cfuller03

I usually hit about 100 or so balls each time out. My general routine (no practice swings once I start hitting balls - it forces me to concentrate on every swing). I take my time and visualize every shot and never aim at the same target twice in a row: - warm up with 7-iron - hit around with the 52, 56 and 60 wedges, working on flops, half and full swings - hit around with the woods - play a game where I switch clubs after each swing - the rest of the bucket is used on either odd or even clubs (3-5 shots with each) I'm usually out there for about an hour.

Golfsmith had initially discontinued the Snake Eyes 675B, but I guess that are replenishing their stock due to demand. It's a pretty sharp club and you can get the whole set for about $500. Here's the link to the iron's description: http://www.golfsmith.com/products/CC...5B_Forged_Iron . I plan on getting the set when they come in (Jan 2010 is when they're expecting them). I think most irons are available, so you can try them out until the others are replenished.

I wouldn't go with an x-stiff with that swing speed. It could work, but I believe you're better off having someone watch your swing and tweak it if necessary. In my old driver, I had an x-stiff put in b/c my woods swing speed was around 118-123 when tested. It actually didn't make much of a difference because I think I was swinging too hard, causing cruddy mechanics. I recently bought a new driver with a stiff stock shaft. I was going all over the place and thought I'd need a new shaft. These last couple of weeks, I started just slowing down my swing to just get the ball out there in the fairway and it has worked. I've lost 10-20 yards off the tee, but my controlled swing has been putting the ball in the fairway - which seems to be your biggest concern.

87 at Stonecreek GC. 9/14 Fairways 30 putts (NO 3-PUTTS! ) 6 GIRs 4 Hazards - killed me today. Usually when I hit fairways, I'll also get a GIR. Unfortunately, it's that wonderful time in Phx when courses let the grass die out for overseeding. Makes the approach tougher than it has to be...

The butt of the Driver is about 5-7 inches away from my body. I realized the other day that if I slow down my driver swing, the straighter it goes. It's worth sacrificing 20 yards to put it in the fairway.

Noodles are good balls. Right now most places are having sales: 2 Packs for $25.

I just had one of those days. Last Friday, I shot my best score on a full-18. Today, I shot my worst score (since keeping track) on the same course. I lost 3 balls, hit into a hazard, had many 3-putts and have never been so bad with my wedges. The worst part of it was, when I did hit a good shot, I landed in a muddy-but-playable spot, bad lies in the fairway, hit to a bad part of the green, etc. Even when I was in the bunker, they must have just put some water in there because it was, well, muddy!! Some days are better than others on the course, but I think these can be a good learning experience - keeping you grounded. When stuff like this happens, I just try to build momentum one shot at a time. Take a step back and play more conservative. Do what you have to do to keep it in the middle and just build from there. Now I'm just going to bury my score, forget about it and get back out there tomorrow!!

Because I would forget my head if it weren't attached, I have a routine everytime I leave my house, car, fitting room, hotel room, finish a hole, etc. I always check "keys.. wallet.. phone.. wedding ring.. sunglasses." I always double-check that I didn't leave something, including counting my clubs after every hole. Otherwise, I will leave something. You may look funny doing it, but I've saved myself quite a few $$ by double-checking!!

I prefer to walk b/c I study in between shots. I'll use a cart only when: 1) The course is packed b/c I don't want to hold up people behind me 2) When Phoenix gets 105+. That's just too hot for me.

For the most part, I use Noodles b/c they're at the top of the ball pocket. I haven't gone out and experimented with different brands.

All your typical stuff: Balls, Tees, etc. plus bandaids, toothpicks and actuarial exam flashcards!

I have PW (I think 48*, part of the iron set) then 52, 56 and 60 (Upswing). I mostly use the 52* 60-100 yds and then the 56 inside 60. The only time I break out the 60 is if I need to get the ball up in the air and fast... or I'm chipping onto an downhill green. I got really comfortable with 1/2-3/4 swings when I only used a PW, so I tend to club up and shorten my swing on the approach. I only do a full swing when I'm 175+ yds out. Before a few months ago, I only used a PW, and it worked well. Everyone's game is different, just stay within your comfort-zone and you'll be good.

The driver is a Titleist 907 D2 with a Diamana 65s shaft. By the way - the driver is friggin' sweet

So I had my swing mph clocked last year. Out of 10 swings with a driver, I was between 118-123 mph. Because of this, I had a Rifle 7.0 steel shaft installed in my 3-Wood. I didn't feel that I needed the re-shaft, however I assumed I would play better. I just bought a new driver that came with a stiff shaft. I've used it a few times and I'm hitting it much better than my old driver (that I actually stop using b/c I couldn't control it) and it's going very straight and pretty much where I want it to go. It's nice having a driver again because it's like subtracting a stroke that I would normally get on a par 5. How big of a difference is there between stiff and x-stiff?

I use the TA 845s Oversized and am reluctant to upgrade (haven't really tested anything else) because I'm so happy with them. People mention they're for beginner/high-handicapper, but I find them to be very workable - although I don't really have anything else to compare them to...

Ditto. Brandon, where do you usually play?

That's funny... I had a co-worker who complained about the gas mileage. I think they had an '06 or '07. They are sharp-looking SUVS though.

Go with the Subaru (Forester or Outback) - Pretty good on gas, spacious, AWD and reliable. I love my Subaru Forester. It's absolutely perfect for myself, wife, doberman and pit bull with plenty of room to spare!! It's great when we drive from Phoenix to Montana twice a year!!

My advice is to get used to the heat and play in the summer :) (Edit: Sorry Bong - I just realized you'll only be here in Jan) I tend to play more exec courses (Mtn Shadows is a nice 18 hole exec) in the winter and will splurge occasionally in the winter. I think you can do 18 over at Cave Creek (N Central Phx - it's a muni) for under $30. Golf prices didn't seem as high this past year. I haven't golfed much in Scottsdale, but all the courses I've looked at seem to be above $30. Also, look on golfnow.com - they have really good discounts at times in the winter. Cheers!

Hello - I've been playing golf on and off for about 5-7 years. For a while, I would only play local scrambles (when I was living in MA) and was chosen solely for my distance (I wasn't sure where the ball would end up). It wasn't until about 2 years ago, after a 2 year layoff that I actually started playing for myself. I usually practice on exec courses and have played full-length 18's about 8-10 times. My most recent score was an 81 - if it weren't for a wicked hook into a hazard on the 18th, giving me a double bogey!! I may have been a little to conceited, hoping for a 79... I'd like to start looking into playing tournaments over the next couple of years. I'm curious to read about ways different folks approach situations/shots and also to gain more general knowledge about the game. Cheers!

What are the rules regarding posting scores for you handicap? I don't have one yet, however now that I'm playing right around 80, I'd like to start really keeping track and use it to motivate myself to consistently get into the 70's. I was planning on only posting scores where I'm actually trying my best as opposed to being out on exec courses and practicing certain shots. When I'm playing exec courses, I'll often use a shorter club and aim for a particular spot from where I'd like to chip (I've even aimed for bunkers for the practice). I know that this will increase my score and therefore wouldn't post it, however I've heard that you're supposed to post every score? Normally, I wouldn't care, but I know there are a lot of sticklers out there Am I worrying about nothing? Thanks!

Never saw the Golden Bear, but Tiger is incredible...

Shot an 81 today - Double-Bogey'd the 18th - should've broken 80!

I have been hacking for about 5 years (I played in some local scrambles) and actually paying attention to my score over the last couple of years.

29 - wishing I started golfing when I was younger...