The Golf Thread - 2017!
Discussion
JamesNotJim said:
Grobag said:
This made me laugh, previous posts about people struggling with different parts of their game get loads of replies, jamesnotjim casually drops in nearly a week ago that he shot level gross and everybody ignores it!!
James, especially given the time of year, that is top bombing!! 27 putts is some going.
Its par the norm for lower guys, thanks all the same James, especially given the time of year, that is top bombing!! 27 putts is some going.
Playing well isn't about the wins or accolade but more about how low can I go myself.
for example, I shot level gross and got 40 points... but placed 8th. The winner that day...........a 28 handicapper that shot 51 points!
I shot a +8 for 37 points in my last competition, I was tied 3rd with 5 others, the winner(s) both got 38 points! (gutted I doubled 1 & 18 now!)
Reminds me of my old Kent junior regional comp's though - remember playing at the London club and scoring 46 points, playing off 18 at 14 years old or so.....I came 5th in my division, 54 points won it!?!?!
thebraketester said:
My driving has been amazing the last 2 weeks, no idea whats going on to be honest.
It's a weird game isn't it. My driving seems to have improved somewhat recently, the only thing I've been doing different is to turn my left hand a bit anti-clock so it's more 'above' the shaft, ie the 'V' pointing more towards my right shoulder than my left. Seems to help promote the in-to-out '1 o'clock' swing path. Feels a bit odd doing that with the irons but will persevere with it. Putting is absolutely awful though. No feel on distance whatsoever. Been practicing hitting the back of the ball and following through more, keeping the head still. Certainly seems better doing that on the practice green but the real greens scare me for some reason.
I've been experimenting with different balls for the last few weeks, I play off 9 and don't have a particularly fast swing speed (@80-85mph with a 6 iron) and have used Pro V1's for the last few years but decided to see how I would fare with a softer ball. It may be a different story come summer, but I get far more distance with cheaper, softer balls (titleist Tru-Soft and Calloway Chrome) and they have good feel around the greens though prefer the feel of a Pro V off the putter face.
The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Blue62 said:
I've been experimenting with different balls for the last few weeks, I play off 9 and don't have a particularly fast swing speed (@80-85mph with a 6 iron) and have used Pro V1's for the last few years but decided to see how I would fare with a softer ball. It may be a different story come summer, but I get far more distance with cheaper, softer balls (titleist Tru-Soft and Calloway Chrome) and they have good feel around the greens though prefer the feel of a Pro V off the putter face.
The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Have you tried any of the vice balls? I really like them. The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Blue62 said:
I've been experimenting with different balls for the last few weeks, I play off 9 and don't have a particularly fast swing speed (@80-85mph with a 6 iron) and have used Pro V1's for the last few years but decided to see how I would fare with a softer ball. It may be a different story come summer, but I get far more distance with cheaper, softer balls (titleist Tru-Soft and Calloway Chrome) and they have good feel around the greens though prefer the feel of a Pro V off the putter face.
The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Have you tried any of the vice balls? I really like them. The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
JamesNotJim said:
Its par the norm for lower guys, thanks all the same
Playing well isn't about the wins or accolade but more about how low can I go myself.
for example, I shot level gross and got 40 points... but placed 8th. The winner that day...........a 28 handicapper that shot 51 points!
Jeez, that's proper Playing well isn't about the wins or accolade but more about how low can I go myself.
for example, I shot level gross and got 40 points... but placed 8th. The winner that day...........a 28 handicapper that shot 51 points!
territory!! Assume it was a comp and the card went in, so they're playing off nearer 20 now hopefully! Touch wood our place isn't too bad for that, winning scores are normally 40-42pts.Blue62 said:
I've been experimenting with different balls for the last few weeks, I play off 9 and don't have a particularly fast swing speed (@80-85mph with a 6 iron) and have used Pro V1's for the last few years but decided to see how I would fare with a softer ball. It may be a different story come summer, but I get far more distance with cheaper, softer balls (titleist Tru-Soft and Calloway Chrome) and they have good feel around the greens though prefer the feel of a Pro V off the putter face.
The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Whilst I agree that sometimes we get a bit carried away with ball choices and many club golfers would benefit from a lower compression ball, I would suggest you try the experiment again closer to summer when it is a bit warmer. In summer I usually use Nike RZN Black or Platinums (80+ Compression) with a similar swing speed to yours (I max out at about 103 with the Driver), and they do travel further, stop better etc than lower compression balls, but in winter that is reversed, so the RZN's get put away until the season starts. The increase in distance (roughly 10-15 yds with driver) has helped me to reduce my scores, last few rounds have been mid to late 70's which is above my average this winter, it could be psychological of course but I wondered what others think/use and whether you've even considered a ball to match your swing speed?
Theory being that in the wonderful temperatures we play in in winter the cold weather makes the ball harder to compress, so you get a bit more assistance from a Trusoft or similar than you would from a Pro V1. It's also why long irons can be a bit more challenging in cold weather - nothing to do with how much they hurt if you get it wrong, but the cold weather and soft ground makes the ball harder to compress.
Interesting points on the balls, never heard of 'vice' but will check them out. I didn't think Nike were making balls any longer, used to occasionally play with the RZN's and liked the feel, another ball I sense goes better than a ProV is the Srixon Z but I take the point about winter and summer.
Is the received wisdom to not play with a ProV at any time of year if you don't swing it fast, but use something akin to the RZN and in winter use a soft ball?
Is the received wisdom to not play with a ProV at any time of year if you don't swing it fast, but use something akin to the RZN and in winter use a soft ball?
I'm no expert in golf balls (or anything else), but is it fair to say if you're good enough to deliberately play for spin (side spin that is) then a high-spinning ball might be a good thing.
Alternatively if the occurrence of side spin is more often bad news (a hook or a slice) then a lower-spin ball is a good idea.
In general I'd rather be shorter if it makes me straighter.
IMO what is unlikely to be true, for us mortals, is that the best choice for Rory et al is going to necessarily be the best choice for us.
Alternatively if the occurrence of side spin is more often bad news (a hook or a slice) then a lower-spin ball is a good idea.
In general I'd rather be shorter if it makes me straighter.
IMO what is unlikely to be true, for us mortals, is that the best choice for Rory et al is going to necessarily be the best choice for us.
thebraketester said:
Rocket Ricardo said:
Evening all,
First comment on this thread.
I'm a 12 HC (cards in for the first time last summer).
I got fitted for new irons on Friday, cant wait to get my mits on my new clubs.
Turns out, i've been playing with clubs that are an inch too short for the last 20 years!
I found the same. My irons are 1/2” longer. First comment on this thread.
I'm a 12 HC (cards in for the first time last summer).
I got fitted for new irons on Friday, cant wait to get my mits on my new clubs.
Turns out, i've been playing with clubs that are an inch too short for the last 20 years!
New clubs delivered today - M4 Driver, M3 3W 15*, M3 3H 19* and P790's.
Edited by adamwri on Wednesday 21st February 11:13
Blue62 said:
Interesting points on the balls, never heard of 'vice' but will check them out. I didn't think Nike were making balls any longer, used to occasionally play with the RZN's and liked the feel, another ball I sense goes better than a ProV is the Srixon Z but I take the point about winter and summer.
Is the received wisdom to not play with a ProV at any time of year if you don't swing it fast, but use something akin to the RZN and in winter use a soft ball?
They stopped making them last year, then everywhere were selling them off for £20 a dozen. As I'd play them over a Pro V1 any day of the week I did some stocking up...Is the received wisdom to not play with a ProV at any time of year if you don't swing it fast, but use something akin to the RZN and in winter use a soft ball?
Should do me a year or two
Blacks are better off the tee and in the wind, Platinums are perfect for fast greens.
I do think people gravitate too quickly towards the Pro V1 as it isn't the best ball for everyone, but the name sells and Titleist do very well out of it. Always worth checking in the bushes around the first few holes, there are often a few brand new Pro V1's around
However your swing speed is similar to mine, so I wouldn't say the Pro V1 is too much ball for you, I just think there are better options out there. I do like the Srixon Z-Star range, and have heard many good things about the Bridgestone range too. Always worth experimenting until you find a ball you like.
Bloody hell Bodhi that looks like a proper man cupboard, fags, booze and balls!
Appreciate your take on the balls, I hosted a company golf day a couple of years ago and bought loads of gear from my club pro for prizes, including a few boxes of Pro V1's that I'm still working through, but I agree that my swing speed means I won't compress it properly, especially at this time of year.
Appreciate your take on the balls, I hosted a company golf day a couple of years ago and bought loads of gear from my club pro for prizes, including a few boxes of Pro V1's that I'm still working through, but I agree that my swing speed means I won't compress it properly, especially at this time of year.
Blue62 said:
Bloody hell Bodhi that looks like a proper man cupboard, fags, booze and balls!
Appreciate your take on the balls, I hosted a company golf day a couple of years ago and bought loads of gear from my club pro for prizes, including a few boxes of Pro V1's that I'm still working through, but I agree that my swing speed means I won't compress it properly, especially at this time of year.
Everything a growing boy needs Appreciate your take on the balls, I hosted a company golf day a couple of years ago and bought loads of gear from my club pro for prizes, including a few boxes of Pro V1's that I'm still working through, but I agree that my swing speed means I won't compress it properly, especially at this time of year.
Was in California last weekend between work events, had most of the weekend to kill so did what anyone else on this thread would do - played golf Cali is a beautiful place anyway, but some of the golf courses are jaw dropping - and it always helps playing in 25 degree heat in February on dry ground
On the Saturday played a course up in the hills above Santa Barbara called the Glen Annie - short but challenging course, plenty of holes where the driver goes away and a 5 iron comes out - including one of my favourites on any course, the Par 5 13th which features a double dog leg - the first dog leg is 90 degrees to the left at about 210 yards, then it turns right another 180 yards down. Lots of target golf trying to avoid the rattlesnakes, but great fun nonetheless. Had a nightmare on the greens, but a great day off the tee and shot an 83, which whilst jet lagged with rental clubs I am happy with.
Then on the Sunday skipped the first part of a meeting and went to play the SandPiper, this time on the coast just outside Santa Barbara. Absolutely stunning views, more wide open than the Glen Annie but lightning fast greens (13 on the stimp) - putted great but had a nightmare off the tee (I can't hit a 917D2 straight it would appear)....and shot an 83 Achieved a lifetime's ambition though, on the 10th which is an "interesting" Par 4 (massively downhill to a green on the edge of a cliff), left myself with 80 yards to go, pulled out a 54 degree wedge, landed it 2 yards past the pin and spun it back to a foot (go go RZN Platinums).
Not a bad weekend overall, even if I did have to go straight from the Sandpiper into a meeting.
Cali is a beautiful place anyway, but some of the golf courses are jaw dropping - and it always helps playing in 25 degree heat in February on dry ground On the Saturday played a course up in the hills above Santa Barbara called the Glen Annie - short but challenging course, plenty of holes where the driver goes away and a 5 iron comes out - including one of my favourites on any course, the Par 5 13th which features a double dog leg - the first dog leg is 90 degrees to the left at about 210 yards, then it turns right another 180 yards down. Lots of target golf trying to avoid the rattlesnakes, but great fun nonetheless. Had a nightmare on the greens, but a great day off the tee and shot an 83, which whilst jet lagged with rental clubs I am happy with.
Then on the Sunday skipped the first part of a meeting and went to play the SandPiper, this time on the coast just outside Santa Barbara. Absolutely stunning views, more wide open than the Glen Annie but lightning fast greens (13 on the stimp) - putted great but had a nightmare off the tee (I can't hit a 917D2 straight it would appear)....and shot an 83
Achieved a lifetime's ambition though, on the 10th which is an "interesting" Par 4 (massively downhill to a green on the edge of a cliff), left myself with 80 yards to go, pulled out a 54 degree wedge, landed it 2 yards past the pin and spun it back to a foot (go go RZN Platinums). Not a bad weekend overall, even if I did have to go straight from the Sandpiper into a meeting.
SpeckledJim said:
I'm no expert in golf balls (or anything else), but is it fair to say if you're good enough to deliberately play for spin (side spin that is) then a high-spinning ball might be a good thing.
Alternatively if the occurrence of side spin is more often bad news (a hook or a slice) then a lower-spin ball is a good idea.
In general I'd rather be shorter if it makes me straighter.
IMO what is unlikely to be true, for us mortals, is that the best choice for Rory et al is going to necessarily be the best choice for us.
Pro V1s don’t spin more than the cheaper offerings in Titleist’s range when you’re hitting driver or longer clubs. Alternatively if the occurrence of side spin is more often bad news (a hook or a slice) then a lower-spin ball is a good idea.
In general I'd rather be shorter if it makes me straighter.
IMO what is unlikely to be true, for us mortals, is that the best choice for Rory et al is going to necessarily be the best choice for us.
The difference in spin rates only really becomes noticeable at around 8i or 9i down.
That’s what the company say, and has been borne out by independent testing.
The same is true of other ball brands from what I can tell.
I can slice a Callaway Warbird just as easily as the Chrome Softs I play all year round.
Choice of ball for me is all about feel. I don’t like anything that feels too firm off the club face, hence my choice of ball. Plus, they’re cheap second hand on eBay. Buy what feels best to you and you won’t go far wrong.
Worrying that a harder compression ball is not for you because you don’t swing a driver at 110mph is largely wrong IMO. I’ve played against a +1 handicapper who was a beautiful iron player, but didn’t hit the ball as far as I do. He swung noticeably slower. I was past his driver with 3W. He played a Pro V1x. I hate them.
The premium offerings from all the main brands perform so similarly that you’ll never notice the difference. Your average hacker at your local club who swears the Pro V1 works better for him is just suffering from confirmation bias. He expects it to be better because adverts, other people and the number of tour pros who use it tells him that it should.
Watch some ball reviews on YouTube. Mark Crossfield has done quite a few. You can get 90% of the performance of a Pro V for half the cost. You start to get into the law of diminishing returns once you buy anything top of the line.
Edited by HaplessBoyLard on Friday 23 February 21:52
Edited by HaplessBoyLard on Friday 23 February 21:52
HaplessBoyLard said:
Pro V1s don’t spin more than the cheaper offerings in Titleist’s range when you’re hitting driver or longer clubs.
The difference in spin rates only really becomes noticeable at around 8i or 9i down.
That’s what the company say, and has been borne out by independent testing.
The same is true of other ball brands from what I can tell.
I can slice a Callaway Warbird just as easily as the Chrome Softs I play all year round.
Choice of ball for me is all about feel. I don’t like anything that feels too firm off the club face, hence my choice of ball. Plus, they’re cheap second hand on eBay. Buy what feels best to you and you won’t go far wrong.
Worrying that a harder compression ball is not for you because you don’t swing a driver at 110mph is largely wrong IMO. I’ve played against a +1 handicapper who was a beautiful iron player, but didn’t hit the ball as far as I do. He swung noticeably slower. I was past his driver with 3W. He played a Pro V1x. I hate them.
The premium offerings from all the main brands perform so similarly that you’ll never notice the difference. Your average hacker at your local club who swears the Pro V1 works better for him is just suffering from confirmation bias. He expects it to be better because adverts, other people and the number of tour pros who use it tells him that it should.
Watch some ball reviews on YouTube. Mark Crossfield has done quite a few. You can get 90% of the performance of a Pro V for half the cost. You start to get into the law of diminishing returns once you buy anything top of the line.
It's a topic that isn't often discussed as most of us focus on clubs when it comes to equipment and your post highlights the range of opinion, but there's one point that I think it would be helpful to clarify. Your +1 friend with a slow swing is obviously not bothered about distance and my guess would be that it's because he is consistent with yardages and has a very good short game, I would guess that his choice of ball is probably more to do with how a ProV feels and behaves around the green. The difference in spin rates only really becomes noticeable at around 8i or 9i down.
That’s what the company say, and has been borne out by independent testing.
The same is true of other ball brands from what I can tell.
I can slice a Callaway Warbird just as easily as the Chrome Softs I play all year round.
Choice of ball for me is all about feel. I don’t like anything that feels too firm off the club face, hence my choice of ball. Plus, they’re cheap second hand on eBay. Buy what feels best to you and you won’t go far wrong.
Worrying that a harder compression ball is not for you because you don’t swing a driver at 110mph is largely wrong IMO. I’ve played against a +1 handicapper who was a beautiful iron player, but didn’t hit the ball as far as I do. He swung noticeably slower. I was past his driver with 3W. He played a Pro V1x. I hate them.
The premium offerings from all the main brands perform so similarly that you’ll never notice the difference. Your average hacker at your local club who swears the Pro V1 works better for him is just suffering from confirmation bias. He expects it to be better because adverts, other people and the number of tour pros who use it tells him that it should.
Watch some ball reviews on YouTube. Mark Crossfield has done quite a few. You can get 90% of the performance of a Pro V for half the cost. You start to get into the law of diminishing returns once you buy anything top of the line.
Edited by HaplessBoyLard on Friday 23 February 21:52
Edited by HaplessBoyLard on Friday 23 February 21:52
For a humble 9 handicapper like myself distance matters because I don't have a great short game to fall back on and I can be inconsistent with long irons, for years I have been playing with ProV's probably because that's what my other single figure mates play with and I will probably continue to use them in warmer weather (I've got about 6 boxes of the bloody things to get rid of), but I've noticed a definite improvement in my scoring since I moved to a softer ball. I reckon I've gained a club through the bag which has really helped and it's noticeable that a couple of guys I play with regularly (off 6 and 8) are now giving it a go. There's a lot of snobbery and as you say we all get sucked in by the advertising, but I reckon club golfers of all standards can see an improvement in their game if they make an effort to find a ball that suits their swing speed.
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