pgonza2723

great stuff.... guess I was ahead of the curve on that swing!

So my $.02 is a few things. First and foremost, you are waaaaay to inside on your backswing. As you can see in these two stills of your swing your shaft is almost completely horizontal to the ground: This will lead to nothing short of coming over the top because your body has no choice but to compensate for it. The second thing I see is that you are making way too much of a turn given your flexibility level. The giveaway for me is you are lifting slightly with your upper body in order to get that extra rotation at the top. You'd be more consistent and get into a better position (assuming you fix the inside takeway first ) going to what would feel like 3/4 swing. This would allow you to maintain your posture better while keeping your spine angle in a consistent place. It's hard to see because of your pants, but watching the video and focusing on your right knee...it appears there is enough movement there that makes me believe that you are straightening it. This is also common things as a result of trying to get that extra turn at the top. Here's a pic of which I feel is a part of your complete backswing.... : Looks good in terms of lines, but this is deceiving mainly because this is as close of a next frame as I could get from a Youtube video: See the complete angle change on the shaft? It went from almost horizontal or almost vertical. It's really tough to be consistent when you have that much differentiation in your swing angles. Looking at inthecup's pictures above, you can compare the shaft angles and you can see how much change there is. Now the next series of pictures tells me your are athletic enough to get into good positions on impact: So what you are doing right you may ask..... great extension on impact, good right elbow position on the backswing, straight left arm (remember it doesn't have to be perfectly straight), pretty decent spine angle retention (minus the slight lift at the top), and from what I can tell pretty good starting position. On the impact pictures though you can see that you do in fact have an over the top swing. I used to have a John Dalyish type of swing in which I would over rotate and which would cause a lift, break down of the left elbow, straightening of the right knee, etc... and yea every once in a while would bomb it.... but most of the time it would just be ugly. I've worked hard on keeping my swing to what for me feels like 3/4. What I have found is considerably more consistency, able to keep my right knee flex, and to my disbelief ... more power. I am today hitting the ball farther and straighter, mainly b/c I'm now allowing my body to coil while posting up against my right knee. Some pictures for reference on the takeaway: and because I use any excuse I can to peddle pictures of my boy: Keep in mind, change takes a long while, so don't expect immediate results as you work on changes!

Thanks for all the replies guys... Much better getting advice from people in the area than going off Google searches!!! Just visually though, looks like it's a toss between Butterbrook, Blackstone, and Merrimack Valley. Being that the max will probably be 2 rounds, and vote on which two (also would take other suggestions) are the must play? Do these courses usually get played enough to where I've got to try and get in the tee time the 7 days in advance or is walking up to the course and getting on usually not a problem? So what's weather like normally that time of year. I've played here in Austin a many of time in the 40's and 15mph+ winds so that doesn't bother me. Also, if anyone of you all is willing, any company is good company! Thanks again for the help, never too early to start planning.....

I'll be staying in Andover, MA for training the week of March 22-27. Was looking to play some golf that Monday when I fly in on Monday so it would need to be somewhere relatively close to the Manchester Airport and then on Saturday in which I've strategically scheduled the flight out late Saturday afternoon . This is my first time visiting this part of the country and looking to get some memorable golf in weather permitting. From a search it seems like Butterbrook GC would be a good choice on Sat, but open to other suggestions if you all got them, and I'm trying to keep it under $100 if possible. Thanks for any help in advance.

Being in Austin, you should definitely be used to the wind factor. Don't think I've ever played a round here and there was absolutely no wind (with the exception of when it's 100*+ outside :) ). I naturally have a high ballflight with all my irons so I've just learned to choke down on 1-2 clubs and make the 3/4 swing. Always seems to do the trick. If it is going to be a really windy day and I have no choice but to play, I usually try to avoid Star Ranch, Kizer, Plum Creek, and Blackhawk as they tend to use the wind as their main defense. Just remember, when it's all said and done, it is supposed to be fun and you should never get to the point to where you quit and walk off.

Went to go check out the R9's at Golfsmith this weekend and #1 (affectionate nickname my wife has given the 1st born) has convinced me to ditch spending the money on myself and to get an actual good set for him. Seems like he's ready to hit the 9-hole muni around here: To me it seems like most all the positions come natural, but does anyone have any insight on whether or not I should be taking him to see a pro like once a month etc etc for guidance. Everything he knows about golf is from what he's seen on tv when I'm watching and just observing myself at the range. Don't have to worry about him burning out, b/c this is pretty much 1 of 5 sports he is actively pursing.... I forsee busy weekends for the next 18 years....

Forgot to add the vido that goes with it from that day: Not the best swing that day, but you can see he has no problem holding back!

Hate to rehash an older thread, but that's awesome. I found this thread researching clubs for my 4 years old and it brings me back to when he was that young... ah the progression: This is him roughly the same age: Couldn't get him out the store without getting him something as well... at least he grew into it: at the range later that year: His impression of Barkley: and now the much older and wiser crackup I deal with now: and the most recent: My problem with him now is that he's stuck on name brands, Nike being his favorite. Looks like I'm destined to get him the TW Red set.... why couldn't he be a TM guy like his old man. immts007, any more pics vid of the soon to be competition on the Tour (ah Dad's are still allowed to dream right!)

Not even close........

Nah, the X-20 Tours are great clubs, they were not as workable for me as the r7's and I really couldn't get over the thickness of the topline. Now the X-Tours were an absolute first choice, but I didn't have the heart to spend the extra money to get them. They felt like butter when struck well, but at the same time since I've only hit them at the golf shop, I can still claim the "ignorance is bliss". The r7's have a very very similar feel to them as a forged iron when flushed anyways so and with an ample amount of forgiveness all the way down to the 3-iron. But for many, looks is very important and conversely translates to confidence over the ball which leads to better overall play IMO.... hence the reason I still have the T-40 in the bag

Looks is exactly why I picked the r7 TP over the X-20 Tours... the topline on the Callaways was uber thick for what is supposed to be a player's type club. To me, feel was a wash as to they both felt great, performance was similar with the TP's having a slightly lower ball flight. The Callaway's were more forgiving, but b/c of that they seemed to not have as much workability either (which bites me in the butt every once in a while when the swing goes awry). The deciding factor though was when I looked down at both of them, the TP's topline just "looked" right to me.... made my choice and a year later still could not be happier with the irons.

Guess I would say that I'm fairly lucky then... there are 3 courses off the top of my head in my area that you can pay less than $50 (one could be played for about $25, other $34, and the last around $45) and get all those. Most other courses would be in the $65 range and qualify under those credentials. Anything over $50, at least at this point, I have to really want to play in order to pay it.....

Not sure exactly who you are refering to in terms of the handicap question, but what took me to the next level was putting and getting up & down. It's amazing how many strokes you shave off if you can chip on then one putt, and eliminate 3 putting all together. I also tended to be a little wayward off the tee at times so I also tended to leave the driver in the bag and use the 3-wood. Helped with the penalties which add up as well.

Nothing terribly complicated and what I really like about it is that it's extremely flexible. The weightlifting days are MT & TrF On M/Tr [Back and Biceps] (and it can be flip flopped): Do a 5-10 minute warm-up: either bike or treadmill I do back first: #1 Cable Front pulldown (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...tPulldown.html I add weight on every set and do my best to complete 10 reps #2 Cable Pullover (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...BPullover.html Again add weight to each set trying to get 10. At this point my body feels warm enough to start with positive failures with the help of my workout buddy. #3 Cable seated Row (wide grip) 3 sets: http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...SeatedRow.html Again more weight and complete 10 and no PF #4: Dumbell Bent-over Row (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...ntOverRow.html At this time I'm pretty spent and usually stay at original weight. #5 Don't know the name of it, but there is a machine in the gym that works just the lower back. Do 3 sets on that usually maintaining the weight throughout the sets. Also, due to a workout partner, it gives about a 1-1:20sec rest in between exercises. Not ideal, but just the nature of the beast working out with someone else. Biceps: #1: Barbell Curl Standing (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Biceps/BBCurl.html Add weight as sets progress #2: Preacher Curl (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...acherCurl.html I acutally use a reverse grip on this (hands on top rather than underneath). I feel it hits a different part of the bicep and also allows your forearm extensors to be engaged into the workout. Also, allows less room for cheating IMO. #3: Dumbell incline Curl (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...clineCurl.html Try to add weight after the 1st set and usually stay the same for 2 & 3. #4: Cable Curl (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Biceps/CBCurl.html Def. go into failure on this one. Abs: #1 Lever Seated Crunch (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...tedCrunch.html #2: Weighted ball Incline Sit-up (2 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...ineSitUpX.html Usually do this with a 10lb weighted ball and to 35 reps. Make sure you partner throws the ball high so you have to reach up. You can also mix in some rotation at the top as well. Tuesday/Friday Chest/Tricep/Shoulder: 5-10minute warm-up: #1 Bench Press (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...enchPress.html Add weight to each set and go to failure if necessary to complete 10 or as close as possible. #2: Decline Bench Press (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...enchPress.html Add weight to each set and go to failure if necessary to complete 10 or as close as possible. #3: Incline Bench Press (3 sets): Add weight to each set and go to failure if necessary to complete 10 or as close as possible. #4: Cable Seated Fly (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...SeatedFly.html Usually pretty spent after this and may move up weight after first set. Tricep: #1: Cable Pushdown (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...BPushdown.html #2: Cable Incline Triceps Extension (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...ineTriExt.html #3: Cable Pushdown but with split rope and extending out (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...BPushdown.html #4: Tricep Dips (3 sets till failure): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/.../WtTriDip.html Abs: #1 Lever Seated Crunch (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...tedCrunch.html #2: Weighted ball Incline Sit-up (2 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...ineSitUpX.html Usually do this with a 10lb weighted ball and to 35 reps. Make sure you partner throws the ball high so you have to reach up. You can also mix in some rotation at the top as well. Shoulder: #1: Lever Shoulder Press (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...lderPress.html Add weights progressively #2: Smith Shoulder Press (3 sets): http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/...lderPress.html Add weight progressively and go to failure. A side note, I do rotate exercises as in say on chest instead of bench on Friday I do the same type of exercises except with barbells instead of bench. Just to mix things up and not stay static. The cardio days I try to do on T/Tr/ and Sat or Sun (at least 3 times and doesn't matter when as long as you give yourself about a day to rest. I try and mix things up here as well. Say on Day #1 go for a decently paced 4 mile run, Day #2 go for a fast all out paced 2 mile'r, and Day #3 a decently paced 3-mile run. I have about 4 different routes that I use throughout my neighborhood which I rotate so that my body doesn't get used to just one route. Also I haven't always been 100% on schedule all the time and do miss workouts, but following this format I've seen some really great strength gains while at the same time leaning out overall. I wasn't grossly overweight to begin with but I would say that I had at least 20lbs I had previously been to lazy and undedicated to lose. Nice now b/c I think I am in better shape and stronger than when I played Lacrosse in college. Funny, what really got me motivated to start working out was that I was getting pissed at myself for getting so worn out trying to carry my sleeping 3 year old (who's 30lbs): around the store and not being able too without a struggle. Now, it's a non-issue. I know this workout isn't going to be for everyone, but I came from a hardcore sports childhood and still approach working out that way as well. So I'm constantly pushing myself and the weight hence the positive failures. Hope this helps...

Never burning muscle mass until you are out of you fat reserves or in a state of starvation. You are breaking down the muscle, but it is kinda of understood that in terms of weight lifting, +12 reps is unnecessary and means that you are more than likely using too little weight for that exercise. I started a decently rigorous weight lifting program back in July (after about a 6 year layoff from college) and have noticed that although I'm gaining muscle I've lost weight overall (13lbs so far) which means in terms of fat I've dropped off more than that. I've noticed that I'm clubbing down one club consistently now and am longer than ever overall. This has all been done while maintaining the same amount of cardio as before..... now if only I had the desire to eat healthy, I would have dropped even more weight and leaned out a bit more, but at this point, it's more than what I'm wanting to do anyways.

+1

Link is being re-directed tot he home page for me????

Have to go with the 7-iron as well with a close second being a 30-40 yard pitch shot that bounces twice then checks within a foot of the hole.

I go with whatever feels right, regardless of brand.... but usually that turns out to be TM products

I use my 60* for pretty much everything inside of 70 yards, but it usually depends on the lie and condition of the course. It's my primary chipping wedge, but then again, I've spent countless hours working on various different shots and distance control.....usually not the thing that lets me down...

It looks very interesting especially considering the little caps they have shown on Monday's Golf Central. I can only imagine the next quick fix contraption (think Tin Cup) some of the peeps will come up with.

Okay so I've finally have gotten some time to sit down and tell the battle field review of this driver. Due to my crazy work schedule, I never had a chance to take this thing to the driving range to get more familiar with it than the 40 or so shots into the simulator. Unfortuantely, I was running a little later than usual in terms of getting to the course so my warm-up session was shorter than usual, but still went through the routine as always. Worked my way up to the driver and bam, the ball just flew off the face with a slight draw. Hit a few more same results. Then I try the fade, line up, bam....slight little push fade but the club performed as it should have. Get up to the first tee (par-5), nice and relaxed, go through the pre-shot routine, bam 310 yard drive (buddy of mine has one of those handheld GPS devices)straight up the middle. Now keep in mind, it it cart path only which should give you an indication of how wet the course was. If you are not aware, the Austin area has recieved record amount of rain the past month which means it is very very very wet right now. The second hole was a 283 yard fade that found the middle, and the 4th was a slight mis-hit hook but still 279 yards. So basically to sum up the round, I had 6 drives over 300 yards, which is a really weird feeling being that with the FT-3 I would get a 300 every once in a while. Also ended up hitting all but 2 fairways, and was in position to go for all par 5's in two. I know my mind started creeping into the mix a bit b/c towards the end I was starting to look a little father in the distance for a target which made my mind think the fairway was narrower than it really is. It's kinda weird to think about it, but seriously, this kind of distance on my drives is new to me and I caught myself trying to steer the ball. Once I realized what I was doing, I relaxed, re-adjusted, and started hitting the bombs down the middle again. It's not that I have changed anything in my swing, but I really think that the 45mins or so that was taken to get me properly fit for a driver was key. For comparison, I was again playing with my buddy with the Burner TP and I again did a back to back on course comparison. I would have to say, putting as identical of a swing as I am capable of for both, the distance is about the same. The Nicklaus was no more than 4-5 yards ahead on all 4 tee shots (had a bit of time on our hands waiting for the slow group ahead). I would say that the TP is a little more forgiving on mis-hits, but not by a lot. Where the Nicklaus shines IMO is set up and feel...it's more of a traditional look with no crazy alignment aids (in fact there is none), and the feel of the ball coming off the face is just plain amazing. Only thing I don't like about the Nicklaus is the grip, but that's easy enough to fix. All in all, I am very happy with this driver, and with a little more familiarity, I think this driver will surprise a lot of people especially considering what you get for the price point.

Well just got back from the range and the results are still positive. I was landing in parts of the driving range that I thought I could never get too. Shaping the ball is very easy mostly do to the fact that it's a traditional looking club which gives you that familiar, confidence-inspiring feeling. It kind of reminds me of the older Titleist 905T diver. Can't wait to try it out tomorrow!

So yesterday I walked into Edwin Watts (after getting permission from the wife ) with a goal of coming out with a new driver, either the Burner TP or the Sumo Tour. After getting a baseline with the FT-3 I started with the Sumo. It was for sure not my first choice but for the price it was a liveable choice considering the spin rate and ball speed numbers I was getting from it. It was averaging around 155 mph ball speed on great shots but would fall off 5-8 mph on off center hits. The sound was fine, but it just felt real hard off the face but it was something I felt I could get used too. The clubhead itself was the question, it was just hard to get around the shape of the head. Second was the Burner TP. Set up was great, club looks great, and the fact that when I borrowed my buddy's this past Weds in our 9 holes and blasted it 40 yards past the FT-3 (which started the whole need to get a new driver thing) I figured I would be walking out with this. Shaft was the only eh point...felt a bit whippy at times. Ball speed was averaging 158mph with off center hits dropping off slightly to 155. By this time, I was ready to walk to the cashier's and walk out $399 lighter. Then the guy helping me at said would you be willing to try one more driver just to see how I would like it. He came back with a little smirk on his face and said here, try this without looking at it. So I set-up (and noticed that this thing looked very traditional and w/o all the gimmicky alignment aids), gave it a waggle, and did my usual swing which resulted in me doing :eek: when it came off the face. Ball just seemed to rocket off the face which was evident as to the ball speed registered 162. Hit a few more balls and it was the same effect. I hit the 5th shot was off center but the ball speed was still 156. This thing just felt like a rocket when coming off the face, while giving you that butter soft feeling. Although it was on a simulator, man was it easy to move the ball either way. I finally turned the club upside down and was very surprised at what I saw..... Nicklaus Dual Point 460 Driver :whatthe: . Never in my life would I have ever thought to even consider the fact of trying anything Nicklaus, but the EW guy said it's one of the hottest, workable drivers on the market right now. In fact he was saying it's kinda funny, all but 1 of the employees are playing that driver even though they could play whatever they want. Ended up being that not only did I leave the store completely in shock but very excited, I left with an extra $100 as well which means this Sunday I'm going to be out on the course bashing the living crap out of those little round things. For anyone considering a driver, for sure try out and compare what you are looking at to the DP... you might just walk away just as surprised as me :thumbsup:

Only thing I would be looking for would be right now is a new TM TP 60* wedge. Dinged mine pretty good a few rounds ago on an hidden rock and it's never felt the same since.