Alex1

The best I've used is a Nike slingshot graphite.

I realize expensive clubs are better quality, but I'm not sure it matters. A cheap Chinese hammer hits just as well as a Swiss-made one. My experience so far is that all clubs feel and hit the same when you hit the ball dead on. I'm a beginner though, and hope for feedback from low-handicappers.

I've noticed that when you hit the ball well, it doesn't seem to matter what brand club you use. Ping & Wal-Mart clubs seem to hit the same when you hit the sweet spot. If this is the case, why do people spend money on expensive clubs?

But isn't it more natural to keep them apart? Pressing them together feels uncomfortable.

Ben Hogan and others stress the need for the thumbs to be touching the forefingers for a good grip. I find this slightly unnatural and uncomfortable. Is there a reason these should be in contact together?

It doesn't feel powerful, but it makes better contact and gets good decent, straight distance. The harder I try to hit the ball, the more grounders, shanks, etc. Perhaps your advice is more applicable to an advanced golfer who's already grooved their stroke to extreme consistency?

I'm a beginner, but your advice seems dubious. The best advice that's worked for me has been: Slow down to 70% and swing with a relaxed effortless stroke. Keep your arms soft. Both of which seem contradictory to your #1 and #2.

I just heard about something called stack and tilt. Another guy teaches something called the Master Key. Are there different types of swings, or are they really the same thing?

I recommend taking a lesson with several of the local pros. This will allow you to compare teaching styles. I ended going with a former pro that mostly teaches children; endless patience and the ability to explain everything in non-technical language.

So it's not just me!

Swinging: Is hitting balls at the driving range the only way to practice? Most of the old-timers only hit a small bucket, and this makes me wonder if hitting too many balls can be counter-productive. Putting: For some lucky guys, building a putting green in their backyard might be an option. What about putting in the living room? Or is this too unrelated to real-life putting?

This is interesting. I'm a beginner and often have bad days when I can't even any balls right. When this happens, should I stop to prevent myself from grooving bad habits? Or should I try to persevere and fix the problem?

Niblick, Baffy...those clubs had funny names. I'm going to start using these names when I play with others; "Paul, I suggest the jigger for this shot...." Wooden Headed Clubs Playclub ( up to 19th Century ) = Driver or 1-Wood Scraper ( up to 19th Century ) = 3-Wood Long Spoon ( up to 19th Century ) = 3-Wood Middle Spoon ( up to 19th Century ) = 4-Wood Short Spoon ( up to 19th Century ) = 5-Wood "Baffy" or Baffing Spoon ( up to 19th Century ) = 7-Wood Niblick (wooden head ) = 9-Wood Putter ( wooden head ) = Putter Iron Headed Clubs "Rutter" , Rut Iron, Track Iron ( up to 19th century ) = A very lofted small headed wedge used for getting the ball out of cart ruts (tracks). Cleek = 1-iron Mid-Iron = 3-iron Mashie = 5-iron Mashie Niblick = 8-iron Niblick = Pitching Wedge Jigger = historically an iron with the loft of a niblick but with a long shaft. It was used for playing very high shots up to 150 yards. Today short range "chippers" for use around the putting greens are often (incorrectly) called Jiggers. Putter ( iron headed )= Putter

Why did the Driving Master wear two gloves? I've never seen that before.

I saw a feature with Francis Ouimet showing the old clubs used in yesteryear. One of the drivers looked like it was made from a single block of wood. Has anyone used really old equipment? What was it like?

Welcome. I'm a beginner too. I've never introduced myself either. I'm afraid that anyone that spends a lot of time in Post Offices might recognize me.

Any sport that uses upper body strength, which is 90%+, favors men. Since men and women compete separately professionally, there's no reason to be concerned over possible minor disadvantages. If women have fun playing golf, that's all that matters.

I thought the movie failed to achieve its potential and was just marginally watchable. The Greatest Game Ever played was better.

Can you still hit lots of balls if you're on the course? For example, could I bring a 50-pack of used golf balls for practicing some type of medium-long length shot? If not, I guess this means I have to get my swing basics out of the way before I hit the course for a lesson.

Glebert, that's a good idea. However, part of the motivation to buy a half-set is that it's the only way I'll be able to afford some new Pings. I'm also considering making my own clubs, as you have noticed in my other thread. Much rather have the Pings though.

I'm pretty sure EdwinWatts charges the proportional price, eg, if the set is $800, then each club is $100.

I haven't seen any sets that are specifically sold as half-sets. EdwinWatts sells individual Pings, so I was going to go that route.

I've taken several golf lessons which have been productive. However, they've always been on the driving range. Would it be a good idea to have a pro walk a 9-hole course with me? Or is this something more worthwhile for advanced players? The only drawback that I can think of is that you can't practice hitting balls on the course.

What do you think of half-sets? For a beginner like me, there's little difference between any given club and the one next in succession, eg, a 5 and 6 are essentially the same. This would allow me to buy some American-made Pings. Any drawbacks to this scheme? What's better, the evens or the odds?

So that means he really couldn't argue it, right?