Maverick

Me too..I am not a fan or excess width/height either! The less movement/motion..the better. I too have gained a lot more more from making better contact this way. You took the words out of my mouth JR. I think there's just too much timing required when you start getting detached from the body and to bring everything back down again.

Lately, I've been practicing trying to keep my swing very simple. For the most part, I try to take it back and down on, what feels to me, the same plane. However, today I was hitting my irons a lot more effortlessly, but even more so, more consistently when I let me back swing "rest" on my right arm . It felt like all I had to do was just make my turn with my shoulders and it came down so on track! It felt like I could even step on it, at times which I did, and rotate quicker to get some more out of it. I did fly over some greens when I did. It did feel however that my back and down swing was more shallow..at least in feeling..when I "rested" on my right arm on the back swing. I'm a firm believer of trying to keep the right elbow as close to your body on the backswing and downswing until impact. Am I on to something..? Is this the feel of being in the "slot"?

Yes, the latter..that I am confident that once on the green I'll be in by 2 putts. ..I absolutely agree.

Driving it 220-230, you should have mostly 6i or less into the fours, you can reach all the fives and scratch it around the green on all the threes. That's a formula for shooting in the 70's if your game is up to snuff. Yes, I've noticed that too..I'll usually be around 160-180 in and most of my approaches..and it's these times when I go for it and get a little sideways or off where I lose the strokes. Looks like all the arrows point to going to the range and practicing the 5 and 6 iron for consistency/accuracy.

Have 2 Scotty's and a Yes! Tracy. I've been using the Yes! lately however..

The OP (JimboSlice) was last active over 2 weeks ago and his activity on this thread is 3 weeks ago..

Well seeing that you have a lower index than mine, not sure if you want to heed my advice/tip for getting rid of the shanks but I've noticed that when my arms/elbows start to get detached from my body on the downswing, then the shanks can set in.

I would say my chipping over the last year has really improved. I'm confident that no matter where green-side, I'll be in the hole in two. It's getting it even closer for that 1-putt. I know this is not the ideal way to play, but for now it seems to be keeping me in the mid 80's. I admit though, for the approaches that are 160 or less..it is without exception/excuse, that I HAVE to be on the green.

..you're right..for every missed green I need a 1-putt..but I'm hoping my short game will get me close to achieve this..and I'm not asking to be PAR..just floating in the 70's..but I have gotten a few 1-putts in a round. It's interesting to read all the viewpoints as far as some of you have said it's near impossible, to play the white tees, learn to hit it farther, to some that have commented, like rustyredcab, to work on the mid-long game. I know it's a heavy/long haul..still tinkering with what I need to do..perhaps try out my 10.5 degree driver and see if that might give me 10-20 yards..which would help out..but it's so NICE to be straight.

Wow, great analysis. Yes, here are my current stats (via Scorecard 2) FW - 47.25% GIR - 19.70 % PUTTS - 34

Yes, I agree..a longer drive would do wonders to assist in cutting down a 170-180 yard approach.

Can you contrast further..but, on average (or max distance) it's been about 220-230..I have hit them 240 when I'm feeling confident and the fw is wide open.

I wouldn't say I'm swining out..I've been using a 12 degree driver which has been keeping me straight and in play. I'm not sure (doubt) that a lower lofted driver (say 10.5) will give me more distance with my swing speed either. It just more "fun" when you see the ball go straight and in play. I don't know if it's even worth opting for a lower lofted driver if there is more chance of the drives going awry at the cost of getting a "longer" drive..once in awhile.

220-230 average..once in awhile I'll peak at 240.

Interesting perspectives...being harsh is good..I need to know the truth from you players. 180 is about as long as I want to chew on for a "go for it approach", and only if the green is safe..yeah pathetic. Anything 150 and in I'm good to go..it's those ones that start to go north of 150..like 160, 170, 180. Seems like I need to build more consistency in the mid-irons or drive it farther.

If the notion of teeing off with a 3W bothers you, pick up a 12 degree driver (I use one BTW..Mizunp JPX 800/12 deg). I hit the fairway 50% or more of the time in the 240+ range..the rest being slightly off. It will do wonders to your game/score.

I've been playing ALOT better lately..have easily been managing to play to an 85. I have to admit though that most of my pars come from getting up and down from green side or close chips for a 1-putt to close. I've been laying up on most of my approach shots that are 180+ (unless the green is completely safe where I would try to go for it) and will usually make a bogey at worst. Is it possible to be consistent at shooting in the 70's with this "type" of scrambling game (getting the up and downs) of laying up OR will I have to hit GIR's to break the 80 barrier? I'm looking to hover in the mid to high 70's..someday.. What do you guys think?

If you guys are interested in renewing or subscribing..I just renewed mine again for another 3 years..seems like an awesome deal. http://www.tanga.com/deals/3db272e995/golf-digest-magazine-subscription-renewal#close ..looks like it's this weekend only on Tanga.

One thing about "custom" clubs is that they are hard to re-sell, unlike name brand sets.

I ran across this somehow, and apologize if ya'll have seen it, but gorgeous hi-definition shots (I was looking for GD's Hot List cover photo..driver going through the red paint.) Anyway, they also make nice desktops for your computer too..enjoy

Perhaps check out Golfsmith..look into Wishon, Nakamura. My buddy made a custom set using Snake Eye forged MC/CB combo with PX 5.0 HL shafts, custom ferrules and grips..but it ends up costing much more than buying a set off the rack.

I really do enjoy how the 10-finger feels..feel s great..but it seems it's difficult to keep both hands in unison..at least for me..

Yes, more or less, the relief when you get looking through the eyepiece. Mine was really stiff in the beginning to get it rotating. Think I adjusted mine to around 165..closest thing I could range on in that distance..lol

I'm a fan of the Srixon Soft Feel..how would this compare to the Velocity is terms of feel? (major decision for me.)

Okay, called the guys at Leupold. Turns out the diopter is very tight when they ship (makes sense). Anyway, take a firm grasp of the rubber eyepiece and slowly turn in both directions (kinda like a rocking motion, back and forth)..after a bit it will loosen up and voila! The eyepiece should move in both directions (left and right) and it's very smooth..so nice. You can feel the "click" but it's very muted and smooth..feels like your adjusting the heavy focus on fine lens..which it is right?