Man I knew there were a few of these around over in the US but damn not this many, and list probably doesn't even cover half them. I can think of a few that aren't even on the list..
http://www.google.com/Top/Sports/Golf/Organizations/Mini-Tours/
It'll be great if Greg Turner can continue to grow the GTNZ tour concept, I'd love to play in one of these
Saturday, November 18, 2006
Q-School
Well US Tour School 2nd stage is underway in 5 locations across America. If you look through the scoreboards you will see the names of players you've heard of and even major winners. Just goes to show how hard it is retain a card after you obtain one.
Check out the leaderboards here http://pgatq.bluegolf.com/league/pgatq6/tours.htm?type=1
There are a few Kiwis in action and doing pretty well. Phil Tautarangi is T2 in Texas after 2 rounds, Michael Long is 10th in California. Grant Waite is probably gone being in 40th after 3 and only the Top 20 at each site go through to the gruelling 6 round Q-School finals.
Also check out in my links section Brian Quackenbush, he's playing 2nd stage and is doing very well. His site makes great reading. Hope he makes it. It'd be great to get an insider view of the Finals
Check out the leaderboards here http://pgatq.bluegolf.com/league/pgatq6/tours.htm?type=1
There are a few Kiwis in action and doing pretty well. Phil Tautarangi is T2 in Texas after 2 rounds, Michael Long is 10th in California. Grant Waite is probably gone being in 40th after 3 and only the Top 20 at each site go through to the gruelling 6 round Q-School finals.
Also check out in my links section Brian Quackenbush, he's playing 2nd stage and is doing very well. His site makes great reading. Hope he makes it. It'd be great to get an insider view of the Finals
Saturday, November 11, 2006
New Golf Book!, A must buy for everyone
Chapter 1 - How to Properly Line Up Your Fourth Putt
Chapter 2 - How to Hit a Dunlop from the Rough When You Hit a Titleist from the Tee
Chapter 3 - How to Avoid the Water When You Lie 8 in a Bunker (also seeChapter 8)
Chapter 4 - How to Get More Distance off the Shank
Chapter 5 - When to Give the Ranger the Finger
Chapter 6 - Using Your Shadow on the Greens to Maximize Earnings
Chapter 7 - When to Implement Handicap Management
Chapter 8 - Proper Excuses for Drinking Beer Before 9:00 a.m.
Chapter 9 - How to Rationalize a 6 Hour Round
Chapter 10 - How to Find That Ball That Everyone Else Saw Go in the Water
Chapter 11 - Why Your Spouse Doesn't Care That You Birdied the 5th
Chapter 12 - How to Let a Foursome Play Through Your Twosome
Chapter 13 - How to Relax When You Are Hitting Three off the Tee
Chapter 14 - When to Suggest Major Swing Corrections to Your Opponent
Chapter 15 - God and the Meaning of the Birdie-to-Bogey Three Putt
Chapter 16 - When to Re-grip Your Ball Retriever
Chapter 17 - Can You Purchase a Better Golf Game?
Chapter 18 - Rules Interpretation: "Loss of Ball is Penalty Enough..."
Chapter 19 - Why Male Golfers Will Pay $5.00 a Beer from the Cart Girl and Give Her a $3 Tip, But Will Balk at $3.50 at the 19th Hole and Stiff theBartender
Chapter 2 - How to Hit a Dunlop from the Rough When You Hit a Titleist from the Tee
Chapter 3 - How to Avoid the Water When You Lie 8 in a Bunker (also seeChapter 8)
Chapter 4 - How to Get More Distance off the Shank
Chapter 5 - When to Give the Ranger the Finger
Chapter 6 - Using Your Shadow on the Greens to Maximize Earnings
Chapter 7 - When to Implement Handicap Management
Chapter 8 - Proper Excuses for Drinking Beer Before 9:00 a.m.
Chapter 9 - How to Rationalize a 6 Hour Round
Chapter 10 - How to Find That Ball That Everyone Else Saw Go in the Water
Chapter 11 - Why Your Spouse Doesn't Care That You Birdied the 5th
Chapter 12 - How to Let a Foursome Play Through Your Twosome
Chapter 13 - How to Relax When You Are Hitting Three off the Tee
Chapter 14 - When to Suggest Major Swing Corrections to Your Opponent
Chapter 15 - God and the Meaning of the Birdie-to-Bogey Three Putt
Chapter 16 - When to Re-grip Your Ball Retriever
Chapter 17 - Can You Purchase a Better Golf Game?
Chapter 18 - Rules Interpretation: "Loss of Ball is Penalty Enough..."
Chapter 19 - Why Male Golfers Will Pay $5.00 a Beer from the Cart Girl and Give Her a $3 Tip, But Will Balk at $3.50 at the 19th Hole and Stiff theBartender
Sunday, November 05, 2006
Belly Putters
Ok here's a fairly controversial topic among golfers. Me personally I've always been a streaky putter, either shit hot or stone cold. Unforunately stone cold more often than not...
After a particularly bad patch just before Xmas last year I pretty much gave up in disgust and bought a belly putter and a broomstick. Took the broomstick out first but that was a waste of time. It's far to long and it's actually bloody hard to use. Not too mention I carry my bag and it kept smacking me in the face when I picked my bag up..Mmmmmm pass.
Next onto the belly. Not what I'd call instant love but encouraging enough for me to continue with it and keep it in the bag ( a rare occurance for me). After a bit of practice over the new year I went out and top qualified for my club champs. Sure I got the mother of all spankings in the semi but meh... What do you do, I had the shanks. Even I can't blame the putter for that.
Now after what ..... 1,2,,,,,11 months of use I have to say I do feel a lot confident over every putt. It's more stable than a standard length putter therefore the stroke is a lot easier. I used to dread 6 footer's but they don't even really worry me now,, apart from the diabolical ones with 1 foot and a bit of break in em..
Don't be scared to try one, yeah sure you get a bit of shit in the beginning for using a grandpa putter but they get over it when they realise how many beer's they owe you..
Of course being the club HO that I am I of course have 3 of them, in fact I bought the 3rd last night.. After all it's never my fault when I miss, it's gotta be the clubs
Random thoughts
# Joe Durant continued his streak of good play on Friday with a 2-under 68. Durant has recorded 17 of his last 18 rounds at par or better, including 15 consecutive. During his last four and a half tournaments, Durant’s scoring average has been 68.17, compared to a scoring average 71.38 during his first 23 tournaments.
#Kiwi Doug Hollaway has made it through the first round of Q-School in the US. He finished at +3 for the four rounds finishing 14th, the top 25 moved onto the next stage.
# Brad Heaven will need a great last round to do the same, he is currently +10 with a round to go in 37th place. I'm picking the cut to be around +5. He'll have to have a stunner considering the lowest round all week is 68 at this qualifying locaton
#Kiwi Doug Hollaway has made it through the first round of Q-School in the US. He finished at +3 for the four rounds finishing 14th, the top 25 moved onto the next stage.
# Brad Heaven will need a great last round to do the same, he is currently +10 with a round to go in 37th place. I'm picking the cut to be around +5. He'll have to have a stunner considering the lowest round all week is 68 at this qualifying locaton
Myths About Golf Equipment And Performance
By Dick Rugge Senior Technical DirectorUnited States Golf Association
1. Golfers with faster swing speeds get disproportionately greater distance benefits from new golf balls that have been introduced after 2000.
False. Physics, scientific tests, and actual results on the PGA Tour all confirm that faster swinging players have not gained a disproportionate amount of distance from modern golf balls. An example: Corey Pavin, the shortest hitter in 2000, gained about the same amount of distance from 2000 to 2005 (7.4 yards) as the longest (John Daly at 8.7 yards).
2. Golf ball distance is not currently limited.
False. Golf ball distance has been regulated since 1976 and golf ball rebound characteristics have been regulated since the 1940s. In 2004, the USGA updated its testing methodology to more closely reflect the athleticism and clubs of today's Tour pros. All golf balls played on Tour and the vast majority of golf balls sold have passed the USGA’s distance limit test.
3. Driving distance on Tour is increasing rapidly
False. While average PGA Tour driving distance significantly increased over the past 10 years, it has leveled off during the past three. The average increase since the level of 2003 to the current level in 2006 is only about 1 yard per year.
4. The longest hitters on the PGA Tour finish higher on the money list.
False. While some long-driving professionals have been very successful, on average, the top 10 driving distance players have actually been falling down on the money list in recent years. From 1980-85 the average rank was 64.2; in 2000-2005 it was 77.1. The second worst single year average rank on the money list of the longest 10 drivers was in 2004 with an average rank of 103.3.
5. Most of the PGA Tour professionals swing at 120 mph or more.
False. The average swing speed on the PGA Tour is approximately 113 mph. There are some who swing at or higher than 120 mph, but they are clearly in the minority.
6. The USGA ball test doesn't control ball distance well enough because actual pro golfer swings are different than the test method.
False. The test method employed by the USGA, using a 120 mph swing speed, is representative of the swing conditions used by the longer PGA Tour professionals. The USGA tests balls like the PGA Tour pros hit balls.
7. The average distance for 5-irons on Tour is more than 200 yards.
False. The PGA Tour Shotlink system, which records virtually all shots throughout the season, shows that the average 5-iron shot from fairway to green is approximately 185 yards. From the tee on par threes, the average 5-iron distance is about 197 yards.
8. You get more distance when you put topspin on a drive.
False. Every normally struck drive has backspin. Backspin generates lift and keeps the ball in the air. You can put topspin on a ball – but only when you 'top' the ball. It will go a very short distance and dive into the ground.
9. Accuracy off the tee isn’t as important as it used to be on the PGA Tour.
That’s no myth, it’s true. During the '80s driving accuracy was almost as strong a predictor of money-winning as putting. Today it has fallen to the lowest level ever.
1. Golfers with faster swing speeds get disproportionately greater distance benefits from new golf balls that have been introduced after 2000.
False. Physics, scientific tests, and actual results on the PGA Tour all confirm that faster swinging players have not gained a disproportionate amount of distance from modern golf balls. An example: Corey Pavin, the shortest hitter in 2000, gained about the same amount of distance from 2000 to 2005 (7.4 yards) as the longest (John Daly at 8.7 yards).
2. Golf ball distance is not currently limited.
False. Golf ball distance has been regulated since 1976 and golf ball rebound characteristics have been regulated since the 1940s. In 2004, the USGA updated its testing methodology to more closely reflect the athleticism and clubs of today's Tour pros. All golf balls played on Tour and the vast majority of golf balls sold have passed the USGA’s distance limit test.
3. Driving distance on Tour is increasing rapidly
False. While average PGA Tour driving distance significantly increased over the past 10 years, it has leveled off during the past three. The average increase since the level of 2003 to the current level in 2006 is only about 1 yard per year.
4. The longest hitters on the PGA Tour finish higher on the money list.
False. While some long-driving professionals have been very successful, on average, the top 10 driving distance players have actually been falling down on the money list in recent years. From 1980-85 the average rank was 64.2; in 2000-2005 it was 77.1. The second worst single year average rank on the money list of the longest 10 drivers was in 2004 with an average rank of 103.3.
5. Most of the PGA Tour professionals swing at 120 mph or more.
False. The average swing speed on the PGA Tour is approximately 113 mph. There are some who swing at or higher than 120 mph, but they are clearly in the minority.
6. The USGA ball test doesn't control ball distance well enough because actual pro golfer swings are different than the test method.
False. The test method employed by the USGA, using a 120 mph swing speed, is representative of the swing conditions used by the longer PGA Tour professionals. The USGA tests balls like the PGA Tour pros hit balls.
7. The average distance for 5-irons on Tour is more than 200 yards.
False. The PGA Tour Shotlink system, which records virtually all shots throughout the season, shows that the average 5-iron shot from fairway to green is approximately 185 yards. From the tee on par threes, the average 5-iron distance is about 197 yards.
8. You get more distance when you put topspin on a drive.
False. Every normally struck drive has backspin. Backspin generates lift and keeps the ball in the air. You can put topspin on a ball – but only when you 'top' the ball. It will go a very short distance and dive into the ground.
9. Accuracy off the tee isn’t as important as it used to be on the PGA Tour.
That’s no myth, it’s true. During the '80s driving accuracy was almost as strong a predictor of money-winning as putting. Today it has fallen to the lowest level ever.
Saturday, November 04, 2006
10 rules for golf etiquette
Now I'm not the golf etiquitte police or anything.God know's I'm no saint. I don't care what you wear on the course but there a few simple little things that just piss me off on a golf course. Here's few things not too do.... But I will admit #7 is quite cool
1. use your club to try to kill an animal
2. step in peoples lines
3. see how many times you can say the f-word in one sentence
4. talk while people are hitting
5. blame inanimate objects for your bad shots
6. cheat, never cheat ever, the penalty for cheating should be either the stocks, a tar and feathering, or a brick to the head
7. catch "mad air" while in a cart
8. run on the greens
9. fist pump, its not really etiquete, just a pet peave of mine when people do it. You may think you look like tiger, but chances are you just look like your retarded
10. last but certainly not least is... Coaching people, never be "the coach" unless someone asks, they probably are just humoring you by nodding after everything you say but they are really thinking.. if he doesnt shut up in 5 seconds im going to hit him with my 7 iron
1. use your club to try to kill an animal
2. step in peoples lines
3. see how many times you can say the f-word in one sentence
4. talk while people are hitting
5. blame inanimate objects for your bad shots
6. cheat, never cheat ever, the penalty for cheating should be either the stocks, a tar and feathering, or a brick to the head
7. catch "mad air" while in a cart
8. run on the greens
9. fist pump, its not really etiquete, just a pet peave of mine when people do it. You may think you look like tiger, but chances are you just look like your retarded
10. last but certainly not least is... Coaching people, never be "the coach" unless someone asks, they probably are just humoring you by nodding after everything you say but they are really thinking.. if he doesnt shut up in 5 seconds im going to hit him with my 7 iron
How many forum users does it take to change a lightbulb?,
How many forum users does it take to change a lightbulb?
1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed
14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently
7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs
1 to move it to the Lighting section
2 to argue then move it to the Electricals section
7 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs
5 to flame the spell checkers3 to correct spelling/grammar flames
6 to argue over whether it's "lightbulb" or "light bulb" ...
another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid
2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is "lamp"
15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that "light bulb" is perfectly correct
19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a lightbulb forum
11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum
36 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty
7 to post URL's where one can see examples of different light bulbs
4 to post that the URL's were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL's
3 to post about links they found from the URL's that are relevant to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group
13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too"
5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy
4 to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?"
13 to say "do a Google search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs"
And finally 1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.
1 to change the light bulb and to post that the light bulb has been changed
14 to share similar experiences of changing light bulbs and how the light bulb could have been changed differently
7 to caution about the dangers of changing light bulbs
1 to move it to the Lighting section
2 to argue then move it to the Electricals section
7 to point out spelling/grammar errors in posts about changing light bulbs
5 to flame the spell checkers3 to correct spelling/grammar flames
6 to argue over whether it's "lightbulb" or "light bulb" ...
another 6 to condemn those 6 as stupid
2 industry professionals to inform the group that the proper term is "lamp"
15 know-it-alls who claim they were in the industry, and that "light bulb" is perfectly correct
19 to post that this forum is not about light bulbs and to please take this discussion to a lightbulb forum
11 to defend the posting to this forum saying that we all use light bulbs and therefore the posts are relevant to this forum
36 to debate which method of changing light bulbs is superior, where to buy the best light bulbs, what brand of light bulbs work best for this technique and what brands are faulty
7 to post URL's where one can see examples of different light bulbs
4 to post that the URL's were posted incorrectly and then post the corrected URL's
3 to post about links they found from the URL's that are relevant to this group which makes light bulbs relevant to this group
13 to link all posts to date, quote them in their entirety including all headers and signatures, and add "Me too"
5 to post to the group that they will no longer post because they cannot handle the light bulb controversy
4 to say "didn't we go through this already a short time ago?"
13 to say "do a Google search on light bulbs before posting questions about light bulbs"
And finally 1 forum lurker to respond to the original post 6 months from now and start it all over again.
Friday, November 03, 2006
New Record
Yes it's offical. As of today I have acheived a new record in my golfing life.I have had the SAME driver in my bag for 6 months. This is unheard of for me. I normally change drivers pretty much on a monthly. Apart from a brief excursiuon back a R7 TP Quad I've had my Hibore fitted with a Graman UL540 in the bag for 6 months solid.
Damn thats impressive............ for me anyway
Damn thats impressive............ for me anyway
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Mmmmmm
Is it just me or is the anticipation or an impending arrival of a new set of sticks sometimes just totally frustrating. I'm not quite at the point of checking the tracking number every 10 minutes, only once so far but I'm waiting.... Though not patiently lol
Tour Championship thought's
I've been tossing around the subject of the Tour Championship's current invitational format, which is limited to those among among the Top 30 on the Money List.
"That format with its 'no replacement' policy is ratified by the oversight board which includes player members elected by their peers to represent their interests. So they all know that this reward, playing in the lucrative tour Championship, further separates the top 30 from the rest, eligibility for next year's special criteria events included. This event has been as it is since the late 1980's. If the players felt strongly enough about your points, they would have changed things by now. IMHO, it's a non-issue for the rank and file."I agree with that, and it makes me realize something ....
The PGA Tour tends to promote its own interests by several means at the expense of the events it can not control - the four Grand Slam Majors. The Tour Championship's current invitational format, as well as whatever will be the format for the upcoming Fed Ex Cup, is a case in point.Any Grand Slam champion not among the Top 30 Money Leaders does not get an invitation. And, as stated before, only the race for Top 20 Money Leader, worth a British Open invitation, as well as that for Leading Money Winner, is decided at the event. Meanwhile, the races for Top 30 (US Open) and Top 40 (Masters) are decided elsewhere. The less references to the Majors, the better it would seem.To me, it is ironic that, among the four grand slam majors, only the British Open invitations are up for grabs at the Tour Championship. For many years prior to 1995, the PGA Tour did not even recognize the British Open as official in any way, shape or form!
You can win events that the PGA Tour DOES control - the three official money World Golf Championships as well as the Players Championship - and NOT be guaranteed to be invited to the Tour Championship. How about THAT !!?In my view, any tie-in to golf's biggest championships should serve as an enhancement to an event like the Tour Championship.
So now with Tiger, Man Boob's Mickelson and Weir (injury) it's a 27 man field, which is apparently the way the players want it seeing as how they voted it in that way. Why??? Less player's, same purse. Simple as that, as if they don't make enough anyway
"That format with its 'no replacement' policy is ratified by the oversight board which includes player members elected by their peers to represent their interests. So they all know that this reward, playing in the lucrative tour Championship, further separates the top 30 from the rest, eligibility for next year's special criteria events included. This event has been as it is since the late 1980's. If the players felt strongly enough about your points, they would have changed things by now. IMHO, it's a non-issue for the rank and file."I agree with that, and it makes me realize something ....
The PGA Tour tends to promote its own interests by several means at the expense of the events it can not control - the four Grand Slam Majors. The Tour Championship's current invitational format, as well as whatever will be the format for the upcoming Fed Ex Cup, is a case in point.Any Grand Slam champion not among the Top 30 Money Leaders does not get an invitation. And, as stated before, only the race for Top 20 Money Leader, worth a British Open invitation, as well as that for Leading Money Winner, is decided at the event. Meanwhile, the races for Top 30 (US Open) and Top 40 (Masters) are decided elsewhere. The less references to the Majors, the better it would seem.To me, it is ironic that, among the four grand slam majors, only the British Open invitations are up for grabs at the Tour Championship. For many years prior to 1995, the PGA Tour did not even recognize the British Open as official in any way, shape or form!
You can win events that the PGA Tour DOES control - the three official money World Golf Championships as well as the Players Championship - and NOT be guaranteed to be invited to the Tour Championship. How about THAT !!?In my view, any tie-in to golf's biggest championships should serve as an enhancement to an event like the Tour Championship.
So now with Tiger, Man Boob's Mickelson and Weir (injury) it's a 27 man field, which is apparently the way the players want it seeing as how they voted it in that way. Why??? Less player's, same purse. Simple as that, as if they don't make enough anyway
Monday, September 25, 2006
Ryder Cup re-cap
Well it's all over an done with now for another couple of years. I did think before hand that the Europeans would be the favourites but I didn't expect them to quite match the same thrashing from last time around.
Seems the captains did a good job with there captain picks. The 4 guy's picked all finshed either 2 or 3 in there respective teams records. Lehman was given a bit of stick for his picks but they both proved themselves. With Verplank being the only man invovled. Quite why Tom only played him twice is beyond me.
The Euro's again proved that they do actually love team matchplay and that actually helps when your playing it. Mickelson looked like he didn't want to be there all week, played like it too. Hell Tger's caddy was even throwing his clubs in the pond.
Well done the Euro's !!!
BTW. Who on the planet does not have the upmost respect for Darren Clarke at the moment
Callaway FT-i
Ok I found some pic's of it..
Not pretty is it. With 2 manufacturer's now moving into the brick shape clubs there must be point to the technology.. surely.. We'll wait and see i suppose
Pics courtesy of BSG
Take a gander
Not that pretty is it !!!!!!!! Oh well maybe it'll grow it me. This here by the way is the new Nike SQ Sumo driver. Should be released just after the new year.. It's going to make my Hibore look like Miss Universe..
But wait theres more.... I don't have a picture yet but word is Callaway has a FT-i on the book thats a similiar shape but well uglier!!! If thats possible, I'll see if I can dig one up
Saturday, September 02, 2006
The Big 5
What happened to them. Just seems to be the big 1 at the moment. VJ's rarely sighted near leaderboard lately. Mickelson's still recovering from the US Open whether he admit's it or not. Ernie's still favouring his sore knee, you can tell when you watch him swing and Goosen I assume must be dead because it's been a while since i seen him.
To me lately the world ranking should be
1..Tiger 2..Furyk 3..Scott 4..Ogilvy
But then again the OGWR system always has been a bit of a dud
To me lately the world ranking should be
1..Tiger 2..Furyk 3..Scott 4..Ogilvy
But then again the OGWR system always has been a bit of a dud
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
I hate getting spanked
I hate losing..... I mean if i wanted to lose I would have chosen to be born Australian and I'd be in the Wallaby team............ Anyhow back on topic (which is strange for me) I made my rep debut in the weekend playing for the good Southland mens 12 man team. I made a complete hash of it to say the least. Was playing No 6 and proceeded to hit what can only been described as damn near a driver shank on the first tee. Sure I flushed the next over 6 trees and a bunker to 5 feet but who care's.. Bugger all other people saw that so it was the tee shot that cost me a small fortune at the pub later. Needless to say i had an average 79 (in my defence in was pissing down) which resulted in me getting reamed 5/4. The worst part was we had play out the round even after the match's were over. I mean who gives a shit right. I got thrashed, do they really think I want to be out there any longer than I had to.
Next it in the car and Mach 1 down the road in the crapped old Mitsi to Arrowtown. Was i speeding, well technically yes but hey in my defence the rugby started soon and I wanted to get to the pub. Now I dunno about you fellas but the game (Mighty AB's vs wallaby's) starting at 5;30 really messed with my head. The game finshed, we had a celebratory beer, again then well it's only half 7. What the hell do we do now. I know we'll have another beer.. Works for me..
Sunday 7am// Light comes on... "Wake up Dave we're leaving for the course soon" The reply " Fat chance I have the key's"..
Yeah Saturday night may not have finshed till Sunday moring.. Oop's. We get the course, get reamed out by the manager for getting on it the night before. Oh well. Go out and play. Better day but it was the first 9 i'd had on a hole for a while. Same result as Sat, 79 and a 5/4 beating. My team was leading 7.5 to 4.5 after Saurday but we all lost bar 2 so we ended losing the match.. Well that didn't make us anymore popular with the manager did it.
Oh well there's always next time.. But then again somehow I'm not rating my chance's of getting selected again for the 10 man team next month..
Monday, August 07, 2006
Had a shocker this weekend
I had local representative trials this weekend for my local area. Hmmm don't think I could have made a bigger ass of myself. Played absolutely terrible. I've never struggled so much with my ball striking, never.
I managed to hit a stunning 13/36 greens over the 2 days...... Dude that is crap. That's only like one in 3.... I was hitting big power cuts off the tee but that's bearable just aim way left... But my irons were just plain crap. Enough said. The putter went cold in the morning as well paving the way for a 81!!!!!!!! 81!!!!!! Its been a while since I shot in the 80's and well the feeling is worse than I remember. The short game saved my butt in the 2nd round round were I still missed a boatload of greens but mangaged to to get up and down 11/14 times including twice from a bunker. Scrounged a 74 but the damage was done...
And its not like I haven't practiced. I had a few sessions on the range last week and was hitting it great. Short game practice was good too. I don't put it down to choke either because I was only an outside chance for the 12 man team anyway and put no pressure on myself.
Just one of those weekends I suppose........
I managed to hit a stunning 13/36 greens over the 2 days...... Dude that is crap. That's only like one in 3.... I was hitting big power cuts off the tee but that's bearable just aim way left... But my irons were just plain crap. Enough said. The putter went cold in the morning as well paving the way for a 81!!!!!!!! 81!!!!!! Its been a while since I shot in the 80's and well the feeling is worse than I remember. The short game saved my butt in the 2nd round round were I still missed a boatload of greens but mangaged to to get up and down 11/14 times including twice from a bunker. Scrounged a 74 but the damage was done...
And its not like I haven't practiced. I had a few sessions on the range last week and was hitting it great. Short game practice was good too. I don't put it down to choke either because I was only an outside chance for the 12 man team anyway and put no pressure on myself.
Just one of those weekends I suppose........
Monday, July 24, 2006
Big tournament last weekend
Played in the Annual Fiordland Classic in the weekend on the shores of Lake Te Anau. Was a pretty big field as it normally is. The tournament it self is played over 2 days on what can only be described as having views to rival any course.
It's a 2 man team event and we unlucky to draw the last tee time of the day on the Saturday. We teed off at 12;50 off the 15th tee the format being a 4BBB nett. We both played pretty average and only finished with a nett 67 to put us 10 back after the first day. The greens were pretty average after having a couple of hundred people trampling over them before us but thats no excuse for the way we both hit the ball.
The next day we were off at the ungodly hour of 8;11am. Which is not flash if you hadn't got to bed till 3;30am. But then again 90% of field were at the pub with us. The lucky ones with the afternoon tee times were shall we say getting slightly cursed at by the rest of us.
The golf was well pretty good for the first few holes but unforunately then we both sobered up and then wheels fell off. I eagled the last to break 80 by 1 which lead a nett 76 (oh whopee). Paul my team mate wasn't so lucky having a nett 83 (103 off the bat).
The high point being we won a little haggle between us and 3 other teams after finishing with a team score of 226 to beat the 3 other by 2.
Overall we came in mid field somewhere I think. I don't remember much of the prizegiving... oh come on it didn't start till 8pm and we were off the course by midday. We went to the pub to watch some big screen car racing and a few pints to fill in the afternoon..
OH yeah BTW I did manage to take out the senior Long Drive. Pretty cool prize of a bottle of rum. Pity is was the only other fairway I hit all day...........
It's a 2 man team event and we unlucky to draw the last tee time of the day on the Saturday. We teed off at 12;50 off the 15th tee the format being a 4BBB nett. We both played pretty average and only finished with a nett 67 to put us 10 back after the first day. The greens were pretty average after having a couple of hundred people trampling over them before us but thats no excuse for the way we both hit the ball.
The next day we were off at the ungodly hour of 8;11am. Which is not flash if you hadn't got to bed till 3;30am. But then again 90% of field were at the pub with us. The lucky ones with the afternoon tee times were shall we say getting slightly cursed at by the rest of us.
The golf was well pretty good for the first few holes but unforunately then we both sobered up and then wheels fell off. I eagled the last to break 80 by 1 which lead a nett 76 (oh whopee). Paul my team mate wasn't so lucky having a nett 83 (103 off the bat).
The high point being we won a little haggle between us and 3 other teams after finishing with a team score of 226 to beat the 3 other by 2.
Overall we came in mid field somewhere I think. I don't remember much of the prizegiving... oh come on it didn't start till 8pm and we were off the course by midday. We went to the pub to watch some big screen car racing and a few pints to fill in the afternoon..
OH yeah BTW I did manage to take out the senior Long Drive. Pretty cool prize of a bottle of rum. Pity is was the only other fairway I hit all day...........
Friday, July 07, 2006
Can't wait for this
Titliest have said for the last couple of years that they would never make a wood style hybrid. But then again so did PING and the G5 is out. Well Titliest have gone back on there word... Sure we've had the awful 503H, the oversized driving iron with about 2 feet of offset but here is the new proto........ The 585H. It's due for release sometime around August. Yes it can be found on e-bay at the moment occasionally, but be prepared to shell out around $900US....... I think I can wait a month or so..
Thursday, July 06, 2006
Kinda funny !!
Bedroom Golf Rules
1. Each player shall furnish his own equipment. Normally one club and two balls.
2. Play on a course must be approved by the owner of the hole.
3. Unlike outdoor golf, the object is to get the CLUB in the hole and keep the balls out.
4. For most effective play, the club should have a firm shaft. Course owners are permitted to check shaft stiffness before play begins.
5. Course owners reserve the right to restrict shaft length so not to damage the hole(s).
6. The object of the game is to take as many strokes as necessary until the course owner is satisfied that the play is complete. Failure to do so may result in being denied permission to play the course again.
7. It is considered bad form to begin playing the hole immediately upon arrival at the course. The experienced player will take time to admire the entire course with special attention to the well-formed bunkers.
8. Players are cautioned not to mention other courses they have played or are currently playing to the owner of the course being played. Upset course owners have been known to damage a players equipment for this reason.
9. Players are encouraged to bring proper rain gear for their own protection.
10. Players should assure themselves that their match has been properly scheduled, particularly when a new course is being played. Previous players have been known to become irate if they discover someone else playing on what they consider to be their private course.
11. Players should not assume a course is in shape for play at all times.
12. Players are advised to be extremely tactful in this situation. More advanced players will find an alternate means of play when this occurs.
13. Players are strongly encouraged to obtain permission before playing the Back Nine.
14. Slow play is encouraged. However, players should be prepared to proceed at a faster pace, at least temporarily, at the owners request.
15. It is considered outstanding performance; time permitting, to play the same hole several times in one match
1. Each player shall furnish his own equipment. Normally one club and two balls.
2. Play on a course must be approved by the owner of the hole.
3. Unlike outdoor golf, the object is to get the CLUB in the hole and keep the balls out.
4. For most effective play, the club should have a firm shaft. Course owners are permitted to check shaft stiffness before play begins.
5. Course owners reserve the right to restrict shaft length so not to damage the hole(s).
6. The object of the game is to take as many strokes as necessary until the course owner is satisfied that the play is complete. Failure to do so may result in being denied permission to play the course again.
7. It is considered bad form to begin playing the hole immediately upon arrival at the course. The experienced player will take time to admire the entire course with special attention to the well-formed bunkers.
8. Players are cautioned not to mention other courses they have played or are currently playing to the owner of the course being played. Upset course owners have been known to damage a players equipment for this reason.
9. Players are encouraged to bring proper rain gear for their own protection.
10. Players should assure themselves that their match has been properly scheduled, particularly when a new course is being played. Previous players have been known to become irate if they discover someone else playing on what they consider to be their private course.
11. Players should not assume a course is in shape for play at all times.
12. Players are advised to be extremely tactful in this situation. More advanced players will find an alternate means of play when this occurs.
13. Players are strongly encouraged to obtain permission before playing the Back Nine.
14. Slow play is encouraged. However, players should be prepared to proceed at a faster pace, at least temporarily, at the owners request.
15. It is considered outstanding performance; time permitting, to play the same hole several times in one match
Saturday, July 01, 2006
New Record!!!
Well for me anyway... Not that guy's probably care but I broke my record for consectutive birdie's. It was 3 which I've done a few times but today I had 4. I birdied 9,10,11 and 12. not too bad considering the course was still frozen when I tee'd off. It was a bit tricky to say the least. Nothing worse than pitching an approach to 2 feet then watching it caroom 30 yards out the back. I bogeyed the first 5 but wasn't really worried.
I finished +2 74 to take out best gross from a field of 134. About 4th best nett in grade. Best part was the handicapper cocked it up an h/c'd me at a 76!!! Sweet!! i don't wanna go down anyway.
BTW Good luck to Cambo in the French Open. He's T3 after 2 rounds!
I finished +2 74 to take out best gross from a field of 134. About 4th best nett in grade. Best part was the handicapper cocked it up an h/c'd me at a 76!!! Sweet!! i don't wanna go down anyway.
BTW Good luck to Cambo in the French Open. He's T3 after 2 rounds!
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Visualisation - anyone heard this tale
“Major James Nesmeth had a dream of improving his golf game - and he developed a unique method of achieving his goal. Until he devised this method, he was just your average weekend golfer, shooting in mid- to low-nineties. Then, for seven years, he completely quit the game. Never touched a club. Never set foot on a fairway.
Ironically, it was during this seven-year break from the game that Major Nesmeth came up with his amazingly effective technique for improving his game - a technique we can all learn from. In fact, the first time he set foot on a golf course after his hiatus from the game, he shot an astonishing 74! He had cut 20 strokes off his average without having swung a golf club in seven years! Unbelievable. Not only that, but his physical condition had actually deteriorated during those seven years. What was Major Nesmeth's secret? Visualization. You see, Major Nesmeth had spent those seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. During those seven years, he was imprisoned in a cage that was approximately four and one-half feet high and five feet long.
During almost the entire time he was imprisoned, he saw no one, talked to no one and experienced no physical activity. During the first few months he did virtually nothing but hope and pray for his release. Then he realized he had to find some way to occupy his mind or he would lose his sanity and probably his life. That's when he learned to visualize.
In his mind, he selected his favorite golf course and started playing golf. Every day, he played a full 18 holes at the imaginary country club of his dreams. He experienced everything to the last detail. He saw himself dressed in his golfing clothes. He smelled the fragrance of the trees and the freshly trimmed grass. He experienced different weather conditions - windy spring days, overcast winter days, and sunny summer mornings. In his imagination, every detail of the tee, the individual blades of grass, the trees, the singing birds, the scampering squirrels and the lay of the course became totally real.
He felt the grip of the club in his hands. He instructed himself as he practiced smoothing out his down-swing and the follow-through on his shot. Then he watched the ball arc down the exact center of the fairway, bounce a couple of times and roll to the exact spot he had selected, all in his mind. In the real world, he was in no hurry. He had no place to go. So in his mind he took every step on his way to the ball, just as if he were physically on the course. It took him just as long in imaginary time to play 18 holes as it would have taken in reality. Not a detail was omitted. Not once did he ever miss a shot, never a hook or a slice, never a missed putt. Seven days a week. Four hours a day. Eighteen holes. Seven years. Twenty strokes off. Shot a 74.”
Ironically, it was during this seven-year break from the game that Major Nesmeth came up with his amazingly effective technique for improving his game - a technique we can all learn from. In fact, the first time he set foot on a golf course after his hiatus from the game, he shot an astonishing 74! He had cut 20 strokes off his average without having swung a golf club in seven years! Unbelievable. Not only that, but his physical condition had actually deteriorated during those seven years. What was Major Nesmeth's secret? Visualization. You see, Major Nesmeth had spent those seven years as a prisoner of war in North Vietnam. During those seven years, he was imprisoned in a cage that was approximately four and one-half feet high and five feet long.
During almost the entire time he was imprisoned, he saw no one, talked to no one and experienced no physical activity. During the first few months he did virtually nothing but hope and pray for his release. Then he realized he had to find some way to occupy his mind or he would lose his sanity and probably his life. That's when he learned to visualize.
In his mind, he selected his favorite golf course and started playing golf. Every day, he played a full 18 holes at the imaginary country club of his dreams. He experienced everything to the last detail. He saw himself dressed in his golfing clothes. He smelled the fragrance of the trees and the freshly trimmed grass. He experienced different weather conditions - windy spring days, overcast winter days, and sunny summer mornings. In his imagination, every detail of the tee, the individual blades of grass, the trees, the singing birds, the scampering squirrels and the lay of the course became totally real.
He felt the grip of the club in his hands. He instructed himself as he practiced smoothing out his down-swing and the follow-through on his shot. Then he watched the ball arc down the exact center of the fairway, bounce a couple of times and roll to the exact spot he had selected, all in his mind. In the real world, he was in no hurry. He had no place to go. So in his mind he took every step on his way to the ball, just as if he were physically on the course. It took him just as long in imaginary time to play 18 holes as it would have taken in reality. Not a detail was omitted. Not once did he ever miss a shot, never a hook or a slice, never a missed putt. Seven days a week. Four hours a day. Eighteen holes. Seven years. Twenty strokes off. Shot a 74.”
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Differences between DG and Rifle shafts
Thought this would help some of you guy's out there
Royal Precision Rifle
Along with the Dynamic Gold’s, this is the most popular high-end steel shaft for low-handicappers, but prices are higher for the Rifle – roughly 70% more than Dynamic Gold’s. This is a stepless shaft that derives its name from its internal rifling. This gives the outside a clean, smooth look. The difference in feel from the Dynamic’s is subtle, but most golfers can readily detect it. The construction of the Rifle dampens some of the vibration caused by impact. This gives it a smoother, sweeter feel that many appreciate. Others believe that the Dynamic’s are a touch more alive feeling and offer better feedback. As concerns feel at impact, the Rifle's are between the standard Dynamic Gold's and the DG Sensicore's on the crispness/softness scale. Those that prefer the Rifle's think it has a silkier feel that is more crisp than the softer Sensicore's.
Bend points get lower as flex increased. This makes regular flex shafts hit higher than stiff flex. Royal Precision’s patented frequency matching system helps insure shaft-to-shaft consistency throughout a set. (4.5 is regular, 5.5 to 6.0 are firm to stiff and 6.5 and up is X-stiff) Matched shaft sets can be purchased pre-tip trimmed to suit individual irons.
With their glossy, sword-like sheen and large, handsome shaft bands, the Rifle’s make any set look expensive and classy. In the past few years, the Royal Precision Rifle has grown in popularity both with the public and with professional tour players. Some golfers, including one of our senior testers, believe that the Rifle’s provide tighter dispersion patterns than do the True Temper shafts. For most, however, choosing the Rifles will simply be a matter of “acquired taste”. They are a sweeter feeling, more luxurious looking shaft than is the Dynamic Gold. Some will notice an improvement in their game by converting to these shafts, but most will not. Performance-wise, lower handicappers generally prefer these shafts more than do higher handicappers.
True Temper Dynamic
Do not be fooled by the low cost of this shaft. The Dynamic is good. It has long been the best selling shaft in golf. Not only is the Dynamic used frequently by custom clubmakers, it is the standard shaft choice for the majority of club manufacturers. Many proline clubs have shaft bands that use their own company brand names, but are, in reality, True Temper Dynamic’s – or slight variations of them. After decades of popularity, they remain the constant standard against which other steel shafts are compared.
It can generally be assumed that those with faster swing speeds will prefer the Dynamic to other comparative True Temper shafts such as the TT Lite and the Dynalite. But, the Dynamic’s have a wide appeal. With their high bend point, the Dynamic’s produce the lower, penetrating ball flight that most male golfers prefer. For low- to mid-handicap, male golfers aged 15 to 50, the Dynamic’s have traditionally been the number one choice. With relatively hefty weights, they are rugged, solid-feeling shafts.
I recommend that clubmakers buy a stockpile of the Dynamic’s and weight sort them. In combination with the tip trimming variations of the R/S combo flex, many levels of flex can be achieved. The only real downside of the Dynamic’s is their shaft bands. They make a set of irons look a bland and generic.
True Temper Dynamic Gold
While the standard Dynamic is the most popular shaft in golf, the Dynamic Gold is the dean of golf shafts. It has been the primary steel shaft on the various tours for decades. It has also been used in more high-end, OEM sets than has any other shaft.
Dynamic Gold’s are basically just standard Dynamic’s that have been sorted out by weight. The one’s in the close-to-127-gram range become Gold’s. Those that weigh more become standard Dynamic shafts. This provides more uniform performance throughout a set. The Gold’s are also broken down into individual flexes, or more precisely, into more precise sub-flexes. A clubmaker can chose between R300 and R200, or S300 and S400 in the Gold’s. The standard Dynamic’s are available in R/S combo flex. They are then trimmed to desired flexes. Another primary difference between Dynamic versions is the shaft band. The Gold and Black of the DG”s has it hands down over the banal bands of the Dynamic’s. Many pay extra for the Gold’s even though they know that weight-sorted Dynamic’s will perform in almost exactly the same manner.
In their Sensicore version, the Dynamic Gold’s compete with the Royal Precision Rifle’s for the premium, luxury market. We have found that DG’s with Sensicore make many blades a viable option for players who would not normally consider them. Basically, if you are a very low-handicapper and a consistent ball striker, you will not be tempted by the Sensicore version. Note: The Sensicore insert is added to a slightly lighter version of the normal DG’s. Without adjustments by True Temper, the Sensicore DG’s would be too heavy. Consequently, weight distribution and playing parameter’s are a tiny bit different.
True Temper Dynamic Gold Lite
This is a reduced weight version of the DG’s. The lighter weight can produce a faster swing speed, but it can also produce a stiffer, less solid feel at impact. I prefer this shaft in the Sensicore version. It has a less muted feel than the heavier, Dynamic Gold Sensicore version. This shaft makes a good selection for high-end custom sets.
True Temper Dynalite
This low bend point shaft has long been a standard choice for wedge assembly. We use it at GCR as our primary wedge shaft. It is designed to hit the ball a bit higher than it cousins, the Dynamic and XL Lite. The Dynalite and Dynalite Gold are also used quite frequently in iron set assembly. For some reason, they have not appealed to us in any application other then wedges. Most probably, it is due to the lighter weight and consequently less solid feel. But, the light weight and low bend point make it a good choice for better playing seniors. Swing speeds can increase slightly and the ball flies for more carry.
True Temper TT XL Lite
The XL Lite is probably the most friendly and likeable steel shaft in golf. It is also capable of very fine performance. The average golfer hits too high one week; too low the next. He is not sure just what kind of shaft that he needs. For him, the XL Lite is the advisable route to go. With its mid bend point and moderate flex, it suits most of the broad, middle spectrum of golfers. For general use among upper mid- to high-handicappers, this is a wise choice – more appropriate than the lower-hitting Dynamic’s. With the Sensicore option added, it’s a very sweet, plush-feeling shaft. The XL Lite is also a good option for senior men and women who are a little too strong for True Temper Release shafts. Additionally, with its sharp, green, black and silver shaft bands, this shaft makes a much dressier looking set of irons than do the Dynamic’s. Many clubmakers keep a supply of XL Lite’s on hand due to their wide appeal.
True Temper Release
Very popular with slow-swinging seniors and ladies, this low swingspeed shaft is available in Men’s and Ladies’ flexes. For older players of either sex, these are a very safe choice. They feel good; look good and swing very easily. Their weight is low for steel shafts and their bend point is high to get the ball airborne more readily. With the Sensicore option, they make for a smooth-feeling luxury set - a real benefit for those who want a comfortable set of shafts in their irons, but do not want to sacrifice control by switching to ultralite graphite.
Yes there other steel shafts out there, ie Nippon, TX-90, Black Gold etc but this list I believe represents what 85% of golfers have in there bag. Including all the Rifle options of course.
Royal Precision have recently been acquired by True Temper so it will be interesting to see how the Rifle line is managed in the future
Royal Precision Rifle
Along with the Dynamic Gold’s, this is the most popular high-end steel shaft for low-handicappers, but prices are higher for the Rifle – roughly 70% more than Dynamic Gold’s. This is a stepless shaft that derives its name from its internal rifling. This gives the outside a clean, smooth look. The difference in feel from the Dynamic’s is subtle, but most golfers can readily detect it. The construction of the Rifle dampens some of the vibration caused by impact. This gives it a smoother, sweeter feel that many appreciate. Others believe that the Dynamic’s are a touch more alive feeling and offer better feedback. As concerns feel at impact, the Rifle's are between the standard Dynamic Gold's and the DG Sensicore's on the crispness/softness scale. Those that prefer the Rifle's think it has a silkier feel that is more crisp than the softer Sensicore's.
Bend points get lower as flex increased. This makes regular flex shafts hit higher than stiff flex. Royal Precision’s patented frequency matching system helps insure shaft-to-shaft consistency throughout a set. (4.5 is regular, 5.5 to 6.0 are firm to stiff and 6.5 and up is X-stiff) Matched shaft sets can be purchased pre-tip trimmed to suit individual irons.
With their glossy, sword-like sheen and large, handsome shaft bands, the Rifle’s make any set look expensive and classy. In the past few years, the Royal Precision Rifle has grown in popularity both with the public and with professional tour players. Some golfers, including one of our senior testers, believe that the Rifle’s provide tighter dispersion patterns than do the True Temper shafts. For most, however, choosing the Rifles will simply be a matter of “acquired taste”. They are a sweeter feeling, more luxurious looking shaft than is the Dynamic Gold. Some will notice an improvement in their game by converting to these shafts, but most will not. Performance-wise, lower handicappers generally prefer these shafts more than do higher handicappers.
True Temper Dynamic
Do not be fooled by the low cost of this shaft. The Dynamic is good. It has long been the best selling shaft in golf. Not only is the Dynamic used frequently by custom clubmakers, it is the standard shaft choice for the majority of club manufacturers. Many proline clubs have shaft bands that use their own company brand names, but are, in reality, True Temper Dynamic’s – or slight variations of them. After decades of popularity, they remain the constant standard against which other steel shafts are compared.
It can generally be assumed that those with faster swing speeds will prefer the Dynamic to other comparative True Temper shafts such as the TT Lite and the Dynalite. But, the Dynamic’s have a wide appeal. With their high bend point, the Dynamic’s produce the lower, penetrating ball flight that most male golfers prefer. For low- to mid-handicap, male golfers aged 15 to 50, the Dynamic’s have traditionally been the number one choice. With relatively hefty weights, they are rugged, solid-feeling shafts.
I recommend that clubmakers buy a stockpile of the Dynamic’s and weight sort them. In combination with the tip trimming variations of the R/S combo flex, many levels of flex can be achieved. The only real downside of the Dynamic’s is their shaft bands. They make a set of irons look a bland and generic.
True Temper Dynamic Gold
While the standard Dynamic is the most popular shaft in golf, the Dynamic Gold is the dean of golf shafts. It has been the primary steel shaft on the various tours for decades. It has also been used in more high-end, OEM sets than has any other shaft.
Dynamic Gold’s are basically just standard Dynamic’s that have been sorted out by weight. The one’s in the close-to-127-gram range become Gold’s. Those that weigh more become standard Dynamic shafts. This provides more uniform performance throughout a set. The Gold’s are also broken down into individual flexes, or more precisely, into more precise sub-flexes. A clubmaker can chose between R300 and R200, or S300 and S400 in the Gold’s. The standard Dynamic’s are available in R/S combo flex. They are then trimmed to desired flexes. Another primary difference between Dynamic versions is the shaft band. The Gold and Black of the DG”s has it hands down over the banal bands of the Dynamic’s. Many pay extra for the Gold’s even though they know that weight-sorted Dynamic’s will perform in almost exactly the same manner.
In their Sensicore version, the Dynamic Gold’s compete with the Royal Precision Rifle’s for the premium, luxury market. We have found that DG’s with Sensicore make many blades a viable option for players who would not normally consider them. Basically, if you are a very low-handicapper and a consistent ball striker, you will not be tempted by the Sensicore version. Note: The Sensicore insert is added to a slightly lighter version of the normal DG’s. Without adjustments by True Temper, the Sensicore DG’s would be too heavy. Consequently, weight distribution and playing parameter’s are a tiny bit different.
True Temper Dynamic Gold Lite
This is a reduced weight version of the DG’s. The lighter weight can produce a faster swing speed, but it can also produce a stiffer, less solid feel at impact. I prefer this shaft in the Sensicore version. It has a less muted feel than the heavier, Dynamic Gold Sensicore version. This shaft makes a good selection for high-end custom sets.
True Temper Dynalite
This low bend point shaft has long been a standard choice for wedge assembly. We use it at GCR as our primary wedge shaft. It is designed to hit the ball a bit higher than it cousins, the Dynamic and XL Lite. The Dynalite and Dynalite Gold are also used quite frequently in iron set assembly. For some reason, they have not appealed to us in any application other then wedges. Most probably, it is due to the lighter weight and consequently less solid feel. But, the light weight and low bend point make it a good choice for better playing seniors. Swing speeds can increase slightly and the ball flies for more carry.
True Temper TT XL Lite
The XL Lite is probably the most friendly and likeable steel shaft in golf. It is also capable of very fine performance. The average golfer hits too high one week; too low the next. He is not sure just what kind of shaft that he needs. For him, the XL Lite is the advisable route to go. With its mid bend point and moderate flex, it suits most of the broad, middle spectrum of golfers. For general use among upper mid- to high-handicappers, this is a wise choice – more appropriate than the lower-hitting Dynamic’s. With the Sensicore option added, it’s a very sweet, plush-feeling shaft. The XL Lite is also a good option for senior men and women who are a little too strong for True Temper Release shafts. Additionally, with its sharp, green, black and silver shaft bands, this shaft makes a much dressier looking set of irons than do the Dynamic’s. Many clubmakers keep a supply of XL Lite’s on hand due to their wide appeal.
True Temper Release
Very popular with slow-swinging seniors and ladies, this low swingspeed shaft is available in Men’s and Ladies’ flexes. For older players of either sex, these are a very safe choice. They feel good; look good and swing very easily. Their weight is low for steel shafts and their bend point is high to get the ball airborne more readily. With the Sensicore option, they make for a smooth-feeling luxury set - a real benefit for those who want a comfortable set of shafts in their irons, but do not want to sacrifice control by switching to ultralite graphite.
Yes there other steel shafts out there, ie Nippon, TX-90, Black Gold etc but this list I believe represents what 85% of golfers have in there bag. Including all the Rifle options of course.
Royal Precision have recently been acquired by True Temper so it will be interesting to see how the Rifle line is managed in the future
It's here!!!!!!!!!!
It's here people. Let me introduce you the new Cleveland Hibore fairway wood as being tested on tour by Vijay and David Tom's. Hope it's as good as the driver, my VISA probably hopes it isn't though.........
Played today
And for a change it wasn't too bad. I'm still recovering from having a scaffold collapse on me but it's only really my leg that annonys me now. I teed off on the 10th and proceeded to find myself 4 over after 7. Not flash but I'm off a 3 an my handicap is on the way out. I finish the nine at the same score (+4) and head to the 1st (my 10th) tee in.. well lets just say not the best mood. I finally get it together having 4 birdie's on that side but it included a 3 jack bogey as well but I'm kinda happy to finish +1 73. Not bad considering the start.
Honestly i need to practice my putting. But it's just SO boring. I get bored after like 5 mins. I had 32 putt's to day including 3 3 jacks. I had a 10 footer for birdie on the 8 that I whacked 6 feet past and missed the return leading to another one. I wasn't impressed. I track my stats at www.mygolfdomain.com as well so I hit an above average 50% of the fairways today together with a respectable 67% of the greens in regulation..
Guess I'll just have to see how tomorrow's round goes.
Honestly i need to practice my putting. But it's just SO boring. I get bored after like 5 mins. I had 32 putt's to day including 3 3 jacks. I had a 10 footer for birdie on the 8 that I whacked 6 feet past and missed the return leading to another one. I wasn't impressed. I track my stats at www.mygolfdomain.com as well so I hit an above average 50% of the fairways today together with a respectable 67% of the greens in regulation..
Guess I'll just have to see how tomorrow's round goes.
Monday, June 19, 2006
US Open course set up
Personally I love the way they set courses for the champioship. The idea of course the USGA strive is to identify the best player. Setting up the course the way they do to to me is the best way to do this. You want to miss the fairway and you've got to be a putting machine.
It's sort of like the way us weekend player's have. Most of us don't play on perfectly manicured course's week in week out so there for when miss a fairway the lie's always ugly and we're happy to make par. Honestly it's exciting to watch the top player's in the world grinding out par's, just like the rest of us. It's only one week a year. Sure they don't make many birdie's but neither do I so that makes me feel a little better..
The pro's general feeling about this is best summed up by a quote from Vijay earlier in the week when asked why he hadn't played a practice round prior to Wednesday. He said " I know I'm going to get beat up this so why go and punish myself and more than i have too"...
It's sort of like the way us weekend player's have. Most of us don't play on perfectly manicured course's week in week out so there for when miss a fairway the lie's always ugly and we're happy to make par. Honestly it's exciting to watch the top player's in the world grinding out par's, just like the rest of us. It's only one week a year. Sure they don't make many birdie's but neither do I so that makes me feel a little better..
The pro's general feeling about this is best summed up by a quote from Vijay earlier in the week when asked why he hadn't played a practice round prior to Wednesday. He said " I know I'm going to get beat up this so why go and punish myself and more than i have too"...
You %$#^ing chopper
Phil you idiot!!!!!!!!!! Sure I can away with making some dumbass decision's on the course, but did he forget he was playing in the US Open. The shot down 18 was just stupid. Well actually just hitting driver in the first place was dumb. And did you guy's catch that choked down 3 wood shot that went like 3 feet.. Even I know that shot's pretty much impossible out of 6 inch rough.
Enough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW it was good to see Duval finish T16, I don't think that quite gets him an invite back next year though
Enough said!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BTW it was good to see Duval finish T16, I don't think that quite gets him an invite back next year though
Saturday, June 17, 2006
The 32 absolute truths of Golf
1. If you really want to get better at golf, go back and take it up at amuch earlier age.
2. The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% mental.
3. Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actuallythe beginning of the next group of three.
4. When you look up and cause an awful shot, you will always look downagain at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball ifyou ever want to see it again.
5. Any change works for a maximum of three holes and a minimum of not atall.
6. No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.
7. Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind duringyour swing.
8. When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit onemore club or two more balls.
9. If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursomeahead of you is still putting out, you have two options: you canimmediately shank a lay-up, or you can wait until the green is clear andtop a ball halfway there.
10. The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideasabout the golf swing.
11. The inevitable result of any golf lesson is the instant elimination of the one critical unconscious motion that allowed you to compensate for allyour errors.
12. If it ain't broke, try changing your grip.
13. Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie.
14. Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.
15. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent's luck.
16. It's surprisingly easy to hole a 50-foot putt when you are lying 10.
17. Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is likeexpecting him to make fun of his own haircut.
18. Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.
19. It's not a gimme if you're still away.
20. The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is astraight line that passes directly through the center of a very largetree.
21. There are two kinds of bounces: Unfair bounces, and bounces just theway you meant to play it.
22. You can hit a 2-acre fairway 10% of the time, and a 2-inch branch 90%of the time.
23. Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make twotriple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.
24. If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to lay up just short of a water hazard.
25. To calculate the speed of a player's downswing, multiply the speed of his back swing by his handicap. Example: back swing 30 mph x handicap 20 =downswing 600 mph.
26. There are two things you can learn by stopping your back swing at thetop and checking the position of your hands: a) how many hands you have,and b) which one is wearing the glove.
27. Hazards attract; fairways repel.
28. You can put "draw" on the ball, you can put "fade" on the ball, but nogolfer can put "straight" on the ball.
29. A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.
30. If there is a ball in the fringe and a ball in the bunker, your ballis in the bunker.
31. If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.
32. Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.
2. The game of golf is 90% mental and 10% mental.
3. Since bad shots come in groups of three, a fourth bad shot is actuallythe beginning of the next group of three.
4. When you look up and cause an awful shot, you will always look downagain at exactly the moment when you ought to start watching the ball ifyou ever want to see it again.
5. Any change works for a maximum of three holes and a minimum of not atall.
6. No matter how bad you are playing, it is always possible to play worse.
7. Never try to keep more than 300 separate thoughts in your mind duringyour swing.
8. When your shot has to carry over a water hazard, you can either hit onemore club or two more balls.
9. If you're afraid a full shot might reach the green while the foursomeahead of you is still putting out, you have two options: you canimmediately shank a lay-up, or you can wait until the green is clear andtop a ball halfway there.
10. The less skilled the player, the more likely he is to share his ideasabout the golf swing.
11. The inevitable result of any golf lesson is the instant elimination of the one critical unconscious motion that allowed you to compensate for allyour errors.
12. If it ain't broke, try changing your grip.
13. Golfers who claim they don't cheat, also lie.
14. Everyone replaces his divot after a perfect approach shot.
15. A golf match is a test of your skill against your opponent's luck.
16. It's surprisingly easy to hole a 50-foot putt when you are lying 10.
17. Counting on your opponent to inform you when he breaks a rule is likeexpecting him to make fun of his own haircut.
18. Nonchalant putts count the same as chalant putts.
19. It's not a gimme if you're still away.
20. The shortest distance between any two points on a golf course is astraight line that passes directly through the center of a very largetree.
21. There are two kinds of bounces: Unfair bounces, and bounces just theway you meant to play it.
22. You can hit a 2-acre fairway 10% of the time, and a 2-inch branch 90%of the time.
23. Every time a golfer makes a birdie, he must subsequently make twotriple bogeys to restore the fundamental equilibrium of the universe.
24. If you want to hit a 7-iron as far as Tiger Woods does, simply try to lay up just short of a water hazard.
25. To calculate the speed of a player's downswing, multiply the speed of his back swing by his handicap. Example: back swing 30 mph x handicap 20 =downswing 600 mph.
26. There are two things you can learn by stopping your back swing at thetop and checking the position of your hands: a) how many hands you have,and b) which one is wearing the glove.
27. Hazards attract; fairways repel.
28. You can put "draw" on the ball, you can put "fade" on the ball, but nogolfer can put "straight" on the ball.
29. A ball you can see in the rough from 50 yards away is not yours.
30. If there is a ball in the fringe and a ball in the bunker, your ballis in the bunker.
31. If both balls are in the bunker, yours is in the footprint.
32. Don't buy a putter until you've had a chance to throw it.
You ever had that feeling....
You ever had that feeling when your standing over the ball on the tee and realise you have no absolutely no idea where the ball is going? I had this problem today, it was my first round back after injuring my leg and it wasn't pretty. Sure it hasn't healed yet and I have to limp down the fairway like as Tiger would say, a "spaz". I can swing not too bad (well for me) at about 80% but can't really follow too well.
I just couldn't hit a tee shot today to save myself. I hit cut's (normal shot) straight one's and even draw's!! I don't even know how to draw my driver. Now you don't really want to be hitting draws when your aiming at the edge of the left hand rough just waiting for the ball to drift back. The it starts going further left instead!!!!! It's not conductive too even finding my ball let alone good scoring. Hence an 45 on the front nine, I did salvage somehow a 37 on the back but that was just a fluke the way I was hitting the ball.
BTW Did I mention winter's starting to kick in down here and it was %$#@ing cold!!!!!!
Thursday, June 15, 2006
US Open
My pick for the US Open this year is David Howell... Not Tiger you say, well why would i pick Tiger, that's just too much of a safe bet for me. Howell has been playing pretty well this year over on the Euro circuit and he just seem's to make sense to me. Which means he doesn't to anyone else!!
Another couple of people I'll throw in the ring are Rod Pampling who has snuck into the world Top 30 and is probably the most under-rated guy on tour, and Henrik Stenson. Syenson is straight and reasonably long for a pro.
Straight is going to obviously be very important this week, thats why I've picked these 3.
By the way I will of course be rooting for Cambo, defending champ and a fellow Kiwi
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
No golf for me for a while
I'm out injured. Man does it suck ass!!!! I was at work the other day and a scaffold collapsed underneath me. I fell about 2 1/2 metre's onto the concrete and tore a calf muscle and whacked the hell out of my shoulder. Kind of wierd I thought, to fall that far but not break anything yet I tear a muscle. They may of course have happened after all the scaffolding landed on me.
I've still been pissing around on the practice green and doing some chipping and stuff. I even went to the range today. I can swing maybe 80% fine. It's just I can't really walk to flash so walking around ain't going to happen. BTW there's no carts at any of the courses I normally play.
To top it all off I'm during jury duty. Man i've never been so bored in my life!!!!!!!!
What's in my bag??
I'm a club ho at heart. i can my bag pretty often but normally only a club or 2 at a time. But I do have my standard bag that I tend to always go back too. Here's what's in it at the moment..
Driver// HiBore with a Graman UL540 Limey shaft (see post further down)
Rescue's// Nike CPR 18'
RAM 21' (it ugly, it was free but hey it works)
Irons// Cleveland CG2's 4-5 irons 6.0 rifles
Cleveland CG1's BP finish 6-PW 6.0 rifles
Wedges// Feel 52'
TaylorMade 56' 60'
Putter// Maltby CER mallet thing
Ball// Bridgestone B330
Callaway HX Tour
Titleist V1X
Glove// what ever's on special
Sunday, June 04, 2006
One of those day's
You know those game's where can't actually get anything going. I had one today. I shot 75 but felt it could and should have been better.. Granted the weather wasn't great. About maybe 8 degree's maybe , that's celcius of course. Here's a round desrciption.
#1 Rescue off the tee for safety, translation_ blocked right under a tree. chip out, SW in, hole 30 footer PAR
#2 Pulled 7 iron into bunker, ball's plugged bad. Dig it out to 20 feet, hole the putt PAR
Looking good about now.
#3 crushed driver then 5 iron layup 2nd. Have SW left and fudge it short right. Awful chip but nail 10 footer for par Sweet!!! PAR
#4 Good drive, bad 7 iron right, up and down PAR
#5 driver over top of dog leg, LW in, miss 5 footer for birdie PAR
#6 Fugly 4 iron short right Again, Up and down PAR
#7 good driver, big 3 wood cut round the corner, chip lip's out and tap in for BIRDIE.
#8 stroke hole 1, just play sensible but no worst swing of the day, bad pull hook behind some tree's. Punch through and play a wedge in and 2 putt for BOGEY
#9 another great job, I hang off a 3 wood 2nd, it downwind and pull it into greenside bunker. Play out to 5 feet, miss the putt and make PAR
Now considering the condtion's -1 is good right. Of course so i start thinking about how I should finish........ BAD IDEA
#10 Big peeling cut of the tee OB, thrash the 2nd tee shot in anger. Pull rescue just short and hole the putt for an unlikely par
#11 cut a 4 iron through 5 tree's without touching a thing, 2 putt par
#12 not too bad a 3 wood off the tee. Ugly PW way short. Up and down par
#13 Rescue over the dogleg, SW pulled AGAIN!!!!!! into bunker. Bunker short lip's out PAR
#14 Thrash drive too about 40 yard's form green but flub it to just on the green, Flag's at the back. Ugly 1st putt 8 feet short, hole that for PAR
#15 Drive into left rough. Really thinned 8 iron right into the crap. Chunk it onto the green. 2 putt BOGEY
#16 another goods drive, pulled wrong club and end up short. up & doen PAR
#17 Good drive, (loving this new driver combo) Pretty good second to about 20 feet, # jack time BOGEY
#18 PW in 2 putt PAR
= +1 73
Considering how well I hit the ball off the tee (excluding 10) I just couldn't get an iron close. Any where close actually. Putting was average. Oh well, alway's next week a
#1 Rescue off the tee for safety, translation_ blocked right under a tree. chip out, SW in, hole 30 footer PAR
#2 Pulled 7 iron into bunker, ball's plugged bad. Dig it out to 20 feet, hole the putt PAR
Looking good about now.
#3 crushed driver then 5 iron layup 2nd. Have SW left and fudge it short right. Awful chip but nail 10 footer for par Sweet!!! PAR
#4 Good drive, bad 7 iron right, up and down PAR
#5 driver over top of dog leg, LW in, miss 5 footer for birdie PAR
#6 Fugly 4 iron short right Again, Up and down PAR
#7 good driver, big 3 wood cut round the corner, chip lip's out and tap in for BIRDIE.
#8 stroke hole 1, just play sensible but no worst swing of the day, bad pull hook behind some tree's. Punch through and play a wedge in and 2 putt for BOGEY
#9 another great job, I hang off a 3 wood 2nd, it downwind and pull it into greenside bunker. Play out to 5 feet, miss the putt and make PAR
Now considering the condtion's -1 is good right. Of course so i start thinking about how I should finish........ BAD IDEA
#10 Big peeling cut of the tee OB, thrash the 2nd tee shot in anger. Pull rescue just short and hole the putt for an unlikely par
#11 cut a 4 iron through 5 tree's without touching a thing, 2 putt par
#12 not too bad a 3 wood off the tee. Ugly PW way short. Up and down par
#13 Rescue over the dogleg, SW pulled AGAIN!!!!!! into bunker. Bunker short lip's out PAR
#14 Thrash drive too about 40 yard's form green but flub it to just on the green, Flag's at the back. Ugly 1st putt 8 feet short, hole that for PAR
#15 Drive into left rough. Really thinned 8 iron right into the crap. Chunk it onto the green. 2 putt BOGEY
#16 another goods drive, pulled wrong club and end up short. up & doen PAR
#17 Good drive, (loving this new driver combo) Pretty good second to about 20 feet, # jack time BOGEY
#18 PW in 2 putt PAR
= +1 73
Considering how well I hit the ball off the tee (excluding 10) I just couldn't get an iron close. Any where close actually. Putting was average. Oh well, alway's next week a
Wednesday, March 29, 2006
Tattoo Golf
Now this is some cool looking golf apparell. When I'm on the course I look nothing like what a golfer "should" do. I wear jean's and a tee-shirt. If it's cold I'll throw a hoodie. Granted if it's a big tournament I'm playing in I'll dress up in the standard golf gear and walk round looking like a dork all day. This stuff might be for me.
http://www.tattoogolf.com/
Check them out
http://www.tattoogolf.com/
Check them out
Friday, March 24, 2006
J B Holmes bag change?
Now Mr Holmes here has had a pretty good start to his debut season on the PGA Tour. He came from nowhere to be medalist at Q-School last year and won the FBR Open in like only his 6th (don't quote me here) start on Tour. He hit's it mile, although who doesn't on tour nowadays.
He won the FBR with the new Titleist 695 CB's in the bag. Now he's switched to Cobra's. No offence to Cobra but why. The irons he had got him on tour, won him first event. Now too me a rookie on tour has enough to learn, let alone getting used to a new brand of clubs as well .
Maybe I'm just jealous.
He won the FBR with the new Titleist 695 CB's in the bag. Now he's switched to Cobra's. No offence to Cobra but why. The irons he had got him on tour, won him first event. Now too me a rookie on tour has enough to learn, let alone getting used to a new brand of clubs as well .
Maybe I'm just jealous.
Wednesday, March 22, 2006
New driver shaft!!!
Yeah mate this what I'm putting in my driver!!!!! Isn't it pretty??? I think it's cool anyway. And no of course i didn't buy just because of the colour...but it did help. I've read some great review's on some of the forums I read.
Check out more here http://www.gramanshafts.com/products_ul.htm
BTW it's going into a Cleveland Comp
I hate it when...
You go out for a round (bash) and you pick up a single. Now this I don't mind, have had lot of fun in fact when one join's in. It's when you get one that think's he know every thing about the game. Pick's hole's in your swing (trust me mate I know they're there) and ask's why you are using such and such equipment.......... But you've thrashed by 15 shot's over the last 9 hole's. Then to top it off he tells you he's actually a 5 but is trying out a few changes. Screw the swing change's mate, quit and take up ping-pong.
I had a bad day so it's just me venting.....
I had a bad day so it's just me venting.....
Update on my game
Ok boy's and girl's. Now for the post about how crap my game is and how I'm never happy with. Wow there's something you don't hear everyday, A golfer that's not happy with his game.... (Note that sarcasm..lol)
I'm playing 2.2 at the moment and it's going out flat stick. Kinda good I suppose I need the extra shot's. I played in a big amatuer tournament last week. Well should I say I tried, I missed the cut by 3. After of course making a triple down the last.
I can hit it a fair way. There do tend to be lapses in my radar though. Actually a lot of lapse's and can normally scronge a decent score because I consider myself a goodish putter.
In case you don't know I live wayyyyyy down here at the bottom of New Zealand. No it's not that cold and yes we can play year round unlike most golfer's in the USA.
I'm playing 2.2 at the moment and it's going out flat stick. Kinda good I suppose I need the extra shot's. I played in a big amatuer tournament last week. Well should I say I tried, I missed the cut by 3. After of course making a triple down the last.
I can hit it a fair way. There do tend to be lapses in my radar though. Actually a lot of lapse's and can normally scronge a decent score because I consider myself a goodish putter.
In case you don't know I live wayyyyyy down here at the bottom of New Zealand. No it's not that cold and yes we can play year round unlike most golfer's in the USA.
Bubba's swing
Yeah sure technically he's left-handed but here's what it would look like if he stood on my side of the ball.Gotta love that over swing, not too mention the pink shaft. But if you can bomb out over 350 yards I don't many people taking the piss.
Testing Testing....
First Post on like my..... ok I actually no idea what number blog I'm up too. Forget the rest this is home from now on in.
These rambling's will be mine and mine alone so therefore all the mistake's are someone else's fault.... of course. It's based around the great and painful game of golf. My own game, my observation and under- valued (for a good reason) opinion.
Enjoy
These rambling's will be mine and mine alone so therefore all the mistake's are someone else's fault.... of course. It's based around the great and painful game of golf. My own game, my observation and under- valued (for a good reason) opinion.
Enjoy
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