rocky74

I think its just something that happens with a new club. You need to go and demo any club more than once. You might hit it totally different the next time. I go on 3 different occasions. How long did you have the club? How many rounds? I just purchased the Covert myself. First demo I hit it lights out. Second demo was inconsistent at best. The third time I demoed it, I figured out how to hit it more consistently, and I bought it. I demoed the Covert alongside a few other drivers. It was between the Covert and the RBZ 1. The RBZ was a bit longer but more difficult to "nut". I attributed it to the longer shaft (harder to find the sweet spot?). At any rate, I wanted something a bit more traditional, and the Covert also seemed lighter that the RBZ. First time out with the new driver was this past Sunday, and well, of course I couldn't hit it consistently at all. However, I'm not going to give up on it - I'm sure I can figure it out. It's just the name of the game. A few years ago I purchased new fairway woods and it was the same deal, but I spent some time at the range and now they are one of my best clubs. Maybe my first outing with the new driver was nerves? I always get nervous when debuting a new club on the course. It's like driving a new car off the lot - once you cross that line, there is no return. My point is - make sure you give the driver a fair chance.

HA! This must be an age old saying that stuck the wrong way or something. My grandpa says this all the time, I try to correct him and he doesn't quite understand what I mean - he's getting old. To elaborate on the obvious: "Indian or the arrow" would be more fitting if someone was questioning their choice/brand of ball. Whereas "Indian or the bow" would fit the club brand/type/etc. It's painful to me every time I hear Indian or the arrow.

If you are a high capper, I would start with SGI irons. I'm painfully average, and thought I could handle GI clubs, I was wrong (even with lessons). There is a clearly defined line between having fun with golf, and not. The GI clubs made my whole season a mess. I had zero confidence/consistency from 160 yds and under. It gets very frustrating after a couple months of this, trust me. Fast forward to the SGI clubs the following season, and I was able to have fun again - I shaved 6 off my handicap from the previous season. Nobody cares about what clubs you are using when your ball flight and accuracy are good. I feel like golf is much more rewarding for me now. Maybe someday I will be good enough to hit GI clubs, maybe not. For now, I'm loving my game and I'm not changing a thing. Good luck to you in your search for new irons. I would also like to recommend trying the Taylormade Burner Plus. They have changed my game, and a couple of my friends as well. And get 2 hybrids - my 3 & 4 hybrids are my most confident clubs now.

I have to vote for the Taylormade Burner Plus. As someone who was not good enough to hit Burner 1.0's, I switched to the plus (super game improvement), and shaved 6 strokes off my handicap from the previous season with 1.0 Burners. I'm loving' my game right now. I would recommend SGI clubs over GI for a beginner like yourself.

I understand where you are coming from here. My fear is ending up with an instructor who tries to change my swing too much. I mean everyone deserves to be a little different, and every swing IS different. So do most good instructors watch you hit a bucket, and then tweak your style to make it work better for you? OR do they try to tell you "the right way" to swing the club (or "their" way)? Obviously I've never had a lesson, but I have been researching instructors in the Detroit Metro area. Trying to find some word of mouth reccomendations though ...

I just want to say thanks for all the humbling advice and good wishes. Spending more time here will help me down my road to enjoying the game again. I also bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf/dp/0671612972/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie;=UTF8&qid;=1326853374&sr;=1-1 based on another thread I read here, and I'm enjoying it thus far.

Yes, the few times per round that I did get lucky and hit the Burner 1.0's on the screws, they were fantastic. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they are great clubs - I just lack the skill to hit them properly. I lose my swing on one type of club sometime every year (ie driver, woods, putter, wedges, irons) which I'm sure is common for a lot of golfers. However, it usually comes back to normal in a few weeks or rounds. But this thing with the irons was never in good shape for about 5 mos. I just checked my receipt, and it was actually in early June when I purchased the Burner 1.0's. So I already had a couple months of golfing under my belt for that season, then it was just all downhill from there. I mean just the week before, and all spring my irons were hitting normal for me. Then just crashed & burned like a house of cards once I purchased the new clubs. I mean I was literally sticking maybe one or two greens per 18 holes from 150 yds and in. And when I missed greens, I was missing them by 20-50 yds one way or another. I also find it hard to believe that clubs can make such a difference in my shots (good or bad), however, the proof is in the pudding thus far. Time will tell, and the choice was mine - so I will live with it either way. I certainly could be wrong, but at least now I'm looking forward to playing golf this season. I was dreading it before I found/hit these Burner Plus clubs.

I was thinking the same here. I mean I've heard mixed reviews of lessons - some good, some bad. It depends on the student, and the teacher. At any rate, there are some variables there. Not to mention spending money to learn to hit clubs that you have zero confidence in, when I had confidence before. . I mean with the way I was hitting with the 1.0's, I was like a baby. I just felt "golf stupid." Now. with the way I have been hitting these, I feel like lesson are more worthwhile. Just returned from another demo comparison session with them, and had the same results. I'm gonna continue to do this until I actually unbox them. Hopefully this spring I will have a few successful lessons and be on my way to lower scores and better days.

I don't have an official handicap for 18, but my handicap in my league for 9 holes was down to 12 two seasons ago. After switching irons, it shot up to 18 last season. When I was comfortable with my irons, I would shoot between 97 - 108 for 18 on a consistent basis. My problems then were short game and errant drives. My irons/approach shots were my strong suit back then. Not saying that I could work them or anything like that, just that when they were off, it was just by a bit (aim, a bit thin or fat here and there). Otherwise, my iron striking was getting pretty good. Once I was in the market for new irons, I tested a bunch of clubs in the GI category, and skipped the SGI category. I did this because I thought that it was time to try and work on my swing and learn to hit the GI clubs because it would create more distance for me. I was just misinformed on my own ability, and my club selection - I made a poor choice.

I guess that's not really what I'm saying. Swallowing my pride was realizing that I was not as good as I thought. I figured since I was pretty damn consistent with my old offset clubs, that I could step up to more of a players iron ... boy was I wrong. Both sets of clubs are great looking in my opinion, and whats most important is how your shots look. I was just wrong in thinking I was "above" an SGI type club - I don't care what other people think about my gear.

Yes, I was fitted for both. Also, I hate mats and always prefer grass. When I purchased the Burner 1.0's, I tested on grass on a few different occasions this spring. When I purchased the Burner Plus, I tested on mats because the grass isn't open in the winter (but I snuck a few grass hits in here and there). It's unfortunate that I could not try the Burner Plus on grass, however, mats or grass - its still the same medium when comparing two sets of clubs. Thus, what was super evident is that I could crack the SGI clubs really good 3 out of 4 swings, and they felt more comfortable ... more like what I had with my Pro Combo OS irons. They were just easier to hit. The Burner 1.0's were still all over the damn place, which just gets worse as my confidence in them decreases with every shot. Even the decent shots with the 1.0's would push 10-20 yds to the right, whereas the Plus would be dead straight with a typical trajectory. EDIT: I compared the two sets of clubs on 4 seperate occasions for good measure.

I totally understand what you are saying here, I really do. I just figure that if the new clubs can get me back to where I was (at least hitting it fair 50%-75% of the time), then why not make that purchase, and ALSO take lessons. Sorry I forgot to mention that in the OP. I still plan on taking lessons because I definitely need them. EDIT: So yes, in actuality, NOW I'm doing exactly what you suggested. Of course, in hindsight, and at the loss of $380. But hey, some of us have to learn the hard way.

I just need to get something off my chest, and see if I'm looney or resourceful. Last year I purchased Taylormade Burner 1.0 irons which are game improvement irons (as you most likely know). I purchased them because I lost the 7iron of my previous set (Nike Pro Combo OS), and they were a great deal ($380). Plus I figured that since I was hitting the Pro Combo's so well, that I could benefit from more of a players iron. I did not hit the Burners well at the range, but also did not hit JPX 800's or any others that well in the game improvement category of clubs. I figured the Taylormades were the best price by far - so I was fitted for them and out the door. ALL SEASON LONG I struggled with these clubs. Was never comfortable with a 4 to a 7iron in my hand. My handicap really suffered because of this. Guys in my golf league were saying "Eh, it takes awhile to get used to new irons." Everything was pushed to the right, and if I did hit one straight, it was a pop up with a major loss of distance. Very frustrating. Also, I was hitting all my other clubs just fine. Winter came and I went to the local range numerous times to try and zero in on what the hell I needed to change. I figured on taking some lessons this spring, howwever, I also wanted to demo some SUPER game improvement clubs against my current ones. First thing I grabbed were the Taylormade Burner Plus irons. 3 to 4 demo sessions later, I was happy again. Not happy that I had to shell out another $270 on new sticks, but happy that I could hit actual GOLF SHOTS again - and consistently. I need the offset, larger sole/cavity, weighty club head, etc. - I still need the training wheels. Sure, I could work on improving my swing by spending lots of time and money that I don't really have. However, I'd rather have the chunkier club and make better golf shots. The bottom line is that I thought I was a better golfer than I actually was, and now that I've realized my limitations, I think I can start having fun again. Am I doing the right thing? It's all about having fun right? Super game improvement clubs are made for hacks like myself who struggle to break 100 - so why not reap the benefits? OR am I cheating myself?

Nice work. I hate camo but I love digital camo. Loosing the head aim when hitting out of a wooded lie might make it difficult to hit it on the screws

Never been to Palm Springs, but the website you wanna use is www.lastminutegolfer.com I used this exclusively when I was in Destin Florida to save a bunch of money. You will usually be playing at the hottest times of the day, but hey, $80 at 2pm beats the hell outta $160 at 8AM.

Playing Garland (Monarch) Aug 2nd, and Yarrow (near Battle Creek & Gull Lake View) on Aug 31st. I think Yarrow is a fairly new course, but I'm not sure - looks nice though.

Just wondering because I drive by it almost everyday (Golfview drive and Cherry Hill area). Doesnt look spectacular or anything. I know its exclusive, but I rarely ever see anybody playing it. Any good stories? Is it really good? Or not as good as you'd think? How did you get the chance to play it? How much did it cost?

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Inkster-Valley-Golf-Club/140173542684981#!/pages/Inkster-Valley-Golf-Club/140173542684981?closeTheater=1 ^^fyi a legit coupon for inkster valley. valid anytime in july, $80 per foursome. must have a teetime, must have a foursome, must present coupon. It works, i already used it once.

Very well then, excuse my poor choice of words. At any rate, its a tough track. fyi #11 at Inkster has changed considerably. They've cut down the marsh and raised the teebox a bit. Now you can see the entire fairway very clearly from start to finish. The smokestack is gone, but its no longer needed. Maybe that's why they had to change it? Because the smokestack was tore down and there was no aiming tool? Kinda dissappointing to see last week. And #2 at Eagle Crest is my least favorite hole. Yes there is water on the left of the approach, but there is also jail, then water on the right of the approach. It's a rather large body of water by the name of Ford Lake. The fariway in front is a spine. If your tee shot is short, you are better off going for the green because laying up is nearly impossible. I loathe that hole. Just sayin.

And I never said that Inkster Valley wasn't target golf, but I said it was difficult. Still a nice course that I enjoy playing, as well as Eagle Crest, but I wouldn't want to play it often because it is target golf which makes it difficult for me (a hacker). Inkster Valley just seems like it has wider fairways than Eagle Crest (which is probably due to it being surrounded by heather and fescues otherwise).

I guess I've always thought of target golf as being forced to play the hole one way. Meaning that you need put your drive here, your 2nd shot here, etc. Eagle Crest is short and tight for the most part, which is why I would consider it target golf. Most of the preffered landing areas for drives and approaches are well defined - meaning that they are surrounded by trouble, and the fairways only exist or are wide in the area where the ball is supposed to land (for the most part). Good examples of this would be hole #1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 11, 15, and 16. Inkster Valley is target golf from a standpoint that it has forced carries, but after that particular shot, you can be on the left or right side of the fairway, and still have a nice approach to the green. I wouldn't say that a forced carry equals target golf. Lots of courses have forced carries from the teebox, but open up after that. But I can't really say that I know the definition of target golf either, just heard the term thrown around loosely.

Ok, I absolutely have to chime in here. While I haven't played much golf up north, I have played most of the courses in southeast Michigan at least once (which you know is more than a handful of choices). I've never ranked them, but I will try my best, and comment on a couple that have been mentioned here. First of all, Taylor Meadows is no comparison to Lakes of Taylor IMO. Lakes is a FAR better course, with a handful of the holes having a TPC look and feel. I'd venture to say that the front nine at Lakes is probably one of the toughest 9 holes in SE Michigan (long with many forced carries). I'm in a league at Eagle Crest, but on the contrary, I'm not a big fan of it. I'm only in the league because a lot of my friends are in it. Don't get me wrong, it's a great course, but its "target golf" at its finest which is not my cup of tea. Inkster Valley is very challenging, and well kept. It can be frustratingly difficult at times, but its worth it a few times per year. Warren valley is horribly kept (last time I played it was anyway, not sure if thats changed in the past 10 years). Glenhurst is "tracky". I'm from Canton, and while Pheasant run is a nice layout that is very well kept, it is quite pricey. $45 to $55 for 18 holes in spring and fall??? Get real. Northville Hills is super, but murderously difficult. I'm not sure I will ever play an Arnold Palmer design again. I'm surprised Links of Novi or Coyote Golf Club have not been mentioned yet. The East 9 at Links of Novi feels like anything I've played up north. Both courses are reasonably priced for what they offer. Lake Erie Metropark is a gem. Very forgiving, but beautiful nonetheless. ALL the Metropark courses are a great value, and layout. Everybody should walk 9 holes at Wyandotte Shores for $14 ... a rare gem. Actually, I can't rank them, but some of my favs and non-favs are mentioned above. I love Michigan, and we have some of the best golf around. I will say that my personal FAVORITE is probably Links of Novi because of the sum of all thats great about it: the laidback staff, the 27 hole layout, the price, the up north feel, and the east 9. The course that I would like to play more but can't really afford is Northville Hills or The Inn at St John's. Some more that I really like but forgot to mention are: Tanglewood, Mystic Creek, Moose Ridge, Farmington Hills GC, Fox Creek.

ah, ok ... we were just using the improper terminology. Understood - yep, knockoffs are everywhere for just about everything.

I did not know this ... can you please elaborate?

http://thesandtrap.com/forum/thread/47551/are-these-deals-too-good-to-be-true ^^I found out how naive I was before I bought my Taylormade Burner 1.0 irons. My grandfather, however, did not. He took them again to try and trade in at Golfsmith after I told him they were fake and they laughed him out the door (not literally). Basically anything that ships from China is fake. If you google "cheap golf clubs", the first hits you click will all be those great deal websites where it becomes VERY obvious by the prices that these are knockoffs. I suspect most of these clubs are made in sweatshops (garages) by kids making low rates on a 24 hour basis, but who knows. Taylormade is well aware of the fact that knockoff clubs can be made to look VERY close to the real thing. The set you bought should have a faint serial number on the 7iron hosel. Call Taylormade and they will be able to tell you very quickly what you probably don't want to hear ... http://www.taylormadegolf.com/about-us/legal-privacy#counterfeit http://www.taylormadegolf.com/customer-service/product-registration