Coastal

You're lucky to only have been through airports that you can give your checked bag directly to the TSA agent. Some airports/terminals you still give your checked bags to the ticket agent and the TSA have their way with it someplace out of your access.

I went out today to buy a travel bag and after looking and comparing all the different ones I was about to buy a hard case. Then I realized that the locks on these things are not TSA locks and there is no way to change them out. That means that you have to leave it unlocked or run the almost certain risk of them breaking the locks open. I ended up getting a nice Maxfli softside bag with a stiff arm, at least I can lock it up.

I just started playing and have taken some clinics. I've been pretty lucky since its summer and very quite, I've been the only one at the clinic so it's been an hour private lesson. I don't like to take them too often because I want to practice what he tries to teach me. No sense in hearing the same thing as I did two days ago. I've also been lucky enough to practice about 3 hours most days I'm home. I try to divide it between irons / driver and pitching / putting. I will be away for two weeks so I will not be getting in anywhere near that much practice and no putting at all. When I return home I'm going to start taking private lessons. I was surprised at your cost, I'm paying $125 for 5 half hour lessons and I can space them out any way I want. I will also start playing single then too (I’ve only been on the course 3 times). It’s a great time to start since the club has only been averaging about a dozen players a day so I will not have to worry about holding up any 18yo dynamos.

You do realize this takes time away from golf. Seriously, great project, don't forget to post some pic when you're done. I'm going to be doing some finishing of our basement in our DE house. It's a walk out with big windows and a sliding door so it will be a nice area when done. I'm going to use an acid stain on the concrete floor this week. I wanted something that was not too formal and I'm cheap so this fit the bill at about $0.65 a square foot for 1000sf. You're lucky, you don't need a permit, I have to go own up to the gubmint.

That is great, I love it!

Sounds like you have your priorities in order. When you have kids, your hobbies end up at the end of the list. I’m very new to the game but I needed two sets of clubs. I got a set of used Pings at an incredible price and a set of clone Callaways. As it turns out, I hit better with the clones than the Pings. Enjoy your family, then enjoy your golf, even if it’s with clone clubs.

Well it sounds like a mat is a good investment, I'm going for it. I'm fortunate to have the course and range in my neighborhood but as someone said, it's nice to be able to just practice swing for a bit without a big ordeal.

This seems like as good a place as any to ask this question. I'm a newbie to golf and I don't want to offend any pros. Are we expected to tip for the lessons? I attended a clinic at my home CC and the cost of the clinic just goes on my tab. Afterwards I felt that maybe I was supposed to give the guy a tip. First, I have to say that in my opinion, tipping has gotten out of hand. It seems people are expected to tip the cop that gives you a ticket now days. But, if this is traditional, I would want to abide.

Agreed, we can never allow golf to be played without pants. I can only imagine what it would do to all the handicaps.

This is why some people say golf is too stuffy! lol Really, take a look at Kohl's if you have one in your area.

I'm more at the stage that I'm working on balance and swing form so I can get a consistant contact. That's the size mat I was thinking about. They have the residential and commercial, I didn't know if the lower priced residential offered enough padding to use on a hard surface.

I was thinking about getting a mat to use at home to practice my swing, maybe some wiffle balls etc. I go to the range about 3 days a week but would like to practice at home as well. Any recommendations?

This is a great thread! As a newbie to the game I'm enjoying all the tips from those who have been there. Thanks!

I have a red Corvette convertable. I have others that I use when I have to but I try to enjoy the Vette as much as possible.

I'm going to have to say Tiger but what do I know, I just started this game.