daly_vision

Golf started off as a good way to spend a few hours on a sunny day with my buddies, have some beers and have a good time. I was your straight-up hacker, starting off in the 120's. But last summer... I caught the bug. I started really investing some time and effort into improving my game. Hitting the driving range 2-3 times a week, and trying to fit in a couple of rounds on top of that. My game slowly progressed, and as the summer winded down I was chipping away at my scores (usually into the 108-112 range). The point of this thread, is the set of clubs I have. I started off with hand-me downs from a friend that he started with. Fairway Target clubs, purchased at SportChek for around $120 (and yes, that's EVERYTHING- driver, 2 woods, irons). In the summer I slowly began improving the bag with a TaylorMade Burner driver, Cobra S9-1 3W & 5W, and a Cobra Baffler Hybrid. Just this past Thursday, I finally broke a 100 (shooting a 95 on the par 72, 18 hole course). A great achievement for myself. I've decided it's time to ditch the old cheap irons and invest in something decent. I know they aren't going to miraculously change my game, but anything could be better than the irons I'm hitting. My question is- Did you guys see a dramatic change in feel when you finally purchased a set of decent irons? I'm going to hit the range, swing every iron in my price range and see what feels best. Steel shaft, cavity back and wide-soles seem to be the way to go. Not worried about shaping, just consistent ball contact.

As I've bared to witness to people 'trying' a friends club and proceeding to sky-ball it off the crown, I've decided to NEVER ask to use anyone's clubs, especially a driver. I've had a friend of mine offer me a chance to try out his driver, but I always politely decline. If I'm going to have to pay for a new club, I'd rather it be in my bag than his.

If someone were to complain to me for chewing a stick of gum on the course, I'd probably laugh at them. Some people just need something to bitch about, especially if they're having an off day. Now, if he's putting or teeing off and you're blowing bubbles and smacking it... well, that's just common sense.

Depends who I'm playing with. I've got a friend who is about then same level of golfer I am, and we're always within a couple of strokes of one another. Always nice to come out on top. On the other hand, one of my good friends is a much better player so when we go out, I'm always trying to beat my last score. I think I'm just naturally always competing against something, whether it's myself or a partner.

Going out to play golf hungover after drinking your face off the night before? Yeah, that might effect your game if you're yakking in the bushes and have nausea. As for sharing a joint with your buddies the night before, I HIGHLY doubt it would affect your mental state/golf game the next day. It was probably all in your head... a couple bad shots, and you may have built it up in your head.

.... It adds excitement to my beer drinking.

A 120 yard par three with water and trees to the left. Tee-off with a pitching wedge, and she goes left... HARD left. Ready to take my drop when it hits the tree, bounces right and lands on the green. Now that was a member's bounce....

While this may very well have been a total accident, I'm sometimes amazed at how inconsiderate some people can be. I was playing at a local course about a month ago in a foursome and we had two younger kids behind us (I'd say maybe 16) playing behind us. They were good golfers.... but about three times while we were on the green putting they'd be hitting their approach shots about 100 yards out and even hitting over our heads. We kept our pace, weren't playing slowly and keeping up with the group ahead of us. Eventually one of the guys lost it and gave them a piece of his mind. Needless to say, it stopped after that.

Not sure about the S2.... but I just picked up the S9-1 3 wood for $125 CDN at a clearance sale (originally $229). Very forgiving and absolutely launches the ball.... Love Cobra drivers/woods.

I've been slowly trying to upgrade my old hand-me-down clubs, and have noticed some good deals on sites such as Craigslist. Obviously, I'd rather go to the nearest pro shop and buy brand new clubs with warranty's, but being on somewhat of a budget it may take me years to have a set I can be proud of. I know golf clubs won't fix your game.... but I'm in dire need of some new irons and fairway woods. Which brings me to my question- Is there anything in particular to look for when buying clubs off these sites? I've heard of fakes, damaged clubs, etc. Any stories or tips would be appreciated. Thanks

Sorry, "crushing" is a term we sometimes use on the course for a strong shot (for me, I guess). Thanks for your advice, I'm going to try to focus on having the clubface more parallel at the point of impact. It's been a frustrating week or two.

The distance isn't the problem. It's the fact that when contact is made, 9 times out of 10 the ball bee-lines into the grass. As for the club, when I first bought it I could hit it well, consistently. Overnight, things have changed. It's something in my swing, as if I'm coming down on the ball at impact, rather than swinging through. Just looking for advice. Thanks

Hey everyone, I've been golfing casually for the last few years now, but have really started to put some time and effort into the sport this year. This is where my problem begins. After deciding it was time to upgrade my old hand-me-down driver, I went out and purchased an 09 TaylorMade Burner (10.5 Stiff). I've read that the stiff flex is a bad idea for a relatively 'green' golfer, but when I purchased this club I got GREAT results. To the point where my drivers were always consistently straight down the fairway, and a good 200 yards. It became the best club in my bag, and I was on cloud nine. After deciding to put a few range sessions in on my fairway woods, everything went to hell. I can basically no longer get ANY loft on my drive, or distance for that matter. I repeatedly top the ball, smacking it along the grass. I've switched up my stance, slowed my swing down, watched numerous youtube clips and seem to have tried almost everything. Funny thing is, if I tee up my 3-wood I can crush the ball a good 200, grab the driver, and *poof*, nothing. I'm at my end here. The most expensive club in my bag, and the one I COULD hit conistently well, has vanished. Can anyone help?!

I'd have to say my 5 wood from about 200 yards out, onto the fringe. Chip and a one-putt to save par....

Unfortunately I never got to see Jack play.... but Tiger a few years ago was definitely dominant.