MaRx

This is ironic. My buddy and I were just talking about this the other day on the course. I had THE WORST "blow up" hole of my season the other day... A short par 5 (480 yds) sharp dogleg left hitting into a blind green over water.... My drive was probably 250-270 yds way left of the fairway. I decided to lay up because of the blind approach, and the water in front.. Hit a wedge Fat of course on the layup right begind this HUGE grass hump next to the fairway. Shur enough my first ball went wayyyyyy right into the woods. Dropped another ball hit another FATTTTT wedge that dropped in the water. After several swear words I setup up to another ball... I had to hit the S$%t out of this PW to get to the slopy green. I smashed my PW the 145 yds to the hole and it hit the front of the green stops. I look up after putting my club away and taking in some jokes from my buddies to notice my ball still rolling towards the water. It did stop, and I was able to chip up and make the putt for a 9! Damnit! I ended up shooting a 41, but still... Talk about BLOW UP!

I can totally relate to this.. I had a HUGE tournament that I was preparing for all year and was really getting frustrated for a good week or two prior to the tournament I couldnt shoot into the 30s and was really getting nervous. I was hitting my irons thin/fat, driving the ball left/right. I sat myself down one day and really had to think what the hell was going on.. I knew I wasnt playing up to my potential, nor my average. I elimanated pretty much everything but my mental game. Seriously think about all your shots and challenge yourself. Maybe you are just getting ahead of yourself. Really think about what you are doing, take a day or two break and go out with a new attitude. I've discovered that if you can get yourself to conquer the mental game, you are farther ahead than you can imagine!

The title pretty much sums up my practice expirence! I get to the range and suck it up.. I'm left I'm right, i'm topping balls, Chunking fatties, you name it... The ball rarily goes straight! Its soooo hard to want to go to the range, when this crap happens all the time! Am I most likely battling a mental issue here!? I dont have a clue what goes wrong... I double/triple check my alignment, grip, and aim, which is pretty much gotten to be just natural on the course... I dont get it!?

I have had my Taylor Made Oversized Irons now for about 10 years. I bought them new when I was in 8th grade. I think its time for something new. Trying to keep the budget under $600-700 I think, probably going to end up getting them on Ebay.. Prices look pretty good. I was looking toward a more tour inspired iron, mainly for the head size. I think a thinner blade would work better for me. I take HUGE divots if that makes a difference!? I have a real hard time getting my irons to get alot of height, but distance doesnt really seem to be a problem. I'm not really partial to any brand, but have had my eyes on the Callaway X-18 pro series, Mizuno 32/33/37s, Taylormade Racs so far... Are there others to consider.. Other info (not sure if needed, but i'll include): 5 index handicap, I have a fairly decent draw on all shots (natural), also have a pretty high swing speed (100-120mph), keep in mind the divots!? Should I also consider The Taylor Made R7 XDs? ($550) Thanks to all who contribute!

Sorry, It was quite a ramble when I finally looked at what i wrote My buddy was hitting just the stiff shafted 460, not the Quad, or the D/N.

Good point! Balls are pretty much unique to each player's game basically. Each person's swing is slightly different, giving different ball characteristics.

To me, it really seems that there is no one real test for a golf ball.. Testing one aspect of the ball, like how long they go off the tee is nice to know, but there are soo many variables that need attention when putting balls to the test.. Test all of these areas with fast/slow swing speeds 1. Off the tees 2. Iron shots 3. Approach shots (Not sure how they accuratly test how much spin a ball has, but i'm sure they have something..) Having a really detailed analysis of these areas, such as ball flight, distance, spin(i'm sure there are more, but I dont really want to waste too much time) These would be the areas of my interest.

Interesting early review of the R7... I was at a golf shop tonight looking at irons and my buddy has been looking for a new driver.. I almost had him talked into a Titleist, until he hit a used R7 they had there.. The dude working swore by the R7 as the end all be all best club ever. He said the sweet spot of my buddies Callaway Hawkeye was about half as big as a dime. (bout the size of the end of a pen's cap.) He said the same for my Titleist 935k driver.... I kind of think he was pulling a BS to try and sell the club myself, although my buddy did hit the crap out of the R7. His Hawkeye was averaging about 266yds and the R7 was averaging about 277. Not sure if he was swinging harder or not, but thats the observation i was making... I think my buddy is sold on the R7 now.. They're about $299 new on Ebay if anyone is looking.. Looking forward to your 1-3 month review!

I care, it would be nice to see how it compared in their "test".

Where did the Maxfli BlackMax come in!?

This isnt exactly accurate! Sure its accurate to the lip of the bunker, but there is no way of telling how far from the hole the lip is. Sure its good enough. The GPS reading from the middle of the green would be just as good. Just my .02 How can you lock in on the flag stick at 250 yds anyway!? It is impossible for the range finder that I have to do that.. It has a pretty big target area, therefore making it hard to target really small objects such as a flag stick.. (its also tough because the slightest shake at 250 yds makes it nearly impossible) I have the Bushnell 400yd finder btw... Both are damn good tools, and would prefer the Rangefinder because you can use it for hunting and for other things too, but I do think GPS is a very interesting too, that is still being improved upon.

I find that my putting stroke is in-consistent. I'm pulling/pushing some putts more than having distance problems... My ball if struck well, will roll 1-1.5' by on a missed attempt.

I have both. i will share thoughts.. GPS Advantages: 1. ALOT more accurate than laser finders as the distance increases. (harder to focus in on the target with the range finders. Range finder Ad: 1. Cheaper 2. Easier to use 3. Convenient (pull out, shoot and know instantly distances all around you) They are both pretty much as accurate, within +-1-3yds. My conclusion. The range finder is alot more versatile than the GPS unit. Its also fun to hit cars with it as they go by. Those with radar detectors hit their brakes pretty damn hard thinking there is a cop nearby!

Lately i've been shooting lower 80s myself... I'm getting really frustrated. I know 70% of my problem is mental. I screw myself up listening to the voices in my head.... I over-think slighty tougher puts, chips, and approaches screwing up 70% of the time... Mental confidence plays such a huge part in one's game. Practice helps immensily, only if taken seriously. Practice for a few hours at the range/ around the greens, you will impress yourself. The confidence rises, and your scores will lower. I need to get my butt back to some basic practicing again soon....

I was able to play a round with the new Maxfli BlackMax balls.. First off, I love everything about the balls. They feel great, sound a little different off the driver (seems like a harder more solid sound), handle great around the greens, and are durable as heck. I was able to spin the balls 5'+ with my 9 iron as well as my 52*. I was really happy with what these balls offer. I was able to get 5 dozen balls at a damn good price. (5 dz $80 brand new of course) Amazing ball! I used to play ProV1s.

thanks for all the info! Very interesting!

I just bought 3 dozen of these for under $15/ dz. found an awesome deal, so i took the plunge... havent got to play any yet, wondering what to expect!? are they comparable to ProVs?

Seriously!?

I read everyone's posts, and I thank you all for taking some time to share some advice! I did in fact see that weighted club at Wal-Mart the other night.. I didnt care for the grip it had.. I had my club slightly different, so i dont know how much i'd want to get that club, it may screw up my swing with a different grip... I honestly dont know how much more I really should expect to hit, but Its always motivating to listen to people tell others how long I can hit. If I am not the longest hitter of the group, I feel almost inferior Thanks again everyone, I will take all the advice into consideration!

I carry my card with me.. I just put the updated stats on

I used to mark my balls (only when they were bought new) with red dots that filled in some letters, but I dont remember the last time I actually bought balls. I play what I find, however I think I am going to stick with one ball to keep consistant around the greens. (Sadly, till now, I havent really takin the game seriously since my freshman year in High school.

Just getting both of my Vokey wedges and hitting many different balls with them, I noticed the amount of spin between balls varies quite a bit... I just cleaned out my bag, but the ProVs and the Titleist professionals seemed to get the most action... I am new to spinning the ball, and never really payed much attention to it before, but these clubs really bring out the spin in my shot. I'd like to get better control of it. Whats the difference between ProV1's, ProV1x's, and Professionals anyway!?

I have this problem as well! I'll try what Finn said! Thanks!

I just recieved my new club in the mail, and I cannot believe the spin it creates! Its cool, but I cannot seem to control it from spinning 5' straight left! The flight of the ball has a really slight draw, but on the second hop the ball spins straight left! What's going on!?

Interesting info, thanks guys! I just recieved both of my new Titleist wedges in the mail and was able to get out this morning to hit a few.. The 52* I am able to out ALOT of spin on the ball... This was fun for the first dozen balls or so, as i've never actually seen such a dramatic spin from any of my shots before. The spin is the wrong direction! I have a slight draw with the club, but the spin takes the ball hits and bounces then shooots straight left anywhere from 1'-5'! Something is wrong with my stance or something!?