I always hit them before purchasing. I liked the feel of the Burners. Was still hitting with a slight fade, and the distance on them was insane (185-190 7i, 150ish 9i). I also tried the new R11s and liked them also, and I found a killer deal on a set on CL, if it's legit ($525 for Steel 3-PW..Retail is like $800)

 

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Go to a PGA Superstore or a Dick's Sporting Goods, walk into their simulator and hit every brand of game improvement clubs.

Ping, Callaway, Cobra, Taylormade, Nike...they all make a great club.
It's not just about feel. It's about numbers.

I'm not saying you need to get fit for clubs, but a simple simulator can tell you your clubhead speed, and ball speed. It can vary by 10-15mph depending on the club/shaft you're swinging.

Taylormade drivers are very customizable, but other companies are starting to do the same thing. The bottom line is check the numbers.

You may like the feel of X club, but you may hit Y club 20 yards farther, and much straighter.

Amusingly, on my trip to Portland a few months ago, I was planning on playing The Reserve. I just never got around to it. My biggest regret from the trip. I'm sure my sister would have been pissed if I disappeared for 4 hours in the middle of her reception.

As far as playing in poor weather? Get used to it is the best advice. Portland has the rain, but it's rarely the HEAVY drenching rain, I noticed. It's just a drizzle. Play your shots accordingly. Greens will be slower when they're wet, so putt the ball a little harder, and it shouldn't affect your driving or short game that much.

 

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If you're over 6' tall, the best thing you can do is be fitted for a club. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on a fitting, again, you can walk into a PGA Superstore, or Dick's Sporting Goods, and they can help you find a shaft/club combination for your height. Some brands have longer stock clubs than others, so do some internet research.

When you're tall, you tend to hunch more, which throws off your swing plane.

Edit: If memory serves, Ping and Cobra both have online "fitting" tools to help you pick a club/shaft to your height.

 

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Kev loves his set of Ping

 

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Only tip I have is to move to another place or spend a lot on air fare.

Right on. If you can hit them they are very nice clubs with a lot of advantages. My pings are the same way, huge distance but very unforgiving if you miss hit or turn your wrists. It's whatever works for you.

Trying them out before you buy is a must IMO.


As to the weather thing. I can't stress enough a good golf wind breaker, one that's water proof,as being wet and having the wind cut through your clothes is the absolute worst.

 

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Thanks for the tips, TUG.

Did you get to play any golf while you were up here? If you're up here again let me know and we can go play a round

 

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Keep all your scores. For me this is huge. Even if someone else is keeping score, I keep personal scorecards. I will write down point notes on the hole, and how I played (clubs used, strokes,putts). It gets me focused more on MY game than others Im with, whether club members/friends.

The more confident you are/look plays a big part. Class, class, class. Even if you fail on a shot, figure it out - move on.

Don't be one of those drama guys, that still talks about a failed shot 3-4 holes ago. Wait until the round is over to recite. Don't be 'that' guy who decides to talk in someones backswing.

Always keep track of your ball, then take a look at surroundings. Look for any landmark you can use. and REMEMBER it. say it to yourself outloud so others can hear. Even on a slice, keep track, Tree's CAN be your friend!!!

Don't over think. If you aren't comfortable, step back and analyze your shot again. possibly change a club, you don't have to always use the one you address your ball with.

ALWAYS go for 'it'. You'd be amazed at the shots you will make if you really put your mind to it and try. Save the 'laying up' unless its needed.

And never feel rushed. If you do, either let people play through or they can damn well wait.

haha

 

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As a fellow Portlander, I can say this about golf:

- You are going to be playing in the drizzle, so just get over it. That, or you only get to play 3 months out of the year.
- Go to one of the golf shops around town and swing several different sets and have the staff there evaluate you on which set is best for your height and your swing. (I picked up some Nike Slingshot irons a couple years ago, nice set for my height - 6 feet, and my style of swing.)
- Get yourself a nice cover for your bag so your bag and clubs don't get soaked.
- If you can afford it, buy a pull cart. They go for about $100 and it's *much* better than carrying.
- Get some lightweight rain gear - usually just one of those waterproof jackets and pants will do you fine.

- The Reserve is a nice course, but it's overrated. Meriwether is fine, and Killarney West is good for getting back into the game (it's a 9 hole just at the edge of Hillsboro).


Maybe I'll catch you out on the course come springtime - just look for a fat dude in his mid-40's hacking up the course like Spaulding Smails from Caddyshack.

 

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