Meddle

How many of you have a pre-shot routine? And those that do, how important is it in developing a consistent swing? I usually do whatever feels good and relaxing before my shot, and it changes. But I've read that it is important to develop a really consistent pre-shot routine. Thoughts?

People who call EVERYTHING in pickup basketball games. Also, any professional athlete whose performance spikes during contract years.

Albuquerque! Two top 100 courses (UNM Championship course and Paaco Ridge), a Top 10 Casino course, and cheap public courses. And year-round sunshine.

You want matching irons/hybrids for consistant distances and feel for the clubs. Like everyone else is saying, you can get a used set for really cheap, just shop around or get on ebay.

I use those exact same irons, 96 Bertha's, and I think they're amazing, especially for a beginning golfer. Get a 7 and 9 off ebay, and get a real driver. If you can spare $$, use it for a couple lessons.

Definitely tell their coach. These kids are on the golf team, and they're teenagers. They knew what they were doing, probably thought it was funny.

Haven't had one yet. Although 2 weeks ago I had a 12 footer for eagle on a par 5 then proceeded to infuriatingly 3 putt for par.

Put that Taylor-made set on ebay. Sounds to me like your getting the shaft only getting 60 for them.

In that situation I usually use a choke-down 3 hybrid, but if you're really into the new club idea, check out the Cluch Golf iron. It has a really heavy head for getting the ball out of heavy rough and a really short shaft, I'd say like a sand wedge. You can find it on ebay for around 20, search "Cluch golf iron".

My sand wedge is an old MacGregor I found at a thrift store. It's at least 20 years old, maybe more.

Oh, I see. Thanks!

I don't understand why when a handicap is calculated, the lower differentials are used rather than an average of all differentials. Wouldn't an average be a more accurate representation of skill? For example, I've played 5 rounds this year. My differentials for four of them are consistent, between 21 and 23. However, I had one freak round where it was 16, and according to the rules, 16 is the only one that goes into the calculation, making my handicap way lower than what I think it should be. I'm sure that there's a good reason for this, I just don't know it.

Kobe better than Jordan? Does anyone else remember Kobe's disappearing act during last year's Finals? I was living in the LA area at the time and every radio station was blasting how Kobe will never be better than Jordan. Lakers won because they had the #2 best big in the NBA. Even then, the Rockets would have given them a run for their money had they stayed healthy. Lebron took a team whose supporting cast was far worse than the Lakers (and most other teams that made the playoffs) and led them to the best record in the NBA in dominant fashion. His stats were better across the board during the regular season and playoffs versus Kobe's. No question in my mind, Lebron > Kobe.

How bout Rory Sabbatini to break on through? One win, one second and 4 top 10's this year, 11th in FedEx standings.

The problem with beginner sets is they wont resell for anything. The money you save on a beginner set could be made up by buying clubs that are a step up and selling them when you want better clubs.

Once you start really caring about what you score, those one or two mulligans you allowed yourself before become a big deal. How many strokes did those mulligans actually save you? It makes it pretty much impossible to track your actual progress over the course of the season.

There are definitely fakes out there, and if you're looking for top-notch equipment that's something you have to watch out for. But if you're looking for clubs that are a step down (that don't go for over 100-150 used) I really don't think there is any point in worrying about it. Also, thrift stores can have really good clubs for amazing prices. I found a complete set of 1996 Big Bertha irons for 3 bucks apiece. Those things go for 30-50 each used online.

Instead of buying a new beginner set, why not look for a better used set off ebay? Take a look at Calloway's Big Bertha clubs, they are ultra forgiving and if you decide to drop the game they resell really well.

I'm 23 and forever in college (for the discount green fees of course).

Being a poor college student, I have done a lot of research into where to buy inexpensive golf clubs, and in my experience the absolute cheapest place to buy clubs is on ebay.com. I've bought 7 clubs on there, and have had no problem at all, all the clubs have been legitimate.

Getting a few lessons go a long way to helping with distance and consistency, but there are a few quick fixes. I've found that using better quality balls really makes a big difference. Also, if you are using clubs with stiff shafts, consider picking up some regular shafted clubs.

I picked up a Tour Edge 56 degree wedge of ebay, and I love it. It looks great, and feels really soft.