Posts Tagged ‘Golf Equipment’

HOW CAN I GET THE BEST YARDAGE FOR MY GOLF SHOTS?

There is an ongoing discussion what is the best way to get distances when on the golf course. Should I use a GPS or Rangefinder Unit? The first is the Rule book interjection on the topic which limits them, for the most part, to casual play. There are tournament exceptions to the point but even at that point the player must know what the limits to the capability of the equipment one is using.

If Rangefinders are your choice of equipment, the read the following article from my friends at MySpyGolf: Best Rangefinder for 2022 

Personally, I am more inclined to play with a GPS unit than a Rangefinder because of the fact that I grew up in the yardage book era. For that reason, I feel more comfortable when pulling a club knowing that I can clear that obstacle or not reach the water when playing than knowing just how far the pin is away. Not all, but most GPS systems have a link to or internal green maps which aids to the decision process. The use of the Rangefinder here can also help with the knowledge of the size of the green and the distance to the center of the green. At this point the player/caddie must use the brain power to make that great decision and get closer to the pin.

So look carefully at the many GPS system out there on the market in addition to the reviewed rangefinders. Your game will improve with the proper application for your game.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever…

 

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…

 

 

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 »

BEST GPS REVIEW

I have found that the GOLFPADGPS is the best overall system to use without special TAGS or links. The nice part is that the scorepad and GPS are free.  There are TAGS (grip inserts) that can be uses with the system but are not necessary. They just makes it easier to get more data and help you improve. Here is the link to their website.

https://golfpadgps.com/

Compared to the other systems, I find this the easiest to use. It finds you local course quickly (when you are at the course) and is quick responding to basic info input. You have the benefit of adding your playing partners if you wish and getting them connected. For a premium subscription of $49/year and dependent on your cellphone you can get a fully integrated Shots-Gained analysis from the TAGS available but there is a way of using manual input that gives you the same information. I have discovered the most newer Android phones have NFC sensors as do iPhones which makes the addition $99 for the tags worth the investment. Once sync is acomplished it works well.

Be sure to take the time to practice inputting information onto you cell phone when you are near the course to get the hang of the operation. The instructions on the website are very good but practice makes it much easier when playing a round and not slowing the pace of play for you and your group.

I will have to say that there are a number of other systems on the market which will accomplish the same results so do you research and choose the best system for you. Best of Luck to your and your foursome.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever…

COMMENTARY: Golf Digest and Phil’s secret weapon

In a recent article published by Golf Digest for the U.S. Open 2021:
“The new secret weapon Phil Mickelson has in his bag at Torrey Pines”. (see link below)
It is my belief that they are commenting on the specialty driver (i.e. a 2-wood type) that Phil has used in the past. The history of a 2-wood in golf is worth looking at as well as examining the benefits it would provide. Personally, I used a 2-wood in my early days. The fact is that this type of club was specifically designed for easing the difficulty of hitting a driver off the deck. I have played with many players who can do that but this specialty design makes the error less likely. Note that I don’t say it eliminates the error just lessens the likelihood. 

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/us-open-2021-secret-weapon-phil-mickelson-has-in-his-bag-at-torrey-pines

With the considerable advancements in the design of the 3-woods I would think that it would be less likely for the average player to have this specialty club in their bag. Only think that I can see this type club does is to increase the size of a 3-wood head and add some length to the shaft for more speed, which both conditions will add slightly more carry. However, with the bomb and gouge play see today it would be very course specific when put in play. That is where the PGA Professional can show his worth in understanding that modifications to his club supporting the course management decisions he makes on a weekly basis.

Most of us, even avid golfers, don’t necessarily have that precise a game needing this type of specialty club in our bag on a daily basis. However, I would not discourage any player from looking into the ‘mini-driver’ or 2-wood for specific courses. There are plenty of options out there for acquiring this option. Taylormade attacked the problem several years ago but they had limited success and the product has disappeared from their line.

Every player must consider every aspect of his game an the needed equipment to find success so don’t discount the idea. Investigate thoroughly and decide from there you needs.

Supporting the Greatest Game Every…

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….

IS YOUR DRIVER THE CORRECT LENGTH?

There are a significant number of studies out there that have discussed the driver length. Recently my friends at GolfWRX issued an article on that subject. It would be better to discuss if speed (which translates to greater speed) is worth the losing control (which translates to accuracy). By personal experience I have found that searching the correct head and shaft is much better that the speed. I have searched and modified my drivers to a controlable length (personal = 44.5″). That length has also included additional changes in the shaft weight which has also affected the swingweight. For more reading on the subject I would suggest the following GolfWRX article:

IT MIGHT BE A GOOD IDEA TO CUT DOWN YOUR DRIVER

Finding a good club fitter and repair technician would give you a good start on the potential cost of the upgrade. You can search further information from may of the forum sites around. I can also be contacted relative to how deep you wish to research the topic and I will give send you resources for some of the best reference materials available.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever….

 

HOW DOES YOU DRIVING DISTANCE COMPARE?

Comparative golf information is always being presented which is got some very interesting outcomes. Thanks to the gentlemen from GoflWRX I recently found an article which has some very interesting results. I can only assume that the information is gleaned from a data base which is actually based on fact. My only question is the distribution of the subject golfers based on index. I know for sure, by past experience, that there are golfer across the index range that use the quoted equipment. I would hope that a good statistical representation has been used to back up the information.

If you want to delve deeper into the facts and details of the study and information click on the following link:

The Average Driving Distance for Male Amateur Golfers by Age

This is one of the better articles but I am outside the information listed. Not having used the equipment quoted but watching my playing stats my golfing and physical age just don’t match.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever….

A Short List of the Most Common Golfing Equipment

For an individual to completely appreciate any game, it would be best for him to have the correct equipment. Golf is only one of those games that oblige an individual to know the various types of golfing equipment if an individual needs to totally comprehend the amusement.

Golf Attire

All the golf extents have their own arrangement of golf clothing standards. An individual can’t simply enter a golf range with whatever clothing and expect that he would be allowed to play. In spite of the fact that the clothing regulation relies on the golf extend, the all-inclusive arrangement of golf clothing is a clean captured polo shirt and golf pants. A golfer ought to abstain from wearing pants and payload jeans to the field. Elastic shoes are likewise not permitted inside, as they have a tendency to destroy the grass. A decent match of golf shoes is exceedingly prescribed.

Golf Ball

This golfing equipment is a little ball that is secured with dimples. This is regularly white however there are likewise golf balls accessible in splendid neon hues, to make it less demanding for the golfer to find these. This is one of the golfing equipment that has strict regulations upon it. Golf balls are not permitted to be utilized until they have breezed through the test of approbation by the R&A and the US Golf Association. The two basic sorts of golf balls are the recreational and the progressed.

Golf Club

This is the golfing equipment used to hit the ball. In a customary amusement, the most extreme number of clubs an individual is permitted to convey is 14. It is essential to know the various types of golf clubs as every sort brings about diverse flight separation and level of space. The essential sorts of clubs are putters, wedges, irons, woods, and the half breed club.

Golf Tee Read more »