Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category

Do All Players need same length clubs?

The ultimate answer to this question is NO! Reading the article link below from GOLF.com you will see the basic reasons for the answer. This should be a good start for players seeking a club fitting with the intention improving your game. Next immediate question is where and followed by what it will cost you anything to get fitted. I have been on all sides of this question and basically, I believe that the primary fitting for the first time golfer to get started can be free but the greater technical examination will cost you.

Do short golfers need short clubs, and tall golfers need long clubs?

Why should the early fitting is cheaper? Basic reason is that the player is most likely learning a golf swing and advanced technical knowledge about such things as flight, launch and swing speed (all that affect the fitting) have not always been established at this point. The biggest character that effects the player is posture which directly correlates to length and weight. Adjustments in basic club set at this point is relatively easy and after several lessons the adjustment modifications can be dictated by the teaching professional.

Club technicians should have some experience in this matter and the box stores can help. I believe that the biggest problem is that the use of static measurements to make the primary fitting is not a good idea. Why, you would ask? Well from personal experience I have had a couple of really outside the box players come to me and found that their first club sets were very poorly matched.

First is my male example. Player comes to me and complains that he is all over the golf course with the ball. The distance isn’t too bad but he says, “I don’t know where it is going because I seem to be loosing the club.” Quick check here for his hands and it was quickly apparent that the jumbo grips (by the way did I mention he was 6′-6″) didn’t allow him to grip the club. Checking the hand position on the club found that when the grip was laid along the base of the fingers (See Ralph Maltby’s grip assessment) he can now hold the club without loosing the control he had said was not there. Results were that he had more action, longer distance and better control.

Second example was a female client with no experience. Don’t know if it was just a mistake but because she was so short the set fitted to her as actually a junior (i.e. a Varsity) set. Similar complaints to my first example but she was much more athletic and had extensive baseball background. Going thru the basics found that the grips were too small for her hand and the shafts were way too flexible.

In each of these cases it was found that only a preliminary examination of the basics (i.e. grips, length and player feel) made significant improvements in the players enjoyment of the game. Handicap in each case got significantly lowered and there were alot fewer missing golf balls at the end of the day.

As noted in the basic article and here you should be able to find a competent technician and/or fitter to meet your needs at a minimum of cost. The next best investment from this point is to find you a good teaching professional which could most likely be found at the local course or country club where you want to become a member.

Hope that this is helps you in understanding how to get started with your first clubs and getting to the professional to help your game.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever…

 

 

Are Community Golf Courses being Targeted?

Thanks to Josh Sens at Golf on January 17th this year, we see an article that pointed out the pending assault on muni-golf courses as a waste of space. The assault starts with the introduction of a bill in the California state legislature (i.e. AB672) which intends to replace municipal golf courses with housing. See attached link for the full story from Golf’s staff.

California Golf Course Legislation

As a former government official wonder how this justification can be offset with the demand by government to assure that there is a significant amount of greenspace provided for the health and recreation of the community. In most cases the courses were established in the area of the city which was not suited for any other activity far from the then established developed areas. With the growth of the cities and the continued development more areas are needed for more people (i.e. a larger taxable base) and therefore the uses which some don’t like are at risk.

Locally in the Schertz, TX, area (my hometown) there is a private venture which is falling to the base concept of this proposed legislation. Here a course which I understand was one of the top ten destinations. The owner has walked away from the course and left it to fester as a community eyesore and a detriment to the homeowners who originally bought property here for the benefit of the course.

Therefore, I agree with the San Francisco Golf Alliance that each of the many municipal golf courses around this nation need to be protected and the various communities need to understand the there are people who support your non-golfing endeavors such as swimming pools, tennis courts, basketball courts, etc. in your local communities.

It is my hope that everyone who enjoys the game of golf to watch the actions of the local government which sometimes work against the efforts of the constituents to protect which was their choice of activity. It is also incumbent for these neighbors to also help with directing legislation which is more beneficial to all those in the community.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever….

Is you Golf Bag designed for your needs?

Over the years I have found that the golf bag makers have built a number of very good and functional bags. There is not one manufacturer that I can think of which I haven’t seen or even sold and one time or another. However, I have a lingering problem which I have posed to several manufacturers, but, I have yet to get a response. My problem with golf bags is restricted to a very specific sector of the market (i.e. individual divided club bags) and this has nothing to do with the overall construction of the bags which are usually very good. It has to do with one singular picky part of a bag’s makeup. Why you may ask, well for myself, it has to do with being penalized at a tournament for having too many clubs in my bag. Please do not believe that I  place the blame of this calamity on anyone but myself. Read more »

Bonded Hosel vs Adjustable

The following story is from a great source (see Logo upper left and click link below) and my comments on this are for those which have a technical interest in club making and fitting. There is a special inside look at the different designs that effect the proper fitting of golf clubs. This inside look is about Callaway golf and how they address the variables for their different staffers, non-staffers and pass along those adjustments and variables to the public.

http://Bonded Hosel VS Adjustable, Whats the Difference

As a golf club maker I have experienced the variables. Most of the bonded marker’s products are not adjustable (i.e. bendable) so if it is necessary to adjust for the game of a player I usually have to  advise to purchase a separate club. Personally, I have a bonded hosel in my hybrid and have found that by relocating the weights I can affect bias and I have not been required to adjust the lie.

Be advised that not everyone is required to make the adjustments the same way it is explained in the related story.  Some manufactures (very few) have provided the necessary length in the hosel area to allow for bending. The older methods of weight distribution are usually still available in todays clubs but finding a good club maker with the necessary skills to produce the right adjustments is still pretty hard.

Hopefully this will give you some insight into the technical expertise of your local club maker and help you improve your game.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever….

AXIS1 PUTTER REVIEW

UPDATE: 2020-05-29  With a little more exposure and practice, I have gotten a little better. I feel that my problem is more with the read than the equipment. I have however noticed that I am closer to the hole on the miss affected by distance. Recommendation is to stay with it and get a refresher course from your local PGA Pro on the mechanics.

Here is a review on the my recently received new AXIS1 ‘Joey” putter. I have been able to try the putter on the golf course and for a few drills at home and find that this is a very good product. I have tried about 6 different types of putter during my time playing the game and find this one the easiest to get used to.

For a good discussion you need to see the related video review by Justin Rose at https://youtu.be/g-Lk0kn85_4

There are a number of sources out there with various prices. In my opinion, at this time for someone looking for a change due it is a good choice. I have a problem with the backswing wabbling and not getting the club face back to the ball with the center of the club face at the ball. With all the training I have received I find this club the easiest and more stable during the backswing. The lighter ‘Joey’ blade model fits my eye well and I have reasonable distance control. The biggest improvement in my putting with this equipment is getting the ball on line.

I would recommend this product but it is the owner’s choice in the various models available (don’t just get Justin’s because he is a pro) based on your preference in the style from a blade to a large mallet like Justin’s.

Good luck by supporting the Greatest Game Ever…..