A Great Thing Just Got Better

[BobbiJo]

Kerry--if you catch a skunk, you are screwed... Hope you have a very long stick to release the trap. Our old dog in K.C. got sprayed several times, and a couple times I would go out to check on her in the night and pet her without realizing (we were thick with skunks in our blackberry shrubs so our yard smelled skunky most nights).

Ever pet a dog, realize she is wet, then realize you just ran your hand through skunk spray??

Possum used to come right up on our deck in the country. Dan killed one once in the driveway with a shovel. They have nasty teeth, so look out!

[smith18]

At my lesson last night I tried various clubs for possible purchase...

Ping G15
Taylormade R9
Cobra UFI (Ultimate Forgiveness Irons)
Cobra S2
Nike

Of those tried, it is a toss up between the Cobra S2 or the Taylormade R9. I am going back tonight to experiment some more.

I will have to figure out what to get next for fairway woods and a hybrid. And I need a new bag as mine really sucks.

[smith18]

I spent some time tonight at the range with the Taylormade R9, Taylormade Burner and Cobra S2. I like the Taylormade R9 best.

I was testing with a 6 iron and was getting around 140 yards carry on average. That seems very short for what I see the pros do, but I understand it is more important to have consistency and knowing what club to dial in for a particular distance. Also, range balls are probably 10 yards less than actual good balls.

So I am thinking for my bag and distances:

Putter
Sand - 90
Gap - 100
PW - 110
9 - 120
8 - 130
7 - 140
6 - 150
5 - 160
4 hybrid - 180
3 hybrid - 200
3 wood - 220
driver - 240 or more

[Virtually_Handsome]

Hmmmm.... I only count 13!

I'm trying to figure out where the hole is. I'd be tempted to carry a three or four iron, not necessarily to hit full shots with, but for punches from under trees, or even longish chips. (I'm inclined to chip from near the green where some would putt. I think flying over the stuff that's not the green, but then getting the ball rolling, is better than chancing getting stuck.) The other option would be a 60 degree wedge, maybe never to hit a full shot with (I think that's a bear) but for hopping over bunkers when there's no green to work with.

When I'm hitting right, I find my gaps are more like 12-15 yards, and my 8 goes 140-145, but we are pretty similar.

[smith18]

Thanks Jeff.

Good point about the punch shot.

I have practiced some of those high pitch shots by opening the face on my sand wedge and shifting my aim to compensate. Not too bad, but when it goes wrong, it is not pretty.

I still consider myself a major beginner, but I seem to handle the driver ok. My favorite iron is the 8 which my shots go 140 when I put a little more effort, but my consistency goes down so I strive for a more slow smooth relaxed stroke.

[john210]

Hey Kerry, I like the 60 degree wedge idea. As far as punch outs and chips, you can usea 5 iron and close the face or even the hybrid....i have seen it done.

The fact that you are trying out clubs scares me a little....I may start believing in astrology.....I actually did the same but I bought some. I got a great deal on a set of irons (adams a4 forged / last years model) they come with a 3 and 4 hybrid and 5 - PW irons. That will complement my 52 / 56 and 60 deg. cleveland wedges.
Finally I sprung for Ping G15 driver and 3 wood. I should be all set for the season......

[Virtually_Handsome]

I find that when I get the smooth swing, the ball goes farther. I expect it's just a matter of time!

I debate back and forth on the 4 iron vs. the 60... presently the 4 iron is in the bag, and the 60 in the trunk, but for a while last year it was the other way round. I rarely take a full 4 iron swing, but an easy half swing can stay pretty low and cover a lot of distance. the 60 drives me mad, I get tempted hit full shots with it, and it's just too hard to be consistent!

[smith18]

I am going to have to try out the Adams A4 as they get good reviews and come in the configuration I am looking for. I think they are classified as game improvement clubs.

Are you scared because you also shopped for clubs at the same time? Remember, we are birth brothers - with hot moms. BTW... My mom is on the Big Island right now bracing for the big tsunami from the Chile earthquake.

[sandycay]

that's amazing... STBH just called to tell me they are expecting some effects to come all the way up to the Straits up here?

[cw68]

I am going to have to try out the Adams A4 as they get good reviews and come in the configuration I am looking for. I think they are classified as game improvement clubs.

I bought a set of Adams two years ago, love 'em.