Practice 4/7

[chilly]

Headed to the range after work. Goal was to keep grooving changes to my iron swing. Worked on bringing the club straight back, and making sure it didn't loop across the line at the top. Started very well, hitting nice little draws, good trajectory, clean contact. I kept feeling the "loop", so concentrated on laying the club back. When I do this, tendency is to hit fat, or move laterally and skull it. If that doesn't happen, it's common that the clubface is open and I hit pushes. I have to rotate more through the ball to hit it square. Worked on this for awhile and made some nice shots near the end, but got tired after 75 balls and switched it up.

Took a little break then hit driver. I have been having issues off the tee, so hit a few to determine what was going on. In a nutshell, I was just getting quick, causing me to come over the top. Also letting the right elbow fly a bit. I did notice that if I really pinch the elbow down though, I hook it pretty severely since I have a flat swing. Just kept working on tempo and swinging down the line, and was hitting nice shots. Also took the opportunity to compare my Speedline with TM TP Whiteboard, 905R with NV, and my 9015D w/Harrison Saga. The Speedline feels great when hit well, but for some reason I hook this club badly, consistently. The 905R must have been a special order or quality reshaft, because it plays at 46". I haven't checked swingweight, but I believe it's a d5-d6, which helps my tempo. Put impact tape on it, and I couldn't stop hitting it a bit towards the heel. Decided I'll cut it 1/2" since it needs a grip anyway, and see how it does, I love the feel of this club. Hit the 9015D last and was nutting it. Hit the first three dead center as shown by the impact tape, and it's definitely long. 15mph headwind and it didn't come close to ballooning. Other clubs hit it to very base of treeline at edge of the range, the 9015D consistently let me hit the trees on the fly. Feel is unbelievable. I feel like I'll be good to go with the driver but have to concentrate on transitioning range tempo to the course. I did notice that when I put a lazy, handsy swing on the 9015D the open face would accentuate the slice, as you'd expect

Finished up hitting short wedges. Figured out that 50yds is a perfect "1/2" gap wedge for me, club to waist high, no real wrist hinge. Found that I had to close the face just a bit to hit it square, and was putting it right on the flag. Worked up to 75-80yds which is a nice 3/4 swing, basically to shoulder height. No need to close the face down. Felt very good about the work done on wedge distances.

Noticed that since I've been practicing, my 52* is starting to get pretty worn since we have sandy soil at the range, may pick up a new Vokey and make the old wedge my practice club. Also may pick up a demo 6iron, as I usually just hit my 7 iron when working on irons and I don't want to wear it out prematurely.