sofingaw

Thanks! This makes sense.

Great review! I definitely read that prior to buying, so thanks for that! I guess my question is what does ‘technological advancement’ mean in specific? What does MOI mean in layman’s terms, and how did they achieve this highest ever measure of it? And still, what specifically is so different between the clubs that made all the difference. Anyone can say ‘it’s like, mad advanced, bruh!’ (And these club companies are great at that, true or not!) But what numbers should I look for in future clubs and shafts? I ask because if I was going off what I had hit so poorly before (G15) I would have looked at clubs that had heads and shafts that were pretty much the opposite of the club I couldn’t keep in play, instead of one that was nominally similar aside mysterious unexplained ‘advancements’. Does that make sense? Don't get me wrong. I am a believer that these advancements are real. The results prove it. I just don’t know what they are, exactly... I guess the truth is, I’ll try anything and stick with what works regardless of the numbers. My golf game has improved, but curiosity remains dissatisfied. I’m missing something still. Could be! The shaft does feel different. But since the specs provided for each are so similar, I can’t help but to wonder why it does feel different. Guess it’s not really important, but it’s puzzling to me. I feel like there’s a ‘missing spec’ somewhere that isn’t part of the marketing specs that must be the difference maker. Thanks for the answers!

Hey all! At the risk of overthinking this, I want to present some puzzling results I had with two clubs with seemingly very similar specs that produced very different results for me. Both drivers, my old one and my new one. Ping G15 - TFC149D Stiff shaft, 60g, 5.3 ‘Torque’ 204g clubhead weight. Swingweight D3. Ping G400 - Alta CB 55 Stiff shaft, 59g, 4.9 ‘Torque’, 206 clubhead weight. Swingweight D3. Both clubs 45.75” long. Why did I hit the G15 everywhere but the fairway and only about 250 on my very best shots, while I’m consistently putting the G400 in the fairway or first cut between 270-295 yards out? What specs or other factors am I missing here that could account for the differences? Are the differences in the numbers above really very significant? Overall club weight looks to be within a gram or two, shaft weight almost identical, head weight very close, and they are the same length. The only thing other thing I know is different is the grip. G15 grip was 1/32” below ‘standard’ size according to Ping sizing (Aqua color, Ping ID8). G400 grip feels like standard (Golf Pride Tour Velvet). Obviously the head design is different by a large margin, with the G400 only displacing 445cc to the G15’s 460cc. Plus the crown design, CG placement, etc. Though the CG is well back and centered left-right on both clubs. As for shafts, they are nominally similar, at least ‘by the numbers’ and I read that they are both ‘counter balanced’, though I do not know by how much. The Alta feels just a bit stiffer in the handle end than the TFC to me, which I do like. To be clear, I am not complaining about the results, nor will I be making any ‘tweaks’ to try and fix something that is not broken... but I guess I just can’t tell what made the difference here. I feel like so little has changed, but the results are starkly different. For the next few (hopefully many) years, I plan to just keep hitting this thing pure. But I don’t know what I changed here, and for future purchases, I would like to know what factors matter for me. This change did not make that clear at all other than G400>G15? Any ideas? Thanks!

I posted about this round in the What Did You Shoot Today thread, but I wanted to post here also, since I’m still (unfortunately) qualified to post here! 49-52 101. This was an interesting round. I’m very pleased, first off since this is my second best score ever (100), and my best in over 5 years. The work I’m putting in this year, plus a brand new driver, are paying off. Of course, still disappointed since I didn’t break through. And I definitely left some shots out there. Started 8,7,5 ended 7,7,4. Yuck. Other than that, pretty smooth sailing. 4’s 5’s and 6’s. Lots of bogeys, and a few doubles. No huge blow ups, no 9’s, and no double digits!!! Also, no birdies, and no pars either! This has got to be close to the best round possible with no pars or better! Definitley the best I’ve had without a par. I hit a lot of great tee shots, (and one real bad one) a few good pitches and chips, (and a few i flubbed) one OB wedge on #1 (following a 292 yard drive into the fairway, of course!) and made like no putts, lol. Go figure. I also starting working on picking and focusing on a target, and not thinking mechanical swing thoughts. Trusting my swing. It seems to have helped. Overall, very happy, but not ecstatic. I know I’m gonna break through soon. Things are headed the right direction.

49-52 101. Atsugi Golf Course, Atsugi NAF Japan. Back 9 is closed due to irrigation system maintenance, so played the front twice. Very happy with the round overall. I feel like I am finally putting it together a bit. Disappointed that I left some shots out there though. One bad (wedge!) OB on hole 1, ended up making 8. Hit some really great tee shots, and only one real bad one. Also hit some neat pitches and chips. Also chunked a couple of each of those. Felt like I made no putts. Second best score ever (100), and best in over 5 years, so, definitely happy with that! Gutted that I didn’t hold it together to break the century mark for the first time, though. First two holes were 8,7,5, last three holes were 7,7,4. Decently smooth sailing besides that. No 9’s, 10’s or worse. That’s a big day for me! Things are trending the right way.

Really, that’s exactly what this thread is about. The intent is to let everyone share stories of a long process and to know they aren’t alone. And also to show that hard work can pay off in time. And that even if final goals aren’t always reached, again, we are not alone. Sure, we ‘know’ this. We ‘know’ golf is hard. But it’s motovating to hear specific stories, IMO. Good idea! Thanks everyone for sharing!

I don’t know if used club prices have gone up, but there are a few reasons why they either may or may not have. Inflation is one factor, truthfully. General health of the economy and availability of disposable income to spend on golf fluctuates as well. Another thing to consider with eBay in particular compared to other sites or physical stores is that if you did deep enough or get lucky with your search terms, you can sometimes find a listing that for one reason or another (misspelled words, obscure specs listed/not listed, poor/no pictures etc.) has lower traffic, or a club that is listed at a time when the ‘right’ buyer(s) are not seeing or looking for it. This can allow for deals for sure. But the same club in a good looking pic with everything spelled how you spelled it when searching can show up in the first page of nearly everyone’s search for that club. Also, certain clubs gain a cult following over time, or the opposite, fall out of favor faster compared to newer gear. All things to consider.

Yeah my irons are Ping G15’s 4-W. New driver is a G400. Wedges are used 52 and 56 Vokeys. Other clubs I have are all from my high school starter set (Knight Connexion) and include a driver, (dropping that out now that I have the G400 working), a 5W, and the putter. Im planning to get a new wood and a hybrid to bridge the gap between my driver and 4i that the old 5W is in. Might not keep the putter forever, but I AM comfortable with it, and it is my lowest priority. I don’t think that club itself has ever cost me a stroke. Just my use of it!

Get the G400. Whichever head version and shaft combo they hit best. I assume that price is the reason you haven’t included the last two models of Ping drivers (G, G400 series). If so, get the G30. Ive heard that it’s good. But I just upgraded from a G15 to a G400, and it is without question the best 400 bucks I’ve spent on golf equipment ever, period. Not one dime of regret. Maybe try to find a used one?

If I’m not mistaken, the tweet in question from Dahmen in fact said: ”Kang cheated.”, NOT ”Kang is a cheater.” Did Dahmen anywhere else say that Kang was a cheater or that Koreans are cheaters? I haven’t seen that. As for whether he cheated or not, I don’t know and can’t say. But it seems likely that he did at best ‘get away’ with a major mistake, and at worst, possibly cheated intentionally.

I don’t know that it matters very much, especially for these guys. But if I had the chance to play for a prize put up by somebody else, or to bet and possibly win my competitors money or lose my own money... it makes the competition just a bit more personal and exciting. At least for shit talking purposes, etc...

In the case of this club, I must agree 100%! I got fitted for the G400 with the Alta S shaft. The results were simply mind blowing. Was previously playing a used G15 I got on eBay in 2012. I’ve hit a handful of decent drives with it, over the years, with my best being about 270, and straight (once). Averages were about 240-250 on my (rarely) well struck shots. Overall average had to be below 240 or 230 total. Especially recently, I have fought to keep it straight. I have had probably half a dozen rounds in a row that I have literally found one or zero fairways with this club. At the time I got it, the G15 was known as a very forgiving club. I must be pretty bad at this game! Maybe I should buy a 3 wood? Maybe I should buy a 2h and tee off with that? Maybe I should consider quitting!? The G400 is in outer space in comparison. Believe me or not, I do not care. I hit the G400, and the G400 LST on a monitor at the store with X, S, and R flex Alta shafts, and the regular G400 with the S Alta was giving me consistent 240-250 carry, 270 total, and a tight dispersion. I had gained at least 30 yards carry, and straightened my drives out immediately. I took this thing to the course, worried that the monitor had me gassed up for nothing. Maybe the monitor at the store was rigged? I’ve heard of such things being done to sell clubs. It was insane. I hit several drives of 270-280, a 295, a 305, and a downhill 311. ALL in the fairway. I have never ever ever hit balls like that, range/simulator or on the course. And the scary part is, that it was basically effortless. I was trying to swing easy so I didn’t whiff it or top it embarrassingly or damage my new club! I never once ‘went after it’. Hell, I’m still kind of scared to! I did hit one standard nasty slice, and I hooked two shots OB. I’m very bad, lol. It doesn’t swing itself, after all. But I even got a couple in the fairway or first cut that I felt like I heeled pretty badly, out to about 250-260. Just a baby fade down the left side and into play. On a mishit! Any halfway decent swing produced a very good or outstanding result. I am simply floored by the performance of this club. I did not believe I could ever hit shots like those. Faith restored that I have a chance to play this game well at some point in the future.

Thanks to all for the recommendations! I went to ADS Golf, and they were professional, nice, and thorough. Got a fitting for fairway woods and hybrids, though I didn’t buy any while there. They did send recommended specs to me via email, and said I can email them if I want to pick up some clubs later from them. They do have a limited selection of companies that they sell, and they specialize in higher end stuff like Miura, PXG, and Wishon clubs and aftermarket shafts. They were upfront about this prior to my visit when I called to make the appointment. You won’t be able to get Callaway, TM, PING, etc. from them. Thanks again for the recommendation. I’d recommend them as well.

Doral Great White. 18 is an island green (cool, but I dunked a few from 90y or so), and this joker is LONG with plenty of water and other hazards. Couldn’t keep a proper score, but it was north of 135. Could have been 150.

You’ve simply got to be trolling, now. So the list of ‘also rans’ is better... but the player who beat them all to hell is not better? No way does that hold water!!! n o w a y

Hello! Im headed to San Diego next week for 6 days 4-9 Jul, and looking to get a couple of fittings done for some new sticks. I’m looking at maybe a wood/hybrid fitting, a wedge fitting, and a putter fitting for now. I’m not as interested in a driver or iron fitting at this time. Does anyone have any recommendations for places to go that are thorough, professional, and (if possible, but least important) cheap? Also not fully booked up at that time would be a requirement! Thanks!

You know, I just realized this is posted in ‘tour talk’. Meaning this is probably directed at what fans should yell, vice hitters of the ball..

I bowl tenpin, though haven’t been in a league the past few years. Average about 180-190 (bowling was my first love/obsession!). I did roll a 692 series in a charity tournament last month including a 269 game. Rolled a 279 in practice the same month. Funny, some of my best ever bowling has been done after a decently long layoff! I’ve done candlepin before as well a couple of times. VERY fun, and as you say, VERY difficult! Again, best of luck with your golf league situation.

One time I had to yell “LOOK OUT DUCK!” Almost got my first confirmed kill that day.... Other than that I generally just sigh as loudly as possible, half the time followed by an UuuuuUUUGH! Or go with the old classic standard: GUCCI GANG GUCCI GANG GUCCI GANG GUCCI GANG GUCCI GANG.

A couple of ideas I have: 1) Though I do not and have never yet played in a golf league, I am a veteran of several bowling leagues, and if they are set up in anything like the same way, then you may/should have a league ‘secretary’ who is nominally ‘in charge’ of the league, posts scores, gives updates to members, and works out any scheduling issues that arise, as well as holds votes on league issues as they arise. Additionally, they generally interface with the bowling center (golf course) as necessary. If any complaints are to be delivered, the best course of action is for a league ‘official’ to make the case on behalf of the league members in a professional manner. Hopefully your league has one. If not, you could create the position now, to help with this current issue, and to help avoid future issues. 2) Perhaps create a separate division within the league for random groups or new players, and let those who have a ‘standard’ group play together in the other division. 3) Set a time deadline for the ‘set groupings/choice groupings’ in the league, and have all players who miss the arrival time grouped randomly. Say the league starts at 5:00, if you don’t make it by 6:00, you go as you arrive, for instance. These are just some ideas. Feel free to use, combine, alter or discard these as you need. good luck!

No, I’m not kidding. And they do not only use rules officials to confirm rules. They routinely ask them a series of questions in a sequential order, in order to guide the officials to the decision they want (within the rules of course). E.g. “Can I drop here?’, ‘What about here?’, ‘OK, and and if this happens then what?’ Do I drop again?” If they don’t get the answer they want right away, they will ask a tangential question to get the official to come to a decision that is satisfactory. “ Is this considered a loose impediment (immovable obstruction, etc...)?” And even if you still consider this merely ‘confirmation’ of rules already known and not a version of ‘leading the witness’ in lawyer jargon, then I’ll grant you that, if you are insistent (though I disagree in at least some cases). However I’ll STILL insist that it’s a HUGE advantage to have bona fide experts all around to confirm, or suggest to you your allowed course of action and to supervise it’s execution with qualified, legitimate advice. Dont get me wrong. With the stakes so high, I understand why this happens. But it’s clearly a luxury not afforded to your average weekend player. Again, understandably so. Simply naive not to see that IMO.

I think they are accustomed to playing courses set up in a certain way most every time, and have come to expect a certain base level of ‘playability’ (rough height, green speed, pin placements). They certainly complain when thier normal shots don’t have ‘expected’ results. They generally execute ‘superb, excellent, or very good’ shots and get upset with any poor results. I think this expectation, along with the pressure they play under accounts for their frustration. It shows the most clearly only occasionally (during majors) where they are having thier worst shots, and some normally ‘acceptable’ shots heavily, instead of moderately penalized. Amatuers complain just as much, if not more when our results are not good. But we have our lack of talent and execution to blame more readily than PGA Tour players. We amateurs execute ‘very good, pretty good, poor, or very poor’ shots and can more easily understand when things don’t work out. It’s also interesting to me how the pros play very difficult courses that are set up to play more easily, with perfectly manicured fairways, greens and rough, plus tamped down rough from spectators, and tons of help from spectators and volunteers/staff to locate balls. Not to mention rules officials at thier beck and call to answer any questions and help the take the best advantage of the rules possible. While we all generally play the opposite, which are easy (short) courses that are not set up much at all, and have bumpy greens, long rough, and no help finding lost balls, not to mention other inconsistencies through and on the greens. It certainly seems from our perspective that they have little to complain about. But if I hit 10 or 14 approach shots in a round that literally struck the greens (LOL for me, not in this decade!), and more than half of those rolled off said greens.... I’d be beside myself with frustration, no matter the stage or the stakes, but ESPECIALLY in a major championship. Having said all that, I voted yes because, at the end of the day, big picture.. they are playing the greatest game in the world for a living. And a good living, too for most (all?) of them. “Course was unfair this week! Only made 55k for the week due to my poor finish!” But I get it. They are human, and it is golf. Whining shall happen.

Gotcha. More like this, perhaps? Found it noticeably easier to turn from this setup position, though I still don’t think I was turning enough or consistently on each swing. Also hit many more good shots than usual during this session. This new setup will take getting used to, but I’m encouraged by the results so far.

Have been working on you guys’ suggestions, specifically tried: 1) Standing a bit more ‘athletically’ with just a bit more knee flex. Feels like I’m more ‘ready to hit’ if that makes any sense? 2) Adding backswing hip turn. Still not much there. I’m having trouble consistently turning my hips without swaying. One out of every 2 or 3 swings where I actively turn my hips back will not have me swaying. And contact is... iffy at best with the hips turning well. If I focus only on my hips, or go slowly, I can do it. But not at speed or with any other swing thoughts. Definitely a long road ahead on hip turn. 3) Continuing to shallow out/flatten my backswing and especially my downswing planes. Since my hips can’t seem to get in gear yet, I’m doing this with my arms mostly. In the picture, I’ve compared a swing from today (bottom) with one from my last post (top). Red is address shaft plane, green is obviously the shaft at about the same point in the downswing. I think I’m on the right track. I’m definitley not ‘chopping wood’ so badly anymore, and on some of my swings, like this one, my club points straight down the line at the top of the BS and not across the line anymore. Some swings I’m still across the line though. This is going to be a long process. I can tell because to get the little bit of change I have here, I feel like I am actively manipulating the club in the backswing and downswing QUITE a bit. I’m trying to get the club laid off a bit, and It feels like I’m swinging the club almost totally horizontally from address. Obviously I’m barely making a change! Feel ain’t real indeed.. Thanks for the look!