Archive for the ‘Club Repair and Fitting’ Category

ARE YOU SEARCHING FOR A NEW DRIVER

Everyone who plays the game of golf is always searching for that one Driver which will produce the greatest distance and accuracy for them. Where should one start their search? I have a suggestion, follow the link below and one should help narrow down the field of candidates. This is great research and categorization provided by MySpyGolf which I have found an extremely reliable search for general knowledge about the game.

Click this link for the latest in their trail of good articles: 2022 Most Wanted Driver

From this list of information (and several years of experience) I have been able to able to narrow down my choices and believe I have found the best driver for my game. Currently Playing to a 10.8 index, as of the date of this article, I have recently upped my Fairway’s hit to 9-10 out of 14 from 5-6 and with the work on my short game and putting I hope to be in the single digit index by summer’s end, but I digress.

Using this message and the embedded will give each golfer a better understanding of the design intent of the different drivers and which part of the market the manufacturers are trying to assist. The data included should not be used as the final answer to your search but as a starting point. It is also recommended that you go out (with your search information) and find a reputable best club fitter. There are other articles on this webpage that should help you address that portion of the market.

Hope this provided you with some great insight into the improvement of 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…

 

 

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…

Do On-line fitting systems really help?

Now that we are out and playing golf again it is time to discuss the need for your equipment evaluation. Club fitting has become available to everyone in golf. You may choose to go to OEM websites (e.g. Titleist, Callaway, Taylormade, etc.) for their product matching or you can go to individual components (i.e. Shaft manufacturers and retailers). the fitting centers run by a myriad of great professionals (e.g. Cool Clubs and Club Champions, etc.) but there are some good on-line options. Latest to enter the fray is TrueGolfFit (see link below) which is powered by MySpyGolf. I would suggest that this isn’t more for the techno-geek types. It will give you a good look at the wide range of products available in the product market. Player would have an idea of their game and what would be want to do to seek improvement. This will be the starting point for those who want a full market comparison. When you read the article you will find that this is not the end of the line to game improvement. For the Minimum Fee of $9.00 for each output it is well worth the price.

https://mygolfspy.com/truegolffit-golf-club-online-fitting-tool/

Recommendation for you by trying TrueGolfFit is to be sure to keep the data you input into the system for future use. This will allow you to change details which may give you different information. Even after obtaining the recommended product from this site it may be best to see a good club fitter to tweak the last ounce of improvement out of the options.

How much you want to invest in the game will really drive your benefit from the fitting process. The minimum fee here will be much less than the on-site fitting you will experience which will run anywhere from $150.00 to upward $350 dependent on the depth of your investigation and time.

Personally, don’t pass this up process up as it is well worth the time to read and experience. Also see on this website you will find a heavy endorsement of spending the additional money for the on-site work.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever….

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…..

 

 

 

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….

 

Golfing as a Hobby

Most people consider golfing as a professional sport but to some it is an enjoyable hobby. Golfing is one of the most interesting hobbies as it involves a combination of different activities including talking, walking as well as competition.

It is a healthy hobby since the player will always be walking a few miles and they can burn up to 352 calories within an hour. In addition, the golf swing involves turning the body several times and this is a great exercise for both the tummy and the back muscles.

With the high prevalence of lifestyle diseases which are as a result of obesity among other factors, the best hobby is the one which can help one live a healthy life. Golf can be played by one individual unlike many other sports that require a team and this allows the person to play whenever they feel like making the hobby very interesting.

The best hobby is the one that one can share with their loved ones. Golfing ensure that nobody is left out since one can play with their family and friends. Playing golf as a hobby can help one reduce stress; playing round golf has been scientifically proven to release powerful mood-enhancing natural substances from the brain referred to as endorphins. In addition, people who play golf for fun get regular exercise and this helps them sleep better since they can easily fall asleep and at the same time remain in deep sleep for a longer duration. Read more »

NEW GOLFER SERVICE CENTER MOVES

My apologies for those golfers in South of Dallas-Fort Worth. Young’s Custom Golf Styx has relocated its repair facility between Midlothian & Waxahachie to Schertz, Texas.

Operation now includes basic club repair services (i.e. shaft replacement, regripping & similar work), advise on current equipment and instruction is available by appointment. More sophisticated services including higher-end club fitting projected to be ready later in 2021.

The facility will be open by appointment only. Therefore, please email cleekgeek@gmail.com indicating what work you require, including your contact information (email will serve as name up-front).

I will replay with business cards and other contact information and pricing for your project. An email will get the quickest response, however, you may text or call at 214-463-9281. Price list of services (PDF format) will be sent and you will hopefully find them consistent with most other providers in this area.

Thank you for your consideration.
Supporting the Greatest Game Ever…..

CHANGE TO CART & CHARGER

If all have not yet heard, there is a number of cart manufacturers that are increasing the efficiency of their battery and charger systems wit the newer carts issued during 2018. The serial number matching and alpha phase charging coming now from Club Cart is the most prominent. This great chargers for this carts will no longer be capable of charging your buddy’s cart. You will also need to be aware of this condition should the cart require service or the charger fails. Replacements may not necessary be available for your local mechanics and the repair shop may need you charger as well as your charge.

This is only any advisory for persons acquiring newer carts during 2018 and beyond. It may save you some aggrevations later.

Supporting the Greatest Game Ever…….