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lowof83 · #1 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 12:38 PM

I decided it's time to stir things up a little around here. These are my views, and it's not necessary that you agree with them.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.
2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.
3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.
4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.
5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.
6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or 70, if it isn't fun for you, why do it?

All this is open for discussion. Keep it civil, add anything you like, agree, or disagree. Let's hear your truths.

BOBX460 · #2 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 01:49 PM

I don't know those cheap walmart irons will really sting your hands if you don't hit it perfect.
I agree with the balls. They finally make balls under $20 a dozen that aren't like hitting rocks. And I always have fun even when I dont break 100. A hook is worse than a slice on my home course hooks go off of the golf course. Slices mean you get to be creative hitting out from the trees.
Yep no substitute for practice but you can only learn course management on the course.
Keeping the ball in play is the most important part of course management. Now if we could just get these lazy golf course to get rid of the stupid mats at the range and buy some grass seed we would all improve our ball striking ability not to mentoon always have to scrub that ugly layer of green artifical grass from the bottom of you clubs everytime you go to the range.

***Avatar*** · #3 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowof83

I decided it's time to stir things up a little around here. These are my views, and it's not necessary that you agree with them.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.
2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.
3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.
4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.
5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.
6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or 70, if it isn't fun for you, why do it?
All this is open for discussion. Keep it civil, add anything you like, agree, or disagree. Let's hear your truths.

1. Agreed.
2. Disagree. If your hands aren't in the proper position than no matter what kind of swing you have you can't hit the ball.
3. Agreed (I just did it).
4. Agreed (out of bounds is out of bounds, no matter what side of the fairway)
5. Agreed (but, quality practice, not quantity...and spend most of it on the short game!)
6. Agreed (for many though it's an ego thing. As many people that start the game each year around that many quit).
7. Play within yourself.

stryper · #4 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:14 PM

I pretty much agree with PingIrons on every point, especially #2...without a good foundation--setup, alignment, posture, grip, etc.--consistency/repeatability will always elude you.

CJswing07 · #5 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:22 PM

On the golf is only about having fun part... not 100% true, sometimes in the summer when I know i don't feel like golfing I'll head out anyway just in hopes of getting better and improving my game. Not to mention it's also a career for many people.

CoachD · #6 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:23 PM

#6 for sure. When playing with the woman I know I'm going to lose...probably by an embarrasing number...but losing with her is a lot more fun than not playing at all. We always have a blast. Be it us almost getting hit by balls, to making fun of me when it takes me 5 shots to get out of the bunker, to having mii contests on the hole she lives on at night (either cloeset to pin or first one who drops one wins) its a blast

lowof83 · #7 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:25 PM

A little note on #2 so you will all understand why I put it in there:

Quote:

2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.

Before I ever touched a golf club, I broke my left arm, and the doctor that set it did an awful job of it, so I have an extra bend where there isn't supposed to be one. My grip is not accepted as "normal" and I'd never recommend it to anyone else. It's the only way I can grip the club, and make a full swing without pain, so I've learned to play with it, and usually play decent.
My swing is repeatable. As a general rule (except those times I'm battling the hook) I play a controlled game because of having a repeatable swing. You're all welcome to believe you must have an interlocking/overlapping/baseball grip to negotiate the golf course. I know different.

***Avatar*** · #8 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:30 PM

You, my friend, are the exception. We have a highly regarded pro at my course who has one arm. Obviously he can't grip the club "properly" since he has only one hand. But for the VAST majority of us a "proper" grip is essential to square the clubface and generate power.

GolfMe · #9 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:48 PM

A little on Number 1. I think its important to put in there that, aslong as they fit your game! if you have walmart clubs that dont fit your game, but you have Ping Rapture's that do..than i'd pay those 1000 dollars because they fit my game. what's the point of paying 200 dollars for clubs that dont work for you? it's a waste of money, I prefer to save up the 800 dollars to get those Ping's that WILL improve my game by ALOT, than waste those 200 dollars.

***shaderunner*** · #10 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PingIrons

2. Disagree. If your hands aren't in the proper position than no matter what kind of swing you have you can't hit the ball.

Try telling that to Paul Azinger.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowof83

1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.agree...the indian, not the arrow.
2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.agree...your swing may be unconventional in order to accomodate your grip or vice versa but as long as you can make it repeat under pressure then it doesn't matter. Penick always said beware the low hcapper with a "bad" swing and/or grip because he's obviously learned to use it.
3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them. agree...balls have gotten better and more affordable
4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out. agree...if you don't know where it's going (at least the zip code) then it doesn't matter which direction.*
5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice. agree...sort of. Lose enough skins or nassaus and you'll improve or quit...I call it paying dues. And, yes, course management is part of it but ball management comes first...after all, if you don't know where it's going what good does it do to strategize?
6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or 70, if it isn't fun for you, why do it? agree...even though there are times when I'm not having so much fun (slow play/rude golfers) I never let that ruin an entire round.

*Taking one side or the other of the hole out of play is the mark of a good golfer...so one could be worse than the other in certain situations...generally speaking, though, one's not worse than the other.

Shade

shelby · #11 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 04:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowof83

I decided it's time to stir things up a little around here. These are my views, and it's not necessary that you agree with them.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.
2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.
3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.
4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.
5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.
6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or 70, if it isn't fun for you, why do it?

All this is open for discussion. Keep it civil, add anything you like, agree, or disagree. Let's hear your truths.

1. Disagree. I used to think that, but I've seen the difference quality clubs make.
2. Agreed.
3. Disagree. Better balls perform bettter.
4. Agreed!
5. You can, to an extent. Better equipment can make you better instantly (at least a little).
6. Agreed, but it's not fun to play badly. Some people never seem to have a good time, and I love to ride those people who take themselves way too seriously.

We need more threads to stir things up!

lowof83 · #12 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shelby

1. Disagree. I used to think that, but I've seen the difference quality clubs make.
2. Agreed.
3. Disagree. Better balls perform bettter.
4. Agreed!
5. You can, to an extent. Better equipment can make you better instantly (at least a little).
6. Agreed, but it's not fun to play badly. Some people never seem to have a good time, and I love to ride those people who take themselves way too seriously.

We need more threads to stir things up!

You're playing green dot ISI's shelby? If that set is your recommended set by Ping, no off the rack set of irons would suit you, because they wouldn't fit you right. I'm lucky enough to have been fitted black dot (std LLL), so I can take just about any off the rack set, and be 1/2 way comfortable with them as long as the shafts are stiff enough.
On the golf balls, I like the $18 a dozen Srixon AD-333's, and the $38 a dozen Nike One Platinums. I don't score a bit better with the Nikes unless the greens are really hard. The Nikes check a little harder than the Srixons do.
On your reaction to number 6, I'm with you man. One of the guys I play against every other week and I give one another **** the entire round. His stepfather plays with us, is absolutely awful, and complains the entire round about his game. He broke 100 for the first time in over 2 years 3 weeks ago, and was smiling the entire round - driving straight, hitting decent 2nd shots, and putting reasonably well. Despite the fact that's the first time in over 2 years he's shot decent, he'll complain that he should shoot at least 98 every round from now 'til the next time he manages it. I love it.

rmccabe6 · #13 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lowof83

I decided it's time to stir things up a little around here. These are my views, and it's not necessary that you agree with them.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.
Agree. I will stink with whatever I use, so I won't feel so bad if I don't spend a ton of cash on them.

2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.
Dissagree. I changed my grip this year and finding it is a lot more comfortable and I am hitting shots better with the new grip.

3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.
Agree. I'm not good enough to know the difference between any of them right now.

4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.
It depends on how serious you are about your game and your particular financial situation whether you can afford a teacher or not.

5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.
Agree. If you buy the latest and greatest it will help cover up your mistakes, not learn from them.

6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or 70, if it isn't fun for you, why do it?
Absolutely. As my former boss used to say, I always shoot 68, sometimes it's after five holes, sometimes it's after nine holes......

All this is open for discussion. Keep it civil, add anything you like, agree, or disagree. Let's hear your truths.

viking64 · #14 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 09:36 PM

ok, I'll take the bait. I don't agree with very much, but am agreeable about it.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.

Nope, sorry. Disagree. A good golfer can use anything, and play well. But it will be more work to use lightning rods, and he won't play a career round with them either. A weekend golfer can use whatever, but he'll make more pars with a set of clubs fit to him, not something off the rack.

2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.

You can build a swing to compensate for an unusual grip. Or even a bad grip. But compensation is what it is, and I think you have to work harder to compensate for some grips, which makes it harder to hit the ball consistently.

3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.

Until a year ago, I'd have agreed, and to some degree I do. Most players can play with anything. What I found was using one brand of ball gave me more predictability with the two clubs I think matter most, wedge and putter. The ball flies differently off both if you use different balls. Once I started using only one kind of ball, I putted better and my wedges were better because I learned how hard they'd bite. I guess I agree, but think that once you find a ball brand that works, regardless of the price, stick with it.

4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.

OK, I agree.

5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.

OK, but you can buy a particular club that improves your game. A hybrid, a wedge, or a putter can all produce lower scores. This may be more important for a weekend warrior than a scratch, I'm undecided about that. BUT you are right in that, you can't buy an entire game--you gotta work at it, and work hard.

6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or...

Well, it matters to me. I have more fun shooting in the 70's than the 80's. I have more fun playing with friends than strangers. I have more fun playing a nice course than a dogtrack. I don't enjoy a bad round, though I appreciate being out there even during those bad rounds.

lowof83 · #15 (**permalink**) June 9th, 2007, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by viking64

ok, I'll take the bait. I don't agree with very much, but am agreeable about it.

Here's the real truth about golf.
1) It makes zero difference what brand of clubs you use. If your clubs suit your game, it doesn't matter whether they're the latest Callaways, or the $139 set from Wal-Mart.

Nope, sorry. Disagree. A good golfer can use anything, and play well. But it will be more work to use lightning rods, and he won't play a career round with them either. A weekend golfer can use whatever, but he'll make more pars with a set of clubs fit to him, not something off the rack.

I never said anything about not being able to have the clubs fitted to you. I said "suit your game." I agree 100% that someone is better off with a fitted set, and that you'll get a more consistent ball flight after having your shafts spine aligned. Shaft puring, I'm not sure about, because I've never had a set of shafts pured.

2) It makes no difference whether or not you have a "proper" golf grip. What does matter is whether or not you have a repeatable swing that you can negotiate the course with.

You can build a swing to compensate for an unusual grip. Or even a bad grip. But compensation is what it is, and I think you have to work harder to compensate for some grips, which makes it harder to hit the ball consistently.

3) You don't have to pay $25 or more for a dozen golf balls. $9.99 a dozen is more than acceptable as long as you play well with them.

Until a year ago, I'd have agreed, and to some degree I do. Most players can play with anything. What I found was using one brand of ball gave me more predictability with the two clubs I think matter most, wedge and putter. The ball flies differently off both if you use different balls. Once I started using only one kind of ball, I putted better and my wedges were better because I learned how hard they'd bite. I guess I agree, but think that once you find a ball brand that works, regardless of the price, stick with it.

For me, it's about how the ball feels off the clubs. I've got 2 favorite models of golf balls, and it depends on course condition which I play. Those 2 feel the same (to me) off the clubfaces.

4) A hook is just as bad as a slice. If you can't keep the ball in play, you need more time on the range, or with a teaching pro to work it out.

OK, I agree.

5) You can't buy a better game, so don't even try. There is no substitute for practice.

OK, but you can buy a particular club that improves your game. A hybrid, a wedge, or a putter can all produce lower scores. This may be more important for a weekend warrior than a scratch, I'm undecided about that. BUT you are right in that, you can't buy an entire game--you gotta work at it, and work hard.

I've got 3 hybrids in the bag these days, so I'd be lying if I said that certain clubs can't improve your game. Like you said though, you gotta work at it.

6) Golf is about having fun. It doesn't matter if you shoot 130 or...

Well, it matters to me. I have more fun shooting in the 70's than the 80's. I have more fun playing with friends than strangers. I have more fun playing a nice course than a dogtrack. I don't enjoy a bad round, though I appreciate being out there even during those bad rounds.

I understand having more fun when you're playing well. For me though, golf is my escape. It's how I blow off steam after a rough week of work. I'm fortunate enough to be able to play a few fairly nice courses that are within an hours drive of the house, so maybe I don't appreciate them any more than the "dogtrack" I play twice a month. I'm still in the "a bad day of golf is still better than a good day at work" crowd.

I like the way you think. For the most part, I like getting a viewpoint that isn't quite the same as mine because it gives me something to think about.

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