buzz57

Yep, I'm with Shorty on this one and share his frustration. No-one who has played enough golf to get to single digit handicap would consider the above situation a hole in one. The OP asked for "any opinions" and Shorty duly obliged. Good on you Shorty.

I broke my 4-iron a few months back which freed up some space. It was my intention to replace it, but I've been surprised how few times I've genuinely missed it. It's allowed me to carry an extra wedge, which I'm using a lot more than the 4-iron.

I don't like drinking on the course except for one occassion each year. We have a tournament near where I live (in New Zealand) where you nominate before your round the number of beers you will drink during the round - that number is then added to your handicap to give you a new handicap for the day. For example, if you have a handicap of 10 and say you will drink 10 beers during the round, your handicap will be 20. Your partner then not only has to keep track of your strokes, but also the number of bottles you finish. Most people nominate between five and 15 beers. Most people's golf suffers as the day wears on, but the handicap system seems to work pretty well. And the golf may not be pretty, but the day is a lot of fun. (A courtesy bus is provided to ensure all participants make it home okay).

I carry a 50, 56 and 60. I've also got a 48 degree Rac wedge which has made it into the bag because I broke my 4 iron so and had some extra space in the bag. My Nicklaus PW is about 44 degrees, so it's pretty strong lofted, but if you count that I currently carry five wedges. I will certainly be ditching one of either the 48 or 50 when the 4 iron is repaired. Trouble is I really like both of them and having a hard time deciding which to keep. If I was to analyse my play though, I think I'd be best to ditch at least one other wedge and add something in the 5 wood or 3 iron area - that's where my biggest yardage gaps are at the moment. I use my 48 or 50 for virtually every approach shot from 120 metres to chipping from the fringe, and only pull out the higher lofted clubs for bunkers or flop shots. I think my next wedge purchase will be a 48-54-60 set up, or maybe not even bother with the 60. BTW, if you come across Pelz wedges give them a go - I think they're as good as any wedges out there.

I agree entirely - I'm sure draw drivers have their place, but they're really nothing more than a quick-fix. Go for the lesson, you won't regret fixing your swing.

I'm another Harrington fan, so he gets my Euro vote. He became my favourite initially becuase he played with Wilson clubs like I did at the time (pretty shallow, I know), and from there I've grown to apprciate the way he approaches the game, his sheer determination, as well as his general demeanor around the course - he strikes me as being a decent bloke off the course too. Jiminez is a close second, just because he appears so laid back and cool. As for the American, John Daly was my favourite but given this is for current players I'm not sure if he's eligible (I can't recall if he's still in his latest comeback phase or if he's packed it in again). I'd love to see him win another tournament because he's such a character with genuine personality. If not Daly, then I'd pick Anthony Kim.

Haven't played them personally but friends use them - I've heard nothing but positive reviews from them.

Sorry mate, I have absolutely no idea about the technical aspects of clubs and shafts, but thought I'd reply and perhaps bring this to the attention of someone who knows what they're talking about But if I could throw my two cents in anyway (please take what I say with a grain of salt - I'm pretty new to golf and am no expert) I would suggest it's less to do with shafts and more to do with technique (but I'm happy for the experts on this forum to prove me wrong). I'm always tempted to shell out money on new gear to alleviate whatever fault I have in my game, but I have a pretty meagre budget and can't afford to experiment too much. I know this doesn't directly answer your question about shafts. Let's hope someone who knows what they're talking about can provide a decent answer for you.

Looks like I'm the complete opposite to everyone else - maybe it says something about my character. For some reason, playing with better golfers makes me tense and I don't play as well. But in a group when, in theory at least, I'm the best golfer I seem to play a lot better. It's almost like I feed off their reactions to my shots - the not-so-good golfers appreciate my shots more (even though in reality my play is mediocre compared to genuinely good players). I find it a real confidence boost. Its not something I'm proud of but it does seem to happen regularly that way.

Cleveland Launcher seems a very under-rated club. I bought a Launcher 3 wood earlier this year and love it - now I want a matching five wood. Not sure why it isn't more popular.

Although I haven't read Golf Is Not A Game of Perfect... I do incorporate much of what homerun79 is talking about into my game. I have to have complete focus to score well, and I achieve that by focusing on the ball and target exclusively. By doing that, it seems to eliminate doubts or second thoughts about my swing. Your post has convinced me to buy the book. Mental focus is a personal thing - while I prefer to 'get in the zone' through concentrating on the outcome I want to achieve, others such as the OP may prefer to be more relaxed. Certainly most of the guys I play with prefer the relaxed approach. Either way, try to avoid swing thoughts cluttering your mind as you stand over the ball. I've only been playing for a short time and am a long way off being a good golfer, but I know if I concentrate on the wrong things during the swing, I won't achieve the desired outcome. To the OP - I understand your frustration. You obviously have the ability to score well, but golf 'form' is such a fickle thing and it can be hard to get your confidence back when things haven't been going well. Trust yourself, trust your swing and you will rediscover your form. One of the best insights into the game that I've come across is from Padraig Harrington: "I've often seen a player hit down the right on the first, get a nice kick, land in the light rough, hit an okay shot out and hole the putt and think he's playing great. He goes on and has a great week. The following week he hits the same tee shot, but instead of a good kick he's in the rough and has a go for the green, but it's in worse trouble, chips through the green and then makes a double bogey. He hasn't swung any differently, but one week he's thinking 'this is my week to win' the next he can't wait to get on the plane and go home after two days. The same swing caused both shots." I have found Padraig's comments useful for putting things into perspective after a poor round.

I have heard the same thing and assumed it was correct too - have we been misinformed?

The best advice I was given when purchasing my first set of irons was from the local pro shop. He likened buying your first set of irons to buying your first car - just because you've received your licence to drive doesn't mean you need a Porsche 'cos you won't be able to get the most out of it. Better off with something cheaper, but reliable, until you're ready for the next step. This made sense when he said it anyway - I've probably made a hash of it in the re-telling! After trying most of the major brands, I bought a relatively cheap set from him, and a year later I'm still very happy with the purchase. The cash I saved on the irons I was able to put towards a new putter and a few extras like shoes and a bag, which have probably added as much to my enjoyment of the game as any expensive irons could. Whatever you decide on, definitely get fitted by a professional outfit.

Just wondering if anyone is using or has tried John Letters of Scotland equipment - clubs or balls? It's not a brand I'm familiar with, but there are some very good deals on for their stuff at the moment (dozen balls discounted to one third original price etc). I thought I'd try them out but keen to hear anyone else's experiences with the brand first. From their website it appears to have once been a very prominent brand. Perhaps it got left behind in the technology stakes in more recent times?