Bring Me Up to Speed

[GirlieGolfer]

Okay guys, you know I've been outta the loop for years now. There are so many gadgets, improvements, and technological advances.

I feel like an adult who can't read - and I want to catch up. I would normally turn to my dad for the latest "must-haves" but he has dementia now and is in his 80s and can't play, so I'm turning to you.

What do I need to know about all this new gear?

Hybrids? (love this idea!)
Sweet spot finders? (really?)
Brush tees (I'm used to wooden tees)
What stayed the same or grew leaps and bounds? Should I be looking for some snazzy golf glove? A golf bag that tells you what club to choose? It's like walking out of a time machine and it's decades later.
tiff :)

[Shindig]

Okay guys, you know I've been outta the loop for years now. There are so many gadgets, improvements, and technological advances.

Well, I got into golf less than two years ago (not counting a stint in Summer 04 when I played a video game of it on a roommate's console system). I started with irons and a 5W. In November, I got a hybrid. Eventually, through some trades with Roger Dunn, I ended up with my Cobra Baffler 4H. And I love this thing. The hybrid, as you know, is based on that a fairway wood is easier to hit than a long iron, but less accurate. The shorter shaft in the long iron makes it more accurate. Soooooo... shorter shaft, smaller fairway wood means best of both worlds, without the versatility of either. If there's a Roger Dunn near you, or any store that allows you to buy used clubs and return within X days for equal $ store credit, get a hybrid and give it a try. You'll love 'em. Next time I go to the range with my mom - she hasn't been back to the range since I got a hybrid - I'll have her hit it and report back. She loves the idea too.

[NM Golf]

hello, I will list the main advances in the last 10 years IMHO in no particular order.

1. Rangefinders and GPS. I love that all I have to do is pull out my laser rangefinder as opposed to stepping off my yardage. And they are now legal in most amateur club tournaments.

2. Hybrids. Yep, what were first for the senior and hack are now showing up in the bags of scratch players and PGA pros alike.

3. Tees, yes there have been advances in tees. I still do not buy in to the belief they change ball flight, but they sure are more durable. The best out there IMHO, are the zero friction tees. I know several people who post here use them. I personally am not all that fond of the brush tee.

4. Of course, there have also been great advances in club design but those are too numerous to mention, plus you still cannot buy a golf game.

Anyway, pick up a copy of golf digest or golf magazine and you can see they new equipment. Hope this helps.

[B-rad]

Regarding brush tees:

The difference in ball flight is almost negligible compared to regular tees. I wouldn't bother with them. Plus, you will have to deal with everyone asking you about it when you tee it up, which can be annoying. However, they seem easier to get under (usually on mis-hits).