uttexas

Thanks for the info. I guess I will now debate 15-17 degree 4 wood vs 15-17 degree hybrid. I like the versatility of hybrids (I even like chipping with them on 20-30 yard shots to a flat fronted green)

I saw a study on used ball performance---Golf Digest, I think. I forget the details, but there is drop off after 3 rounds or so (not much) Personally, I would buy brand new Top Flite Feels or Gamers. At $15-$18 per dozen for brand new balls, these are great. I play both Top Flite Feel and Bridgestone e5+. I notice a slight difference. The Feels actually fly better, but don't putt quite as well.

My guess would be that the carry distance would be maybe 10 more yards with the 15.5, but the total distance could be as high as 30 yards (including roll)

For my game, I hit a 15 degree 3 wood "flush" with 230 yards carry. I hit my 22 degree hybrid "flush" 210 yards carry. For me, I hit the 22 degree hybrid really well (not much difference for me in carry distance between 15 degree club and 22 degree club), but don't get much roll with the hybrid. It is the roll with the 3 wood (especially in Texas) that makes the big difference.

I chose "other". The "other" being Adams. Lots of technology at a great price. Their drivers aren't the longest, but good value. Great customer service. They don't make putters (I think), but I love my Ping belly putter.

What degree is your current 5 wood? and 4 iron?

I am looking to hit this off the deck to reach more par 5s in two. I am 6'5'' 245lbs (before lunch) My current clubs are as follows (from memory). Driver 10.5 3 hybrid 19 4 hybrid 22 5 hybrid 27 6 hybrid 31 7 iron 34 8 iron 37 9 iron 41 P 43 G 50 S 56 L 60 putter I have an old 15 degree 1995 callaway big bertha 3 wood that I hit O.k. off the deck. My favorite clubs are driver off the tee, then off turf: 4hybrid, 6hybrid, 7 iron, Gwedge Swedge (I've been hitting the L wedge great recently) When I'm hitting the driver well, I average 280 I hit my 4 hybrid 210 carry. I don't like my 19 degree 3 hybrid off the deck (love it off the tee), but I hit my dad's rescue 19 degree hybrid great off the deck. Had my swing analyzed at E.W. They recommended the Cleveland Hibore XLS 15 degree fairway wood. I am debating the aforementioned club vs 15 degree hybrid for Christmas present for myself. Please help me decide. Any advise greatly appreciated.

I don't see any benefit of a 13 degree 3 wood. Unless you are less than scratch, you will not be hitting this off the deck. Thus, you will be hitting something 13 degrees off the tee. If you want something 13 degrees, get a 13 degree driver (larger club face) If you are looking for the extra accuracy of a shorter 3 wood shaft, just put a shorter shaft in the 13 degree driver.

1. switched to belly putter. Sets the pendulum at a fixed point, eliminating some error. 2. practiced a ton. I spent 6 months practicing nothing but puts (this is also inexpensive) 3. learned that putting is 95% mental/feel 5% technique-just look at all the different styles by great putters. 4. Read and reread Tom Watson's getting up and down 5. Learned to trust and commit to the line 6. Visualize the ball going in the hole many, many times before hitting the putt. 7. Speed is more important than line. With practice, our eyes and brains get very good at optical triangulation. Learn the correct speed. Your line is probably pretty good already. 8. Be positive all the time on the golf course (and in life). Be happy, make jokes, etc. 9. When you have a long putt, allow for a little more break. Trust your line 10. always look at the putt from behind the ball, lowest point on the intended path, and behind the hole. Time allowing, of course

As stated previously, Hogan explains his swing. Early in his carrier, Hogan had a problem with over drawing/hooking the ball. This book describes the swing and grip he used to hit a slight fade. Most beginner golfers do not need to hit the ball with more fade, but with more draw. All that said, this is a great read with even better illustrations. The illustrations are the work of a genius. I have read it cover to cover ten or more times. Great book, but not recommended for the beginner. For the beginner I recommend the following Practical Golf by John Jacobs for the long game Dave Pelz Short game Bible for 140-40 yards off the green 40 yards and in (including putting) Tom Watsons getting up and down.

Pace of play is huge. Texas summer-frequency of water supply (either fountains or jugs). Cart girls. things I hate. Blind tee shots, forced lay ups on par 5s or long par 4s off the tee, ball in fairway but tree branches blocking second shot to green.

Always enjoy every second on the golf course Only read mental golf books (Golf is not a game of perfect, etc), golf fiction/nonfiction (stories from Q school, etc) and philosophical books (ie Golf in the Kingdom) no more instruction books Practice the short game including bunker play 75% of the time Get more flexible-do some yoga or thai chi every day

Here's another one (stolen from H. Penick) Take dead aim I interpret this to mean both the ball (initial target) and the middle of faiway/middle of green/flag (ultimate target). Aim at ultimate target and visualize (I do this standing 8 or so yards behind the ball, then deep breaths, walk up to ball, align clubface to ultimate target (factoring wind and anticipated trajectory), waggles, then aim for one dimple on the back of the ball. Then strike the ball, completing the follow-through.

Write one sentence that describes a swing thought that works for the long game full swing. Not all swing thoughts work for everyone, but write something that has really helped your game, one of those aha! moments. Explain if you feel like it. Complete the follow through ---I stole this from G. Player (he has the best one liner tips) I tried this and it works. There is WAY too much emphasis on the backswing (probably started with Hogan--who I admire greatly-- and has continued). If you simply think to yourself, complete the follow through, you subconsciously complete the backswing and make a nice, even tempo swing.

This happens subconsciously and is more of a feel than anything.

If it works, fine. My main problem with the S+T is that doesn't look healthy. All that resistance to rotational movement puts a load on the back.

I'll play golf as long as its above 25 degrees F. Resorted to yellow balls with snow on the ground. Sim-agree, good way to screw things up. The best part of golf is getting outside for a few hours and getting in the "golf zone".