jldavis73

I have been struck by a golf ball once, and yes, it stings a little. I caught a short-hop in the hip. However, first time EVER playing golf with two buddies, hit a 3 iron uphill, blind shot to the green. That feeling and the "pureness" of contact is why I still play. Too bad my ball hit one of my buddies ON THE STERNUM, ON THE FLY. He was having difficulty breathing and in quite a bit of pain, but recovered enough to finish the round. I also witnessed one of the most hilarious mis-clubs of all time. Played golf with this crazy guy in college, had terrible eye sight. I would have to watch his ball flight to help him find it, he had no clue. We arrive at a 165 yard par 3, with two older gentlemen putting out. He unsheathes the 3 wood, I believe as a joke. He absolutely rifles a 1st groove line drive that hits the green between the two men as they replace the flag. The ball left a mark over 1 foot long on the green, and the two guys had NO IDEA.

Jack Hamm learned the secret to golf and long-driving during a visionquest. As a 16 year-old boy, Jack traveled to the darkest reaches of Asia, where he sought truth, purpose, and the answer to one question: how do you hit a golf ball 500 yards. His journey took him to the Himalayas, where he engaged in a death-match with a 200 year old Yeti. After Jack defeated the Yeti with a rear naked choke, the Dali Lama gave him a ring of power, and told him to seek out the Shao Lin monks for training. It is during his time learning the Shao Lin way that Jack got a glimpse of the secret to power. His Master, Wong Drive, teed up a ball and struck a shot 200, maybe 210 with an 9 iron. He told Jack he must focus his qi, or "chi", and breathe through his eyes to focus his power on the ball. Jack, now able to breathe through his eyes and hold that breath for 5 minutes, traveled back to the US to show the world his long-driving skills. He saves us the trip to Asia by making fantastic products like the Hammer driver and Longball golf balls available for purchase. Jack holds numerous long drive records, can reverse dunk an 11 foot basketball goal, run a 4.0 40 yard dash, bench press 450, is fluent in German, Spanish, Zulu, and 5 Chinese dialects, and during the full moon can levitate...

One recommendation: get a lob wedge with a "tour grind" sole, meaning the heel is ground down. My wedge does not have the "tour grind" and it makes finesse shots a lot more difficult because the heel catches on the ground.

That's so funny...I like both companies' stuff, but the only reason Tour players use it is because they are paid to! I wonder what, if no endorsement deals were signed, each player would use.

If you ever get the chance, the park at Dale Hollow in Burkesville is tough but beautiful...

Part of the joy of getting new golf stuff is the repeated tracking of the package and rushing to meet the delivery guy before the wife gets home...that's so wrong. I don't feel too guilty though. She does the same with her clothing orders.

Have actually not hit the R7's, but I believe the clubhead on the R7 is larger, with more off-set, and should deliver higher ball flight.

Played a course near Indianapolis known for it's difficulty, Purgatory Golf Links. From championship tees (which, of course, we played) measures 7754 on the scorecard, including a 741 yard par 5. Bet my buddy, who is scratch or better, that I could break 100. Missed a 10 foot putt on 18 to shoot 101. Fantastic golf course, though. BTW, he shot 76 with no birdies and a lost ball in the rough on 18.

FYI, the Ci6 Irons that came out in 07 were rated No. 1 by several publications in the "game improvement" category. I have hit them, and they are that good. I totally agree about the look of their drivers and wedges though.

Beretta Shooter hit the nail on the head. You can use static fitting, charts, etc., but the result is the most important thing. Try a variety of set ups and go with the one YOU hit best.

I would go to a range or facility (Dick's Sporting Goods, etc.) and hit a variety of drivers with different lofts and shafts. If you've never done this, you will be surprised by the difference between certain models. I was very loyal to Cobra woods for a long time, but found that I hit the Nike (that I still play) further (higher swing and ball speed).

I play the TP Red/Black balls quite a bit, and you can pick them up for $27.50/dozen around here. The Red spins less (for higher swing speeds), the Black more (slower). I have tried ALL the "tour" balls and am convinced these are the best, the price is just a bonus. I also really like the Burner golf balls. Another lower price option that outplays its price is the Maxfli Noodle+. Last year in Golf or Golf Digest, was rated 3rd longest ball at 100 mph swing speed behind Pro V1x and TP Red. Try those!

I play the Taylormade Tour Burner irons. They look and set up a little more like a "player's club", but offer forgiveness of game improvement irons. They have less offset than most, and the trajectory is "middle". I have been really pleased with them. IMO, the MOST important thing you can do, no matter what brand of irons you purchase, is to get fitted. That will easily make a huge difference for you.

What do you think about the state park courses? I live in Somerset, and we have a state course that was completely renovated 2 years ago. It's a great course, a little on the short side, but fun to play. I've played Wasioto Winds and Dale Hollow, as well. Both nice, but Dale Hollow is worth driving to Burkesville to play.

IMO, actually getting fitted for your irons makes the biggest difference, not necessarily how new they are. I am 6'1" tall, and needed clubs that are 1/2" long and 2* upright. Hitting the clubs made for me made all the difference in the world in my game. I would buy a new set ONLY if your Mizunos don't FIT you...

I play the Nike Sumo2 5900, really like it. Forgiving, plenty long. You can find it on Ebay now for less than $150. The square shape takes a little getting used to, but it sets up really well and I believe helps my alignment.

I would highly recommend the Ben Hogan BH-5 irons. You can find them on Ebay for just over $100, 3-PW. These are great for beginners because they are forgiving and solid, and you'll be able to play these for a long time. One suggestion, maybe purchase a 3 wood. You could both tee off with it and use it from the fairway if needed. Might be a little easier to hit than a driver, too...

I have the Sumo2 5900, have hit the 5000 several times and really like it. Check on Ebay, as well. You may have luck there, especially with used clubs. One other thing to consider is your ball flight. If you are hitting it too high and not getting roll, you could be swinging too steeply and/or "over the top". You could try a lower lofted driver or work on swinging more "inside" the ball. That would definitely bring your ball flight down.

I really like the Tour iX ball. I don't think they are any less durable than any of the other "high-end" golf balls, but...has anyone else noticed this?...the Callaways feel slightly sticky.

I own a SkyCaddie and love it. Yes, there is an annual subscription, but you have access to literally every course, from goat ranch to resort. The biggest advantage with the SkyCaddie is the feature that lets you get yardage to a specific point on each green. If you play courses with larger greens like I do, that can be a huge difference in distance. My SkyCaddie is the SG2 model, so it is several years old, but is also more affordable than the newer models with the SAME functions. Just no color screen. Highly recommend it.