Derek02

If I win I'll choose the navy blue midsize PURE Pro grips to start my 2015 golf season with a Pure advantage! Jordan Spieth -10 Steve Stricker -10 Ryan Palmer -10 Thank you!

For what it's worth: I'm kind of a golf ball aficionado, and I like to try different balls (particularly inside 100 yards). Historically, I have found that the wedge spin rates, relatively speaking, have not always matched up to Golf Digest's charts. For example, the 2011 Z Star was located high up in the chart in terms of half wedge spin, but I found that it didn't spin all that much (everything else about it was great). I think it had to do with the fact that the Z Stars have the thinnest covers in the premium market. As a result, the wedge didn't grip the ball that well to impart a lot of spin. I'm inclined to think that others (including pros) agreed with me since they subsequently put the new "spin skin" on the next generation of balls. I really like the newest version of the Z Star (2013), but you might prefer the Z Star XV between the two.

This might help: http://www.golfdigest.com/images/equipment/2014-05/eqsl32-hot-list-ball-spin-rate-chart.jpg

So I had my Proforce V2 tipped with the Amp Cell adapter. It was very helpful because I was able to keep changing shafts for a good comparison. With the V2, I was more inconsistent, but I was hitting pulls and some low hooks with it. I did not do that at all with the other 2 shafts. I also had a Graphite Design Orange AD-6 S-flex which I was hitting similar to the stock shaft (mostly fades with the occasional straight ball). But, given that the V2 was over-correcting my problem, what characteristics do you think would have most contributed to it? Heavier weight (76g vs 60g stock), lower torque (2.1 vs 3.6 stock) I like the feel of the lighter shafts better, so do you think a a similar shaft with lower torque would help? I'm thinking lower torque would help to square the face better with a quicker transition....?

We're scheduled to go down next month, and I just realized that 4 of the 5 courses will be overseeding about a week before we get there. Who has played down there under these conditions, and what were your thoughts?? Even if the sand is no longer on the greens, do they play like shag carpets?

I actually have a Proforce V2 76g Stiff in my old driver. I did like it, but it's attached to a Callaway Hyper X and fells like I'm swinging a rock now.

That's kind of the problem. I've had difficulty trying out shafts since my driver is last years model, and places don't have shafts with the correct tip. I have adjusted the setting to draw, and it does help to an extent (not perfect), but I would prefer to get a better shaft and play the neutral setting if possible.

I'll check these out. Thanks!

Thanks for the reply. My avg driver spin rate is around 2100 with a 14* launch.

First of all, thanks for reading and any replies. Second, just assume that my swing is not the reason I'm not getting the ball flight I want. It's the shaft. I'm a 7hcp, ~100mph ss with a relatively quick transition, and I've been taking lessons all season from a respected pro in my area. I generally do not have issues with slicing, but 8 out of 10 of my drives have a 10-15 yard fade. I play a Cobra AMP Cell 9.5* and I have ideal launch/spin stats: nice high launch low spin. It's just the (strong) fade that I can't get rid of. I've been working hard on my swing, and I don't have a fade with my 3 wood (RBZ Stage 2 stock stiff flex), hybrids (stock stiff) or irons. I had the fitter test the stock shaft in my 3 wood, and it's actually X stiff, and the TM website indicates it has a higher torque 4.5 (assuming it really does). I love the 3 wood. Nice trajectory and ball flight (even off the deck). My driver has a stock S flex that plays closer to a R flex (had them test that too). Torque is around 3.5 if I remember correctly (assuming it conforms). I've done my homework on shafts yet there are so many out there and specs are not uniform across all companies. As a reference (if it helps) I was able to test a stiff flex Tour AD shaft (orange) since they have one that already has the Cobra adjustable tip, and it helped reduce the fade, but still didn't get me where I want to be. Ideally, I'd like to have a little draw (wouldn't we all), but I'd def. settle for a more consistantly straight ball flight. My question is: Again, assuming my swing is not the issue, which shafts (or shaft specs) would help me to straighten out my ball flight? Stay with a S flex or go to X flex? Higher or lower torque? I realize that without testing them myself, I ( or you) can't be sure which would really be best, but does anyone have suggestions on shafts to try or specs that might be better suited? Feedback is much appreciated!

I appreciate your thoughts/insights. I decided on Caledonia. When I played the Pine Barrons course a couple years ago I was with 2 of the other 3 players I'll be with in MB, so they have seen that type of layout before, and my Dad is really into gardening/horticulture so I think he'd enjoy Caledonia more (assuming the flowers are still in bloom). Also, if/when I go for my next trip I'll likely plan to play northern courses so, assuming I don't go back to the Murrell's Inlet / Pawley's area anytime soon, I think Caledonia is the more well known of the 2 courses (when we tell people about our trip, Caledonia would likely get more recognition than TB)....trivial, I know. 43 days til we leave......CAN'T WAIT!!

Well, I suppose a course with Nicklaus' signature on it is expected to be manufactured. Some of his courses are very forgettable, but this one looks memorable (as defined by the ability to distinctly recall >=6 holes 6 months after playing). While I do take your points about No. 2, I would counter with Pine Valley; as well as some other Ross designs in the same area (Mid Pines and Southern Pines for example). They are all built in a similar environment/terrain, yet still have a more "American" feel to them (IMO): green fairways and rough being the two main characteristics. I suppose I associate the dried out, fescue-ish lined fairways with British courses. While I used the term "rotation" loosely it seems like the USGA (as well as PGA), while sprinkling a few new courses in here and there, keep using the same venues over and over (again used loosely). I understand the points about course quality and infrastructure, but I believe you can find MANY courses in the US that could accomodate a major. I would even guess that lots of different courses compete every year for the chance to host a US Open or PGA Championship just like countries try to get the Olympics to come to one of their cities. I get the impression that the governing bodies are very timid when it comes to allowing "new" venues to host the tounaments. I respect your opinions, and these are just mine. Simply stated, I would prefer more variety.

I'm thinking of adding an extra round onto our itinerary. Deciding between True Blue and Caledonia. I've played Tobacco Road (Mike Stranz design) and the Pine Barrons course at World Woods (similar design). The pics I've seen of True Blue seem like it's a "traditional" Stranz course while Caledonia seems more like a parkland style course (if that makes any sense). How would you compare the two? Going in late October, should I expect that the course conditions and plantlife (flowers, shrubs, etc.) will not yet be going dormant to take away from the asthetics?

I seem to be in the minority here. I think Valhalla is a very interesting layout. I like short strategic par 4s (#13) and split fairways (#6 or #7 and #18...I think). Nicklaus courses are usually hit or miss for me, but this looks like one I'd enjoy. Maybe the setup could have been better to make the course a little more difficult, but there were some looong par 4s that forced 200-220yd approaches. I agree with some other posters that the rain certainly created conditions that allowed for lower (than usual) scoring. But all that aside, I just liked the fact that the event was held at a venue that's not part of the usual 4-6 course rotation. I may be in the minority here also, but I applaud the PGA for being (slightly) more open minded about course selection. I'd like to see all the majors played on a greater variety of courses (except the Masters, obviously). For example, Pebble Beach, Oakmont, Winged Foot, etc. are undoubtably great courses, but I get sick of watching the US Open (PGA and Open Champ) run through the same course rotation. I guess no one told the them that variety is the spice of life. *on a side note* I did NOT like the set up of Pinehurst for the US Open . I live in Charlotte, and played the No. 2 course in May. It's a great course for sure, but it's been turned into a British style links course with a few elevation changes. I didn't think it's the style of course (anymore) that should be used in a US Open. That's just my 2 cents. But I digress.... Now the PGA is going back to Whistling Straits AGAIN next year....wasn't it just there a couple years ago, and a couple years before that? At least they're coming to Quail Hollow in 2017 (I can walk there ).