Joe Grod

Somewhere on one of these threads I had announced that I acquired a used TM 1.0 Burner and an R7 Draw 7 wood. Everyother day, I have been trying to hit a bucket of balls with both of these clubs and realize that when I take a slow comfortable approach, both these clubs are a plus. I found that by teeing the Burner high and resisting the temptation to clobber the ball, I get the expected flight and distance. With the 7 wood, the use of a shorter tee with the visualization of the smaller club head, forces me to swing slower and more deliberate, thus gaining more distance than I had expected. My point being that using a fairway wood or hybrid with a smaller head, versus using a canteloupe on a stick (driver), may force you into a better swing, producing a straighter shot, a greater percentage of the time.

The other day, I drove over to Golfsmith on Rt 18 in East Brunswick NJ to try out some more drivers. Liked the Taylormade Superfast 1.0 with a regular shaft the best. Found a club in good shape on the used rack. With a new grip and with the $50. gift card I had, my out of pocket was approx $60. I've gone to the range with this club twice this week. l like the feel and longer length of the club (as compared to the R7) and as long as I keep my swing slow and undercontrol, the ball flies straight and far. As a side note, I had been looking for an R7 Draw 7 wood to accompany my 3 and 5. Found a used club in great condition at another NJ Golfsmith store, took it to the range and really loved the feel. Great club for long par 3s. All I can say to all you golfers who trade in your older clubs every season is thanks.

I went to the Dicks Sporting Goods store in Woodbridge NJ, was told that the Burner HT has been out of stock for about 6 weeks. While there, the Taylormade 1.0 Burner peaked my interest.The1.0 has a nice, light feel to it and according to the gentleman in the golf dept.is similar to the 2.0, but retails for $149. as opposed to the $225. sale price of the 2.0. The 1.0, could definitely be the next addition to my golf bag.

I have been using a Taylormade R7 draw driver for a couple of years, which is starting to feel heavy and decided to stop by the Golfsmith on RT 18 in East Brunswick NJ, to try out the Taylormade Superfast 2.0 driver, with the senior shaft. This was a couple of days after Hurricane Irene had swung thru and the Golfsmith store was closed, due to storm related damage. I went down RT 18 to Dicks, which was offering a $75. instant rebate off the $299. price. After swinging the club a few times I was tempted to buy, but realized I didn't need to spend $200 plus on a new driver. The Dicks website shows that the Burner is offered with a senior shaft and I will most probably swing past the store tomorrow to take a look at the $75 Burner that will most probably be added to my collection.

I had problems with a Walter Hagen hybrid club a few years back. I switched to Nickent, which in my opinion was more forgiving, but I still had problems striking the ball in the rough. One day an old timer recommended that I choke up on the club and contact the ball earlier in my swing than I had been, worked for me.