2018 Golf Thread

[PedroSpecialK]

They punched a couple weeks ago. Fuzzy and a little bumpy on some greens, some were quick and undulating. Nobody in my group putted well. It was the best ball striking round I’ve ever had so I’m just a little annoyed but overall fine with it.

Played Red Tail yesterday - some spots on the course are real beat up (fairway on 4 in particular, pictured below) and some greens could use work, but still a great track overall. Played the silvers (played right around 7,000 yards) and was +1 through 8, then proceeded to double bogey 9, and ran up a 44 on the back to end at 83.

Spoiler

My left hand grip strength started to fade throughout the round, I think from having cracked my knuckles all my life - led to a few more draws / pulls than normal. Anyone ever had this issue before with their leading hand? Advil didn't seem to do the trick...

 

[ernieshore]

Heading down to Bandon on Thursday. I'm just going by myself and playing Bandon Dunes one day and Pacific Dunes the next. It's a short, last minute getaway for myself and I haven't played a lot this year, but I'm still pretty excited (though the forecast for Friday has gotten worse).

 

[FL4WL3SS]

I'm going down from Seattle in Feb, can't fucking wait.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[Zomp]

At the risk of sounding very, very ignorant...is the weather okay in February for golf in Oregon?

Has anyone done Streamsong yet?


I haven't updated this thread in a while but I'm plugging along. Last 8 rounds or so have been all between 80-83. Purchased a rogue driver and 3 wood which I really like.

 

[Koufax]

I've does Streamsong. Think of it as Bandon Dunes without the ocean.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

At the risk of sounding very, very ignorant...is the weather okay in February for golf in Oregon?

Has anyone done Streamsong yet?


I haven't updated this thread in a while but I'm plugging along. Last 8 rounds or so have been all between 80-83. Purchased a rogue driver and 3 wood which I really like.

The weather is fine in February, about what you would expect for Bandon. Some rain, some sun, lots of wind. Basically perfect for links golf!

I did Streamsong in March, let me know if you have questions.

 

[Zomp]

Cost per person? I’ve heard there is nothing around the resort so you’re basically forced to eat there.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Expect to spend around 2-2.5k when all is said and done. There is nothing around for 30 mins and the nearest hotel is a run down Best Western.

It's worth it to stay at the resort, but if I were to go again, I might stay in Tampa (less than an hour drive) and just drive in an out every day.

 

[ernieshore]

I'm going down from Seattle in Feb, can't fucking wait.

Let us know how it goes!

A recap of my Bandon visit this past weekend:
I drove down on Thursday afternoon and that would have been a perfect day to play - 65, clear, and calm. But I played my first round Friday about noon at Bandon Dunes - and the foreboding forecast was accurate: 50 degree temps, heavy rain, and 30 mph winds. I didn't play that well, and with the conditions I didn't even pull out my scorecard (it was soaked anyway). But I guess I got the true links experience! Rain/winter gloves were a life-saver.

Second round was at Pacific Dunes early in the morning. The weather started the same as Friday but improved quickly and ended up nice - probably low 60s and partly sunny. I was awful on one hole early, but had a stretch of 14 holes where I was just 2 over. But then I had another terrible hole that ruined the round - before finishing birdie, par. But honestly that inconsistency wasn't surprising given my lack of recent playing.

Some various thoughts:
- I was by myself, so decided to stay in the town of Bandon. There a couple decent bars and restaurants there, but it was pretty quiet even on Friday night and, in hindsight, I would probably stay at the resort. The resort seemed pretty chill too, but since people are coming from all over it seems like you could easily meet people there.
- Most people I met were playing 36 each day, though many seemed to be pushing back their second tee times to eat lunch, or were at risk of not finishing their second 18. I played my round at Bandon Dunes right in 4 hours, but the round at Pacific took a little over 5. I could see playing 18 and then the par 3 course as about the ideal day, especially as the days get shorter.
- Some of the fairways were in kind of rough shape. I guess that surprised me, but makes sense given the style of the course and the very dry summer they've had.
- I had a caddie and would recommend doing that, especially if its your first time. And you keep the same caddie for each round.
- Practice long approach shots. I was driving it pretty well, but had a lot more long, 200+ yard approach shots than I expected (but it makes sense with the wind).
- Pacific was more visually appealing, but the bunkers were very punitive, if not extreme. My caddie said "I like this place less every time I walk it." Bandon seemed more fair. Several people I talked with said Old MacDonald was their favorite.

And with all that - I can't wait to go back.

 

[FL4WL3SS]

Awesome! Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to go.

 

[Old Fart Tree]

Bandon is awesome.

I played Trull Brook a couple weeks back when I was back east. That was a nice track.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

Welp, just in time for the end of the season I seem to have made some sort of peace with my driver. I wouldn’t call it a strength but I’ve been keeping it in and around the fairway for the past month. A lot of focus on not shifting my weight too much onto my back foot and keeping on plane. I gave up a little distance but I’m absolutely squaring up more balls so that’s good news. Something to build off next year, I guess.

I did just pick up a thermal compression long sleeve to hopefully squeak out an extra round or two wearing as temps drop into the 40s.

 

[Shawn O'Leary]

I leave Sunday for a golf getaway to Las Vegas. Three teams of 4 from each of a handful of Chicago area golf clubs make the trip each season to compete; my first time taking part. Three rounds of golf, one each at: Cascata, Shadow Creek and Southern Highlands.

Nice capper to the golf season (its been cold here and I've not been able to get more than a round here or there in the last few weeks).

Edit: The Sox will need to dispatch the Astros in 6 so I'm not at 27,000-feet during Game 7...

 

[PedroSpecialK]

That's awesome. I'm trying to convince a couple buddies with whom I'm going to Vegas to shell out for Shadow Creek in February, but I'm not sure I'll sway them with that price tag.

You need to be at an MGM-owned hotel to play, right?

 

[Shawn O'Leary]

That's awesome. I'm trying to convince a couple buddies with whom I'm going to Vegas to shell out for Shadow Creek in February, but I'm not sure I'll sway them with that price tag.

You need to be at an MGM-owned hotel to play, right?

I'm not sure, tbh. Never played any of the Vegas area courses and this is being handled as a bundle so I wrote one check for hotel, golf, transportation from hotel to/from courses, etc. We are staying at the Mirage, for what that's worth. Not sure if that's a MGM property or not.

 

[patinorange]

Shadow creek is open to the public now. It ain’t cheap. 500 plus caddie fees and tip. When Wynn owned it you could only get on with a personal invitation.

 

[The Needler]

Shadow creek is open to the public now. It ain’t cheap. 500 plus caddie fees and tip. When Wynn owned it you could only get on with a personal invitation.

Still gotta be an MGM Resorts guest (of which Mirage is one), and you’re very unlikely to get a weekend spot unless you’re a high roller or in a high end suite or villa. Regular guests will also get bumped for high rollers, celebrities, etc.

 

[patinorange]

Still gotta be an MGM Resorts guest (of which Mirage is one), and you’re very unlikely to get a weekend spot unless you’re a high roller or in a high end suite or villa. Regular guests will also get bumped for high rollers, celebrities, etc.

Thanks. When I called I was staying at an MGM property. But the price scared me off.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

Mid-50s today and tomorrow... then 40s and some rainy days in the forecast. I took today off to play. This may be it for the season.

 

[Eagle3]

Is anybody here playing Titleist AP3s? If so how do you like them? I'm debating switching from AP2s to AP3s but not convinced it's the right move. Ive been playing the AP2s for 2 years and they are great when I'm hitting it solid, but this has not been a good ball striking season and I'm having trouble with distance control due to a pretty big difference between mishit and peak distance. Will the AP3s close that gap?

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

They’re supposed to be somewhere between AP1s and AP2s, but cast, if you care about that. Have you considered swapping out just your long irons for AP3s (or even AP1s)? Mixed sets make a lot of sense for people who really don’t want to give up less forgiving but better feeling mid/short irons. There are very few players who actually need and can consistently use workability and feel out of long irons.

 

[Eagle3]

They’re supposed to be somewhere between AP1s and AP2s, but cast, if you care about that. Have you considered swapping out just your long irons for AP3s (or even AP1s)? Mixed sets make a lot of sense for people who really don’t want to give up less forgiving but better feeling mid/short irons. There are very few players who actually need and can consistently use workability and feel out of long irons.

I've thought about a mixed set, but I'm having the same problem up and down the whole set. The real solution is to find a consistent swing that I seem to have lost this season. But that has proven elusive

 

[Phragle]

Most people don't use forgiving enough clubs I think -- me included. I lost my swing this year and have been trying to find it since. I put some lead on the head to make the shaft play a touch softer and get a little more launch and forgiveness, but the real difference maker is working on technique and drilling it so it sticks.

I like all of Titleist irons rn. Consider the TMB and the AP1 too, and the right shaft. A friend of mine bought new AP1s with the AMT white shafts and it's a great combo. I thought they'd be more shovely but looking down on the the forgiveness is disguised very well. They seem more like my JPX forged than the Hot Metal.

 

[patinorange]

I know you guys have been waiting for an update on my game. I got my second career hole in one today. It was a little weird in that none of us saw it go in. I hit it so high that we lost it in the sun and I was convinced I hit it over the green. My partner was convinced it was short. We looked around for a few minutes and then he looked in the hole.
I then proceeded to double bogey the next hole, of course.
It’s a strange game.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

Congrats!!!

 

[kenneycb]

Literally how I got my first eagle. Had some 6 AM dew and playing by myself to add a degree of difficulty. Still have only hit the stick on a par 3. Almost lipped out the birdie from a couple feet.

 

[jercra]

For any one going to Bandon that wants any info, feel free to ask me in here or in PM. I've carded well over 100 rounds there over the years (been at least once a year since 2000) and run multiple tourneys of 24 guys ranging from your unlimited cash millionaires to your work for every penny guys on a once in a lifetime trip. I've stayed in town lots of nights and at every lodging type on property. I'll be heading back the first week of the year with 24 guys from my old club in Portland. Don't trust anyone who tells you Old Mac is their favorite course. Pacific is the most scenic with the best holes but the worst track. Trails is the least scenic with the best track (especially for low caps from the tips) though the remodel took some of the teeth out. Bandon is the perfect mix of track and scenery. Mac is great but has too many nondescript holes for me. If the wind isn't up, Mac is boring. If it is, it can be damn near impossible. Biggest tips I could give anyone going is (in no particular order):

1) Buy really good rain gear including pants, gloves and hats and to always bring it no matter what the forecast.
2) Practice punch shots. Low runners is the name of the game.
3) Leave that high bounce 60 at home unless you're a low cap with real good hands
4) Walk a lot of rounds before you go. It's a lot more tiring walking on hard packed sand in the wind and rain than you may think.
5) Bring everything you want to drink with you if you drink. Most rooms have refrigerators and/or ice makers to keep drinks cold and once you get on the resort you won't leave.
6) Re-rounds are cheap and the 3rd+ round is free, but not on the Preserve.
7) The weather can suck or be great at any time of the year.
8) Do not expect a fancy resort. It's really nice, don't get me wrong, but it's all about golf and golfers.
9) If you're into such things, the Bunker Bar in the basement of the main lodge is a cigar and poker bar all night every night. No one will tell you this when you check in.
10) Pack layers. It can go from 30 and raining to 65 and sunny in a short time and vice versa.
11) Don't go in or near the gorse. It's vicious.
12) Never pick up a towel if you see one. Bathrooms are few and far between and people have long, difficult evenings.
13) Umbrellas are seen occasionally flying across the fairways and generally nowhere else.
14) There's a stash of whiskey on Bandon that a caddie can guide you too if you're into that sort of thing and you're not being a dick. Ask at the turn. It's good form to drop some off if you take more than a little, but it's there from the golfers, for the golfers, so don't feel shy about asking.
15) Get a caddie if you can afford one. If you can't and there's one in your group, feel free to ask for advice but kick him a $20 at the end of the round.
16) Don't fire at the pin. Like, ever. It won't work out.

I know that was all unsolicited, but I love that place and looking forward to another 4 days and 6 rounds in January.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

Most people don't use forgiving enough clubs I think -- me included. I lost my swing this year and have been trying to find it since. I put some lead on the head to make the shaft play a touch softer and get a little more launch and forgiveness, but the real difference maker is working on technique and drilling it so it sticks.

I like all of Titleist irons rn. Consider the TMB and the AP1 too, and the right shaft. A friend of mine bought new AP1s with the AMT white shafts and it's a great combo. I thought they'd be more shovely but looking down on the the forgiveness is disguised very well. They seem more like my JPX forged than the Hot Metal.

I totally agree. I feel like there’s some sort of pressure to buy the clubs that work best on your best days and not the clubs that might be best on the most days. Or something like that.

All I know is I love my shovels. They’re not miracle workers but they absolutely make up for some less than perfect contact.

 

[( . ) ( . ) and (_!_)]

I had a chance last week to play the course at Yale in New Haven. It was fantastic.
Very hilly, lots of blind shots, changes in elevation and quirky features. Some people would probably get frustrated at some of the oddities. More then a few of them flirt with the line between "fun/different" and "this is mini-golf/mockery of the game". For example....

• There is a green that has a trench in the middle (this trench cuts the green into two halves, front and back and drops down about 8 vertical feet)
• Your 2nd shot into the 10th green looks like it's a 50 foot change in elevation
• 18 has the world's largest 'hump' - I was on top of the hump, 160 yards from the middle of the green and hit a sand wedge to the front 1/3
• There is basically a cliff to the left of the 2nd green that drops down ~35 feet to a bunker - literally an impossible shot

The course was in phenomenal shape for this time of year. Especially the greens though they were very hard to read. Which wasn't too surprising considering how 'bumpy' the entire course is.

It was a very hard course, but really interesting/fun as well. Type of place you could play three days in a row and have completely different experiences each time.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

I would pitch over that trench. That’s why you don’t design greens like that.

 

[4 6 3 DP]

Dedham has a green like that on a par 3. Agreed that it's not a design feature to me but the members there seem to like it.

 

[Old Fart Tree]

For any one going to Bandon that wants any info, feel free to ask me in here or in PM. I've carded well over 100 rounds there over the years (been at least once a year since 2000) and run multiple tourneys of 24 guys ranging from your unlimited cash millionaires to your work for every penny guys on a once in a lifetime trip. I've stayed in town lots of nights and at every lodging type on property. I'll be heading back the first week of the year with 24 guys from my old club in Portland. Don't trust anyone who tells you Old Mac is their favorite course. Pacific is the most scenic with the best holes but the worst track. Trails is the least scenic with the best track (especially for low caps from the tips) though the remodel took some of the teeth out. Bandon is the perfect mix of track and scenery. Mac is great but has too many nondescript holes for me. If the wind isn't up, Mac is boring. If it is, it can be damn near impossible. Biggest tips I could give anyone going is (in no particular order):

1) Buy really good rain gear including pants, gloves and hats and to always bring it no matter what the forecast.
2) Practice punch shots. Low runners is the name of the game.
3) Leave that high bounce 60 at home unless you're a low cap with real good hands
4) Walk a lot of rounds before you go. It's a lot more tiring walking on hard packed sand in the wind and rain than you may think.
5) Bring everything you want to drink with you if you drink. Most rooms have refrigerators and/or ice makers to keep drinks cold and once you get on the resort you won't leave.
6) Re-rounds are cheap and the 3rd+ round is free, but not on the Preserve.
7) The weather can suck or be great at any time of the year.
8) Do not expect a fancy resort. It's really nice, don't get me wrong, but it's all about golf and golfers.
9) If you're into such things, the Bunker Bar in the basement of the main lodge is a cigar and poker bar all night every night. No one will tell you this when you check in.
10) Pack layers. It can go from 30 and raining to 65 and sunny in a short time and vice versa.
11) Don't go in or near the gorse. It's vicious.
12) Never pick up a towel if you see one. Bathrooms are few and far between and people have long, difficult evenings.
13) Umbrellas are seen occasionally flying across the fairways and generally nowhere else.
14) There's a stash of whiskey on Bandon that a caddie can guide you too if you're into that sort of thing and you're not being a dick. Ask at the turn. It's good form to drop some off if you take more than a little, but it's there from the golfers, for the golfers, so don't feel shy about asking.
15) Get a caddie if you can afford one. If you can't and there's one in your group, feel free to ask for advice but kick him a $20 at the end of the round.
16) Don't fire at the pin. Like, ever. It won't work out.

I know that was all unsolicited, but I love that place and looking forward to another 4 days and 6 rounds in January.

14- more than whiskey usually - I think there were a few joints and blunts in there the last time I went.

 

[Daws213]

I had a chance last week to play the course at Yale in New Haven. It was fantastic.
Very hilly, lots of blind shots, changes in elevation and quirky features. Some people would probably get frustrated at some of the oddities. More then a few of them flirt with the line between "fun/different" and "this is mini-golf/mockery of the game". For example....

• There is a green that has a trench in the middle (this trench cuts the green into two halves, front and back and drops down about 8 vertical feet)
• Your 2nd shot into the 10th green looks like it's a 50 foot change in elevation
• 18 has the world's largest 'hump' - I was on top of the hump, 160 yards from the middle of the green and hit a sand wedge to the front 1/3
• There is basically a cliff to the left of the 2nd green that drops down ~35 feet to a bunker - literally an impossible shot

The course was in phenomenal shape for this time of year. Especially the greens though they were very hard to read. Which wasn't too surprising considering how 'bumpy' the entire course is.

It was a very hard course, but really interesting/fun as well. Type of place you could play three days in a row and have completely different experiences each time.

The green with the trench in the middle is a design template called the Biarritz used by CB McDonald and Seth Raynor - who was the architect of Yale. The Yale version is considered one of the best renditions of the Biarritz template in the world. Some more info here: http://www.friedegg.co/golf-courses/the-biarritz

The 2nd hole, similar to the biarritz, is a also a template called a Cape hole: http://www.friedegg.co/golf-courses/template-holes-cape

 

[HoyaSoxa]

Has anyone played at Sea Island recently and have any advice?

I am going for a weekend at the end of November with 3 (or possibly 7) friends. We are staying at The Lodge for two nights and playing each of the three courses at the resort. I have been told Southern Soul BBQ in Saint Simon's Island is a must, so we will be getting there for one dinner and likely doing the Colt and Alison Steakhouse at The Lodge for our other dinner. I am flying in and out of Jacksonville.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

Sadly, I made about 10 full swings on Sunday before feeling some lower back tightness and decided to shut down rather than play through it. That might have been the last good golf weather days of the year.

I did spend quite a while working on chipping—choking down, club upright a bit, using putting stroke, slightly off the toe (based on a video I watched with Furyk on YouTube). Interestingly, that’s just an easier and more consistent way to chip. Might be onto something there going into next season.

 

[4 6 3 DP]

In the last 7 days I both got my first Ace and got my career low round (76). Feeling very good about the game as my season ends.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

When did Srixon become an equipment juggernaught? They make everything now and people seem to love their stuff. I haven’t seen any in stores or in bags though...

 

[TFP]

In the last 7 days I both got my first Ace and got my career low round (76). Feeling very good about the game as my season ends.

Just wanted to say congrats on this, I missed it before. This is great.

 

[TFP]

Switching memberships next year. Went in with about 15 other guys and got a phenomenal deal at the International in Bolton. Combine that with some major dissatisfaction at my current club and my friends joining me over there, it was a no brainer. I’m very excited for next year already.

 

[thestardawg]

Great club. Many people like the newer course but the old course to me is sublime. Do you mind sharing the deal you received. I considered joining but it aint cheap once you hit 44.

 

[TFP]

Great club. Many people like the newer course but the old course to me is sublime. Do you mind sharing the deal you received. I considered joining but it aint cheap once you hit 44.

All the guys we had are in their 30s (some clock in at 29) so we ended up getting about 40% off the price for the Young Exec membership, so it ends up being cheaper than my old club with way more benefits. Food minimums still apply though, those are higher than before.

I love the practice area/range there, and I love that they have 2 courses. I'm not sure which is new/old, but the Pines (the long one with the Tiger tees) is amazing. I love that course. The Oaks is nice, I'd like to play it a few more times to see it but I remember it being pretty narrow with a lot of elevation changes, especially on par 3s. Should be fun though.

 

[4 6 3 DP]

I got to play the ocean course at Kiawah today. Legitimate bucket list item. I've been lucky to play a lot of pretty courses, I was blown away by the course. Stunning views both of the water and inland it's like a nature preserve. Really recommend getting down to Charleston and doing it. Had really high expectations and it exceeded them.

 

[Montana Fan]

Looking for a little guidance. A friend is retiring at year end and we're having a small get together for him and plan to give him a $250 gift certificate. I'd like to give him one for an online golf store. Any recommendations?

 

[TFP]

I've used https://www.2ndswing.com/ with success in the past.

 

[Comfortably Lomb]

No issues with Golfworks when ordering grips/supplies in the past. Decent selection and they shipped quickly too.

 

[Papelbon's Poutine]

Looking for a little guidance. A friend is retiring at year end and we're having a small get together for him and plan to give him a $250 gift certificate. I'd like to give him one for an online golf store. Any recommendations?

I’ve used www.3balls.com many times in the past and found them to be great. New or used stuff and I’ve many times found their highest grade of used cones with the shrink wrap still on it; never been hit it’s a display club or demo.

 

[Montana Fan]

Thanks Pap Pout!!

 

[Conigliaro's Potential]

FWIW, I'm a member at two clubs in Scotland - Dunbar and Machrihanish. Today I got around to paying my membership fees for both clubs for next year, and I've just learned that right around the time I sent my email to the Machrihanish Club Secretary to let her know I'd paid my bill, the clubhouse was on fire and seems to have been completely gutted:

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-scotland-glasgow-west-46623111
https://www.bunkered.co.uk/golf-news/huge-blaze-rips-through-machrihanish-clubhouse

Just horrible - I've known the club steward (Iain) for more than 20 years, and he and his family lived in the top of the clubhouse, and that's all gone. Thankfully nobody appears to have been injured, but this is a real kick in the teeth...not so much for me (I'm a non-playing member now, as I rarely get back to Argyll these days), but for everyone in what is a very small, tightly knit community. The clubhouse has always been a social center in the village in addition to a great place for visitors to just chill out and enjoy views of the sea and a wonderful golf course; it's going to take a long time for things to get back to normal, I fear, if indeed they ever do.

 

[Koufax]

Very sad, CP.

Has Dunbar made any progress in selling its clubhouse and building a new one?

 

[TFP]

Man that really sucks. Sorry to hear, man.

Out of curiosity what are the non-playing membership dues for a club like that?