EmilyHambidge

http://www.hittingthelinks.com/archi...putter-switch/ I posted on my blog that I am looking for a new putter possibly. Here is what it said: have been considering getting a new putter for quite some time. Ever since I laid eyes on the Scotty Cameron Red X2 I knew I had to have it. The problem is that I have been using an Odyssey White Hot #2 for what seems like forever. And I love it. So, if it ain't broke don't fix it, right? But, then again, isn't variety the spice of life? Ah, decisions! I have gone to purchase the Red X2 many times, each time hitting it for awhile and leaving discouraged. I cannot seem to get a rhythm with it. The design between these two putters is obviously very different. The Odyssey is a Scoop-back blade with half-shaft offset. I am used to the weight of it and the feel of the insert. I love the soft feel and I am very accustomed to the way my stroke feels. Since putting is the most mental part of the game, in my opinion, there is a lot to be said for the confidence this putter gives me. The other part of me, however, loves the technology that went into the design of the Red X2. It's sleek, modern and just makes sense. The Red X2's three red dots behind the shaft get you into the proper position at address. When the dots are hidden by the shaft it means the shaft is at 90 degrees. This allows the putter to perform properly with 4 degrees of loft. I'm a sucker for the innovation behind all that. I keep thinking if I just practiced with it I would get the feel and comfort I have with my current putter. But is it worth it? I don't think I have 3 putted on a regular basis since high school, and I sure don't want to start. Something with my Odyssey just clicks. But I know I can't use it forever, and the Red X2 is the only putter that has sparked my interest. Maybe I should just try it out. I can always go back to my tried-and-true methods, right? Give me some advice. What's the most important thing to consider with making a dramatic change in your equipment? Should I stop hesitating and just try it out? Can any of you help? Please feel free to leave a comment here or there. Comments posted on the blog go straight to my email though, so I get blog comments faster. Thanks for your help!

Attitude is everything. Don't lose your temper, throw your clubs or say anything inappropriate to your playing partners. Treat your coach with respect and if he comes around to offer advice take it. You want to show that you are a good listener, a hard working and a team player.

I agree with Erik. I am 5'8" so I use men's clubs. You are little shorter than that, but if you got them cut down I think you would be fine. The one problem with cutting down clubs is that it can affect the loft of the club if you have to get too much taken off. Have you tried the clubs you like in the ladies version? Calloway makes great clubs for men and women. I would try those and see what you think. I am fairly tall and even I have a hard time hitting mens woods and drivers. They are just a little too long for me. Shop around, and like Erik said find a Pro who knows what they are doing.

Oh sure she does! It's a great way to spend time together. Besides, who will see her on the golf course? No one. If she is really into it there are a lot of great junior camps. I went to some in the summers during high school. They are a lot of fun and a great way to gauge how interested you really are. Also, if you are looking at getting her clubs make sure you have a professional help you out. I bought ladies clubs and found out later that I was way too tall for them and needed mens clubs.

I started playing golf with my dad when I was about 11. The first thing he did was sign me up for some lessons with a female pro. If there are none in your area I would say a male is fine, but I was a nervous wreck starting out and having a woman calmed me down a lot. Then just be as encouraging and supportive as you can be. Take her out after work, try to help without being her coach (my dad missed that part), be geniunely interested in how she is doing, etc. Is she about to be in high school? If so I would recommend trying out for the girls' golf team. My experience is that most girls in high school are just starting (unless your area is competitive) and she would fit in and have a great time learning with other kids her age. It also gets her into the routine of practicing and should show her some drills that will help improve her game. Also, do you have a friend with a daughter her age? Golf can be fun to learn with a partner. Another great thing my dad would do, as I learned much later, is that he would intentionally hit bad shots and putts. It made me feel better and then he would droan on about how he needed to practice his putting (even though I was the one making par just on the green) and we would go in after our round and practice for awhile. I never knew it was his way of getting me to practice because I always thought I was just there to keep him company.

Oh I'm sure it wasn't. But it's a funny shirt to have anyways.

I get lessons from the women's coach at Purdue. Since I work there she doesn't charge me anything. She is not a certified pro of any kind, though, she is a coach. The pros, however, charge $30-$50 per hour. We are getting a new teaching facility on campus in September, so I'm guessing those rates will go up as lessons start to include more technology (swing analysis, video lessons, etc.)

You know, I occasionally drive the beverage cart when we are short-staffed up at school. We are a dry campus though and don't sell beer. I guess I would get terrible ratings. At home though, when I worked at a country club in the summers, they old guys had a shirt made for me that said "beer bitch."

I also agree with the idea of taking lessons, but I have found that books can help. They aren't the same, and I would never recommend just books to learn a hands-on game, but they are often helpful in answering a quick question. I listed a few that I have used and liked here: http://www.hittingthelinks.com/archi...ips/golf-books