lovefist

I am a self taught golfer as well, but throughout the short period I have been playing (around 10 months), I would have a great round (10 over) then the very next day I could shoot 18+ over. My good shots were great, but I was really punished for my poor ones. I thus decided to get a lesson. The first lesson was just about my set-up. My instructor (Andrew at Melbourne Golf Academy, in Melbourne, Victoria, Aus- top bloke) watched me swing and hit a few balls, filmed my swing a couple of times, then showed me how my stance was forcing my backswing to a really flat trajectory. He then showed me a couple of easy to remember tips for the correct stance, and the correct swingplane my club should be taking. After that one lesson, I went out and shot the best score of my life at a track I've played a good dozen times. I've noticed MUCH more consistency in my swing; scores getting lower; and much lower blood pressure having pretty much eliminated the power-slice from my game. And that's after one lesson! I need to go back and have another just to see how much more improvement I can see!! I can't recommend having a lesson highly enough it really helped my game.

If I had a swing speed as high as yours, I'd be considering sticking a crowbar in the hosel and letting 'er rip!

I'm not too savvy on which shaft to get- all I know is that with my swing speed I need a stiff-flex. I think my driving range has a Titleist day coming up soon so I'll have to check that out. My handicap is pretty high though and I'm worried about Titleist's claims that their clubs are for better golfers- that this would translate to little forgiveness and lots of slice for poorly hit shots. That's why I was a fan of the Ft-iQ- on the launch monitor I hit one off the heel and it went 220 with a slight draw... I guess that that means low workability though??

Two weeks ago I broke the hosel of my $40 driver at the driving range (the head went further than the ball!), and I'm in need of a new one. I drive around 230-250 metres (250-270yds) and around 1/4 of those have a hefty slice to them. Due to the current economic crisis and the limited range of golf shops in my area I'm going to be purchasing this baby on e-bay, but I can't decide which one to get. The options: Nike Sumo sq 5900 TaylorMade Burner/ Tour Burner Titleist 907 D2 Callaway Big Bertha I had a hit of the new Ft-iQ at my local and despite the ugliness of the things, I have a newfound lust for a square-headed driver, but this is not a necessity. The Ft-iQ however is the price of a new hatchback and as much as I like the thing, short of talking to a loan shark, it's out of my price range. I'm looking for something with lots of distance and fairly forgiving for those off-centre hits. Of the above options, or any others in a similar price range, what are ya'lls preferences?? Thanks in advance!

I've only tried the one, but my mate has an Anser 2 (not sure if this is the exact model) and it is a beauty- perfectly weighted and with no bounce. Whenever I'm lining up with the thing I have alot more confidence than I do with my existing flatstick (a $30 bargain bin no-namer). I'm aiming to pick up an Anser 2 of my own (or a Scotty Cameron should I win the lottery).

I've been playing for around 6 months now, and the past five have been with mulligans and kick-outs from the rough. Having recently moved to playing comp rules I know how you're feeling, but I think it's the only way to really improve my game and won't go back.

Now that daylight savings has kicked in, around a 3pm tee-off means I finish while I can still find my ball, the weather starts to cool off, and I still have time for a beer after the front nine.

I'm studying economics and finance (interesting time to be doing so!), and doing casual work in logistics at the city's casino.