GOLF - 2023

[48Valves]

nordboy said:

Astounding hypocrisy from Rory, about Rahm going to LIV. I reckon he's now looking for his own payday.

The DP and PGA tours could very well just end up becoming the feeder series for the LIV tour?

Nearly as bad as the hypocrisy from Rahm.

[Leithen]

Challo said:

That’s what made me laugh with Rory. Taking a hard line on the other players leaving for LIV not allowed to play in the Ryder cup, but when Rahm leaves he changes his tune

No hard feelings Henrik.

[YankeePorker]

You guys seem to think that the Saudi money will win the battle to control global golf, but do you find the LIV format watchable? IMO it’ll have to evolve into something more compelling, and the whole team thing is rubbish.

Other than the majors and the Ryder cup I only really watch golf via the highlights on YT. PGA highlights are a bit crap but sometimes enjoy the competition, DP WT highlights are better and more watchable, but LIV? I’ve tried a few times to watch the highlights but it just feels like exhibition golf, no interest and generally annoying.

Agree that Rory looks silly now saying that rules will have to be changed to let Rahm play the Ryder. I like McIlroy as a player but he should have just kept his mouth shut all through the LIV genesis.

[leglessAlex]

Is Rory actually calling for the rules to be changed? Or is he pointing out they’ll have to be changed?

I read his words and it sounded like the latter to me, which I feel is a subtle but important difference. Rahm is one of the world’s best, and Rory is right, if they want to win then they’ll need him.

I’m more than happy to admit I like the guy and probably don’t see it too objectively, but I don’t think that McIlroy has been all that inconsistent. He had a belief and said things that aligned with that belief, and now he probably still has that belief but he’s given up, he knows he’s lost and the money has won.

And maybe he’s even realised that the beliefs he had weren’t shared by everyone, and not sharing beliefs isn’t the end of the world.

Sure, he’s not a kid, but he’s also a stupidly highly paid athlete that might have little experience of the world in general outside of golf, and probably spends a lot of time in a bubble of people who all share the same opinions as him. For anyone like that, at any age, having a disagreement is probably going to first be outrage at the idea people think a way one can’t understand, followed by some denial, and eventually acceptance and some moderation of views.

At least, that’s how I see it as someone who’s only a couple of years younger than him.


In more relevant news, I’m still st at golf and I’m still enjoying it just as much

I’m having a lot of range sessions, I’m dying to get out on course but I’m nervous about doing so, soft and slightly greasy grassy slopes coupled with prosthetics sound like a fast way of getting intimate with the ground

Generally working on my ball striking with irons and driver speed. I don’t have a monitor for club speed, but I’m getting a ball speed of 130mph out of my driver, so not fast, but also not great face contact. Work in progress. Irons, on the other hand, I’m really pleased with. Shot shape, distance and contact point are all getting better and better.

Roll on spring, or at least a stretch of drier weather

[DuncanM]

Andy 308GTB said:

Leithen said:

Hammersia said:

If that would have been negotiating with Greg Norman, then he always wanted a "world" tour, and different formats, which is the opposite of what the PGA Tour is, a lot of the players don't seem to have passports.

I also don't see any evidence that LIV (Yasir Al-Rumayyan) would have wanted to just "buy" the existing tour. At the very least he'd have wanted multiple Saudi based events, and presumably others throughout the Middle East (look at boxing and soccerball). I'm sure he has no interest in the Valero Texas Open.

Control of competitive "World Golf" is entirely up for grabs. The PGA Tour is having its Emperors New Clothes moment. It's broke and its hegemony is probably ending.

The US game will always remain influential - huge base, college system etc etc. But the PGA Tour has done its best to shaft golf around the world. Golf isn't only played in US and Europe. There is huge growth potential elsewhere.

As for the Majors? Great history, but only so far back. It used to be the Open and US Open and the respective Amateur Championships. Now three of the "Majors" are in the US. Time for the Australian Open and an Asian equivalent to join the ranks. Lose the PGA.

Totally agree with you.

Agree too, there's nothing to love about the PGA Tour, it can get in the bin afaic.

[bodhi]

leglessAlex said:

Is Rory actually calling for the rules to be changed? Or is he pointing out they’ll have to be changed?

I read his words and it sounded like the latter to me, which I feel is a subtle but important difference. Rahm is one of the world’s best, and Rory is right, if they want to win then they’ll need him.

I’m more than happy to admit I like the guy and probably don’t see it too objectively, but I don’t think that McIlroy has been all that inconsistent. He had a belief and said things that aligned with that belief, and now he probably still has that belief but he’s given up, he knows he’s lost and the money has won.

And maybe he’s even realised that the beliefs he had weren’t shared by everyone, and not sharing beliefs isn’t the end of the world.

Sure, he’s not a kid, but he’s also a stupidly highly paid athlete that might have little experience of the world in general outside of golf, and probably spends a lot of time in a bubble of people who all share the same opinions as him. For anyone like that, at any age, having a disagreement is probably going to first be outrage at the idea people think a way one can’t understand, followed by some denial, and eventually acceptance and some moderation of views.

At least, that’s how I see it as someone who’s only a couple of years younger than him.


In more relevant news, I’m still st at golf and I’m still enjoying it just as much

I’m having a lot of range sessions, I’m dying to get out on course but I’m nervous about doing so, soft and slightly greasy grassy slopes coupled with prosthetics sound like a fast way of getting intimate with the ground

Generally working on my ball striking with irons and driver speed. I don’t have a monitor for club speed, but I’m getting a ball speed of 130mph out of my driver, so not fast, but also not great face contact. Work in progress. Irons, on the other hand, I’m really pleased with. Shot shape, distance and contact point are all getting better and better.

Roll on spring, or at least a stretch of drier weather

I think range sessions are all most of us are reduced to at the moment - even on the rare occasions the course is open it's a fairly wet muddy and miserable experience. Even the range session I had this morning was wet and miserable, as the wind was straight into and was blowing the rain into the bay ..

Sounds like you're making some good progress though - the main thing at this time of year is just keeping the swing going for when the weather eventually gets better.

[ukwill]

bodhi said:

I think range sessions are all most of us are reduced to at the moment - even on the rare occasions the course is open it's a fairly wet muddy and miserable experience. Even the range session I had this morning was wet and miserable, as the wind was straight into and was blowing the rain into the bay ..

Sounds like you're making some good progress though - the main thing at this time of year is just keeping the swing going for when the weather eventually gets better.

I had my best round of the year yesterday. Horizontal rain and blustery all day!

I have absolutely no idea how that happened. I'm actually annoyed that it happened - why the hell couldn't I play like that in glorious sunshine and perfect conditions? This game is mentally brutal.

I know I've already said this previously, but this new LAB putter is simply bloody ridiculously good. I am now a total fanboy for this manufacturer. My putting has been transformed. Sorry, I can't help singing its praises! I feel like I'm cheating

[DuncanM]

ukwill said:

I had my best round of the year yesterday. Horizontal rain and blustery all day!

I have absolutely no idea how that happened. I'm actually annoyed that it happened - why the hell couldn't I play like that in glorious sunshine and perfect conditions? This game is mentally brutal.

I know I've already said this previously, but this new LAB putter is simply bloody ridiculously good. I am now a total fanboy for this manufacturer. My putting has been transformed. Sorry, I can't help singing its praises! I feel like I'm cheating

Well played, and great that you love your putter! If it is helping this much, then it's money well spent in this sport, as no other club in the bag, can make such a difference .

[Pmifa]

ukwill said:

I had my best round of the year yesterday. Horizontal rain and blustery all day!

I have absolutely no idea how that happened. I'm actually annoyed that it happened - why the hell couldn't I play like that in glorious sunshine and perfect conditions? This game is mentally brutal.

I know I've already said this previously, but this new LAB putter is simply bloody ridiculously good. I am now a total fanboy for this manufacturer. My putting has been transformed. Sorry, I can't help singing its praises! I feel like I'm cheating

Be interested to know why you say this. Has it altered your technique, alignment, distance control ? Had a look at one a few weeks ago and it was nice but I use an Odyssey and for last 2 years I’ve holed so much and don’t see how a LAB could do any more for me. Please don’t talk me into it though😂

[ukwill]

DuncanM said:

Well played, and great that you love your putter! If it is helping this much, then it's money well spent in this sport, as no other club in the bag, can make such a difference .

Thanks Duncan! Yes - I wish I had gone for a putter fitting years ago. How many of us just grab a few and hit a few balls on the fake green in the shop, then buy?

[ukwill]

Pmifa said:

Be interested to know why you say this. Has it altered your technique, alignment, distance control ? Had a look at one a few weeks ago and it was nice but I use an Odyssey and for last 2 years I’ve holed so much and don’t see how a LAB could do any more for me. Please don’t talk me into it though??

For me personally I was at the stage where I had trouble even taking the putter back smoothly. Over time, my confidence in being able to make putts had eroded to the point where I was *expecting* to 3-putt more often than not.

The biggest thing this club has changed for me has been the complete removal of having to worry about taking the club back and then bringing it back to the ball with the face square to my target line. I cannot tell you just how much better that one thing alone has helped me with my putting. It is night and day.

I haven't changed anything with my putting - stance/grip/weight/feet placement etc.

(slight lie - the grip on this link putter is a pistol grip - my old one was a Super Stroke).

I'm not sure everyone who buys a LAB putter will notice such a difference, but for me, with this specific issue, it has truly been a revelation. If you have no problems bringing the putter face back square, you probably won't see as much benefit (as I think that is the key USP of this manufacturer).

[Blackpuddin]

ukwill said:

Pmifa said:

Be interested to know why you say this. Has it altered your technique, alignment, distance control ? Had a look at one a few weeks ago and it was nice but I use an Odyssey and for last 2 years I’ve holed so much and don’t see how a LAB could do any more for me. Please don’t talk me into it though??

For me personally I was at the stage where I had trouble even taking the putter back smoothly. Over time, my confidence in being able to make putts had eroded to the point where I was *expecting* to 3-putt more often than not.

The biggest thing this club has changed for me has been the complete removal of having to worry about taking the club back and then bringing it back to the ball with the face square to my target line. I cannot tell you just how much better that one thing alone has helped me with my putting. It is night and day.

I haven't changed anything with my putting - stance/grip/weight/feet placement etc.

(slight lie - the grip on this link putter is a pistol grip - my old one was a Super Stroke).

I'm not sure everyone who buys a LAB putter will notice such a difference, but for me, with this specific issue, it has truly been a revelation. If you have no problems bringing the putter face back square, you probably won't see as much benefit (as I think that is the key USP of this manufacturer).

I'm experiencing a bit of a revelation on putting as a result of putting my left index finger outside the fingers of my right hand, it just feels a lot more solid and seems to be helping with distance control too.

[Pmifa]

ukwill said:

For me personally I was at the stage where I had trouble even taking the putter back smoothly. Over time, my confidence in being able to make putts had eroded to the point where I was *expecting* to 3-putt more often than not.

The biggest thing this club has changed for me has been the complete removal of having to worry about taking the club back and then bringing it back to the ball with the face square to my target line. I cannot tell you just how much better that one thing alone has helped me with my putting. It is night and day.

I haven't changed anything with my putting - stance/grip/weight/feet placement etc.

(slight lie - the grip on this link putter is a pistol grip - my old one was a Super Stroke).

I'm not sure everyone who buys a LAB putter will notice such a difference, but for me, with this specific issue, it has truly been a revelation. If you have no problems bringing the putter face back square, you probably won't see as much benefit (as I think that is the key USP of this manufacturer).

Makes perfect sense and sure I will have a waggle and try one at some point. It’s amazing how much ‘confidence’ plays a part. Anything within 10ft I expect to hole, of course I don’t, but that feeling probably means I commit to it far more. Bloody game

[bodhi]

Had another lesson this morning - the swing work has been going well but I have had the odd occurrence of the unmentionables at the range. Luckily one turned up whilst I was warming up and coach got it on video (which I'm not sharing) and he spotted straight away the cause.

At the top of my backswing I was still letting the club point right of target, meaning to reroute it I had to come down a little steep and occasionally caught it out the hosel - similar to what the learned folk of this thread noticed last time

So new drill - take club back to top, but pointing more to the left, almost feeling like it's a little flatter (just at the top). Took a few goes, but was catching the ball beautifully at the end and in my range session afterwards.

Biggest thing to remember will be to not "flatten" out too early, and make sure takeaway is still straight back and not to the inside.

Overall he was pretty happy with where things are. Seems we aren't fixing any big problems, just a tweak here and there to get a better flight on the ball.

He's also taken away my putter to finally get it extended. I'll try that for a bit and if I'm still struggling, look at a new putter near the start of the season.

[DuncanM]

bodhi said:

Had another lesson this morning - the swing work has been going well but I have had the odd occurrence of the unmentionables at the range. Luckily one turned up whilst I was warming up and coach got it on video (which I'm not sharing) and he spotted straight away the cause.

At the top of my backswing I was still letting the club point right of target, meaning to reroute it I had to come down a little steep and occasionally caught it out the hosel - similar to what the learned folk of this thread noticed last time

So new drill - take club back to top, but pointing more to the left, almost feeling like it's a little flatter (just at the top). Took a few goes, but was catching the ball beautifully at the end and in my range session afterwards.

Biggest thing to remember will be to not "flatten" out too early, and make sure takeaway is still straight back and not to the inside.

Overall he was pretty happy with where things are. Seems we aren't fixing any big problems, just a tweak here and there to get a better flight on the ball.

He's also taken away my putter to finally get it extended. I'll try that for a bit and if I'm still struggling, look at a new putter near the start of the season.

Your lessons sound like they're going well, you already have a good swing, so small changes make sense.

Interesting you say about the putter, I have to grip right at the top of mine, top hand barely on the grip. Maybe I should add 1/2", so that it's a more comfortable hold.

[bodhi]

DuncanM said:

Your lessons sound like they're going well, you already have a good swing, so small changes make sense.

Interesting you say about the putter, I have to grip right at the top of mine, top hand barely on the grip. Maybe I should add 1/2", so that it's a more comfortable hold.

We had a look at my putter grip yesterday, and I'm about an inch and a half over the top, only making contact with a couple of fingers on the left hand. I still love the putter (a Nike Method 003 originally made for Carly Booth) but it's preying on my mind a little so decided to get it done. It's reversible, so if the extension doesn't work it can be taken out again.

[DuncanM]

bodhi said:

We had a look at my putter grip yesterday, and I'm about an inch and a half over the top, only making contact with a couple of fingers on the left hand. I still love the putter (a Nike Method 003 originally made for Carly Booth) but it's preying on my mind a little so decided to get it done. It's reversible, so if the extension doesn't work it can be taken out again.

Oh definitely worth doing then, I'm not quite as bad as that, might add an inch to one of mine .

[danneth]

Did a vid with my mate with our drivers, just some light hearted fun

https://youtu.be/by9U269sths?si=8YLOyLAXTpZMyOYm

[DuncanM]

danneth said:

Did a vid with my mate with our drivers, just some light hearted fun

https://youtu.be/by9U269sths?si=8YLOyLAXTpZMyOYm

That looked a lot of fun!

Love the humour between you guys, fun to watch, and impressive speed

Edited to add:
Watched a few vids now, and it's s a very good channel! You're very funny ha ha! Just bought an Inkersi rangefinder for Christmas, on the back of one of the vids

Edited by DuncanM on Thursday 14th December 09:49

[danneth]

DuncanM said:

That looked a lot of fun!

Love the humour between you guys, fun to watch, and impressive speed

Edited to add:
Watched a few vids now, and it's s a very good channel! You're very funny ha ha! Just bought an Inkersi rangefinder for Christmas, on the back of one of the vids

Edited by DuncanM on Thursday 14th December 09:49

Cheers and appreciate that.

Very good rangefinders for the money, sure you'll enjoy it 😎