Scandal-free open thread.

by turnover on Dec 3, 2009 5:51 PM EST Comment 12 comments

With so much of the discussion here (and in the golf world in general) currently dominated (and somewhat understandably so) by issues having little to do with the game itself, I thought it might be nice to have a thread free of such distractions. There are other things going on, both in the wider golf world and my personal golf world (a world characterized by excruciating mediocrity).

I'll kick this thread off with a tale from each.

Never lacking for drama is the final stage of Q-school, currently taking place at Bear Lakes in West Palm Beach. The drama is heightened this year by the presence of several well established names, foremost among them, of course, David Duval. Two rounds into the six-round ordeal, Duval is in 39th place at even par, seven strokes off the pace being set by Troy Merritt. Merritt, it should be noted, had a fine year on the Nationwide tour, winning once, pocketing just over $150k, and finishing 39th on the money list. 2004 Open Champion Todd Hamilton is having a rough go of it at eight-over.
Several weeks ago I asked folks here for a little equipment advice as I was looking to purchase a a new (well, new to me) set of irons. After a significant amount of research and gnashing of teeth, I settled on a very nice second-hand set of Mizuno MX-23s. The new sticks and I have played a couple of rounds together and we seem to be getting along just fine. This purchase has also inspired me to try my hand at do-it-yourself regripping. I have large hands, and require (at minimum) midsized grips. I have historically had the shop regrip my clubs, but after some research I've decided there's no reason I can't do this myself, thereby saving a little coin and, more importantly, developing a closer relationship between myself and my clubs. The materials should arrive from Golfsmith tomorrow, and I'll be tackling this task Saturday morning. A great day for it: the weather is supposed to be lousy, and hanging out in the basement regripping the clubs will keep my mind (and nerves) occupied prior to the SEC Championship Game. (Roll Tide.)

So, there are my scandal-free contributions to the conversation. Anyone else have any non-salacious golf thoughts?

FanPosts are written by Waggle Room members. Viewpoints expressed do not necessarily reflect those of WaggleRoom.com and its editor, Ryan Ballengee. The Waggle Room member whose byline appears with the FanPost is solely responsible for its content.

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Good call, turnover. I totally endorse this. I’m glad you realize that this is a relevant story for a bunch of reasons (almost all of them having nothing to do with what Woods actually did).

Find me! Email: ryan@thegolfnewsnet.com, Twitter: http://twitter.com/waggleroomryan, or Facebook: http://facebook.com/waggleroom.

by Ryan Ballengee on Dec 3, 2009 8:30 PM EST reply actions

Oh, I would never deny the relevance of the story.

But I thought a scandal-free thread would provide for a welcome respite.

"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin

by turnover on Dec 3, 2009 9:50 PM EST up reply actions

WHAT ?? A post that avoids Tiger and Elin ? SCANDALOUS !! :-)

Good pick up on the new sticks. You’ll love those Mizunos for a long time. Regripping is pretty easy to pick up – just make sure you use plenty of solution the first few you do and make extra sure you get it all the way on. It’s easy to come up a little short of the end of the shaft. Did you get a couple of extra grips for the first try ?

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 3, 2009 8:45 PM EST reply actions

Yep. Plently of grips on the way.

I made the decision to go DIY after watching the instructional vids at Golfsmith.com and realizing that I probably can’t f—- it up too badly. And if I do start f—-ing it up, I can always abort the procedure and go work on my mom’s dryer instead.

I’m pleased with the MX-23s. I don’t seem to have sacrificed much in the way of forgiveness, and I’ve gained quite a bit of feel. Biggest difference I’ve noticed (aside from feel) is varying distances. Off-center hits are a few yards shorter than with my old cast irons (though they do remain fairly straight). Shots struck flush, however, are between 1/2 and a full club longer than with my old clubs. Suffice it to say, I have new impetus to improve my ball-striking.

"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin

by turnover on Dec 3, 2009 10:12 PM EST up reply actions

Scandalous LOL

Solution and re-gripping ? hahahahahaha,,sounds like, retraining for a newly divorced guy. ^5’s court you totaly crack me up brother, hahaha Funny part is that you didn’t even realize what you said , at least I don’t think so ? And the funniest part is,,DRUM ROLL PLEASE,,,,,,“Make Sure You Get It All The Way On” HAHAHAHAHA Not to mention coming up a little short on the end of the shaft. OMG hahahaha Thank you I needed a good laff today.. Gawd I love this website…thanks again,,,jumpn/progolf

""""SCANDALOUS"""""

"pain is only weakness leaving the body"

by progolf on Dec 3, 2009 9:16 PM EST reply actions

lol – yeah – I knew what it sounded like…just hoped it wouldn’t get picked up.

"this ball will fit in that fairway"

by courtgolf on Dec 3, 2009 9:41 PM EST up reply actions

It’s easy. Double sided tape (large hands need at least twice as much) around the shaft, covering the top, so water won’t get inside the shaft through the hole in the grip. Pour turps ( solution) into the grip, covering the little hole in the top with your finger and shake it up, then pour excess over the tape on the shaft. Line up the grip square with the bottom edge of the clubface and slide it on. Takes me about 40 minutes, there is no rush, a pro takes about 20.

by Easingwold on Dec 3, 2009 9:31 PM EST reply actions

Yep.

I’ve got nothing going on Saturday until kickoff, so I have plenty of time to futz about with this in the basement. Thanks for the encouragement.

"...it is well to remember that to miss a putt is not a criminal offense and does not prevent a man from being an excellent husband, father, and citizen." - Bernard Darwin

by turnover on Dec 3, 2009 10:14 PM EST up reply actions

A couple tips on regripping

Find a golf store that does grips and ask to watch them put the new grips on a few clubs. It’s not rocket science, but the first bunch are a little tricky until you get the knack. We have always let people watch us work and they appreciate it and use us for the grips, solvent and tape. We get equipment and apparel sales as a result also.

Also, after you have removed the old grip and tape, tap the shaft on the ground to get any dirt, etc. out of the shaft. Sometimes dirt coagulates at the top and when you pull the grip off it falls into the shaft and becomes noisy when you swing. It doesn’t happen often, but enough times over the years, I always take the extra 2 seconds.

And, you are right. New grips feel better when you do them yourself. Just wait until you get to reshafting.

I’m glad WR has some new blood. Courtgolf was wearing my ass out…

...from the land of pleasant living, Baltimore. Stop by and visit us anytime at www.oneeedgolfer.blogspot.com

by One-Eyed Golfer Guy on Dec 3, 2009 10:24 PM EST reply actions