slimeberry

So if it's a curved "T" then that makes it what ... a "J"? My criticism of the putter is not a criticism of you or your taste, by the way. I just like a more traditional putter. Scotty IS a genius at "The Art of Putting". No doubt about it. I would not use any other putter after setting up w/ a beautiful, sleek Cameron blade. I have invested a lot of money in customizing putters and collecting his "works of art"; and that is what they are. I, however, do not care for his mallets, plain and simple. But then again, I don't care for mallets at all. Being a Red X user, I'm sure you disagree, and you know what... that's OK. I, however, feel like I'm putting with a sledg hammer, no matter how "light" or "technically advanced" the mallet putter is. I don't have to like every piece that Picasso painted or every arrangement that Mozart composed to love their work and respect their genius. I think Scotty got a little "crazy" w/ the Futura and has continued that with the Detour. I don't like it. Plain and simple. And no matter how much technology has gone into it, I can not see myself addressing a ball with that monster. That does not mean that it might not be perfect for someone else (say someone who drives railroad spikes for a living). That also does not mean that I don't respect him for trying something new. I do. It's just not my cup of tea.

The wood and hybrids look great. I had seen the hybrids before online. Can't wait to demo one. The putter, however, is a different story. I love Cameron putters. His blades are the most beautiful, pleasing to the eye putters I have ever seen. I collect them and just added numbers 11 and 12 to my collection this morning via ebay (a sweet refinished Oil Can Catalina Two and an American Classic VII Napa). However, I hate his mallett and mallet-like putters (all mallets really, as I am more of a traditionalist, but his are over the top). The La Costa and Del Mar look fine enough, and I kind of like the Red X. However, I hate the Futura (mallet isn't as bad as the Phantom, but ... ugh...) and now I can add the Detour to my list. Sweet lord it's ugly. I love the Caution Orange. It's not the color selection. I love the limes and the oranges and all of that. But that HUGE, over pronounced T shaped head is aweful. It looks like something Nike or Odyssey would mass produce (w/ clear grips and neon flames shooting out of the sides perhaps?). It's hard to believe that it is the same person designing these things. Putters like the Napa and Newport have become classics. How do these things come out of the same studio? Oh well, to each his own.

Probably a good idea. I have a Studio Design 2 and this Circa 62 No.1 in the Gun Blue and WOW, are they delicate. I will keep them in my "Cameron Collection", if you can call 10 putters a collection, but doubt if they will ever leave my basement. Kind of sad that I have these beautiful putters and are too scared to use them. If I ever get them refinished, I too would go w/ the Pro Plat. I have a Coronado and a Bulls Eye Heavy Flange that are finished in it and they really look sharp. I also don't feel like I need to wipe them down every couple of days either.

They were VERY careful to tell me that anything like Navel Jelly would dull the finish of the Gun Metal Blue. They said to take 3 in 1 oil and lightly buff out the rust. Keep in mind that this only works on light surface rust, not deeper rusting. I oiled the sole (face and sides are still perfect) w/ 3 in 1 oil, took a VERY SOFT Dremel buffing attachment, and buffed the oiled surface VERY SOFTLY and LIGHTLY, for just a few seconds. The rust is gone. The finish dulled JUST A TINY BIT, but after hand buffing it w/ the same oil and a Cameron Putter Cloth for several minutes it brought the shine back to ALMOST being perfect. I can tell where it was buffed because I did it, but I asked my wife to look at it and she can not tell at all. Either way, it is much better than rust slowly eating away at my putter's finish. Just be VERY careful. Gun Blue, Oil Can, Black Oxide finishes are VERY delicate. Pro Platinum and Stainless are much more durable and could probably be buffed a little harder than the softer finishes, I am guessing. Also, and I did not know this... they told me not only should you store your clubs in a climate controled room, but to also NEVER store your putters w/ the head covers on. Only use them while they are in your bag and on the ecourse. When you get home, take your putter cover off, wipe the putter down w/ 3 in 1 oil, and store it by it's self w/ out the cover (on carpet, a towel, etc.). The headcovers collect moisture and can further cause rusting and discoloration. Again, probably only on more delicate finishes. Who knew?

I have gotten better about this. I never keep my sticks in my vehicle unless I am playing that day. I used to keep my clubs in my garage. My garage isn't climate controled like the rest of my home, something I regret not doing when the house was built. Obviously it doesn't freeze or get up to 140.o out there, but it is still hot this time of year. I keep both sets, along w/ my Scotty Cameron putter collection, in my basement. It is finished and I have a nice office down there where I keep my stuff. I have a Par Aid club and ball washer right outside the basement patio door so I wash them up and keep them inside, 73.o all year long. The reason I decided to do this is becasue the humidity where I live was begining to damage my putters. I just bought a new Circa 62 No.1 and I wipe it down every time I use it. I started to notice VERY TINY, pin hole sized rust spots on the sole of the club after just a few weeks of use, even though I oil it after every round. I called the Custom Shop and they told me how to get rid of the rust problem and to always store my clubs in a climate controled area. Your wives might not like you keeping the clubs in the house, but it's better than ruining thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Lesson learned.

Jack seems to contradict himself. First he says that he couldn't even play a casual round w/ his family w/out using it as major preparation for a PGA event. Then he says he didn't take preparing for majors as seriously as he could have. Jack's place in history is set, but the more he talks about "Tiger not REALLY winning the grand slam" and "I could have won 25 majors" the more he sounds like sour grapes. Tiger will more than likely pass Jack's 18. That does not take away anything Jack did, just like Jack didn't take anything away from Jones or Hogan. One day there will be another player to challenge Tiger. that's just the nature of the game. Sour grapes Jack, sour grapes.

It's just a little bizarre, so I am ribbing you. It was a joke. But thanks for the VERY serious reply. I was kidding. I have a dog. German Short Haired Pointer. I love him. I do not dress him up or take him to the golf course, fine dining establishments, church, the dentist, etc. I do, however, take him on walks, Sunday drives, swimming, etc. That's just me.

I don't intend to sound harsh and I don't think I did. This may sound harsh too, and if it does, well it does. What the hell does slavery and genocide have to do with the topic, my thread, or golf in general? What the hell are you talking about? I had to read the first part of your response twice just to make sure I was reading it correctly. Now, if we have moved past your incoherent rant about "slavery and destroying nations" I will address your points that actually relate to this thread. But first, a question... Why should you start a law suite against private clubs? I am not sure what you were getting at there. Are you implying that private clubs somehow owe you reperations for "excluding" you? Private and Semi-Private clubs have great players that follow and stick to every rule in the book. They also all have idiots that get out there and hold us up, don't rake the bunkers, don't repare green marks, and don't fix their divots. That happens everywhere. However, it happens much less at Private and Semi-Private Clubs because members take ownership in the course and thier guests tend to be more respectful of the rules, their pace, and the way they take care of the track. Thats not to say it is perfect, it is not. But it sure as hell beats a round at a $15 muni. To address your comment about learning on the range... it is not the same at all, and I think you know that. At least where I am there are about 5 courser for every 1 driving range. Ranges have weird hours, are generally out of the way, or they are apart of a club, which you seem to have so much resentment for. Lessons are great. Highly recomended, but I don't know a single person that is going to pay for a playing lesson BEFORE they ever get out on a track to see how they like the game. I don't know where you live, but at my course, nearly all parents of younger kids have the same respect I do for people's time on the course. There are always parents out w/ their kids after 5 or 6, trying to teach them the game, the rules, and the etiquite. I have never been held up by a group w/ young kids on a busy day. So, I don't think I am the exception, at least not where I play. But again, the more the players take ownership of the course they play on, the more they respect the course and the people around them. That is not elitist, it is just the trurth. A beginner shows concern for better players by letting them play through, fixing their ball marks, divots, traps, etc. Not by staying away and sticking to black light putt-putt and indoor golf. But that was very admirable of you. No hard feelings. Again, I don't intend to sound harsh. I can, however, disagree with you. Thats the great thing about living in this country... at least until we all become slaves and are ravaged by a nation destroying super power. Until then... I think testing an individual before letting him or her on a course is a silly idea, IMHO.

You are all sick.

I do agree though, a** holes and beginers are not the same. Someone who takes a chunk out of the green needs to be ejected from the course and never allowed back.

A test? That is the most rediculous idea I have ever heard. If you want to get away from the pony tails, jean shorts, tank tops, and unraked bunkers, stop playing at the local par 3 and join a golf club. Spring for a place that weeds out 80% of that crap w/ it's fees and rules. But a test seems a bit over the top. There are different levels of courses, just like there are different levels of players. No one, however, should be excluded from playing. How will they ever learn? Sure, every adult should be held to course etiquite and rules. That is where a booklet and a good person at the 1st tee would be a good start. My kids are 5 and 6. I have enough respect for the game not to take them out at 8am on a Saturday, but we do go out at least once a week in the evening to do just what you are testing for. To teach them golf etiquite, rules, how to play the game, and most of all... many of you in favor of the test may be unfamiliar w/ this... TO HAVE FUN!!! If my six year old had to score under 120, or take a test, he would never get to learn or appreciate the game as we all have gotten to do. Does anyone remember their first experiences on the track? Was there someone watching over you, testing you, criticizing you, or did you go out w/ your dad or your friends and have fun, learning the game in the process? My son is six and he finished 3rd in his age flight at our clubs Jr. Championship. He played in front of a small gallery of parents, friends, and grandparents at age six. That is more than I had done at that age. We need to encourage new players trying to learn the game, not exclude them because they are annoying.

I have a buddy just like this. He always managed to beat me by a stroke, even though I knew I had beaten him by several. Same thing. Hit one OB, take a drop, and not give himself even one stroke. It got to the point that I hated playing w/ him. Finally, to salvage our friendship, I started really paying attention to his score. After a hole I might say..."Put me down for a par. What'd you take? A six?" He might say "No, put me down for a par too." Thats where I would start counting his strokes out loud to him, as if I was trying to figure it out. "One off the tee. Two in the woods. Drop for three. On in four. Two put. That's six, right?" I know I sounded like a smart ass, but he took the hint pretty quickly. A customer is an entirley different animal. I want them to feel good out there. The last thing I would do is call a customer out on the track. Bad idea. I have one customer that is so full of shit that I can't stand to talk to him for more than 5 minutes. He talkes about himself non stop on the golf couurse and off (even during putting and teeing off). I kid you not. I shoot 10 stroke higher when I play w/ him. I am a healthy 31 year old man, but my blood pressure starts to go crazy and I physically get ill around him. I CAN NOT PLAY W/ HIM ANYMORE!!! I HATE HIM!!! Other than him... the customer is always right.

ProV1x for sure. Also keep some NXT tours in my bag. The spin on the ProV1x is perfect. Best ball on or around the greens, off the tee, anywhere, Great ball.

Sent my Scotty Cameron 2005 Newport 2 off to the Custom Shop on the 14th of July. Came back to me via FedEx today. WOW!!! I didnt have it restored because it is only a year old, but I had it customized. It looks so good. My first name is Scott, so the "Scotty" on the neck is more than just a brand to me. My last name is Limeberry, so of course I went w/ the lime green head cover, grip, and lime green and white paintfill. They added a sight circle on top to go w/ the sight line on the flange, my initials in dancing letters, and an "S" w/ a crown over it. They painted the newport dots, lines, lettering white and lime. Very cool. I shipped it off about 2 weeks ago. They received it on the 17th and I had it back in my hands 11 days later. Some people have commented on this thread about the price. It was expensive. The putter cost me $300.00 a year or so ago, and the work the studio did was another $200.00, but it was well worth it. I wouldn't want to risk damaging or screwing up such a nice putter trying to do it myself. My putter was sweet before, but now it really stands out, reflects my personality, and will be something that I will keep forever. You can't put a price on that. Highly recommended. I'm sending my Circa 62 No.1 off today just for the "S" stamp and my initials in the Gold / Yellow paintfill. Nothing more. Another $60.00. Well worth having such a beautiful putter customized. They are leaving everything else (grip, head cover, etc.) the way it is. Should get it back in exactly two weeks. Can't wait.

Thats friggin' hillarious. A case of beer. That guy must really feel appreciated. "Eh, just send over a skid of Bud Light". Thats great.

I have started to take this more seriously the better I get. I used to drink three or four beers each side. If it was an outing, I would suck the beers and bloody mary's back like water. Cigars too. One per side. Now, however, I really limit myself, because it does effect the way I play. When I was shooting in the 100's I needed a little lubrication to overcome my insecurities about my game. After a few drinks, I actually played better. Now I am shooting in the 80's. I don't know if it's the heat, or what, but one or two beers and I am finished out there. My timing gets off and no matter how many bottles of water I drink, I can't get it back. So, no drinks for me on the track. Now my game is more important than the socializing. Imagine that. However, the 19th hole is a different story. After a hot 18, an ice cold beer is welcomed relief.

No problem. And, yes, do look into getting fitted for your wedges. I's funny. With a driver, fairway wood, etc. we think of how just a slight mis-hit will send our tee shot slicing right or pulling left. It's true, but the reason it is such a dramatic error is because the ball is traveling 250 yds. plus. The smallest mis-hit could be big trouble because the longer the ball is in flight, the more off target it is tracking. Really, most people would be ahead of the game if they demoed different drivers, but most people really don't need to be "fitted". Everyone should be fitted for their irons, as lie angle and shaft length could potentially make a huge difference in solid contact. Wedges, however, are even more important. Scores are made around the greens and wedges are usually the weapons of choice. Wedges, when mis-hit, don't seem to take off right or left as badly because they are only traveling 1/4 of the distance of a driver, or less. Less time in the air means it will not fly 80 yards right or left. But, imagine if a shanked wedge could travel 250 yards plus. How far off would it be then? The best way to get a visual on how important it is to be fitted for wedges is this... Take a driver, fairway wood, even a 4 iron. Hold the face of the club up with your left hand and with your right hand, place the shaft of another club up to the sweet spot of the face of the club you are holding and look at the ball flight. The shaft represents the flight of the ball on a well hit shot. Now put the shaft a little to the heel or toe of the club. Notice how slightly the ball flight changes. Now try the same exercise w/ a wedge. You will instantly notice how much more the ball flight changes on a mis-hit wedge. The higher the loft, the more ball flight is altered on a poorly struck shot. Even though the ball isn't traveling as far, imaging how much that affects trying to stick it from 80 yards. Most pro shops don't charge for club fittings. My new Vokey wedges needed to be 2.o upright and 1" longer than standard. Sure I had to wait a week or so to get them in, but I can already tell a difference. Spinning a 56.o SW back into the cup for eagle on our #8 par 5 felt pretty good too. Did that for the first time ever last Thursday!!! Every shot won't look like Phil, but it really does make a difference. Good luck w/ your decision.

Wedges should match your game, not your set. Wedges are all about feel. Most pitching wedges match an iron set because the majority of people use them like an iron, to get it close to the pin, not really as a scoring club. So, yea, that makes sense. However, from hacks to pros, people have "non matching" wedges in their bag. I used to play Ping Driver, Callaway Fairway Wood, Nike Hybrid, Callaway Irons, Cleveland Wedges, and White Hot Putter. Talk about a mixed bag, but it felt right for me at the time. Visit Golf Digest's web site and look in the "What's In My Bag" archives. Many players use different wedges from their iron sets, even the guys w/ mega contracts. *Geoff Ogilvy uses forged Cobra irons and Vokey wedges (all Titleist, I know). *Jim Furyk uses both Srixon and Vokey wedges. *Tiger just recently (past few years) switched from Vokey wedges to Nike to "match" his set (although I bet Bob Vokey forged them for him. Just a guess.) *Callaway's wedges leave much to be desired, but because of his contract, Phil uses them. His, however, were forged by Roger Cleveland. If it wasn't for Phil being Phil, his wedges would say Cleveland like everyone elses. Use what you like. One of the many differences between the pros and the rest of us is that we pay to use our clubs. They GET PAID to use theirs, so of course most of them have matching clubs (but not all). If you like Nike, get Nike, but don't get it because the rest of your clubs say Nike. I would also suggest getting fitted. Most people don't think about this with wedges, but it is actually the most important. With a mis-hit, the higher the loft, the more off it will be. Good luck.

The point that I was making was based on information that I had read in Golfworld Magazine. If they have since given her the green flag to ride, then I stand corrected. The USGA is no longer hanging on to a technicality. I had not heard this, however, as of my post yesterday. If they have not given her an OK because of when she registered, well, again, I believe that that IS hiding behind a technicality. I think it is chickenshit to say "Well, you could have used a cart, but you used red ink instead of black on your application." As idiotic as that sounds, that is not any more lame than "Well, you could have used a cart, had you asked for one BEFORE you found out you might die." That IS hiding behind red tape, IMHO. But, maybe the USGA went ahead and said OK. I had not heard that, but I do not doubt your information. And Sorry if I wasn't clear, but no, I did not contradict myself.

I agree w/ questioning the parents in this situation. It is a strange choice they have made. I also agree w/ the Casey Martin comments as well. He physically isn't able, and never will be. He shouldn't play in competition. Fine. My argument is that the USGA should, if they don't want her to ride, call a spade a spade and stand behing their decision. Accept the shitstorm that will follow. But don't hide behing a technicality. To me, that looks worse. If the USGA would simply say "no", well... fine. I agree, I can't run a marathon. Should I get to ride a bike because I'm out of shape? No. My issue is that the USGA said she COULD use a cart... if she had asked for it during registration. Well, to me that seems a little cold. Don't throw it back on her as if it's her fault. If the USGA doesn't want to let her ride, have the balls to stand up to the media pressure, the bleeding hearts, etc. and stand behing their decision. To hide behind a technicality and throw the blame back to her, as if she somehow knew this would all come up is BS. If she needs a cart and the USGA says it's OK, let her ride. If the USGA says no way, golf requires that you walk, as a marathon requires that you run, then that to is fine. Just don't hide behing red tape because you don't want to look mean. That , to me, just makes them look worse. Make any sense at all??? I don't even know if I understand anymore.

The issue is not wether she does or does not need a cart. Her Dr. says she does. The USGA is not questioning that. The USGA is not ruling her ineligible to use a cart because she isn't sick enough, but because she didn't get her request turned in at the same time she registered to play. That is the USGA rule. Although her heart condition has been w/ her since she was a toddler, the shortness of breath and chest pains only started to affect her recently during play, and after she had already registered to play in this particular event. Her Dr. says that it is dangerous for her to walk 18. The USGA is keeping her from riding on a technicality, not because she isn't sick enough. SHE IS!!! Just a technicality, which they are good at clinging to. I think a young woman should be supported and encouraged, and not discouraged, to play w/ her condition. She is not requesting a cart for every event, like Casey Martin, but only until her Dr.s can run more tests and can make sure she doesn't DIE during match play. That would be good for the game!!!

I think the USGA is dead wrong on this one.

Golf Galaxy is a joke!!! Sorry. I have shopped there several times. I have a good friend who is a club repairer at one, and he is good. He is also, unfortunatley, the exception, not the rule. They typically have one "PGA" Manager on staff, a few guys who are pretty good @ club repair, reshafting, etc, but the guys on the sales floor are high school and college aged kids. No offense to that age group, as there are many out there that could kick my ass on the course. The screens are rigged. I went in to one to hit the G5 when it was first released. The screen said my AVERAGE drive was 340 yds. Now come on... I have hit some pretty long drives in the few years I have been playing, but there is NO WAY my AVERAGE drive is 340. It's a gimic to pump you up about the club you are hitting. Go to your local pro shop @ your home track. Everyone assumes that because it is a "golf warehouse" w/ HUGE amounts of inventory, that they are cheaper. Let me give you an example... Cobra F Speed Golf Galaxy - $299.00 / My club - $259.00 Titleist Voky Spin Milled 60.o Golf Galaxy - $109.00 / My club - $89.00 Etc, etc, etc... Your pro will take you out on the range to hit balls off of the deck, off of a board, and off of a tee. He / She will put tape on the face and sole to check what your lie angle and shaft length should be, etc. I have never seen anyone use something to block your sight of the ball, but thats just me. The shop might have to order your set / club, but it's worth waiting 7 to 10 days, because you know it will be right. Most golfers are not standard, off the rack, specs when it comes to irons and wedges anyway. I think that hitting off of a mat is fine for indoor golf, but, no matter what Golf Galaxy says, you can't see the ball flight on a screen like you can on the range. Plus, you feel like you are in an underground bunker waiting for the bomb to go off. I hate hitting in a simulator. Plus, you have a personal relationship w/ the guys at your home track. Why not support them. Give them your business. Why give Golf Galaxy your money so they can put another mom and pop golf shop out of business when you can give it to your course. In turn, your money helps pay for course improvements and maintenace. You can see and enjoy your money come full circle. If more people supported local business I think communities in general would be better off.

Decided to keep the Pings as a 2nd set (see below). Think I would regret it if I ever let them go. Besides, you can never have too many golf clubs, right? Thanks all.

Agree w/ the last thread. Pulling for Camilo, JB Holmes, Bo Van Pelt, and Bubba Watson. Would like to see a big finish from one or two of these guys. I will always follow Davis (SI had me pulling for him early in The Open) and Freddie (has been doing well in recent matches) and I will always follow Phil. How could you not? Other than that, these younger guys catch my attention and I really enjoy watching them play. Some of them have some growing up to do in reguards to course management, but they will come around.