Mr. Desmond

Depends on the reason you are a 24 hc - you've been away from the game ... To all the doubters, Drivers recently are all about more launch and much more forgiveness with better manufacturing processes and design. Having hit too many drivers over the last 10 years, they are that much more forgiving and worth the bucks. But with this caveat -- you need to get fit for head and shaft, length, and applicable adjustments in the head (loft/lie) -- take your time in getting fit. I'd go through the process of regaining your swing, maybe even a few lessons to get rid of some bad habits, practice, and then find an outdoor demo day with LM and plenty of head and shaft options. Have fun.

This is getting into more detail - I could say that I want to make every putt, at the same time, I am also aware of danger, possibly beyond the hole, so that is also a consideration - all of those factors are going into a putt, but after the read, I'm thinking speed for that line, but with other factors in mind. We coujld go on and on and on...

Maybe we should say 10% is acceptable (since golf is so mental) but yes, I want to be within 3 feet of the hole. At the same time, I want to make every putt. Going through your routine takes off the pressure, whether it's 60 feet or 4 feet. I tell myself "just go through the process - don't think result (pressure). For example, just off the green on a par 3 yesterday, 52 feet away, I measure the putt by walking, take a couple of slope readings with my feet, envision the gutter line that my ball will follow. Did not exactly do as envisioned as to the line but it dropped in the hole. Who doesn't like a birdie? Of course, if the putt had stopped within 5-6 feet, I would not have beat myself up.

I have back issues off and on, 1. Don't go to the gym 2. Back stretches help - I use the "Back to Life" Videos https://friendlylook.com/back-to-life-review/ One night in desperation, I found this inexpensive program. She has 10 minute and 20 minute easy to perform vids. It helped but what worked in addition to stretching was a small spiked ball. I lay on that ball on the spot of pain - hurts at first when it hits the area - and adjust the ball to hit other areas. I also have a foam roller but no - that is for general daily stretching. For me, the spiked ball or even a small polyurethane that is firm and does not collapse, does the trick. 3. I also found a licensed therapist - helps but the small, firm ball works. I'd use all of the above. If it doesn't work, see doc. But I'm not a doc and this is only what has worked for my lower back pain, which is chronic - lower back, just to the right of the middle, and then of course, the rest of the lower back tightens because you compensate.

I've played the G400 and the G400 Max - for about 4 months each. I prefer the feel and sound of the G400 - I've hit long drives with both and have been consistent with both -- the difference is that the G400 will go a little further to the right when you keep the face open - so I'm working on closing the face. Will probably have this duel until the end of the year...

'66 Mustang 3 spd stick, in 1971

Thank you. Will check it out.

I've hit the ES Grind in previous Pings - fairly versatile. I'm thinking of the ES Grind in 56 and the SS Grind in 60. The SS sole is narrower in comparison to the ES, so I think it will work well on tight lies and for versatility in the 60.

I like the 56 ES - has a light feel through the ball and is versatile, the sole width and grind do well out of the bunker given only 8 of bounce - which makes that wedge more versatile. Thinking of selling Vokeys and customizing a few Stealths in terms of a Nippon and GP MCC +4 grips.

The lesson is "Get Fit." No universal standard exists for shafts - no standard as to measuring torque, flex, etc. Every shaft maker is different. Every golfer is different - swing, tempo, speed, rhythm, launch, ball position, etc. You may find a couple of OEMs whose shafts you tend to like, but there are always surprises.

To the OP, I would not take newbies to a course on a weekend, when it's usually busy. I would take a newbie to a course about 2 hrs before you can't play due to darkness, and ask the pro if they don't mind if you take a newbie out on a handful of holes to show them etiquetter, fast play, divot replacement, pitch mark repair, etc. See if they'd do it for free or just pay for one golfer for 9 holes. You might also try an executive course that has no trees and is primarily a par 3 course. If not, go on a weekday when it's not busy. My regular weekend group goes out as the 3rd group or so, around 6:30-:45 am. So early I may get to hit about 15 balls I find on a range, if there is a range. We walk the course. We stay a shot or so behind the group ahead of us unless it's two rabbits in a cart. When we see someone getting too close for comfort behind us, we go a little faster, depending on the group in front of us. We don't stop at the turn, we hit and walk, we don't hole out the 1-2 footers, and the guys mark their score and putts at the next teeing area. We might take a minute for a breather on hilly holes. Generally, we finish anywhere from 3:30-3:45 hrs. But sometimes, stuff happens, waiting, go to a different course on the weekend and can't get a tee time until 10 am, and it's a 4:15 round - in a cart.

Bought some during the winter - must get them out now to wear

What iacas said above - the ProV1 v. AVX is the comparison that is valid for most. The V1x has more spin and launch than V1 or AVX. Sure, you see Justin Thomas and others playing the ProV1x v. ProV1 - and Titleist said the ratio is now about 50-50 between the 2 balls whereas before the V1x held the upper hand - but as iacas stated, Titleist changed the ball. If ProV1 goes too high and spinny, try AVX. If ProV1 works, stay with it as it has more control around the greens.

Defenses are wind, huge undulating greens and uncertain bump and run results -- wind only blew one day. Lots of 3 putts all 4 days, but yesterday, not so many (at last count) due to wet conditions. First year for course - they'll improve the event.

No one knows the future, but Wise is impressive. To go low - 65 - on the last round in the last group, is impressive.

Dean Snell worked for years for Titleist, Taylormade, etc and was on their development teams. Snell Golf Balls have been well received by golfers in the know - a lot of forum members, here and other places, enjoy their play.

Wind is up today, as are scores. Tomorrow's forecast is -- great scoring conditions. Hopefully overcome with flag placement. Reading more about the tournament, it seems many players are staying at the Anatole, which is a huge hotel about 25 minutes away from the course. It is very different than staying at the TPC Four Seasons, where players and their wives could leave the children in a kiddie activity center, the wife could follow her husband (with condolences to Lucas Glover), and could walk back to the hotel, have a lunch, spa, and enjoy herself. A player could practice, nap, and then get ready for a round. Four Seasons was more convenient and attractive as a venue even though the course was somewhat lacking - a partial redesign helped, but the budget was limited during the 2007 recession, and not enough was done - then you have all the houses surrounding that course. Dallas just cannot get it right - it will take a few years. I searched for Trinity Forest Development and found nothing - until you make the place more accommodating to players and their families, I think this tourney will be a tough sell. And then there is its scheduling ... right after the Players this year, and next year, right before the PGA when it moves to May - this will be unsettling for several years.

If you want a quality ball that feels good, and not hollow like some of the above suggestions, then get the: Snell GETSUM ball - excellent 2 piece ball and inexpensive. 6 dz/$85 - no taxes or shipping Distance - yes; a good combo of spin and rollout around greens (but more roll). I've played it. https://www.snellgolf.com/products/get-sum-value-pack-6-dozen?variant=27596103432

Kooch is still smarting from his Open loss last year on a links course... As to the course, before the tournament, all we (the locals) heard was that the pros who had played it, enjoyed it. But that changes at the tournament ... more players, different conditions. But I think it's great that it changes things up ... just need our typical winds.

I like the part when she's finally shoved into the police car after arrest and says to the police, "Wait 'till the Tour hears about this ... you will all lose your jobs ... She sounds as if she's suffering from a bipolar disorder (she can't be like this all the time? or maybe she is), chemical imbalance, i.e. mentally ill. Good luck to her in finding assistance if only for the sake of Lucas and the children.

Well, that is the new permanent home of the Bryon Nelson, so it will remain. No wind yesterday, so a lack of defense. All the links without the ocean.

At my regular home course and range, when it's 6:30 pm or so, I will ask the pro shop if they don't mind if I play holes 4,5,6 before going home if no one is on them.

I was fortunate to spend a weekend with Titleist for a wedge and ball fitting in late March. Some of their golf ball management team from Massachusetts presented an on-range seminar on golf ball aerodynamics and the Titleist story, and spent the time explaining the differences in the ProV1 and AVX lineups. Seven of us attended the seminar - 5 of us were fit into the ProV1x, 1 into AVX and another was told he could go in either ProV1 or AVX. In the lineups described, most golfers need the spin and launch of the ProV1x and its steeper descent angle. It is also has excellent stopping power on the greens (slightly more than ProV1). The ProV1 is for higher speed players, and the AVX was primarily designed for players who spin and/or launch the ProV1 excessively. The 2 players who tried the AVX over 2 days of play found that their flight did flatten out and that it reduced spin and launch (also has different aerodynamcis - dimple pattern). They reported longer distances off mid to short irons, a soft feel but less spin around the greens (which Titleist discussed). After a few more rounds at home the AVX players adapted to the lower spin around the greens and are using it as their ball of choice. Of course, you can use whatever ball you like even if is not primarily designed for your game, because it's your game and your comfort level. Good luck.

Depends on your game -- but if fitters put you on Trackman and you had a decent swing with a low 80's speed, you'd probably be fit into a ProV1x and the Chrome Soft (not the X) if you wanted more control around the greens (a urethane ball). Typically, you'd need more spin and more height and a steeper angle of descent - and you'd get that with these balls.

Hit some ball off grass with the G700 - they should have used some foam. Sound/feel is suspect, but easy to launch with easy distance. Seemed easier than my PXG XF - but in terms of looks and feel, it is not PXG's equal - although I'd like to spend more time with them - or wait until late August.