JD616

Well I would be the one spending the money, so that isn't a problem. I haven't ever tracked my handicap, but I plan to this year. I do play on a high school team and I also play summer tournaments. I will probably grow another 3-4 inches and probably pack on a lot more muscle over the next few years, but hopefully I can make it lean muscle not bulky muscle. And no my clubs are not holding me back, but from everything I hear about getting fit for everything, it is almost impossible not to think there aren't extra benefits out there.

I'm 15 years old so I'm wondering whether it's worth getting fitted for all of my clubs and possibly investing in some after market shafts. I currently play: Titleist 909 D3 stiff 9.5 degree with stock shaft Taylormade Burner 2008 3 wood stiff with stock shaft Nickent 3DX 5H stiff with stock shaft (need suggestions for a new hybrid as well) Mizuno MP-52 3-PW stiff with stock shafts (Had the lie adjusted when I got them this past winter) Taylormade RAC wedges 52 and 56 degree Taylormade Rossa Daytona 33in putter Not sure if I would benefit from getting everything fit or buying new shafts but I could use some advice

You realize that strength has no effect on how far you can hit a ball? While it may help a little bit the only thing that could create enough swing speed to hit a 3 wood 300 yards would be extremely fast hands (tour speed). If you swung that fast with a regular shaft you would hit such a massive hook that you would have to aim way right. Now you're saying you hit a 3 wood 300 yards? Are the fairways where you play composed of concrete or something??

It's been a long winter this year and I finally got out this past Sunday to hit some balls at the range. My only problem was when it came to hitting driver and 3 wood. Now I don't know if this would be considered a topped shot or not, but when I hit either of them, I notice a mark caused by the ball about 6-12 inches in front of where it was originally teed up. However, it feels like solid face contact, so the only thing I could think of is that I'm hitting the ball directly into the ground from the tee. Anybody have any ideas as to what might be causing these strange shots? My only guess would be that I'm dropping my left shoulder below my right and driving the ball straight into the ground and then bouncing it about 30 yards. Please help!!!

My bad I meant to put AP2, not AP1. But the point is if a person can't hit one club well what makes him think he will hit the other ones any better?

If you are looking for an iron set for around that price I would seriously suggest looking at Mizuno. I believe someone made a comment about cast holding up better than forged, and that is absolutely false. If you are that serious about buying new clubs I would go with forged for two reasons. First, you should be getting the clubs fitted for you or else the only gain you are truly getting is a mental boost. Second, if you decide to get fitted, you will have forged clubs which can be bent several times to the loft/lie you want them to be. With cast you simply cannot do that. I would take a look at Mizuno's new irons: Game improvement set: JPX 800 it has a decently thin topline for a game improvement club and the ball just jumps off of the face. "Players" irons: MP 52/53, almost the same clubs the 52s and the 53s they provide a ton of forgiveness with some workability MP58, almost the exact same club as the AP1, but with a little more workability due to the size of the club face (slightly shorter) I was dead set on buying the AP1s until I hit the Mizunos, and I'm glad I chose Mizuno they make a great set of clubs

I do back exercises I just didn't mention them I was in a rush when I typed out my workout. My workout varies quite a bit, but I tend to stick to full squats, bench (dumbbells or barbell), some form of a row, lat pulldowns, curls, decline situps, supermans for the lower back, and military press. But I often throw in other exercises too. I have heard that throughout the year there should be a shift in the way you workout. For example, 3-4 months endurance, 3-4 months strength, 3-4 months of just playing golf with minimal extra strain on the body. However, I feel that the 3 should be incorporate all throughout the year, but with variances week to week. I would get into yoga, but I don't know where to do it. Are there videos or something I could buy that would provide me with yoga exercises I could do at home? Also, I plan on working much harder throughout this golf season and then on into next fall and winter. I hope to improve my game and my overall health throughout this process and I guess time is the only thing that will show how much the work pays off.

It's amazing how different your game is when you play in a match isn't it? I played my first match in 2009 when I was a Freshman and it was ugly, worst putting I've ever seen in my life. I must say though the more you put yourself in uncomfortable situations the better your game will get. If you can learn to control your nerves you will be on your way to some great competitive rounds. Good luck with any future matches!

I'm looking for something more traditional looking. So ecco is pretty much out of the question. As for Nike they have more of an athletic look that I dont really want. I prefer Footjoy shoes as they offer a traditional look, with durability, quality, and comfort. So which ones would be best for walking:? (In order from highest price to lowest price) 1. FJ Icons 2. FJ SYNR-G 3. FJ Dryjoy 4. FJ Sport 5. FJ Superlite

Any feelings towards Fj Dryjoys, FJ SYNR-G, or FJ Icon?

I usually walk when I play and in the summer I sometimes walk up to 54-72 holes a day. I currently have a pair of Footjoy Superlites with FJ dryjoy insoles in them (extremely comfortable) and a pair of FJ E-Comforts (hurts my feet after about 18 holes). Anyone have any suggestions on some shoes that are very comfortable to walk in and don't hurt the feet? Or are there any insoles, like Dr. Scholls, that you can where in your golf shoes? Thanks.

This was by far one of the top posts I have received on this topic. I will take all of this into consideration. Thank you very much.

I'm playing in at least 2 tournaments a week up through the end of July and then golf for school starts, I just didn't know there were any multi-round tournaments near by. Thanks for all of the ones suggested though, I will look into them

I'm not really all the aware of any multi round tournaments for my age, except ones at the national level which are very expensive (travel, costs, everything)

And the ones with the biggest egos are usually the ones that break the rules the most. Good point though^^^

I really do play to that handicap, even if you don't believe me. I'm not very consistent in scoring, but I go from bad play to great play to decent play, which is most of my problem. I agree that people talk themselves up a lot, and I see it almost everyday among the other junior players at my home course. It is quite annoying and I often challenge them to rounds after they make ridiculous claims and almost none of them can actually play to what they say they can

Several of my father's friends are PGA teaching professionals that play to scratch, but two of them are in their late 50s/early 60s, so they play shorter off the tee, but they are deadly putters and short game players. The other ones on the other hand hit the ball much farther and have decent short games, but putt very well. And the Club I mentioned owns 3 courses as of right now, soon to be about 5-6 due to business loss at other local clubs. I plan on joining there, because I would be able to spend more time with my instructor because he's a member there. Thank you for your post, it was well spoken and it seems like you know what you're talking about!

My coach is well respected in this area and coaches the best young players around here. He has kids going all over to play college and he's the instructor of the best junior player (under the age of 12) in the world. And he's a very good player, but doesn't play all that much. But I only see him for less than 10 lessons per year

I do usually try some bad lies just to see the results, but some shots like out of roots and stuff isn't worth risking injury or damage to clubs if it doesn't have to be played. I will definitely practice them, but I'm not trying to hurt myself in the process

^^^^ I'm pretty sure that is illegal to do, but it gave me a good laugh. I have fun while I'm playing and I often play different games. People assume that because I'm 15 I should just be having fun, but the truth is that what I find fun is playing golf all day, everyday. I've even tried playing left handed for whatever reason, but it was fun, ugly, but fun. Thanks for the comment though, it is a great tip for developing a love for the game, but definitely not the way to lower your handicap

I play different courses everyday, my home course is basically just a giant practice area for me. They offer this same thing I'll have to check in to it and how it works for other courses as well

I'm convinced that I can become a scratch with practice, but I also realize my initial goal isn't easily attainable. However, like you said focus on getting to a 6, I like that idea and honestly a true 6 handicap would be a great start to my ultimate goal. How exactly does one go about tracking their handicap? My profile one is just a rough guesstimate. Is there a program I can buy that will allow me to input scores and course info., and then compute my handicap from that information?

So what I have gathered so far from this is the following: 1. Ask my instructor about course management and how to play to score 2. Practice putting as much as possible 3. Practice short game and bunker play 4. Learn to avoid trouble off of the tee and on approach shots (same as number 1) 5. Improve my ball striking ( I have already made a huge leap in terms of better contact compared to last year and previous years ) 6. My original goal wasn't necessarily feasible in the time provided 7. My new goal is to be a mid-single digit handicap by the end of the year ( Is this reasonable to everyone?) 8. Practice both on the course and at the range 9. Learn to hit closer to targets with irons Is there anything else that will help me out other than what is mentioned above or in other posts? Also, I have a question pertaining to flexibility, strength, and endurance. What are your feelings on the three aspects of health/wellness in ability to play better? I would like to thank everyone who is taking part in this thread you have all given me so much valuable help that should help me focus my efforts this season and for the coming seasons

The handicap I have in my profile isn't even close to my potential. I played all of last year going from shanks to snap hooks and still pulled off shooting low 80s consistently. I'm not doubting any of your comments above, but I definitely know I could at least play to a 5 or 6 by end of summer and probably a 1-3 by senior year. Almost everyone in my family is either a scratch or close. I just need to set my goals and then chase them. Thank you all for the help I will definitely keep everything in mind while I'm practicing and playing. You are all probably right about me not being able to get to scratch this year, but I'm guessing mid-single digits if I practice hard.. Does this seem more reasonable for a years goal^^^^?

alright, I will try that. Thanks for the suggestion.