need_lessons

I think I might have convinced the wife to get me a new set of clubs for Christmas. I would like to hear opinions on the Big Bertha Irons, or other irons that might fit me better. I'm a fairly athletic guy, currently taking lessons and am around a 20-25 handicap - hoping to improve quickly with more consistent practice. Thanks!

Best Real Beers: Sierra Nevada Pale Ale (how could no one else have mentioned this?) and Fat Tire. Best Light Beer: Miller Lite

My instructor mentioned "keeping the ball lower", but we didn't have too much time to get into it. I think it was mostly in the context of weight transfer on the swing - perhaps that's the next lesson. In the meantime, any suggestions on how I can work on keeping the ball lower? Most of my high irons / wedges (8I - SW) fly incredibly high. Do I bring my hands through sooner? I already feel like they come through before the club head.

Ha.... I read this at work and couldn't stop laughing for 10 minutes.... I'll will forever be on the lookout for someone wanting a "gotcha"!

Anyone here from the San Francisco, South Bay or Peninsula in California? I'm curious which local courses are the favorites - especially when playing on a budget. Also, does anyone have a favorite instructor they are willing to share? I practice mostly at Pin High Golf Center and San Jose Muni. Thoughts?

Shindig, I've found that if I swing especially hard or make "perfect" contact, my distances can vary somewhat. My biggest problem is consistency - if I want a consistent, somewhat well-placed shot, I need to hit the ball substantially easier (with less distance). I've found that I am a club or two below the guys at work who I sometimes golf with - i.e. they will hit a 9I and I will be swinging a 7I or 8I. On a good note, I discovered today that I can hit my 9I consistently about 140 from a tee box.

btw, right now I am hitting my SW about 75 yards consistently. Should I be satisfied with this or try to squeeze an extra 25 yards out of it?

Could you explain a little more about "fat" shots? I have noticed that I hit much better off of mats - on real grass I often "chunk it", which usually results in the divot flying farther than the ball. I'm going to try to get to an executive course tomorrow, actually.

Thanks to those who suggested lessons. After an hour with a coach on Saturday, my shots were much crisper and straighter. I'm amazed at what a difference an hour made. Back to practicing...

I'm finally trying to get serious about improving my game. I've been told by many that I have a good swing, but my shots are wildly erratic. Probably two out of ten are good. I have a limited budget and limited time, although I am getting to the range two-to-three times a week right now, and trying to play a round at least every other week. I am trying to determine what the better investment is (1) lessons, at ~$60/hour, or (2) better clubs, my current set being a 5-6 year old set of "golden bears" from Costco. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

On the range I'm about 230 (in the air) and straight 65-70 percent of the time. Once I'm on the course however, I probably lose 15-20 yards and only 50% of the shots are straight.

Shoreline @ Mountain View. Not bad, near Google! http://www.ci.mtnview.ca.us/city_hal...ks/default.asp

Don't shoot - I'm an attorney. Trying to hit billable hour goals is not good for the handicap.