Golfgar Need Help Please

NathanielJeep1 · May 30, 2002

Hey,
I am 17 and just getting into golfing, infact I am going to a week long camp at the University of South Florida, I have an almost complete set of clubs I am just mising the 1 and 2 irons and a putter. My question is what type of putter is good for beginers (since there are many shapes and sizes). Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathaniel

Clemson · May 31, 2002

Go to a store that sells golf equipment. Nearly all have a carpeted area that you can putt on. Try various putters until you find one that feels good. Don't worry about which one you choose -- you will change within a few months anyway! Most golfers end up with a closet full of putters that rotate into and out of favor with the seasons. A $20 putter will work just as well as a PING for a beginner (and for most experts). Also, forget the one and two irons for now. Work on the short game. That is where you carve strokes from your game. Good luck. You are embarking on a potential lifetime addiction.

Golfgar4 · May 31, 2002

Nathaniel,

Welcome to TBN! I never thought I'd be giving golf advice on a tractor web site! /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif That just goes to show you just how "cosmopolitan" TBN'ers really are!/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

Clemson gave you some good advice. I guess a little more information would be helpful. Are you taking up the game strictly for recreational purposes, or do you want to play competitive golf? Do you expect to play on a college golf team? Believe it or not, these kinds of decisions can affect what kinds of clubs you have.

Regarding the 1 and 2 irons, they can be difficult clubs to hit. Generally speaking, you can achieve similar yardages with a 5 wood or even 7 wood. Of course, if you plan on playing in tournaments, you're going to have to decide which clubs you want to carry, since you can only have 13. A lot of playing and practice will help you decide which clubs you want to carry.

Regarding putters, I agree with Clemson from the standpoint that because there are so many different styles out there, you just need to spend some time geting the feel for the one(s) you like. I, personally, have six putters of different weights and shaft lengths. That doesn't mean I'm telling you to go out and get six putters. If you're buying it yourself, you probably can't afford more than one right now. Do not buy one from your local K-Mart or Wal-Mart store. In my opinion, the ones they sell there are only good for mini-golf! Spend a little money on a better quality putter you can get at your local municipal course pro shop or reputable golf store, like Edwin Watts. Odyssey has a really good line of putters, and they're all well balanced clubs. Both Ping and Scotty Cameron (Titleist) are exceptional putters, but they're also more expensive. Personally, I prefer a putter that has an inset in the face of one of the new rubberized or soft plastic materials. The ball comes off the face very lightly, which helps you have more control. I generally like blade putters myself, but it seems that most guys prefer a mallet head putter. The mallet head will be a little heavier, and thus give a slightly more on line swing. The down side, though, is that you need a lighter touch because of the extra weight.

Spend some time during your camp trying the different putter styles. And don't forget to try different shaft lengths. And make sure you give each one a fair test. Don't just hit 5 or 6 balls and then go on to the next putter. Use each putter in a variety of locations on the practice green, and hit 20 - 30 balls, at a minimum, with each putter.

I hope this helps. Good luck at your camp. Remember to have FUN! That's what it's all about. Let me know how it all works out.

BKColeman · May 31, 2002

Clemson is right, almost any putter will work just fine. I started off with a $20 one. But I recently bought an Odyssey White Hot and I really like the forgiving feel of the insert. It has shaved several strokes of my scores. So I would start off with a model like that if I knew then...

My real goal is to have a Scotty Cameron Newport 2, but I'll have to get better before I buy that. My goal is when I'm breaking 80 consistently I'll buy it.

As to styles, that's a personal preference thing only I think. Blades look cool, but mallets are probably a little easier to line up. I use a modified mallet style, kind of in between, but I really like having 3 lines to line the ball up with. Haven't heard anything good about the 2-ball putters that are supposed to make it easier to line the ball up.

I don't use a 1 or 2 iron either. I would say they are only for low handicappers, but I could be wrong.

/w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gifGolf talk on a tractor board. What will they think of next? /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif

--Brad

BKColeman · May 31, 2002

Garry,

It looks like we're on the same wavelength. We're often replying at the same time (when we should be working) and now we're giving similar advice on golf clubs. /w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

--Brad

Golfgar4 · May 31, 2002

Brad,

Yup, Yup!! It doesn't get any better than that, does it? Except, of course, if we were out on the course or out on the tractor (at least yours, anyway)!!

Do we dare even consider asking Muhammad to add a new forum devoted to golf?/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif Hey, the PT guys got theirs, right? Stranger things have happened!! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif/w3tcompact/icons/laugh.gif

NathanielJeep1 · May 31, 2002

Thanks all,
I really appreciate all the advice. I am going to take what you all said and hopefully apply it at the store today. If I do I will tell what I got.
Thanks again.
Nathaniel

DVerbarg · May 31, 2002

Ok, both Golfgar and Mike made similiar comments that intrigue/puzzle me. Quoting Golfgar: Regarding the 1 and 2 irons, they can be difficult clubs to hit. Generally speaking, you can achieve similar yardages with a 5 wood or even 7 wood. 

Why is it that 1 and 2 irons are harder for most people to hit? The assumption is that the woods are easier?

Have not played golf in years, gave it up when I was first married, funds were a little tight back then and thought it cost too much. But did enjoy playing as a teenager and in my early twenties. Was frequently embarassed by my lack of skill with the woods as my control of the ball was pitiful /w3tcompact/icons/frown.gif. On a par 3 or par 4 would frequently tee off with a 1 or 2 iron, distance was a little shorter then others were getting with the woods but could put the ball right down the middle of the fairway while others were battling the trees, bunkers, rough, water hazards, etc. Guess my question is this: without seeing my swing what would be your best guess as to why I can hit irons well but not woods? Is there a fundamental difference in the stance or swing between the two?

Just a recreational duffer who has been thinking about trying to find a used set of clubs and a reasonable course to play again.

Golfgar4 · May 31, 2002

"Guess my question is this: without seeing my swing what would be your best guess as to why I can hit irons well but not woods?"

It almost sounds contrary to what I said earlier, but generally speaking, an average golfer has more confidence and success with hitting irons, rather than woods (metals these days!). The reason for this is because irons offer a smaller face that strikes the ball, which in turn minimizes the action (spin) that is put on the ball, thus providing a "straighter" shot. In addition, the shaft length of irons, even the 1's and 2's are a little bit shorter than the woods. As a result, the club has less of a chance (because it's not travelling as far) to get out of line, which would encourage either a slice or hook. All of this ends up giving the golfer the confidence that (s)he's hitting straighter shots. This is why you see a lot of recreational golfers hitting irons off the tees on par 4's and even par 5's.

In reality, the 1 and 2 irons are more difficult irons for the recreational golfer to hit because the face of the club is so much straighter (less loft) than the other irons. Usually, the golfer ends up hitting worm burners or hitting off the toe or heel of the club (shanking or chili dipping).

I'm guessing that in your case, when you had success hitting the 1 and 2 irons on the par 3 course, you weren't making your normal swing. You probably were taking a slightly easier swing than you normally would take with a wood. Also, you had had some success with using those clubs, so you were comfortable with them. That's half the battle with ANY club. For me, I hate my 3 wood, so I don't hit it often. I have more success with my 5 wood.

Regarding the stance, there are some slight differences between the woods and the 1 and 2 irons. Generally speaking, the driver is played off of the golfer's left heel or even the left toe. The 3 wood would be played just slightlyfurther back in the stance. The 1 and 2 irons would be played more toward the center of the stance, about halfway between the left and foot and the center of the stance.

Getting back to the statement that a person can have similar results by hitting 5 or 7 woods instead of 1 or 2 irons, the reason is because they have a greater loft than the 1 or 2 irons, and also the shafts are a little shorter. Anytime a person can hit a club that has greater loft, they will find it easier and have more success. Think about it. I bet you generally like the way you hit your 9, PW, or SW, don't you? It's because you're taking shorter, more controlled swings and hitting the ball a shorter distance.

I guess the real bottom line is that there are all kinds of techniques that can be taught and used, but what it finally gets down to is what works for the individual. There are some really starnge looking swings on the PGA tour, but if it works, so what? I had a friend that couldn't hit any iron to save his butt. So he had the 1 - 9 woods, a sand wedge and a putter. Heck, he could hit his 9 wood better than I was hitting a Sand Wedge! So do whatever works, and use whatever club you're comfortable with. If you want to get better, then go ahead and take some lessons. The Pro should teach you based on your basic techniques and adapt to those.

Hope this helped. let me know if confused you more than before you asked the question.

DVerbarg · May 31, 2002

Golfgar4,

Thanks for your feedback. The difference for me must be the length of the club shaft. Had a friend back in the late 80s who apparently made his money in golf (quiet guy, did not want to talk about himself or his golf career). He gave me some lessons after watching me "play" once and I had a terrible time trying to learn to swing a driver. Always wanted to shorten the driver's shaft cause I felt that I was going to fall over backwards when trying to swing the club with any force. Hit hundreds of balls on the driving range and finally decided that golf was supposed to be a fun relaxing sport not the stressful exercise it was turning into. Just went back to playing the way I did before (with my irons). Had a 2 driver and 5 driver in the bag and would occassionally mess around with them if the course was vacant and I could take extra time.

Maybe I'll take my Dad out for Father's day. Haven't played with him since the mid 80s. Of course I won't bother keeping score as he'll have at least 18 strokes less then me... /w3tcompact/icons/blush.gif

Bird · May 31, 2002

Do not buy one from your local K-Mart or Wal-Mart store

Hmmm . . ., and I like my $25 K-Mart putter better than any putter I've ever tried, including those that cost 5 times that much.

Golfgar4 · Jun 1, 2002

Bird,

I probably should've qualified those remarks a little better. My problem with the clubs at these various discount stores is that there seems to be a lack of consistency. You pick up one club and waggle it and it feels fine. You pick another of the exact same club, waggle it, and it feels off balanced. I've even seen instances where the club head is mounted slightly off center on one club and twisted on another.

That is not say that a person can't find a club that feels good and performs well. You're a good example of that. It's just harder to do.

I'm not a proponent of having to have the best of everything to play the game. My lob wedge is a Cleveland knock off that I spent $43.00 on, and it performs beautifully! My irons you can't even buy anymore, and when you could, they were considered inferior products. But they do the job for me, and that's all that matters.

But in giving advice to Nathaniel, I didn't want him to stumble into one of those "inferior" clubs that could cause him more problems than help him. After he's got some experience, and has learned more about HIS game, then he can start deciding for himself where to get his clubs and what to do with them.

But you're right, there are good clubs out there if you know what to look for.! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif

Golfgar4 · Jun 1, 2002

"Always wanted to shorten the driver's shaft cause I felt that I was going to fall over backwards when trying to swing the club with any force."

Dave,

Sounds to me like you were standing too close to the ball.

You mention that you thought that golf was supposed to be a fun, relaxing sport, not the stressful exercise it was turning into. Well, you learned the one lesson that many players never learn. It is a game that is supposed to be fun. I can tell you, it took my being away from the game for about 15 years for me to understand that when I finally got back to it. And since I've got my head screwed on staright, I've had more fun, and my game has improved. Basically because I'm more relaxed and I don't let the bad shots get to me.

Back in '94, my son was a freshman in high school. He'd started playing golf when he was 11, and he seemed to be a natural. Well, he went out for the H.S. golf team, and carded the lowest round for a freshman in the qualifiers in school history. He was on varsity from that point on. At spring break, I decided to see if a little professional instruction would help any, so we enrolled at the <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.slresort.com/noframes/academy.html>U.S. Golf Academy</A>. It's a 4 day program that is tailored to the golfers skill level. In fact, it's located in Plymouth, Indiana. That shouldn't be too far from where you are.

Anyway, it was a fun experience for both of us. I learned some things that really helped improve my game, and the pro that we were assigned to made some good adjustments in my son's swing. He did caution us, however, that it takes a little practice to get better with the new adjustments. He told us that we would get worse before we got better.

Well, he was right. We got back from the trip, and two days later my son had a conference meet where he shot a 101 /w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif. He'd been shooting in the upper 70's! His coach came up to me and asked me what the he_ _ had happened to his game. I explained where we had gone during spring break, and the coach went ballistic! /w3tcompact/icons/mad.gif And I must say, rightfully so. It took about two weeks for my son's game to come around, and then he started shooting better scores than before we went to the Academy. Ultimately, even the coach said that it was worth it, but he did make me promise to never give my son lessons during golf season again!

My point is, Dave. If you really want to get better, take some lessons from a qualified teaching pro. Or maybe sign up for one of these 3 or 4 day schools. They're a lot of fun, and you really learn a lot. Trust me, you don't know what humility is until you've seen your own golf swing on video tape! /w3tcompact/icons/crazy.gif Some of my golfing buddies and I are planning on all going down sometime together as a kind of golf get away!

The main point is, just have fun. Do what feels right for you, don't let it get to you, and keep it down the middle! /w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

NathanielJeep1 · Jun 1, 2002

Golfgar,
My grandfather lent me a two-way blade and two-way mallet putter to try out. The clubs I got are ZCX's I paid $60 for them and a bag at Play It Again Sports(a used sporting equipment store). Could you please tell me if these are good clubs or not? My parents said these are for me to use untill I find out wether or not I like golf or not, if I do they said they will upgrade my clubs if I like golf and get serious about the game. About the camp I am taking, it consits of instruction and practice from 8:45 am to 12:00 pm and then 18 holes of golf on the course at USF. This includes lunch and it is run by USF men's and women's coachs and PGA and LPGA professionals, and is open to only 35 students, to help insure more personal attention. All help has been and will be appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathaniel

Golfgar4 · Jun 3, 2002

"The clubs I got are ZCX's I paid $60 for them..."

Nathaniel,

I'm sorry, but I've never used ZCX's, so I really can't say anything about them. But as was mentioned earlier, it doesn't really matter what the club is or what it cost. If you're comfortable with it, and it performs well for you, then it's a good club. Talk with the pros at your camp about your clubs. They can tell you if the clubs are the right length and have right shafts (stiffness) for you.

I would agree with your parents. Use these clubs for awhile and see how you like the game. The camp you're going to sounds like it's set up well. The teaching pros will concentrate on a different part of the game each day so that by the end of the camp, they'll have covered all aspects of the game. Remember one thing, as the pros work with you, they will be changing how you've been playing the game. This means that you will be trying to do things with your swing that you've never tried before, and it takes time to get used to it. You will get worse before you get better! Don't let this get you down! It happens to everyone when they make changes. The fastest way to get through it is to go out and practice, practice, practice. When my son was in high school, he was the number one ranked on his team. I took him to a golf camp similar to the one you're going to. After we got done and came back home, he had a tournament 2 days later. He shot a 101!/w3tcompact/icons/shocked.gif The coach was not happy. But after about two weeks, his game came around, and with all the new things he had learned, he was hitting the ball farther and shooting lower scores. So just be patient!

Good luck, and have fun.

NathanielJeep1 · Jun 3, 2002

Hey,
Today was the first day and it was great but boy am I sore! In the morning we do putting drills, chipping drills, go to the driving range, watch videos, then they video tape are swing to watch later and have the instructors what we can do to improve our game, my instructor told me I have perfect stance and perfect grip

. Then we have lunch and after lunch we go play on the course. Today my group played the back nine (we can't play 18 holes becuase we are walking the course and only have 3 hours) today my group played three man scramble with two teams. Tomorrow we will do the drills and then we are going to play the front nine as threesomes. I will give an update tomorrow as well.
Nathaniel

NathanielJeep1 · Jun 8, 2002

Hey All,
Just giving an update on the camp. I am finished, it was great fun and I started shooting pretty well at the end. I made a 194yd drive from the tee to three feet from the pin Thursday and my group, we played two man scramble, managed to shoot one over par as compared to our score Wendesday wich was nine over par. Also does anybody know of some courses around the Ashville, North Carolina reigon? All help is appreciated.
Thanks,
Nathaniel

Golfgar4 · Jun 8, 2002

Nathaniel,

Glad to hear you had a good time at your camp. It sounds like it was worthwhile if your scores are getting better! /w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif

The easiest way to find courses is to do a search on the internet. When I do one for a state that I'm not familiar with, I first type in the state, and then just type in something like public golf courses. Here's a link <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.northcarolinagolfcourses.com/>North Carolina Golf Courses </A> that can get you started. There are a lot more links on the internet.

Have fun, and keep it down the middle!