higdonp

Director of Engineering, DTECH LABS, Inc. We just moved up here to Sterling, VA and we're loving it! I still have to find a new golf "home" though. I've yet to get out and play a round...soon though hopefully.

True, nice analogy.

Well I had a really crappy (Acuity) driver and then I bought a used Callaway BB 460. I went from 200ish inconsistent yards to 230-270yds down the middle. I'm a beginner so I'm not sure, but I do know the equipment makes a difference. I'd say to go get fitted and test out a few for yourself on the range before committing.

Yes it's good but you have to realize that you're changing the angle of attack. All the distance in the world doesn't really matter unless you have consistent distances inside of 100yds.

It has made a difference with me. I was about 225 18 months ago at 6"1'. Now I'm 180 with much better core strength. I think the gain in focus from exercise has helped as much as the weight loss. Although now I swing with much less effort with better results.

Well I have a Callaway Warbird X bag and I picked it up for 100 bucks, very good carrying bag and no problems yet.

Yeah, as a lot of the others have said, I'd stay with what feels best. Swinging "normally" should not be a problem. I would think more bicept is used in your right arm than left.

I think I really need to modify my bag to match yours more. I have unnecessary fairway woods, long irons, and hybrids in my bag. I hit my 4 iron 200 yds, the same as my hybrid 4. I really need to give up the long clubs since 200yds seems to be standard and get a couple of wedges. Anyhow, your collection looks well thought out. -P

Great Advice!

Well Tiger has too many muscles and frustration. He played horrible (for HIM!) and still finished well. If he could find peace and focus he would be so dominant it would be scary. Congrats to YANG! He didn't waiver on hole 18, he played with no fear... awesome!

Great advice, especially the Putter! What a puzzle putting is!

My wife bought me a set of Acuity Turbo Plus clubs for $250 about a year ago and they worked great (except for the driver!). I used them for a while and then bought one club and iron set at a time... The bottom line is, don't spend a huge amount of cash until you know what fits you. Like many people have said, it depends on the person and what fits YOU best. I spent $350 on my $600 set of Callaway irons.. but the only difference for me is a little accuracy and about 15 yards per club. As a beginner that really doesn't matter $600 worth... Play a while with a basic set and then form your club set as required. -P

True that! I still think that anyone can overcome the dreaded slice if they want to put in the work. I've only been playing 8 moinths and can pull it like nobodys business if I want to.

Tiger, after he get's used to all the muscles and good knee... but for now and today it's : YANG!

Does getting fitted really make that much of a difference given that we mostly have the same length arms? I mean a 6" man and 5"6 man generally have the same arm length. Do they adjust for your swing or style? I don't know, I'm a beginner.

Nicely put, and he still lost. I would like to hit a drive that long but I think people in general still (despite the stats!) forget how important the short game and putting are. -P

Well on many of the courses I play locally hitting a ball 300 really doesn't matter. There are only a few holes without dog legs that make that long drive a moot point unless you can hit it over a 75 ft treeline. I'm just a beginner though and would like to hit it farther. I have finally got to the point where I can hit it up to 250 and in the fairway. However, I feel that I'm not even hitting it hard. If I really just rip it, it goes farther but it goes wherever.

I was in the same boat about 6 months ago. I'm 40 and have went through the same cycle. I researched irons and found the best deal for me was the Callaway BB iron set. I found a new set on eBay for about 350 (retail about 600). So far I'm really liking them, they are forgiving and really launch the ball when I don't screw up (lol). For beginner improvement clubs I think they are a great deal. Of course I'll be playing with them for the next few years... -Pat

Well I just started playing this past year and I had my best game 2 weeks ago. I was missing PAR opportunites but still two putting most of the time. I shot a 46 for 9 holes with a horiible triple bogey on the 9th. I was proud though! I played from the grown up white tees and actually felt like a "real golfer." Oh and I got a legitimate PAR in there, 2 to the green at about 400 yds and 2 puts in, woo hoo!

Excellent advice! I'm about the opposite. I can hit my long irons practically where I hit my driver..doh.

2004 Nissan Titan Crew Cab SE, lotsa chrome and running strong.

Only because it's pretty, not because they are mine..

One of the great challenges of this game.. the diversity of shots. I'm only a beginner but it seems if one part of my game is "on" then the other is "off." How do we become better all around players? Hell I dunno, it is frustrating to me as well. I would say that a few things that help are practice swings (always take one!), visualization, and relaxation. Sometimes we get so caught up in the moment we want to rush to the next success and keep repeating the same mistakes. -P

It is hard to say, but times change along with equipment and circumstances. I'd love to see them both in their prime competing with the same gear! Without that it is kind of a moot point...

I really don't know. Honesty I've been having the same issue. If I'm relaxed and hinge my wrist flat with my irons I kill the ball pretty good for a beginner (i.e. 6 iron straight 160 yds or more). However, with my woods - not so much, or not at all. I usually push them right or do something more embarrassing with the ball like hitting my own ankle. I know the swing plane is different with the longer clubs (woods) but haven't got it down yet. Any tips are appreciated.