lob wedge - I picked it up at a thrift store for a few bucks, I do much better with a 58* than a 60*, and it is lower bounce than some other lobs, so I don't skull shots so much on tight lies.

Putter - I am currently using a vintage Macgregor Tourney IMG5 blade putter. About as simple as you get, great feel, and for whatever reason it gets the ball rolling on the right line ever time. It is also easy to control ball speed on downhill putts.

[halcon]

When I buy my first set of decent clubs, they will be Ping. The reason why? They're made in America by skilled workers making good wages. Not coincidentally, they are top quality.

No WalMart Alex?

[meenman]

Driver - I was playing around at golfsmith one day and hit it well - luckily I am still getting the same results with it.

3 Wood - I went all nike when I first started. I really dont use a 3 wood enough to justify buying another one. When I am on with it, it rocks. When I am off I leave it in the bag

Irons - First non hand me down set I bought. Just starting to really feel confident with all of them so no plans to change right away.

Wedges - Played with one on the range and actually got some backspin so I replaced my previous wedges.

Hybrids - Bought the 20* and it was a whole new golf experience for me. I then got greedy and bought a 17* and 15* - couldnt count on the 15 * to save my life so it received a lifetime ban from my bag.

Putter - Purchased it because I could. Love the feel of it and definitely have more confidence putting - not going to say it has saved my game but my putting has improved.

Balls - once again because I can. Whether some of the low handicappers believe it or not some of us newbies can tell the difference. The harder balls are fun to tee off with - I have no use for them otherwise. Most of the time when I lose a ball it is because I choose to (taking stupid chances with a beaten ball).

[NM Golf]

I'm an assistant pro, and merchandiser. We do a lot of business with the Acushnet Company (Titleist, Cobra, FootJoy)

I understand that, I play a lot more golf than the pros do where I work. That is why I can beat several of them. I wish I was on staff but at least we get PUD (personal use discount) on our clubs which is 25% off wholesale.

[golf_junkie27]

I am constantly switching. The course and how I'm feeling that particular day dictates what sticks are in the bag. Now, that the summer is over, I've switched to a somewhat conventional setup:

Driver, 3W&5W, a 20*H, a 25*H, 7-PW, SW, LW and Putter. It's only 12 but that's all I need.

[M2R]

Toilet paper, sunscreen, bug spray, rain suit, for the obvious reasons.

Athletic tape to temporarily patch up blisters, scrapes, and such.

Ball with a nail (head removed) epoxied into it. Used to pre-drill holes for tees in the winter when the tee boxes are frozen solid.

The bag because I like to carry.

The four wood because I've never been able to hit it and I'm determined to eventually do so.

The irons ... for fun.

The rest because they work.

[julius06]

I got my irons because I have almost always been a Mizuno loyalist, My wedges because I havent found anything I liked as much as the vokeys, my hybrids because I fell in love with the Nickent 2IW and just kept buying them, my 3W because I can hit it and have confidence in it, and the driver + putter - well its love/hate (often on alternating shots).

[nasabogey24]

When I buy my first set of decent clubs, they will be Ping. The reason why? They're made in America by skilled workers making good wages. Not coincidentally, they are top quality.

I can appreciate that. I've also been curious what, if any, other OEM's build their clubs in the USA.

[Dub]

As a new golfer, I am always catching myself looking at the clubs of other golfers . . . often wondering why they picked this driver and those irons and why that ugly-ass putter.

Alright....I'll work through my bag: irons : I really like the forgiving nature of Callaway irons but I don't like the offset found in the standard set, thus I went with the Pro edition...they offered minimal offset and the Rifle shaft, which has been a very consistent and accurate shaft for me. I've had these sticks for several years now. wedges : I simply followed suit with my irons. They are very servicable and set up well. My SW is 54.5 degrees with 12 degrees of bounce.....my LW is 58 degrees with 8 degrees of bounce. driver : I returned to the game this past May and had to get some updated woods. My old driver had a tour stiff shaft and small head with a tiny sweet spot. My new game just wasn't consitent enough to pull off great shots with the club. I'm recovering from both knee and shoulder injuries and needed to allow for a slower swing speed. I demoed many modern drivers and settled on this one. I now hit a much, much higher drive that really carries well and still has great ground action. I've never been more pleased with any golf club I've ever owned. Getting off the tee and into the correct spots is making the game so much more enjoyable than a few months ago. I can't say enough about the G10 drivers.....love 'em. 4 wood: Again, updated from my old 3 wood. I tended to hit that one a bit too low also. I needed a club to use on the dogleg par 4 tee shots where I want 230-250 but no run.....just a nice carry that sits down soft. I can try to throttle back on the driver but it may land in the right spot but roll through the dogleg and into rough or woods or worse. This 4 wood is a real gem when teed just above the surface ever so slightly. It launches the ball out and then floats up to a nice high trajectory that comes down softly. The extra loft on this 4 wood vs. my old 3 wood makes it much easier to hit from the fairway, too. It doesn't peak to the same high tee traj, but eats up respectable distance and runs a bit as well. Super club on par 5 second shots. 7 wood: Ordered from my local golf shop recently. I wanted a fairway wood that would take me home from ~200 yards. I need something that will float into the greens and land soft. I'll post my review of the stick when it arrives and gets some playing time. Funny thing about this club is some of the comments I got on here about using such a club...girly club, etc. I find this humerous, never had my manhood questioned before...6'5" mean looking conbread eating fella.... If it gets me on the green then my problems are solved...I'll even play it with a pink grip on it if need be. Putter: My sister and I bought my father a Cameron after the 1997 Masters for his 50th birthday. I've wanted one ever since. My wife and son bought me the one in my sig line recently for my 40th birthday. I plan on sending it in to the Custom Shop and have them adjust the lie and stamp my last name on the toe bumper. I'll continue to game this club for years and give it to my son one day. I will rotate it in and out of the bag with other putters as well. Incidently, my father wants to get his club restored...gonna talk him into getting his last name or initials stamped as well. Prior to being bitten by the Cameron bug, I've gamed a few Odyssey putters. It's all about confidence and what feel you like at the time. Grips: For me, full cords are the ticket. I love the feel of them, great feedback, great gripping ability down here in the humid Southern heat as well as on the early morning dew-sweeping rounds I try to sneek in. I can lay my wedges down greenside while I hole out w/o fear of the moisture on the grips. These things generally grip well even if damp. Just towel them down prior to hitting. My Pings have the Ping white cord. My irons & wedges have a proprietary Callaway full cord that will soon be replaced most likely with GolfPride Tour Velvet full cords. My putter has the stock Studio Select red cord. This is one of the best putter grips I've ever used. Pushcart : Studied up on these things a good bit before buying one. I'll not argue the virtues of different carts but suffice to say that the Clicgear 2.0 was the cat's meow for me. It is a gem of a cart and gets used a good bit when I'm playing practice rounds....usually solo. Great exercise and helps to get to know the course better. Very stable cart.....rolls true.....very strong.....ridiculously easy to unfold / fold.......stores in a small space. Bag: There were dozens of great bags in this price range. Any numbe of them would have been super. I like this one due to it's super stand system....legs are either deployed when wanted or fully retracted....never dangling down as trip hazards. The bag is also very stable when standing fully upright like a cart bag. Great dividers and putter well. Excellent storage. 5.5lbs and works great on my pushcart, too.

[toogood]

I understand that, I play a lot more golf than the pros do where I work. That is why I can beat several of them. I wish I was on staff but at least we get PUD (personal use discount) on our clubs which is 25% off wholesale.

You're telling me. For example, I'm playing 3 full rounds this week which equals my full round total for the last 2 months. I'm lucky to get 9 holes in a week. I'm working on convincing the board at our club to let the pros go out and play with members on the clock, which would help big time!