SoSH Golf, 2022

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Thanks so much! My son is a HS senior next year, and he's looking into playing in college. He's looking at smaller schools that may not have a separate club team, but it's good to hear about the club golf experience if that becomes an option, or he decides to go to a school that he's not good enough to be on the team.
@Doug Beerabelli happy entry to the sub 80 club. I had a follow up 79 to my prior one, including a middle 9 of -1.

My nephew is going to be a senior in HS this year- he is a 5 (but struggles under pressure ), and wants to play in college - so I’d be interested in hearing how your search goes (the nephew is like a son to me, so I have emotional but not financial interest in this)
Nice round OGG!

My oldest wants to do aerospace engineering and knew he didn't have the length to compete DI, but we encouraged him to still take golf into the equation when choosing a school. College is a huge adjustment and having to essentially give up golf would have made it even more challenging.

My 16yo wants to play in college too. Entering his junior year and starting to think about campus visits so I'd be very interested in hearing about your son's experience @Doug Beerabelli and your nephew's experience @Over Guapo Grande
 

Doug Beerabelli

Killer Threads
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Will do on the journey. I will say that if you’re not a clear D-1 player, golf recruiting is very much a player/family driven process, where you have to go out and contact coaches, and be very persistent about it. Unlike other sports—mostly team sports—there aren’t many summer camp showcase type things where coaches come and can see a lot of players at once. Playing 36 hole tourneys from longer yardages seems to be the most important measure - these scores can be tracked/verified online by coaches. Also, understanding HS scores likely don’t mean much to coaches in the process, especially if it’s nine hole matches.

I’ll share some more thoughts when I have time for a longer post.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
My course hosts the Boeing Classic (Champions Tour) and I get to play in the Pro-Am tomorrow for winning our clubs member/member. I'm pretty excited about it. The pairings party is tonight, get to meet all the pros.

Had an insider that has a decent chance to get us paired with anyone we want. I requested Darren Clarke, let's see what happens.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
Ended up with Olin Brown :confused:

Tee off at 2:20, should be a blast either way. There are already crowds at the course. We've got a buddy of ours caddying for us. He knows nothing about golf, we got him a white caddy suit and tons of beers. We told him to just follow the other caddies around and do everything they do. Occasionally call out a club or throw grass in the air.
 

Dave Stapleton

Just A Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 11, 2001
9,112
Newport, RI
So I’m at a place where I feel like I’m playing the best I have in a few years but can’t put two 9s together. I will shoot 38-40 on front and then take a big score on the back and blow my chance at breaking 80.

I think I’m close. My big issue in the past was a shaky driver (accuracy) and I seem to avoid this lately. The other huge issue for me to figure out was from a caddie actually. I’ve learned to figure out when I should be only hitting an iron from the rough. Sure it’s called a rescue but that doesn’t mean you should hit it out of any lie in the rough.

My short game is above average and my putting is streaky. I feel a sub 80 round coming!!!
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
@Dave Stapleton you are not alone. Last week I had a 43-35 split in a round. It sounds like you are really close to putting it together.

@FL4WL3SS - would love to hear about your round with Olin Browne when you have a chance.

@Doug Beerabelli - thanks for the comments on the college search process. It reminded me the oldest was invited to a three day tourney at Dartmouth in the spring of 2019 which was intended to be that opportunity for players to meet coaches. That was cancelled when covid hit. I'm not sure if that's still going on anymore but I have the coaches info somewhere and can reach back out depending on how middle kid does this year.
 

Doug Beerabelli

Killer Threads
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PFT, that's a bummer he didn't get to play in that invitational. Dartmouth does a well-regarded two day camp over the summer that we convinced my son to go to this past June. Probably better suited for Jrs to be than Srs to be. It's a camp in the traditional sense--training, advice, with matches-- but also a chance to meet coaches and learn a bit more about the recruiting process. The camps aren't cheap, and you still have to pay your own lodging and meals. This timed to follow the AJGA tournament in Vermont (not an invitational), which is a 3 day thing if you play in it. My son didn't, has not done AJGA tournaments, and likely won't. He has played in lots of CTPGA junior events, CSGA events, and tourneys on the Hurricane Jr Tour and US Challenge Cup tour. The tourney fees can add up, but the PGA, CSGA and Challenge cup ones are quite reasonable IMO.

This year's camp had Dartmouth, Middlebury, and UConn coaches there. My daughter is a Sr at Midd, and we're from CT, so it was ostensibly useful. He's not going to look to attend at those places, for a combo of reasons (not quite skilled enough, not a fit for school he thinks he wants to go to, and his academics would be in bottom ranges for athletes for Dart/Midd,), but I do believe there's some good to be had from attending a camp with coaches of schools a student might have an interest. There are camps that will gather coaches, and some are targeted, like Ivy schools, high level D-III schools, etc.

That being said, I don't believe a camp is necessary by any means. I'd still say 36 hole scores in full length, competitive events, and being persistent in contacting coaches/schools is the main best pathway. Getting swing videos out there helps, too, especially made easy for coaches to access (put it on Youtube, and email the link to coaches type of thing). If a kid is really really talented, and is kicking ass in AJGA and other bigger events, the top D-1 schools are likely recruiting them heavy, and thus easier lifting for such high quality players.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,376
Got to play three rounds while on vacation. Was pretty happy overall. 86, 82, 84. The 86 was bizarro-land. Front nine started off ok, three bogeys and three pars to be at +3 through six. Then came the 205 yard par three, elevated green, huge swale in front, woods on the right. Very tough hole, in my mind easily the toughest on the course. Have to hit a long iron and hold it. Bailout area is to the left and that was my plan. Play to the left, chip on, take my bogey and run.

Nope.

Sliced a four-iron into the crap on the right. Found my ball in a pile of wood chips. Took two to get out, but was still in the swale. Chipped over. Chipped on. Ended up with a 7. Next hole, 505 yard par 5, relatively easy, all you gotta do is hit a decent drive and it's pretty clear sailing. Of course I hit a crappy drive, then hit my second shot into the trees, ended up with an 8. So on those two holes I was +7 after a good start. Bogeyed the ninth but ended with +11 on the front. Ugh. Back nine was great after scrambling for bogeys on 10 and 11, but those bogeys stabilized things. #12 was a 145 yard par 3. Stuck my 9 iron to within 5 inches. Closest I've ever been to a hole in one. Beautiful shot, totally pure. Loved it. Birdied three holes on the back, finished with a 39 on the back. Anyway, 86 for the round - overall played well except for that two hole stretch on 7 and 8.

So nice to get out three times while on vacation. Came back to an absolute mountain of work, so there's that.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
@Dave Stapleton you are not alone. Last week I had a 43-35 split in a round. It sounds like you are really close to putting it together.

@FL4WL3SS - would love to hear about your round with Olin Browne when you have a chance.

@Doug Beerabelli - thanks for the comments on the college search process. It reminded me the oldest was invited to a three day tourney at Dartmouth in the spring of 2019 which was intended to be that opportunity for players to meet coaches. That was cancelled when covid hit. I'm not sure if that's still going on anymore but I have the coaches info somewhere and can reach back out depending on how middle kid does this year.
Will def update when I get a chance, it was a blast. I flew out immediately after to play the courses at Big Cedar (including Payne's Valley).
 

kelpapa

Costanza's Hero
SoSH Member
Feb 15, 2010
4,638
Played at the longest course in north America* at a scramble. Raindance in Windsor, Colorado. Beautiful course. Narrow fairways. I played like complete dog shit. I don't think I would pay the $250 greens fees very often, though.


*Allegedly
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
My 19yo played Oakmont yesterday from the Open tees and shot 76. He said it was surprising to find heaven in the rust belt. Today and tomorrow he'll play at Pine Valley. This could easily go in the "brag about your children" thread for sure.
 

Gunca

New Member
Mar 5, 2020
44
Semi final this morning of the club championship. 22 holes were needed to decide a winner between Rhode Island golf legend “Doc” Pirie and myself. I went out in 34, and made the turn 2 up. I made not one, not two, but 3 mistakes on 13 to let Doc bring the match to 1 up before regaining 2 up lead the following hole.

Another mistake on 16, and an unlucky break on 18 sees the match into extra holes.

I learned a lot about myself during this round and my head has never been held higher despite feeling like I beat myself more than he beat me.

Doc is a bad dude.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Semi final this morning of the club championship. 22 holes were needed to decide a winner between Rhode Island golf legend “Doc” Pirie and myself. I went out in 34, and made the turn 2 up. I made not one, not two, but 3 mistakes on 13 to let Doc bring the match to 1 up before regaining 2 up lead the following hole.

Another mistake on 16, and an unlucky break on 18 sees the match into extra holes.

I learned a lot about myself during this round and my head has never been held higher despite feeling like I beat myself more than he beat me.

Doc is a bad dude.
Damn impressive performance - sounds like a great match play match. Anyone who is two down on the 15th tee and brings it back to square the match is a force to be reckoned with.

My son had 84 at Pine Valley yesterday with four doubles down the stretch. One of his teammates had 75, and there was a 77 and 79 in his group too. They go off for today's round at 9. Last night's dinner was turtle soup, grilled shrimp and 22 oz Ribeyes. Scottie and Spieth both missed the cut this week and are playing Pine Valley today too.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
Final report on my son's trip. He had 75 today with no birdies. Hit the ball great and putted well but couldn't get anything to drop. Had lunch in the clubhouse and Scottie took the table next to theirs. As they packed up from their cabin they watched Speith and Scottie play as they went by.

He's over the moon driving home, just an amazing experience.
 

Zomp

Moderator
Moderator
SoSH Member
Aug 28, 2006
13,942
The Slums of Shaolin
8BEB4021-1D90-4DF2-AD0E-5FB803C8D3A9.jpeg

I had the pleasure of playing @Dave Stapleton ’s Aquidneck Club yesterday here in Rhode Island. Course was a good mix of target golf, links golf, and a little park land style as well. Conditions were immaculate, probably the best conditions I’ve played since the TPC Boston after the playoff event a few years back. Greens were tricky and definitely the course’s main defense.

I had 83 which wasn’t terrible considering 3 or 4 blow up holes.

18 is a dogleg right, drivable par 4 right on the ocean. From the tee you actually walk on the beach to get back to the fairway. Pretty cool.

Only thing better than the course was the host.
 
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Dave Stapleton

Just A Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Oct 11, 2001
9,112
Newport, RI
I had the pleasure of playing @Dave Stapleton ’s Aquidneck Club yesterday here in Rhode Island. Course was a good mix of target golf, links golf, and a little park land style as well. Conditions were immaculate, probably the best conditions I’ve played since the TPC Boston after the playoff event a few years back. Greens were tricky and definitely the course’s main defense.

I had 83 which wasn’t terrible considering 3 or 4 blow up holes.

18 is a dogleg right, drivable par 4 right on the ocean. From the tee you actually walk on the beach to get back to the fairway. Pretty cool.

Only thing better than the course was the host.
Pleasure was all mine! Good thing we had caddies and a member who is a good putter as I had no clue yesterday on the greens. For those who couldn't figure it out ... that's the 18th behind us.

We have a bunch of folks in New England that play. We should put together a little Ryder Cup style home and home and home and home sometime.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
Just wrapping up a pretty great week of golf myself. Started off with the Pro-Am at my course on Wednesday and then flew to Missouri on Thursday.

The Pro-Am was a blast, lots of free food and booze. I played with Olin Browne who was a really good sport. We got pretty drunk during the round and Olin loved hanging out with us. Got reports back while I was away that he enjoyed some friends following him on the course throughout the weekend. I bet him $10 for closest to the pin on our 220y par 3 #13 and beat him, that was a fun moment. We went double or nothing on the 215y par 3 #17 and I left it short of the green, he hit a beauty right on line the trickled to the fringe so got to keep his $10.

Ozark National and Payne's Valley were unbelievable. Ozark probably in my top 5 all time (and I've played over 20 top 100 courses). I had no idea it was a Coore/Crenshaw when I played it the first day, but it makes sense as I love every course of theirs I've played. We tipped it out all three days (played Ozarks twice) - I played great on PV, shooting 77 from the Tiger tees (7300y+). Probably the best conditioned course I've ever played. To top it off, there's a 19th hole with a fantastic view and amazing cart ride up the cliff to end the round. The only drawback was the heat as it was 90-98 every day and there is zero shade on either course.

It's a pain to get to, but highly recommend it. Would not recommend Top of Rock, that course was junk. Played that the first day (9 hole par 3 course with great views) followed by Branson Hills (former MO #1 public before Ozarks) - great track.

Branson MO is a weird fucking place though.
 

FL4WL3SS

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
Forgot to add, they do it right at Big Cedar - both courses had free water throughout and halfway shacks with free food, snacks, and ice cream. There was a guy driving around the course giving cold wet towels each day the smelled of mint and eucalyptus. They know how to take care of the guests.
 

Dave Stapleton

Just A Member
Lifetime Member
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Oct 11, 2001
9,112
Newport, RI
Fun track-I've played there a bunch. When did it stop being called Carnegie Abbey??
A group of members purchased the club 3/4 years ago from the developer who encountered trouble after ambitious real estate projects. They renamed the club and have made significant investments in the house and course.
 

petefungtorres

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
730
Portland, ME
@FL4WL3SS - great round at Payne's Valley - that's awesome. And thanks for the update.

@Dave Stapleton - I'd love to tee it up with SoSHers but am kind of far away from you all. However, if anyone is interested in making the trek to Sunday River please hit me up. It's a really great golf course and the conditions are really good.

I got out to play with my son yesterday for the first time after his trip (work has been kicking my ass) and wanted to share an epilogue. Both Oakmont and Pine Valley are far and away the best courses he's played. He liked the course at Pine Valley better but the "vibe" at Oakmont was incredible. He described the off course experience at Pine Valley as surreal - it's just a whole different world. He described chatting with an older gentleman at the putting green and after a while his host came up and said "I see you've met Arnold Palmer's best friend." Turns out the gentleman with whom he was speaking is a member at PV, Seminole, Bay Hill and St. Andrews and is on the board of the R&A. My son said he couldn't have been a nicer guy. Just hanging out, shooting the shit at Pine Valley as one does.

The guys knew that Scottie and Spieth were at 1 and 1:10 which was just when they were coming up 18, but they didn't see them on the tee and wondered where they were as they sat down for lunch. They were the only ones in the grill room when Scottie walked in with his group and sat down. Scottie was more than happy to chat with them for a few minutes and shake hands. He mentioned Jordan got lost on the way to the course so they pushed back their tee times. Neither of them had played there before.

I gave my son my credit card since his ATM card gets shut down by his bank when he gets outside of the state and I didn't want to risk him not being able to pick up merch (for me, and maybe for him too). I wanted a pin flag from PV, but they explained to only way to get a pin flag is to make an ace. Fair enough. But he was in need of a new golf bag and they had (what we understand to be) a Titleist prototype leather bag in the shop with the PV logo. It was shockingly inexpensive so he picked that up along with a few shirts, pullovers, hats and old fashioned glasses (he got me some from Oakmont too).

The kid is still on cloud nine, and fully appreciates what an amazing experience he just had - commenting that he's already peaked on his lifetime golf experiences with that trip.
 

Murderer's Crow

Dragon Wangler 216
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
23,479
Garden City
So, I've got a weird question.

I have, through work, been given ~$4400 worth of taylor made gift cards ($3500 + 25% discount). I want to get a fitting but does it even make sense if I'm only going to choose Taylor Made?

What are my variables here? Shaft, length, grip? Is it worth a fitting for that - I've never had a fitting.
 

88 MVP

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 25, 2007
534
WNY
Definitely get a fitting. First, there will be multiple TM club head offerings you can test (including considering some type of combo set if you wanted to get wild), plus you should be fit for shaft, length, lie, and grip.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
SoSH Member
Feb 22, 2004
12,959
The Paris of the 80s
So, I've got a weird question.

I have, through work, been given ~$4400 worth of taylor made gift cards ($3500 + 25% discount). I want to get a fitting but does it even make sense if I'm only going to choose Taylor Made?

What are my variables here? Shaft, length, grip? Is it worth a fitting for that - I've never had a fitting.
It always makes sense to get fit but the scope of a fitting can vary. At an absolute minimum you should be doing length and lie angle. A basic TM fitting cart should have all of their various clubheads and standard shaft options though.

IMO it's a bad idea to buy a driver without hitting it on a launch monitor. Head-shaft combo is everything since optimizing launch conditions maximizes distance. I don't think you need to go crazy dialing in for every last yard but you don't want to be losing 10-20 yards because you're generating crazy backspin that a different shaft might help reduce.
 

Doug Beerabelli

Killer Threads
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Concur on getting the fitting. In essence, you'd be getting a brand new top notch set of clubs for the cost of the fitting, if you can't use the GC for that.

I think you'll be able to find something you like from TM, too. And have money left over for bag, and lots and lots of golf balls. Unless you get those impossible-to-hit -looking Ricky Fowler blades.
 

Murderer's Crow

Dragon Wangler 216
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
23,479
Garden City
Thanks @Comfortably Lomb & @88 MVP - the reason I even ask is because the golftec by me (less than a mile away) is really a pain in the ass. They need 2-3months to schedule a date and last time they just straight up canceled on me. So, I'm sitting on this card for 4 months and eager to buy clubs before the season ends. At this point, I might just wait to see what Taylormade releases in the fall or winter.

Edit: and @Doug Beerabelli
 

steveluck7

Member
SoSH Member
May 10, 2007
3,994
Burrillville, RI
Thanks @Comfortably Lomb & @88 MVP - the reason I even ask is because the golftec by me (less than a mile away) is really a pain in the ass. They need 2-3months to schedule a date and last time they just straight up canceled on me. So, I'm sitting on this card for 4 months and eager to buy clubs before the season ends. At this point, I might just wait to see what Taylormade releases in the fall or winter.

Edit: and @Doug Beerabelli
I would still set it up (even with the 2-3 months lead time) Getting new, custom clubs is a big adjustment and having the winter / early spring to get acclimated to them will be good for you. when i got my custom clubs after years of hand-me-downs / off the rack clubs, it took me a couple of rounds to even consistently get the ball in the air and a good 7-10 rounds until i felt fully comfortable.
 

Deathofthebambino

Drive Carefully
SoSH Member
Apr 12, 2005
41,948
A group of members purchased the club 3/4 years ago from the developer who encountered trouble after ambitious real estate projects. They renamed the club and have made significant investments in the house and course.
Huh? I had no idea they changed the name, or that you were there. Friend of mine was (and maybe still is) a member there about 10 years ago, and had been for a while. We lost touch, but played the course close to a dozen times, and I loved it.

I'm in the Championships of the net flight club championship on Saturday. I'm the #1 seed in the B Flight, and played two matches last weekend, against arguably two of the biggest sand baggers in America. Both guys play over 300 rounds per year between FL and MA, and their handicaps never fucking move.

On Saturday, I'm giving 1 shot a side to my opponent. I played absolutely terrible on the front, and was 4 down after 7 (mostly due to having not played for about a week), and won the 8th and 9th hole to get to 2 down. Then I 3 jacked 10 and 11 to go back to 4 down. We both made par on 12, so I'm 4 down with 6 to play, and then I proceeded to win 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17, all with pars to go 1 up after 17. I fucked up 18 with a triple (I hate that hole) so had to go to extra holes. We both hit our second shots short of the green on the 1st playoff hole. I was about 20 yards off the front, and he was a little closer. I putted mine up to about 7 feet, and he chipped his through the green, and above the hole, which is death there and then 3 putted for 6, and gave me the par putt. With the triple on 18, I went 45/41 for 86, but from the 8th-18th hole, I was only 2 over with the 3 putts on 10 and 11, so I wasn't playing bad.

Interestingly, I've been hitting the same Taylor Made burner white-headed driver for like 10 years. Had no pop in it, but I hit it straight and couldn't go away from it. After hitting a not so great tee shot on 16, I kind of threw my hands up, driver flew out of my hands (I'm not a club thrower) and landed on a fence off the tee box about 6 feet away, and broke in half, so I had to play the next 3 holes, all par 4's with a 3 wood.

On Sunday, I grabbed a demo Calloway Rogue and went out without going to the range or anything. I was giving 1 shot, and it was back and forth all day. He won the 15th to square it up, bringing us to the short par 4 16th. I was about 70 yards out, and my caddie wanted me to play a low wedge into the green, because it was a little damp in the fairway. I called him off, and went with a 60 degree, stuck it to 2 feet, made birdie, and then he blew his tee shot out on 17, and that was it. I took a bogey on 18 (we didn't play the hole though) and carded an 81 with a driver I've never hit before. I easily added 20-30 yards with the Rogue, and told the pro to just ring the thing up and leave it in my bag.

Played with Rob Oppenheim's brother on Monday in a charity event at Framingham CC. I guess Rob just got completely dejected a few weeks back when he shot 60 on Saturday and then followed it up with like a 75 on Sunday, when realistically, a semi decent round gets him his PGA card for next year. Headspace isn't great heading into the KF Playoff events, but hoping for the best.
 
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jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2006
3,147
Arvada, Co
Ended up with Olin Brown :confused:

Tee off at 2:20, should be a blast either way. There are already crowds at the course. We've got a buddy of ours caddying for us. He knows nothing about golf, we got him a white caddy suit and tons of beers. We told him to just follow the other caddies around and do everything they do. Occasionally call out a club or throw grass in the air.
Sounds like you used the wrong insider :)
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
SoSH Member
Feb 22, 2004
12,959
The Paris of the 80s
Thanks @Comfortably Lomb & @88 MVP - the reason I even ask is because the golftec by me (less than a mile away) is really a pain in the ass. They need 2-3months to schedule a date and last time they just straight up canceled on me. So, I'm sitting on this card for 4 months and eager to buy clubs before the season ends. At this point, I might just wait to see what Taylormade releases in the fall or winter.

Edit: and @Doug Beerabelli
There's little chance/risk anything is released in the near future that is better than equipment currently available. Even with drivers the OEM are basically maxed out and everything I see online seems to conclude it's hard to distinguish performance between models year to year now. It's not like years ago when they were all still figuring out modern club design. TM's marketing department will certainly tell you whatever their new model is faster, hotter, and hits bigger bombs though.
 

Murderer's Crow

Dragon Wangler 216
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
23,479
Garden City
There's little chance/risk anything is released in the near future that is better than equipment currently available. Even with drivers the OEM are basically maxed out and everything I see online seems to conclude it's hard to distinguish performance between models year to year now. It's not like years ago when they were all still figuring out modern club design. TM's marketing department will certainly tell you whatever their new model is faster, hotter, and hits bigger bombs though.
Apparently TM has said they are making a full transition to carbon and away from titanium. So, not that it will make a change for me but I don't think we've ever seen a carbon set of irons yet. Caron hybrids and drivers, yes. That is what the Stealth driver and hybrids are. Curious to see if anyone follows suit.

https://www.popsci.com/technology/taylormade-stealth-carbon-fiber-driver/
 

steveluck7

Member
SoSH Member
May 10, 2007
3,994
Burrillville, RI
Apparently TM has said they are making a full transition to carbon and away from titanium. So, not that it will make a change for me but I don't think we've ever seen a carbon set of irons yet. Caron hybrids and drivers, yes. That is what the Stealth driver and hybrids are. Curious to see if anyone follows suit.

https://www.popsci.com/technology/taylormade-stealth-carbon-fiber-driver/
My wife got me the stealth driver for father's day. My old driver was about 10 years old so the difference is big for me. one thing that is amazing.. i've played now 5-6 rounds with it and whatever they use to coat the face is unreal. the face looks brand new, not one mark on it
 

Murderer's Crow

Dragon Wangler 216
SoSH Member
Jul 15, 2005
23,479
Garden City
My wife got me the stealth driver for father's day. My old driver was about 10 years old so the difference is big for me. one thing that is amazing.. i've played now 5-6 rounds with it and whatever they use to coat the face is unreal. the face looks brand new, not one mark on it
Awesome stuff. I'm sure this is the clubhead I'll wind up using. Ironically, I called golftec again and they said they have a cancelation for tomorrow so in addition to my normal lessons, I'm gonna take a couple with them before my fitting. Last thing I want is to do a fitting while I'm working on changing my swing.
 

Oil Can Dan

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2003
8,015
0-3 to 4-3
At what point does it make sense to get a proper club fitting? I have been hesitant to go there because frankly I wasn't good enough and/or I didn't have a somewhat repeatable swing. I think I'm at the point where it may be beneficial as I'm now relatively consistently in the mid to high 80's but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste of money at this point. How do you know when something like that would make sense and provide good ROI?
 

steveluck7

Member
SoSH Member
May 10, 2007
3,994
Burrillville, RI
At what point does it make sense to get a proper club fitting? I have been hesitant to go there because frankly I wasn't good enough and/or I didn't have a somewhat repeatable swing. I think I'm at the point where it may be beneficial as I'm now relatively consistently in the mid to high 80's but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste of money at this point. How do you know when something like that would make sense and provide good ROI?
I would say if you're going to get new clubs anyhow, get fitted. Most operations will give you a credit towards the clubs if you have a fitting session. It certainly doesn't make the session "free" but it's a good benefit to know that the clubs are built for you.
 

Comfortably Lomb

Koko the Monkey
SoSH Member
Feb 22, 2004
12,959
The Paris of the 80s
At what point does it make sense to get a proper club fitting? I have been hesitant to go there because frankly I wasn't good enough and/or I didn't have a somewhat repeatable swing. I think I'm at the point where it may be beneficial as I'm now relatively consistently in the mid to high 80's but I'm not sure if it would just be a waste of money at this point. How do you know when something like that would make sense and provide good ROI?
It depends what you mean by fitting. Anyone who can shoot in the 80s is a competent golfer and I wouldn't suggest buying clubs without a fitter looking at shaft length, lie angle, and going through whatever the stock shaft offerings for the clubs you're thinking of buying. I'm highly suspect of the value of trying to find some bizarre boutique shaft options that cost premium money unless the player is extremely skilled and has very specific needs though.

My feeling about equipment is the right equipment can help a tiny bit but what you really want to avoid is equipment that fights against your swing/game. There's some trial and error too unfortunately. I've got my clubs basically dialed in where I want them now but I've bonked on some wedges and woods choices in the past. Sometimes you've got to learn why particular things don't work for you.
 

Oil Can Dan

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Jul 31, 2003
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0-3 to 4-3
It depends what you mean by fitting. Anyone who can shoot in the 80s is a competent golfer and I wouldn't suggest buying clubs without a fitter looking at shaft length, lie angle, and going through whatever the stock shaft offerings for the clubs you're thinking of buying. I'm highly suspect of the value of trying to find some bizarre boutique shaft options that cost premium money unless the player is extremely skilled and has very specific needs though.

My feeling about equipment is the right equipment can help a tiny bit but what you really want to avoid is equipment that fights against your swing/game. There's some trial and error too unfortunately. I've got my clubs basically dialed in where I want them now but I've bonked on some wedges and woods choices in the past. Sometimes you've got to learn why particular things don't work for you.
Thanks for this (and thanks to @steveluck7 too). I feel like I've had a bit of a breakthrough and my swing is relatively consistent now so I'm thinking a proper fitting with a new set makes sense. One last question - is there a general school of thought on how often you should replace clubs? I bought my set (Calloway Rogue's) off the shelf in 2016 which isn't long ago but I've played probably around 200+ rounds with them. Do clubs get worn down with more use?

I was on vacation the past two weeks and got in 11 rounds in 14 days at my club, and yesterday I had my best round ever. Shot an 83 with 10 pars, 6 bogeys, one double and one triple. If I could only putt I'd be dangerous!
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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Jul 31, 2006
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Arvada, Co
Thanks for this (and thanks to @steveluck7 too). I feel like I've had a bit of a breakthrough and my swing is relatively consistent now so I'm thinking a proper fitting with a new set makes sense. One last question - is there a general school of thought on how often you should replace clubs? I bought my set (Calloway Rogue's) off the shelf in 2016 which isn't long ago but I've played probably around 200+ rounds with them. Do clubs get worn down with more use?

I was on vacation the past two weeks and got in 11 rounds in 14 days at my club, and yesterday I had my best round ever. Shot an 83 with 10 pars, 6 bogeys, one double and one triple. If I could only putt I'd be dangerous!
Unless you're playing with pretty soft, forged irons and hit the center of the face on every shot, you're clubs are not worn down. I've got MP-18s with probably 500+ rounds on them and they're still just fine (for someone who can actually hit them, that is).

On another note, I got the chance to play Atlanta Athletic Club yesterday. Amazing course (played Highlands), amazing clubhouse, amazing food, and just an all around great experience. Played like an asshole on the front 9 with a truly gross 45 and reeled it back in a bit with a 36 on the back after an hour rain delay to think about what I'd done on the front. Back to work today before the club championship at TPC Sawgrass this weekend. Dye's Valley tomorrow then the long, very difficult slog of the Stadium course on Sunday. Got in 12 holes of practice on Valley today coming in even par, so there's some hope. Last year's winner finished at +3 overall. I have no chance at that score because Stadium hates me, but somewhere around +5-6 for the weekend will give me a chance and that's all you can ask. That being said, it hasn't stopped raining every day in NE Florida so everything will be playing really, really long. Going to be fun either way.
 

FL4WL3SS

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Jul 31, 2006
14,913
Andy Brickley's potty mouth
Unless you're playing with pretty soft, forged irons and hit the center of the face on every shot, you're clubs are not worn down. I've got MP-18s with probably 500+ rounds on them and they're still just fine (for someone who can actually hit them, that is).

On another note, I got the chance to play Atlanta Athletic Club yesterday. Amazing course (played Highlands), amazing clubhouse, amazing food, and just an all around great experience. Played like an asshole on the front 9 with a truly gross 45 and reeled it back in a bit with a 36 on the back after an hour rain delay to think about what I'd done on the front. Back to work today before the club championship at TPC Sawgrass this weekend. Dye's Valley tomorrow then the long, very difficult slog of the Stadium course on Sunday. Got in 12 holes of practice on Valley today coming in even par, so there's some hope. Last year's winner finished at +3 overall. I have no chance at that score because Stadium hates me, but somewhere around +5-6 for the weekend will give me a chance and that's all you can ask. That being said, it hasn't stopped raining every day in NE Florida so everything will be playing really, really long. Going to be fun either way.
Good luck! You're on a nice run of golf.
 

jercra

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Jul 31, 2006
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Arvada, Co
I was in 4th headed into today, 11 back as well. Day 3 no bueno. Shouldn't have gotten fucked up last night.
Ditto. 78 today on Stadium. One of the top 5 rounds of the day, but only good enough for 7th overall. Some people are very good at golf.
 

jercra

No longer respects DeChambeau
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Jul 31, 2006
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Arvada, Co
That is a very, very good effort. Were you playing from the back tees all the way around?
Thanks. One up. They don't let anyone buy pros play from the actual tips at Stadium. They don't even put the markers out. On Valley it was sort of a blend of blues and blacks because they had the net players and gross players play the same tees.