Mark_D

Generally the more weight you get low and back, the higher the ball flight. So if people struggle to get the ball airborne they may put weight low and back.

I'm a new convert to Ping drivers- recently bought a Rapture v2 and it kicked everything elses ass, and managed to get it a fair bit cheaper than the top end Taylormade, Callaway and Titleist drivers. I was really surprised but for me it was considerably in front in terms of distance, forgiveness and straightness. I also think Ping are the all-time greatest manufacturers of putters. I had a really old copper Ping Anser putter for years and years and it brought me all the way down from a 36 handicapper to single figures. I had brief departures with Odyssey and Scotty, put I always go back to Ping. I now have an Anser G5i, although a part of me still loves that old copper Anser. In contrast, I've always hated the irons. When I've tried them they always fly well and go far, but I hate the feel (some might say "solid", but I think "hard") and generally hate the look (remember the Ping Zing irons with a huge protruding toe). No doubt they are quality products but the look and feel isnt for me. I've had a look away from Titleist irons a few times but nothing compares IMHO- they to me are the best. I also really like Ping's general approach to business- you cant buy them direct off the internet as they want their products to be customised to the needs of an individual golfer, and their marketing always seems to me at least to be relatively low-key and instead rely on the quality of their products to speak for itself (vs the likes of Nike etc.). I personally like that ethos.

Haha... I remember those things! As a 12 year old they were the coolest things around! I think I had a yellow and purple one. God who'd have thought a company that generally comes up with such quality would release such a thing. I have a load of "Founders Club" balls that are made in Taiwan. Needless to say, I will never ever use them, so give them away to my 36+ handicapper friends whenever they need them. They came free with some club purchase.

I'd say I have my bag pretty much as I want it now. Only changes I might make are: Change my Cleveland gap wedge to a Titleist Vokey Maybe a 3 wood or 1 iron-equivalent hybrid... but need that length so rarely that just cant justify the outlay. Quite comfortable hitting the driver off the deck and hit my 2 iron a good 230ish so not really worth it.

I've just bought a new driver having tested all the latest offerings from Taylormade, Titleist, Callaway, Cleveland, Wilson, Ping and Nike on the range. The winner... Ping Rapture v2. I have ordered one with 9 degree loft and Diamana Blue stiff shaft. I was expecting to really struggle to differentiate between the top ones, but FOR ME, the Ping was some distance ahead in both distance and forgiveness. The carry was immense, even on off centre hits. I suffer from hitting the ball too high, but could control the flight well with this. Can't wait for it to arrive... hope it lives up to the range on the course.

I could well be wrong, but isn't Bridgestone the leading ball in Japan?

I'm considering trying the Bridgestone B330 for an "everyday" ball. I have a pretty high swing speed (typical drive 250-260) and hit the ball really high, so from the specs sounds like it should suit. I've just switched to Taylormade TP Reds for serious play- unwilling to spend the extra to stick with Pro V1s

Whittington Heath Golf Club, England Classic heathland course. http://www.whittingtonheathgc.co.uk/html/index.asp