cnl390

I played my first round with my new 3i on Sunday. I purchased the iron because I hate & can't hit my 3w or 5w from the fairway with any Constancy. But I wasn't prepared to be averaging (219) 10-30 yards farther than my driver. Is there anything I can work on to improve my driving short of taking lessons?

I can't find where to place an order on the the web site.

I want to add a 3i to my set of Ping G25's. Can anyone suggest a good site for online purchase? Thanks

I started playing back in April and consistantly card between 100 & 120. One of my bigger problems has been my ability to to stay on, or reasonably close to the fairway. During my last round I began to realize that even though it is a highly exhilarating experience hitting a nice, high, straight drive around 250 yards. I realized that it was happening only about 20 percent of the time, and the other 80 I was in the rough, trees, hazards, etc. So on the 13th hole I began to use my 4i in place of my driver. I kept track of my shots with a Garmin Approach and found I was hitting from 189-212 yards, and they were all straight down middle. I am now thinking about taking the driver out of my bag and playing with my irons only. What do you all think? I am open to all suggestions, opinions, criticism, etc.

I would think something along the lines of... "I'm in the Trap" "I'm always in the Trap" or Sand Trap "I always hit the Trap" or Sand Trap "There is always a good lie in The Sand Trap"

I bought some Longshot impact labels so I could get an idea how I was hitting my driver and it turned out I was contacting the ball low and toward the toe of my driver. So I choked up on the grip about an inch, and teed the ball up around 1/4 inch higher. After doing so I began hitting the sweet spot every time, and 90% of my shots were long, had good loft and were for the most part straight. THEN, I read the instruction/tip sheet that came with the labels. It said that I was most probably swinging the club straight along my target line, and suggested that I make sure my shoulder is under my chin on both the back swing and follow through. My question is...should I work on that part of my swing and forget about the choking up and teeing higher, or just go with what works for me? The commercial with Palmer saying, "Swing your swing, I did." comes to mind. Thanks a lot!

Has anyone had problems with Ping graphite shafts breaking? I was hitting an approach shot with my 9i yesterday and the shaft broke at the hosel. It was a good clean shot with little to no divot. This is the second shaft I have had break (the other was my 5i) in the same set. I know Ping's customer service is second to none so that is not problem. But I am seriously considering going to steel. But I do have a torn labrum in my left shoulder and am not sure if the slight extra weight & added impact will make a difference.

That crossed my mind. Where do you set up?

I just cannot get any where close to consistent hitting my 3w & 5w with the ball on the ground. I am fairly confident when the ball is teed up, but when I'm in the fairway, light rough or even at the range I am at best 50/50. Either a good straight shot or a little flub or top. With my 4i - 9i and my 20 degree hybrid I am about 80/20. I can't figure it out, is it a mental thing? Thanks, Charles

Thanks for the insight, I really appreciate it. Tomorrow will be my fourth week of twice a week PT, I do a lot of different arm motions without resistance and some motions with Thera Bands. I will admit there has been a huge improvement since I have been going to PT and doing my exercises at home. However sometimes just out of the blue the pain will come back with intensity.

I am sure there are plenty of posts about the training advantages of the Orange Whip. But has anyone used it as an aid for rehabilitation. I am rehabing a small labral tear in my shoulder and was thinking it might be a huge help. Any thoughts?

After 2 weeks of physical therapy I went out to the ranch and tried hitting a few balls in one of the fields. Hit about 5 with my 9i & 5 with my 20 degree hybrid. Topped about half, hit a couple of decent 9i shots and the hybrid shots I connected on had no loft and went about 45 degrees right of where I was aiming. Not a slice or fade, but a straight arrow 45 degrees. I guess I am unconsciously favoring my left shoulder. Back to the drawing board.

Good advise, thanks.

First off, how did your cat-scan come out? I hope it was nothing serious. Good news, I had my MRI and my orthopedic surgeon said that there was more artheritis than he first thought and I had a slight labral tear. Shot me up with steroids and gave me a script for 6 weeks of physical therapy. Said if my shoulder feels better in 2 weeks I can play golf. So my lunch hour on September 11th will be spent at the range. Charles PS I think I already told you, but the Steelhead III 5w you recommended is awesome.

About 4 weeks ago I felt something go south in my left shoulder on my follow through after a drive. Since the pain got worse daily I went and saw an orthopaedic surgeon and he told me it was my rotator cuff. I am scheduled for an MRI today, but because of the pain and inability to use my left arm I am pretty sure we are talking surgery. Has anyone had this done? And can anyone tell me the recovery period for a 59 year old. Thanks

Last Saturday I played Hermann Park Golf Course in Houston, TX. This was my second complete round of 18 holes (I have played 9 holes at different course about 6 times), and I shot 99. I started out with a par on #1, which believe me was a big surprise. I went on and nailed 3 pars on the front 9 for a 45, and then lost it and shot a 54 on back. However, in the long run I am very happy with my score. and this was with no mulligans and no gimmies.

I am currently using "Shotly" (formerly Caddie) on my Windows phone but lately is has been crashing a lot. Does anyone know of any other good apps for the Windows phone. Thanks Charles

Okay I guess I'll be the guy that makes you all feel like pros. I played the front 9 at Olmos Golf course here in San Antonio on Sunday. It was 102 degrees out, but only felt like 99.. 1 -9 plays 3244 yards, par 36. I shot a blistering 61. (This is only the second round I have played in over 40 years) I was hitting my drives straight down the fairways about 230 yards and really hitting my irons fairly well, or at least I was happy with them. Then came my chipping and pitching. I hit 2 bunkers that took me 3 shots each to get out of. A couple of chips that did the old chip from off the green on one side to off the green on the other. And a short pitch that didn't make the green. I am going to spend my entire lunch hour tomorrow chipping. Then I will be playing a round in Houston on Saturday with my brother in law. I will post another, hopefully better score on Monday. Charles

After asking questions, getting answers, reading threads and accessing all of the great information on this web site I decided to purchase a pre-owned Callaway Steelhead III 5w for $30 off of Ebay. I went to range at lunch today to try it out and I must say it was a $30 well spent. Now let me point out that I have not been playing very long and am very inconsistent to say the least. But from the very first swing of this club (hitting off a mat) I was drilling shots straight as an arrow at least 170-180 yards. And the club was making a sweet ping every shot to boot. For someone on a budget, or someone who just wants a fine club at an inexpensive price I highly recommend the Steelhead III. Charles

I am looking to purchase a pair of golf shoes, but need a wide fit. I like the Adicross II shoes but all the places I have been on line only have medium fit, and I called Taylormade (Adidas golf shoe source) and was told they only come in Medium fit. However there are several British golf stores online that advertise wide fit. Do any of you all have any more information on this. Thanks\ Charles

I have noticed that a lot of players, pros and amateurs alike, Will use a tee when hitting an iron off the tee box. I have always hit off the ground. Is there an advantage to using a tee, and if so are there different tee heights for the different irons? Thanks Charles

I am fairly new like you are, and like you I didn't think i could hit a driver. So read reviews, read some of the threads in this forum and asked questions. Using what I learned I went to Golfsmith with the intention of purchasing a Callaway XHot driver because they are supposed to be a super awesome forgiving club. Lucky for me the salesman talked me into hitting some balls with the XHot off their analyzing gizmo. He also had me hit some other different drivers. Long story short I went in for a Callaway and went home with a Cobra AMP Cell 11.5*. I hit this club much better than any of the other drivers I tried out. So take the advise of these guys on the forum. They know what they are talking about. Charles

I bought a dozen Hex Chrome and played 18 yesterday and 9 this evening. Yesterday my play was mediocre at best, but I do believe I was hitting the ball much straighter. This evening the majority of my drives were going high straight and long. And I was hitting my irons awesome. I also hit my best 3W shot off the fairway ever. Was it the balls, I don't know for sure, but something sure made my drives much better.

I had my own post concerning my search for ball for me, but this one is much better. However being a beginner, this post has somewhat baffled and confused. My understanding is low spin off the driver makes for better distance and straighter shots, and higher spin off the wedge gives the ball more sticking power on the green. So why are the B330's so popular when they have the highest spin rate of the driver. From looking at the chart I would think the best overall balls would be both the Callaway Hex Chromes, Zxrion Z star XV, Titleist Pro V1X & Wilson F6 Tour X. I have a 95-100 SS & hit a Cobra AMP Cell 11.5* driver and would probably pick the Callaway Hex Chrome+. Am I understanding all this correctly? Thanks, this is a great thread.

I have been buying used balls in bulk up until now. But I believe I have gotten to the point in my game where I need to pick one ball and stay with it. But I don't know what ball to pick. I have a swing speed between 95 & 100 and hit a Cobra AMP Cell 11.5* about 190-220 yds. And my shots are high. I did have a horrible slice, but since I bought the Cobra it has changed to a fade. Any suggestions?