Bowker

Definitely.

I would say the reason you are seeing so many Titleist at the private "rich" country clubs is because Titleist is considered "popular" in the golfing community. Not to mention most of their clubs are expensive. Titleist has a lot of clubs and products on the PGA tour so the extremely rich golfers at the country clubs think they can play like them if they get the top-of-the-line Titleist clubs. Think of it like the Mercedes in cars. They are not necessarily the best cars, but they are perceived as top of the line because of the price and the people that drive them. Don't get me wrong. I'm definitely not saying everyone that has Titleist clubs gets them because they think they need to have them to fit in. Many have them because they like them and they fit their needs. They do in fact make good clubs.

Essentially there is no difference between the Approach wedge and the gap wedge, besides the names, which are basically interchangeable, but more commonly called the gap wedge. That being said, the approach wedge would be considered one club shorter than a pitching wedge and one club longer than a sand wedge. There would be no difference that I know of in purchasing it separately.

I agree. My pro told me not to listen to most of the articles in stuff like Golf Mag., Golf Digest, etc. because sometimes it will just get too complicated and mess with your mechanics.

I'm a Redskins fan but will be pulling for the Pack as well. After all, how could I endorse a division rival????

I've never used one. Most of the reviews advertise "relaxing your hands" and "preventing wrist movement". If you get one let us know how it is.

If you're looking for Callaway wedges, the Forged X-tours are nice and go for around $110. As for the 3-wood, I like both the Big Bertha and the X woods.

Check out this article- http://golf.about.com/cs/equipmentre...leistprov1.htm It has a comparison and reviews on both the ProV1 and ProV1x Heres an article about the 2007 updated versions- http://golf.about.com/od/equipment/a/prov1_2007a.htm

No problem. I was curious about that rule myself. I didn't know they were legal if they ONLY had distance.

Yeah most of the time I can tell this when I use them. Thats why I am going to try out some other balls as well. Maybe some soft Dunlops.

Rule 14-3 Rangefinders and other Electronic Distance Measuring Devices Q. Is it legal under the Rules of Golf to use a Rangefinder or other Electronic Distance Measuring device? A. The use of a distance-measuring device is a breach of Rule 14-3, which states that during a stipulated round, the player shall not use any artificial device or unusual equipment for the purpose of gauging or measuring distance or conditions which might affect his play (Rule 14-3). The USGA Handicap System requires players to post scores made when a device which measures distance only has been used (regardless of whether the Committee has adopted the Local Rule described below). Scores made while using a device which measures other conditions which might affect play (e.g., wind speed or the slope of the ground) are not acceptable for Handicapping purposes. Please refer to Section 5-1 of the USGA Handicap System Manual regarding acceptable scores. USGA Handicap Home Page The Committee may, by Local Rule, permit the use of devices that measure distance only (i.e., the device may not be used to measure other conditions such as wind-speed or the slope of the ground). (Rule 14-3 Note and Decision 14-3/0.5) The recommended language for such a Local Rule can be found in Appendix I; Part B; Section 9. If the Committee has adopted a Local Rule permitting the use of distance-measuring devices, these devices may be shared by players (see analogous Decision 5-1/5 regarding the sharing of equipment other than clubs). Additionally, please refer to the Definition of "Advice" and Decision 8-1/2 which clarify that the distance between objects is a matter of public information and therefore not advice. http://www.usga.org/questions/faqs/r....asp?FAQidx=49

I really like the Callaway HX Hot and I use them in combination with the Titleist ProV1. Maybe the HX Hot BITE can persuade me to completely comit myself to Callaway balls.

Glad to help with the book suggestions. I agree with the lessons. Most pros, in a private lesson, will teach you anything you want to know. After all, you're paying for it, shouldn't you get what you want? It's great that you say he's patient, he will need, as I'm sure you already know. Good luck.

Ah another Marylaner! Welcome!

I would strongly recommend purchasing "Golf For Dummies, 3rd edition" by Gary McCord. It tells and easily explains EVERYTHING about golf in general, swing, etiquette, equiptment, fitness, practcing, drills, common mistakes, gamesmenship, scoring, rules, golf on tv, golf on the web, "Golf's 10 Commandments", real life golf stories, "golf speak" (golf glossary). I was just reading some of the things out of the table of contents. Please check out this book! It has everything you would want to know about golf and more. Its humorous in my opinion as well. http://www.amazon.com/Golf-Dummies-G..._sim_d_title_1 thats the link for Amazon. Also check out this website- www.golflink.com . You can sign up for a 1 year free trial and it has hundreds of videos, articles, and other links. Hope this helped!! and good luck to you father!

I think it's a combination of good shots/personal challenges, socializing, stress relief, and fitness. Thats what makes it so addictive and fun.

I prefer to use course marking simply because I feel they are more accurate. I have played with people that use rangefinders and I have seen them get the distance wrong by over 30 yds. Maybe they have newer, better ones now though. I have never tried one personally. What do the new rules say about rangefinders? Anyone know?

I agree with the Ping Eyes. Simply amazing club.

I would say either the TM or the Ping G10. I've read a lot of good reviews on the TMs.

Taking lessons on the course are a great thing. Like the previous posters said, they teach distance control, club selection, course management, lie help, etiquette and rules. And also gives you a supervised look at course play. I once paid 100 bucks for 9 holes as well. They were well worth it because playing on the course is a hell of a lot different than the old mats at the range.

Congrats! It feels great to finally get it right doesn't it? I guess thats what keeps us coming back. Taking lessons was a wise idea. I wish more would do this rather than going out and buying the most expensive clubs they can find.

My friend currently uses one and loves it. He loves the sturdy full-length dividers and there are pockets for everything you can think of. Also he likes the padding on the straps and the way it fits. The only reason I know this is because he talks about it all the time on the course!!!

In my opinion it's got to be the Titleist Vokey spin-milled. When I tried them out it felt like they were tearing the 1st layer of the ball off!

I agree with everyone else. Everyone has thier ups and downs. I have had times when I felt like "why can I not do this right!!!???" but you just have to stick with it and hopefully and most likely it will work itself out. Just keep practicing, take some time off, maybe see a pro. However, this is all valid only if you enjoy golf. This a game which is supposed to fun and relaxing. I know way to many people that are "just" recreational golfers that take the game way way to seriously for thier level of play, to the extent of it stressing out parts o f the rest of thier lives. Like I said, most people have a time in thier golfing "careers" where they feel like quiting, even if they love the game. Just keep practicing and give it some time.

It hovered around 65 here today. Great golfing weather!! I only went to the range, but it felt like spring is upon us!