Eric Lindgren

I'm 6'5" and 295 lbs, so I don't care too much about being mocked. I was more curious as to what the general opinion is of people like that. I haven't decided if I'm going to do it or not. I'm not one who goes out and gets all the latest and greatest gear just because I want to look cool and think it will make me better. I've had my current irons about 10 years (Cleveland TA-5), and they're too short for me. I just ordered my new fitted irons (Callaway RAZR X Black) and wanted to get a bag to match. I'm going to shoot what I shoot and understand what I'm wearing and what kind of bag I have doesn't influence that at all. I appreciate every one's input!

I get that a lot. Hoping it comes in handy next time I'm in Vegas!

I have a question. I'm about to buy a new set of irons and with them, a new bag. I'm curious what the protocol is for having your name embroidered on the bag? I'm about a 25 handicap, and the only players I've seen with their names on their bags are pros and low handicappers. I've got a close friend who's about a 3 handicap who has his name on his bag, but he's the only guy I know. Am I setting myself up to be mocked or does it really matter?

Last year, after having played for 20+ years, I finally decided to get more serious about getting better. I got lessons for the first time in my life (3 day golf school), part of which was a professional fitting. I currently have Cleveland TA-5 irons (4-PW) that I had 3/4" added to when I got them. The professional that measured me recommended a steel shaft (I have about 100-105 mph swing speed), a 39.5" shaft for my 5 iron with standard loft and lie and oversized grips. I'm 6'5" and have always felt I needed longer shafts, but never got measured. He also recommended either Ping or Taylormade irons because he said, they're among the lightest weight irons made. He watched me swing my clubs and asked if my back bothered me, and while I don't have back problems, I do find it my back getting more sore after playing than it used to (part of that is getting me getting old). I tend tend to slice my mishits and have had a lot of trouble hitting my irons for about the last year and a half (after I tried to totally rebuild my swing on my own). I'm currently about a 25 handicap, and at one point, was down to about a 17 (pre-swing rebuild). I'm ready to get my irons and have been shopping around looking at the different Ping and Taylormade sets. I've always been a Nike guy, and was looking at the Nike VR irons, but after my experience at the golf school (I highly recommend it, by the way) I'm focusing more on what was recommended to me. I'm having a hard time narrowing my choices between the Ping G15, G20, i20, Anser, and the TaylorMade RocketBallz, RocketBladez, and the Burner 2.0. Does it really come down to personal preference, or is there any real difference between these clubs? Thanks again to every one!

I think the only time you should actually get fitted is if you need longer than standard shafts, otherwise, you're going to really jack up your swing, your stance, and your back. I'm 6'5" and was recently professionally fitted. The 39.5" shaft he recommended for my 5 iron is a full 3/4" longer than it currently is, and I had my irons lengthened an inch when I bought them. If you're average height and weight, I would recommend getting something inexpensive and using that until you figure out how serious a golfer you want to be. In my humble opinion, it's a waste to go out and spend a fortune on getting fitted, and getting a top of the line set of clubs if you're only going to end up playing once a month. Also, as some one just starting off playing, your clubs are going to take much more of a beating than some one who plays more frequently.

I'm about a 25 handicap and play about once or twice a month. I play with Nike Power Distance balls. I get them at WalMart for about $15/box. At this point, I don't think I'm good enough to spend much more on golf balls. I've never had any trouble with them, and have also played Callaway Warbirds, Titleist NXT, Noodles, Nike Mojo, and can honestly say I'm not good enough to tell a huge difference in any of them. I tend to stick with the Nike balls because I've always been a Nike guy, and they're relatively inexpensive. Any one have any thoughts on any of the balls I mentioned?

I stumbled across this site looking for a good site for golf advice. I'm looking to buy new irons this year and am looking forward to a great golf year in the Carolinas!