tartanjack

I have ten, although I normally rotate through about four of them. Three are Etonics which I find especially comfortable. I have a couple older pairs of addidas, although the Tour 360 Tour II's I picked up this year are my current favorite. I also have a couple pairs of FootJoy Classics I've never bothered to break in and two pairs of eComfort Footjoys which I think are one of the better bargains out there. The eComforts are certainly the most comfortable shoes I have, although they just don't provide the firm support I prefer when swinging. I'm due for a purge and will probably jettison the old addidas and one of the eComforts. I've my eye on one of the new FootJoy DryJoy models. I prefer not to wear the same shoes from one round to the next. I use wooden shoe trees in all my shoes to absorb moisture so the leather can dry out by the next time I don them. I take such good care of them I usually just get tired of the style before they wear out. At a recent Met Golf Writers gathering we were treated to the Ecco van full of examples of their great shoes. Very impressive. They're pretty expensive and the fit varies from one model to another. They don't come in widths so fitting can be dicey. Turns out only one of their models fit my semi-wide feet. But they're nice shoes. Maybe one day. Actually, if I don't purge the wardrobe soon, it's possible I could turn into an Imelda.

Actually CG031... I haven't played the track, but I've heard it's reputation. It's a tough course and breaking 100 was a good round. Congratulations... even though I'm sure the number stings. Good you bounced back with a better number so quickly.

Wow. Did you pick the wrong forum to post such idiocy. You are what's killing golf in this country. Re-read your post. Does it not ooze selfishness? Why yes, it does. Congratulations. You are the protypical American golfer on public courses. I am thrilled you have posted your opinion because you are exactly the bane of all other golfers, golf course owners, and golf as a sport. Golf and golf courses are dying because most people aren't as lucky as you to have the time to waste an entire day trying to play a round of golf. You must be either so rich or so poor that your time is worthless. And that's what you are to other golfers and the sport as a whole. Worthless. You are clogging the course, preventing others from playing, and making the entire experience a hassle. Congratulations. You're smug in your beer drinking and scenery gazing and 150 other people are pissed. Well done. Golf on any level does not take more than four hours do to unless you're playing for a million dollars or are so tanked up on beer you can't see straight. Bars are made for drinking, golf courses are made for golf. Actually, I think you'd have more fun at a NASCAR event. Please, please take up another pastime. It's obvious you don't know what golf is about. So maybe consider bowling. It's cheaper. The beer is colder. And most times nobody cares how long you take to bowl. Idiot. Ugh. Not only is my wife hotter than yours, she can count to ten without using her fingers. Please give up the pastime. For you it's not a sport, it's an excuse to be a creep. One other thing: The greens fee you choose to pay, not matter how high, is not license to take your own sweet time. A hundred or more golfers behind you have paid the same amount and expect you to respect that.

I've been in the media biz for a long, long time. Mostly video. Given what I know about visuals, I think these pics are remarkable. Erik... I know you weren't fishing for praise. But you really, really did well here. Starting with the technical quality... you nailed it. Unbelievable color rendition and sharpness. Many of the photos are exemplary teaching examples. To be honest, thesandtrap.com has some of the best file pictures of the Memorial that exist. Good job. No. Great job.

Winder/Scott: It is insignificant. Here's what Frank Thomas, former USGA Technical Director, has to say: "Originally, the USGA proposed a standard on MOI of 4,800 gm. cm ² (see http://www.franklygolf.com/Speak/moi.asp for a simple explanation of MOI), but soon modified this after the manufacturers suggested that it was inappropriate. The USGA explained its quick change of mind by saying that it was based on input from the manufacturers, and that going from 4,800 gm. cm ² to 6,000 gm. cm ² “doesn’t mean anything in real terms.” Studies have shown that the USGA’s statement is correct, that this change doesn’t mean much in real terms. The obvious question, then, is, If this change doesn’t mean anything, would a violation of the new limit mean anything? And if not, then why set the limit? "When drivers increased in size into the 400-460 cc range, they went from MOIs of about 2,000 gm cm² to 4,000 gm cm². This was a real change that improved forgiveness and led to a significant improvement in performance on mis-hits. But there is a phenomenon known as the law of diminishing returns; every incremental increase does not lead to an equivalent increase in performance. Most of the 400cc to 460 cc drivers perform very well, and are only slightly less forgiving than the newest and latest Square Drivers with MOIs approaching the 5,500 gm cm² range. The difference in performance is simply not significant; this is a text book example of diminishing returns." Then again, you probably won't believe him either because he's an "engineer." Give it up.

Any answer would be purely a guess. There are too many factors and differences between the Burner and Sumo2 to rely on loft alone as a comparative measure of potential differences. My advice is demo both lofts and see what you get. Or get to a launch monitor and see what's going on.

Timely thread. After 3 weeks with the SuperQuad, I today traded it for a 9.5 Burner, stiff. Played with a demo yesterday on my home course and was flying it past where the Quad and another un-named driver had finished up. The longer, lighter shaft requires less of a hit and more of a swing. For me, that's good. Plus the sound is much more solid than the Cobras and world's better than the ridiculous sound the Sumo's make. I think the Burner is going to turn out to be the driver hit of the season. It's that good.

Cool. And given your sig with Bubba in it, you gotta play Architects. It is a bomber's paradise. But you sure have to hit some good irons and putt like you mean it.

I think I heard one commentator say that the lush conditions were the result of new grass. I can't imagine what that is supposed to mean except maybe that it's too young to roll or mow as closely as they would like. Still, from watching the event this week, I would have to say their multi-million dollar re-do to get firm and fast was pretty much a failure.

This thread is very sad for me. I started playing golf before Palmer. For me, the idol was Hogan. And that only because I wasn't alive for Byron Nelson's career. I've watched and played and written about this game for nearly half a century. So here's what I think: Those here who acknowledge Arnold Palmer are right on the money. Whomever made up this poll is so ignorant or misinformed or, worse yet, young and unknowning, that I can't bear to vote. How could one possibly leave off the correct answer? Prior to Arnold, golf was a game of the country club. People like my father learned and fell in love with the game as a caddie. Otherwise, it was rich people hacking around a private preserve. Arnold Palmer changed that. He made golf a game for the masses (including each of you who think Tiger is the answer). Anybody reading this site ultimately owes their interest to Arnold Palmer whether they know it or not. It's really pitiful (that's why I said I was sad) to think some think Tiger has had a greater impact. Like Jack he is reaping what Arnold sowed. We are ten years into Tiger's professional career. He remains the only African American on Tour. There's only one African American on the Nationwide Tour. There is no indication more are on the horizon. The only impact he has made is on his bank account, Nike's bottom line, and PGA Tour purses. If you've started playing golf because of Tiger Woods I urge you to quit and take up sailing, fishing, kayaking or beer drinking. Believe me, you'll have more fun. Because you don't get it. Arnold was not just a great golfer in his time. He was of the people, for the people and loved by the people. He made televison revenue possible and the rest is history. Without Arnold, Earl Woods would never, ever have led his kid into golf. Tiger is certainly a better player than Arnold was. But Arnold is the better golfer. And it is Arnold who deserves the credit for all the courses and equipment and purse money we see today. Look... I admire Tiger's skills. Unbelievable. Best ever. But there is no way he has impacted the game like Arnold Palmer. And that's really, really, too bad. Because he's had a chance to.

I think I have to agree with Erik - and Tiger. Because it presents so few options and because, yes, the wind can be as much a luck factor as a skill factor. Is it fun to watch the best players in the world get dry-mouthed facing this hole? Yes. Is it appropriate for an event which aspires to major status? No. Unless the re-do at Sawgrass changes things dramatically, I don't consider the course a major-caliber venue. If Augusta is the Louve, Sawgrass is Disney World. Tom Weiskopf said playing there was like being in a pinball machine. There's only so much "tilt" you can apply before luck takes over. So, in that way, the 17th hole is a perfect fit for that place. All that new clubhouse needs to fit perfectly into Florida culture is a pink flamingo on the lawn. Yuck.

Fun, interesting question. Left front - cash in a heavy silver money clip; right front - two zero friction tees and a couple of quarters; left rear - Boy Scout ball and glove when not donned; right rear (when walking) - scorecard and pencil Watch, wallet, and keys go in the "valuables pocket" in my bag.

I so swear! Slow play is killing the game. We need everyone to help save it!

I picked up one last weekend. It was a demo day and I hit a whole bunch of drivers from Titleist, Cobra, Ping, Callaway, and Nike before I got to the SuperQuad. Here's what I think: Just as solid but noticably more forgiving than the original R7 I once had. Great sound - best of all the clubs I hit. The stock shaft is something special. I intended to buy a driver with an Aldila VS proto shaft. I tried a couple and it was close to what I wanted. But the RE*AX shaft was even better for me. I actually switched from a stiff Fujikura Tour Platform to a regular in the RE*AX. Actually, there was just a hint of difference for me between R and S. I think that's due to the shaft's low torque. The regular shaft also let me put a little draw on the ball which is something else I was looking for. After some range time later this week it'll go into play next week. I think I've picked up ten yards. We'll see.

I can't speak from experience with the new finish, but I'm guessing it isn't "no maintenance" but rather "lower maintenance" than the 06 model. I prefer the new finish if for no other reason than it's not shiny so there's no glare. Even the pro platinum finish I had applied to my Circa 62 can get rust pitting if I'm not careful. I've had luck making sure I take the cover off when I get home, opening it up and making sure it dries out before the next round. I once left a wet headcover on a Scotty head with disasterous results. A spray silicone works even better than the cloth. I've dealt successfully with the first signs of rust with a product called Flitz. Still, it's a tool and it's going to inevitably pick up the nicks and bumps of use. For me, as long as the top line stays clean, I'm good.

I think the really coolest thing is if you don't see any brand names at all. Obviously you can't hide the logos on your clubs. But you can get a bag with no logo on it (usually from the pro shop at a private club). You can swap out the factory headcovers for knits or stuffed animals. And you can wear a hat from a club rather than a manufacturer. See, the thing is, I don't want to promote any brand. I'm an amateur. As Everardo indicated, it's what works that matters. Once I turn pro and people start to pay me to advertise their brand, I'll reconsider. But, as an am, I'd rather be un-branded. As I write this Jason Gore recently dumped Nike and is playing in Houston with a Houston Astros' hat and a plain bag full of a mish-mash of different branded clubs. That's the kind of thing we all should be doing if not making money from a club maker.

Last season I played Nickent, Bobby Jones, Mizuno Fli-Hi, and, finally, Adams Idea Pro hybrids with the Aldila NV Proto "Blue By You" shaft. As much as I liked the Bobby Jones old school profile (and I did, a lot), the Adams hybrids are a fixture in my bag. I have the 2 and 3 iron. I'm adding the 4 iron as soon as I can. While less like the "cloven hoof" my pro called the Nickents, the Adams aren't as beautiful as the Bobby Jones. But they work. And how. Two days ago I played with a couple other guys I didn't know. We came to the last hole and from the left rough I hit the 2 iron about 190 to about 20 feet from the pin. One of my playing companions watched me hit the shot and commented on the sound and tractory. I gave him the club, threw down a ball and let him hit it from the (dormant) rough. And he did to about 15 feet. No club is right for everyone. But if you're looking for a hybrid you owe it to yourself to demo these. Adams Idea Pro Hybrids. Awesome.

Erik put me on to the Zero Frictions last season and, like him, I try to limit them to use with the driver. But if I can't find a broken wooden tee on a par 3 I'll sacrifice a Zero Friction. I only hit it off the grass if I'm trying for a lower shot with a hybrid. Only problem I have with these tees is making sure it goes in the ground straight, otherwise it's difficult to get the ball to stay on it. That they're so plastic-ey makes the biodegradable claim hard to believe. Biodegradeable in what, a millenium?

Thirty years ago when my writing career was in, shall we say, a nadir, I supplemented my income playing outings in the Lehigh Valley area of Pennsylvania. A buddy and I would sign up for every bar or charity outing we could find... and then basically sandbag our way to clubs, bags, whatever and then sell them. I'm certainly not proud of that, but it worked. And it would have worked a whole lot better if the limit had been higher! Actually, my point is not about the money. My point is that the USGA is more concerned about the performance of elite professional golfers than the pittance it allows amateurs to collect. They're not paying attention to what matters.

This is just an "oh, by the way" kind of post. But writing about the grooves issue, I wondered if the USGA had kept up with the rules of amateur status... specifically the amount of merchandise you're allowed to accept as an amateur. Just a year or two ago they bumped it to $750. As I guessed, they haven't. In 1947... that's 60 years ago... it was $100. Finding a handy dandy consumer price index calculator on the web (thanks, Google), it appears $100 in 1947 was worth $874.22 in 2005. Thanks a whole bunch, USGA. Idiots.

J.P., I think you're on to something there. I find Miller entertaining to listen to (as I did watching the WGC finals this afternoon). Although, I know others do not. But Faldo does seem a bit lost in the CBS scheme of things. Hopefully, they'll work that out. And you're right... the Masters will be a challenge for them all.

I find it somewhat telling that only one American made it to the quarterfinals in the WGC Match Play (Chad Campbell). To me, it's a reflection of the U.S. performance at the Ryder Cup. There's something wrong somewhere when players like Mickelson, Furyk and (gasp!) Woods can't get it done in an event like this. What's going on? Why can't Americans excel at match play?

I've been lucky to play six of them: Kiawah Ocean Bethpage Black Winged Foot West Concord Monster Crystal Springs Stone Harbor The last three in that list can't hold a candle to the first three.

The most comfortable and best viewing sunglasses I've used are SunBuster's. http://http://www.sunbuster.info/fuzzy.html Still, I'm not a huge fan of sunglasses. So the last time I had my contacts checked, I had the dr. order me up some with UV protection. They seem to work well. Not as much protection as sunglasses... but better than nothing.

Part of the problem is the guy in the truck calling the shots. Whether they call him the executive producer or director or whatever, it's that idiot who cues announcers, tells them when to talk, and chooses the shots we see. Frank Chirkinian did it for years and was one of the best. For the last few years it's been Lance Barrow who, obviously, just doesn't get it.