walfice

The Z Star is about as good as it gets. They offer plenty of feel and spin for the short game and give good distance too along with durability.

I went to the range today and got a small basket of balls (nike range balls). To my surprise out came a taylor made ball, I had a closer look and it was a penta, looked to have been used for maybe 9 holes. Hit about 10 balls and out comes a spalding tour edition. That was my favourite ball back in its day, felt like hitting a rock now compared to more modern balls. I think Ill use the penta when I play on thursday.

Most people these days get fit for drivers and irons but who has also been fit for their hybrids and fairway woods? (I have not). Also, if I had an Aldila NV (just an example) shaft in my driver would that shaft be a good fit for a 3 wood too?

I want to give 'roll groove' technology a proper try out and also try out a blade putter. I have narrowed it down to a Yes! Callie or a Rife Aussie. (I have demo'ed the method and TM putters but ruled them out). I like the look and feel of both, neither stands out from the other. Just want to hear opinions from people who have tried both?

If a friend of mine just took up the game I would recommend he bought something a little cheaper, a second hand ping for example. If money isn't a concern for him then out of the putters you mention I really like the look of the fastback but I just can't get a smooth stroke with it. The squareback is cool (and an original design, pretty rare these days). The del mar also looks good but that style of putter doesn't suit my stroke (I used to have an odyssey 9, identical design).

+1 for the FJ dryjoys, I will buy another pair when my current ones need replacing.

You won't be disappointed with your choice, I've had my Nike tour sq for 18 months and it's still as good as new. Lots of storage space, great organization of clubs and looks good too. Which colour did you get? I have the grey/red (I thought it matched the victory red colours of my irons and wedges lol)

I think they are both great putters, the method has a great feel and sound but I don't like the dot on the topline, I need a sight line. The Nike certainly offers good value for money

Has anyone tried these? They look pretty good, only available in limited lofts though.

I have the original red x, I have had it for around 18 months now and find it very good in general. It's a little different to the x3 though with it being almost face balanced, gss insert etc. I have considered the x3 but there's nothing wrong with what I have now. Fwiw I think the x3 is a very good looking putter.

What's wrong with the Karsten Ping? Didn't it just win the USPGA? Try the Rife putters, they do anser style models and are pretty affordable for a premium putter.

Did you have your PW weakened to 49 degrees? Do you find this leaves a big gap between your 9i and PW?

Give some Ping Tour Wedges a try, they are very good and very under-rated imo. I came close to getting these earlier this year when I replaced my wedges but stuck with the Nike VR's, which are also very good.

It will be interesting to see if Villegas keeps his cobra 3 wood in his bag, he loves that club. I have seen him hit some outstanding shots with that thing.

I was looking on the Srixon website (uk site) and was comparing the trispeed and ad333. The approach spin on the ad333 was around 8.5/10 while the trispeed was just below 5/10, this is the same as the 'distance' ball which srixon produce. I found this very surprising, I expected the trispeed to provide more approach spin. Has anyone tried both these balls out to confirm this?

I've just finished a dozen Wilson Staff FG tour's, I got them because they were cheap but they were very good. I'm about to start on the nike tour D (got these with my pro shop vouchers because nike are the only balls my pro shop stock). Otherwise I would buy the Callaway tour ix or Srixon Z Star x, but to be honest there isn't a bad ball you can buy at this price point, Bridgestone B330's are great, Titleist Pro v's are too. The only premium ball I have yet to try is the Penta, which I've heard nothing but good things about.

To be honest the DG high launch shaft doesn't send the ball really really high. I have this shaft in my split cavities, I see it more like a 'higher' launching shaft than the dynamic gold (which is a low launching shaft). The best way to choose your shaft is to get the numbers from the launch monitor if you can get fitted for them.

I'm having a bit of trouble pulling short putts lately. I know this is down to my stroke and not my putter but is there a type of putter which can help me sort this out ? (plumbers neck, face balanced etc) I'm currently using a scotty red x (almost face balanced, half or full shaft offset, can't remember lol). I do really like this putter and am not looking to get something else just for the hell of it, honest!

I got a pair of Sundog's recently and i'm pretty happy with them, they have a large range of styles to choose from too.

I am in the minority at my course by carrying my bag. I would estimate at least 50% of members use an electric trolley. I would use one if i could afford one. Get it. PS, James Black where did you find one for €90?

I find the nike tour/d/vapor to be noticably shorter than other brands too for some reason. The vapor feels ok but you will notice quite a difference in the ball running out around the green compared to the one tour.

Does your wedge have to be Callaway? If not try out the Nike VR or Mizuno MP wedges. The Nikes are very very good and last a long time too. I've had my lob wedge 15 months now and the grooves are as good as new. I think it is available in a 52 degree option. As for the 3 wood the SQ is a pretty good club, if you can get a good price on it go for it.

I'm playing the WS FG tour right now. It is a very good ball, similar in feel to a pro v1. It seems to be a little more durable than the pro v and stops just as well on the green. Ill certainly use them again. If you are looking for a premium ball with a softer feel try out the Z-Star. Personally, I find the AD 333 too mushy for chipping/putting, I prefer a firmer feel and louder click off the putter like you get from a Tour iX or B330.

I just played 34 holes with a Wilson Staff FG tour. This is a very durable tour level ball, it was in the same condition a pro v/B330/tour i etc would be in after about 14 holes. I strongly recommend anyone demo this ball, it has a great feel, good spin and distance and will last 18 holes no problem.

The 2 most important things for me are practicing 3-5 ft putts with no break at all. This shows that the ball is going exactly where you intend. If the ball misses it is down to your stroke, not a mis-read. Secondly, practice your long lag putts, focus on the pace rather than the line. Get these putts to within 3 feet and you will rarely 3 putt. I practice these but it is still a weak part of my game. Breaking the wrists is a big no-no, also, try to keep your right fore arm straight in relation to the putter shaft (as if your arm is just an extension of the shaft)