Mikeland

Thanks everyone. Guess it's just a matter of working through it.

Out of the blue, all of a sudden, I got 'em. The snap fades, the hosel rockets, the dreaded sh**ks. Sometimes I feel like I'm leaning into the ball...then other times I feel like I don't get my right hand "through" at impact. I'm a 4 handicap...just shot 76 the other day, and now I can't hit the ball in the center of the clubface.. If I lay down a stick just outside the ball to force proper swing path I can hit the ball ok, but that's not legal on the course... And I can't remember the feeling of a good swing, only the hosel rocket swing sticks in my mind, so I know part of the problem is mental. This happens to me almost every year...about this time, it's crazy. I didn't have them last year, and thought I was done with them, but alas, here they are. Anyone have any thoughts on this subject, and how to fix what's going on? My pro moved to Florida and I have no idea who to go to in my area (southeastern MA). THANKS!!!

Ok, I know a mat isn't the best thing for hittin' balls, but when you live in the Northeast, there's no other option during the cold season. Anyone have any recommendations for mats? I've seen a couple on-line that tout "real-feel" fibers, and a couple of ranges near me have some decent mats...I'd like to get one for my house... Thoughts?

So I was watching the ladies play this weekend and I got to thinking - "man, I would love to play a round at Superstitions Springs!" I'm heading to Scottsdale in April, so I looked up the course website....of course - it's PRIVATE! So bummed. So my question is, does anyone have any insight on how one might be able to get a round (or two) in on a private such as Superstition Springs? Besides knowing someone who is a member...I'm talking walk-in-off-the-street (or call) and play.

It's not often that I get to play alone, but when I do, I really enjoy it - as long as there's noone else in front of me of course! That's one of the great things about this game - you don't need a partner to play golf. I play most of my rounds as a "single", but usually get paired up with a two-some or three-some. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it sucks. As for playing with an iPod, that's an interesting thought...I prefer the sounds of the game...and it helps to be able to hear "FORE!!"!!! :)

I'd like to see more tournaments become match play tournaments...where anyone could win, not someone who can go low 2 or 3 rounds out of 4. I like the comment about course conditions - bring up the rough! Also, tell them to stop whining - why are they complaining about playing 4 weeks in a row? I don't complain about having to work 4 weeks in a row (well, I do, but noone cares!). I mean c'mon...it's a GAME, and you're getting PAID TO PLAY IT. How about we let the European commentators work the telecasts....they're great...and Johnny Miller...hoo-man, that guy makes me sick, almost as much as Jim Nantz.

So much for needing the signals. While I don't think one game makes a team, last night's performance by the Pats was quite dominant. Especially with all the hype and drama going on...they could easily have faltered. And for all you out there who don't think your team does the same thing...get your head out of the sand. Players still have to perform, and execute...and the Pats executed to perfection last night. See ya LT!! 43 yards....BAH!

So is anyone using the Taylor Made ball out there? I used to play the Titleist Pro-v1x (well, I still do), but I've been playing the Taylor Made TP-RED lately. I seem to hit it a bit farther off the driver, but pretty much the same distance with the irons. Spin is about the same...feel isn't so good when putting...but that's about the only negative. I read the review on this site and decided to give them a try. Just curious if anyone else is using them...

I wear the necklace and sometimes the wristband. Not sure if it's mental or not, but I used to have some pretty bad tendinitis in my left elbow...it's still there, but not so bad anymore, and I haven't done anything else.

Rubbing alchol works pretty well for cleaning Winn grips. I just re-gripped with Golf Pride grips..little different than Winn, but more durable. If you're handy, re-gripping is not that difficult - I've done it twice now for the cost of having them done once!!

3 times: 1 - 3wood to a 312yd downhill hole (down wind!) - over the green chipped on and birdied. 2 - driver to a 297yd dogleg right - two putted for birdie. 3 - driver to a 324yd straight out hole - 3 putt for par...tough green!

I play most shots from the center, with the exception of the driver. On pitch and chips I usually place the ball a little further back in the stance. Funny, I just got a Titleist 585H 17* and couldn't hit it until I moved it back in my stance - to the middle as opposed to forward. Guess a lot depends on the player, shot selection, stance (above, below, side-hill) and the club. I like to play around with the positioning too...at the range of course!!

4 weeks ago. I shot 71 (1 under par) at my home course Blackstone National! Handicap was (is) 4.1. That was first round ever under par and I remember every shot. Everything seemed to flow and click that day - I never had a "tweener" yardage. A very rare round...hope more to come.

Crash Bandicoot

How was it? HOT!!! HA! Actually, wasn't too bad, heat-wise. It's 94 today in Boston, but it's so much worse because of the damn humidity. Anyway, I played well - 6 rounds total - 83, 80, 71, 79, 82, 80. I'll take it! I played both WeKoPa courses twice (so 4 rounds), Troon North (Monument) and Talking Stick (south course....SNORE). I guess there were water restrictions in place so most courses were in tough shape, that's why I played WeKoPa four times...never mind the fact that it's a beautiful facility!! Guess the reservation courses aren't under watering restrictions... I had a great time, and met a bunch of good folk too. The hotel was a DUMP - Hospitality Suites on Scottsdale Rd. Won't be staying there again. Now, if only this blister between my index and middle finger will heal...OUCH!!

I thought this was going to be a "I need a fourth"...dang! I would love to get out there...supposedly our COO knows someone pretty high up over there...waiting for my invite!

Geesh...noone has any recommendations? Bummer...

Newton Commonwealth, Newton MA. By far one of THE WORST GOLF COURSES EVER. They actually have mats for tee-boxes in some areas, and there are 18 holes crammed into a space where nine would barely fit. The sad thing is that it's a Donald Ross design...that's owned by a city with no clue how to run a golf course.

WOW! Those two beautiful courses...I'm soooooo jealous. No new courses around my area of the Northeast, except for privates, which I'll never get to play :(.

I agree with most posters here...it's nice to know you've used only 1 ball for the entire round... Unless it's in 1/2, I'm using it!

Woo-hoo! Just booked my trip to Arizona - I leave June 22 for 4 days of golf. Now, I know a lot of you will think I'm crazy for hittin' the desert heat this time of year, but the flights are cheap, the hotels are cheap, and besto f all, THE GOLF IS CHEAP!! I've been going out to AZ this time of year for the last 5 years and I love it. I've played a bunch of different courses, and am looking to find out if any new courses have opened in the Scottsdale/Phoenix area. I'm playing WE-KO-PA my first day out there - they've got 36 now (I played the first 18 a couple of times and just love the place)... So, anyone have any recommendations for new courses? I've played almost all the Troon courses....

Ha, yeah, that's what they said about LAST year!! I don't think there was one hurricane that hit the states... Hydration is the key to playing in the heat...and not just water - gatorade or powerade is key.

Oh yeah, I know what I'm getting into. I've been to Scottsdale the last four years in a row in late June early July. I play 36 holes a day...in the 110 degree heat. I LOVE IT!!

Ok, I'm on the fence here. I'm planning a 3/4 day golf trip at the end of June and I don't know if I should book Scottsdale or Myrtle Beach. I know, poor me... I've been to Scottsdale 4 times to play golf and I LOVE IT! You are pretty much gauranteed sunshine and heat. However, I've never been to Myrtle Beach and would like to experience it. The thing I'm hesitant about is the weather. I live in the Northeast and with all the rain we've had lately, if I book a trip, and it rains only 1 day I'll be PISSED!!! :) I want to play 7 rounds in 3/4 days, so I need SUN!!! So, anyone ever visit MB end of June? What's the weather like? I know we can't predict anything (neither can our weatherpeople!!!)...so I'm just looking for anyone's opinion on MB during that time of year... I'm planning my trip at this time because golf is really cheap (at least in AZ) and I love the heat...really...I LOVE the heat!! :) Thanks!

I will be in Dallas, TX May 31 and June 1 and may be staying the weekend. I'm wondering if anyone has any course recommendations. I don't know if I'll be renting a car, so close proximity to the Dallas area would be helpful. I've never been to Dallas. I'll be staying near the "Galleria Dallas" if that's helpful. Thanks!