Dave's Bag Lotto and Club Reviews

[Daves]

Yesterday was my first handicapped comp round of the week, a single Stab on cored greens. I played very solidly for 20/18 = 38 points, to just get beaten on a CB for a place in A grade.

Driver 1: Mizuno ST180 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: Mizuno JPX850 10.5* with Motore Speeder VC 6.3 Stiff
Fairway: Lynx Parallax 3 Wood
Hybrid: Taylormade M4 #3 19*
Irons: Titleist 710 AP2 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

I was looking forward to this Mizuno Driver comparison after a sneak preview earlier the week. I was a little tentative early with the ST180, but settled into a reasonable rhythm with it by the end of the nine. I blocked my first drive with the 850, but absolutely smacked it very long. It took me a while to get comfortable, but again I settled into a nice flow with it by the end. There wasn't a lot between them. The ST180 is ultimately the longer driver when you step on it, but it is also a noticeably lower spin face and a touch less friendly on mishits. The 850 was still solidly long (longer than I remember) but a touch easier to hit and control.

The Lynx 3 wood was a surprise. Only one hit, but I absolutely smacked it off the tee to the middle of the fairway, driver length and 50m past the rest of the group.

Good drives with the Mizzys generally put me in good position for my 2nds. I hit lots of greens, I flew a few as well, to give me lots of birdie putts, but none dropped. I was very comfortable right though the bag with the AP2s.

The short game was solid, but the variables of the cored greens made the result somewhat of a lottery at times. The Sandy Mid is my cored green specialist putter and did not let me down. The extra weight works well on the sand .

[Daves]

Monday's round was at Virginia. Another cored greens round. It is renovations season here now and there will be more of them in coming weeks. I drove the ball pretty well, was rubbish with the irons, but putted really well. Final result 21/16 = 37 points, no wipes.

Driver 1: Honma TW747 9.5* with Honma Vizard 60 Reg
Driver 2: Ryoma Maxima D-1 Type G 10.5* with Aldila NVS 55 Stiff
Fairway: Mizuno ST180 3 Wood
Hybrid: Lynx Parallax #3 19*
Irons: Srixon Z765 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

The arrival of the Honma opened the opportunity for a JDM showdown (more to come). I drove the Honma pretty well, though my misses were all to the right, but non too drastic. I was hitting it pretty long as well. I had it set closed to give more loft (+1*), which may explain the right bias. And I added a 4g weight to get it to my MOI target. I switched to the Ryoma on the back nine and was striping it very long. I hit a similar number of fairways with each, but the Ryoma was definitely longer on the day, and was one of the longest of this year's rounds. My swing changes seem to be starting to pay off.

My problem was with the irons on full shots. I was swing badly, shutting the face down and smothering most shots right. No problem with the pitch and runs shots, just full swings.

Luckily the short game was solid and I putted very well with my Sandy special (27)

Shot of the day was a 3 wood 2nd to 15 feet pin high on the Index 1, 412M 6th. The Birdie putt hung on the edge unfortunately.

[Hatchman]

Monday's round was at Virginia. Another cored greens round. It is renovations season here now and there will be more of them in coming weeks. I drove the ball pretty well, was rubbish with the irons, but putted really well. Final result 21/16 = 37 points, no wipes.

Driver 1: Honma TW747 9.5* with Honma Vizard 60 Reg
Driver 2: Ryoma Maxima D-1 Type G 10.5* with Aldila NVS 55 Stiff
Fairway: Mizuno ST180 3 Wood
Hybrid: Lynx Parallax #3 19*
Irons: Srixon Z765 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

The arrival of the Honma opened the opportunity for a JDM showdown (more to come). I drove the Honma pretty well, though my misses were all to the right, but non too drastic. I was hitting it pretty long as well. I had it set closed to give more loft (+1*), which may explain the right bias. And I added a 4g weight to get it to my MOI target. I switched to the Ryoma on the back nine and was striping it very long. I hit a similar number of fairways with each, but the Ryoma was definitely longer on the day, and was one of the longest of this year's rounds. My swing changes seem to be starting to pay off.

My problem was with the irons on full shots. I was swing badly, shutting the face down and smothering most shots right. No problem with the pitch and runs shots, just full swings.

Luckily the short game was solid and I putted very well with my Sandy special (27)

Shot of the day was a 3 wood 2nd to 15 feet pin high on the Index 1, 412M 6th. The Birdie putt hung on the edge unfortunately.

Everything I've ever read this Driver gets a mention for being one of the longest legal JDM offerings.

[Daves]

Yesterday I played the usual Single Stab (4BBB in conjunction) event at Reddie Bay. I drove the ball very well, but got bent over a few times by the Golf Gods and struggled to score on the re-sanded greens. In the end I compiled 14/19 = 33 points, no wipes. I took me 10 holes to make my first 3 pointer, and another 8 to make my only other one!.

Driver 1: Nike Vapor Fly Pro 10.5* with MR Kuro Kage Black Reg
Driver 2: Nike Vapor Fly 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Nike Vapor Fly 3 Wood
Hybrid: Nike Vapor Flex #3 19*
Irons: Nike Vapor Fly 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

I really enjoyed hitting the two Nikes. Neither is super long, but they are still competitive. Both are easy to hit, and there wasn't a huge difference between the two. There was also very little in it on average Drives, FIR and longest Drive. Game Golf data suggested the Pro had slightly longer potential when well struck.

My GIR stats were around my average, but I was a little disappointed with a couple of poor shots. I am still trying to bed down some swing changes.

The short game was OK, but the greens were quite variable and you could not anticipate the bounces at times. The same frustration was there with putting, as the freshly sanded greens made consistently rolling putts very difficult.

[Daves]

Yesterday we played the Brisbane Vets at Redcliffe. It was another cored greens round. I played very solidly for 19/19 = 38. It was good, but I left quite a few out there.

Driver 1: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* with Alta Red CB 55 Stiff
Driver 2: Honma TW747 460 9.5* with Honma Vizard 60 Reg
Fairway: Lynx Parallax 3 Wood
Hybrid: Lynx Parallax #3 19*
Irons: Cobra Forged TEC Black 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

Both Drivers were very solid. I started with the Ping and was generally pretty straight with only a single fairway missed. Not super long, unless I really stepped on it, but very competitive and so easy to hit. I missed a couple with the Honma, but through bad swings trying to do too much. It is also very easy to hit, but perhaps a tad harder to shape. My misses are tending to be to the right, as I try and turn it over left to right. It is much better (and easier) just hitting it straight, or baby fades. I do wonder whether the stock shaft is too soft though? I might have to get an extra adapter or two and try something else in it. It does feel very good and looks great at address.

My iron game was OK, better than average stats, but still too many weaker shots (mostly toe hits) mixed in. This is the part of my game with the most upside potential. The Forged TECs felt great and I really like the Recoil 780s in them.

My short game was pretty solid. The cored greens were typically variable, but I putted very solidly (31) and made a few longer ones. The Sandy Mid continues to be clearly the best Putter for me on these greens.

[Daves]

Yesterday we played the usual Single stab. at Reddie Bay. There was a strong northerly blowing and rain was threatening. We managed to avoid most of the rain, but it absolutely toweled down just after we finished and the course flooded! I was hitting the ball very solidly but could not make a putt to save myself. I hit every Fairway on our first nine, but did not make my first par till 11 holes in! In the end I scored 14/18 = 32.

Driver 1: Taylormade 2017 M2 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: Taylormade Burner Superfast 2.0 10.5* with Matrix Ozik 4.8 Reg
Fairway: Taylormade 2017 M2 3 Wood
Hybrid: Taylormade 2017 M2 #3 19*
Irons: Taylormade 2017 M2 4- PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Sandy 12 Mid 37"

The M2 was very solid. As mentioned, I hit every fairway, pretty much all up the middle. And I was able to hit it low and keep it down into the wind, but still launch it when the wind was behind. It was not overly long, but it was solid. It took me a while to adjust to the Superfast, but I was hitting it well towards the end. Not as friendly or easy to hit as the M2, but was potentially significantly longer. Ironically, though I missed a few fairways, I made a lot of pars on the 2nd nine.

I was striking the M2 irons well, but not always getting the results with the short game. Actually it was probably the best I have hit them todate.

The short game stroke was solid but I was getting all sorts of bounces and runouts. And the putts would not drop, even from five feet. It started badly when my par putt got deflected by a twig in the jaws of the 1st hole played, and it was all downhill from there.

I started with a Srixon soft feel, reasoning the lower spin would be better in the wind. But after the first nine I switched to a Z Star, but it spun up too much, and I switched to a Chrome Soft to finish. Nothing made a difference with the putts though!

[Daves]

My Monday round was with the Vets at Gainsborough Greens. We have been rained out there previously, so it was nice to finally play there again. My Driving wasn't the best, but I hit my irons really well. In the end I somehow accumulated 33 (15/18 ) points without a wipe.

Driver 1: Ryoma Maxima D1 - Type G 10.5* with Aldila NVS 65 Stiff
Driver 2: Ryoma Maxima D1 - Type D 10.5* with Prolaunch AXIS Red 60 Stiff
Fairway: Cobra F Max 3 Wood
Hybrid: Adam Idea Pro Gold 18*
Irons: Adams A4 Forged with Matrix Studio Reg 5 - PW, TM M4 4i
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Stacey 12 CS 38"

It was going to be the battle of the Ryomas, but It got sullied by some very poor driver swings by me. I eventually settled somewhat, but the damage was done. There wasn't any obvious difference between the two types on the day.

My iron striking was the best it had been for sometime. T the M4 (first time out) was very impressive. I was hitting the A4s right out of the sweet spot, but could not find the middle of the M4. Which made the results with it even more impressive, as you would never know looking at the ball flight! Talk about forgiveness to the extreme!

My short game was OK, but we all struggled with the pace of the green. Storms on the prior couple of days had left them wet, but some of the upside bowl greens were as hard as a rock. And I made one putt all day, and it was technically not a putt (off green bird on the 7th).

[Daves]

My next round was a quick 18 on Friday morning. I drove the ball very well, but I could not hit a full iron shot to save myself! The tally was 15/15 = 30.

Driver 1: Epon AF101 10.5% With MR Bassara 73 Reg
Driver 2: Mizuno JPX900 10.5%* with D 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Cobra S9-1 3 Wood
Hybrid: TM GAPR Hi #3 19*
Irons: Adams CB3 Matrix Program 8.1 Reg 4 - PW,
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Scotty Cameron Golo 5 CB DB 38"

Another JDM show down. Neither really stood out. I was a little inaccurate with the Epon at times, which is not the norm. Blocks right was the bad shot. Probably trying to hit it too hard in the damp conditions. But it was definitely the longer of two on average. The Mizzy wasn't particularly long, but seemed to be up the middle most of the time. Neither was particularly long, but the conditions were not conducive in any case.

I don't think I found the middle with the irons all day. Which is not the norm with the CB3s.

The short game was solid, and I putted well, but made little of any length. Lots of putts left in the jaws, or solid lipouts were the theme of the day.

I have yet to make solid contact with the GAPR. Not sure what the issue is, but I just can't seem to get the hang of it?

[Daves]

Yesterday we traveled to Caboolture for our Vets round. I finished well last time we played there, and more importantly I had form, having accumulated 21 pts on the first nine on Saturday, till the storms hunted us off. I started really well and kept it going for the most part to accumulate 21/19 = 40 points (1 wipe) and take out 2nd place for the day.

Driver 1: Taylormade M2 10.5* with Fujikura Pro 50 Reg
Driver 2: Cobra F7 with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Taylormade SLDR 3 Wood
Hybrid: Taylormade M2 19*
Irons: Taylormade RocketBladez 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Taylormade TP Collection Berwick C-B 38"

This was the battle of the 2016 releases. And they both performed really well. Not a lot in it. I think I hit the M2 slightly longer on average, and more consistently, but the F7 felt like it had the greater potential. The M2 was the preferred look at address for me. The F7 head looks bigger, but I suspect it is an illusion.

It was my best iron ball striking in a long time. I actually hit more GIR than FIR!. The Bladez are probably just behind the Speedblades as my favorite TM irons.

My short game was very solid and I putted really well on the cored greens without a lot of luck.

[Daves]

A single Stab at Redland Bay yesterday was my next comp round. I played really solidly again, but did not quite match my scoring form from Monday. In the end I accumulated 16/19 = 35 points, off a lower HCP (-3).

Driver 1: Callaway BB Fusion 10.5* with PL Blue 65S
Driver 2: Bobby Jones Jesse Ortiz 10.5* Workshop Edition with Miyazaki c Kua 43X
Fairway: Callaway Epic 3 Wood
Hybrid: Callaway XR Pro 18*
Irons: Adams Idea Tech A4 Forged with DGSL300S 5 - PW, TM M4 4i
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Rife Barbados C-B 38"

This was the battle of the Triangles. Both Drivers are noticeably Triangular in shape. The Fusion was awesome on the initial nine. Other than a pull on the first hole (10th), it was up the middle and noticeably long all day. And it was so easy to hit how I wanted; shape, height, and aim. And very friendly as well. I hit one high toe that could have turned into an ugly pull hook, but was just a solidly shaped shot that was long. The Ortiz wasn't quite as easy to hit where I aimed it. But it felt like it had a lot of potential, and could be (but wasn't) even a touch longer than the Fusion. I like the feel of it but wonder if another style of shaft would suit it better?. It is a heavy head (200g) with an extra light, but firm tipped shaft. Something heavier might improve the stability?, though it felt pretty good as is.

My irons striking was good again, perhaps not quite to Monday's standard, but solid. Love the A4s, they feel great and look really good. One of Adams best imo. That is why I have two sets!

My short game was solid, but I struggled with the variability of the approaches at times. I was striking my chips really well, but I was getting quite different bounce and release at times. A combination of the rain we have had, recovering cored greens and differences in mowing on the approaches. I joked that I need to get the Mowing Schedule off the GK, because without walking up to check, you are never quite sure what you are dealing with hole to hole. My putting was really solid (30).

[Daves]

On Friday I slipped out for an early round with PeteyD and another. We had the course to ourselves in glorious conditions. I started solidly and kept it going, mostly. I struggled with direction off the tee on the first nine, but got it going alright on the back. The final tally was 16/20 = 36pts.

Driver 1: Tour Edge Exotics XCG6 9* with Matriz Ozik HD 5.1 Reg
Driver 2: Tour Edge Exotics EX9 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Taylormade 2017 M1 3 Wood
Hybrid: Tour Edge Exotics XCG7 #3 19*
Irons: Wilson Staff FG tour F 5 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Stephanie C-B 38"

I was hitting the XCG6 OK, but struggling a bit with the flight and direction. It seemed to be naturally a Fader, but I was trying to turn it the other way. I should have gone with the flow, but had been playing the baby draw in recent rounds and it was hard to let it go. I got the EX9 going OK. It was solid on distance and flight. It felt a little harsh off the face though, A harder, higher compression ball might be a better match with this Driver, I suspect.

The F5s were solid. I didn't hit a lot of greens, but I was thereabouts most of the time. It was my short game that was the difference, lots of U & Ds and I backed it up with the Putter. Particularly on the back nine were I had only 12 putts.

[Daves]

Back out again yesterday for a Monthly Medal round. I was looking forward to it with some recent form in my ball striking and scoring. I started very solid with a tap in par on the first (Index 2), but could not keep it going on the front nine. I lost my Tempo with the Driver and started spraying it a bit, mostly pulls into the trees right. And the Putts just would not drop. I was better on the back nine, but still not near my recent play. The final Tally was 47/43 = 90 Nett 79.

Driver 1: Ping G410 Plus 10.5* with Alta Red C-B 55 Stiff
Driver 2: Taylormade M2 10.5* with Fujikura Pro 50 Reg
Fairway: Cobra F6 3 Wood
Hybrid: Adams Idea Pro Gold 18*
Irons: Taylormade Speedblade 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Taylormade TP Collection Ardmore Mallet 35"

As mentioned, I lost the plot with Driver for a while on the front nine. It was strange because I started well with it, with another kick in par on the first and a solid drive down the 2. In hindsight I put it down to (my) impatience with my playing partners, a hole behind after two!? Standing around waiting while they fluff around does my head in! I was better with the M2 on the back nine.

I was hitting the Speedblades well but not always getting the results or luck. Birdie on the 14 (Index 1) was the highlight.

The short game was mostly good , but unlike the previous round, the putts just refused to drop. The greens seemed a lot more bumpy than the prior morning. All the traffic over them I guess?

[Daves]

On Monday I played Oxley with the Brissy Vets. Work on the Boundary Rd upgrade is underway and the club has started to make changes to the course. The 1st and 10th tees have been rebuilt about 20m forward of their old position, shortening both holes. I started very solidly, but could not keep it going all the way. My final score was 17/13 = 30 points off a 9 HCP. The new SCR rating is only 70 vs PAR of 72. I guess to reflect the shorter starting holes. The 16th has also been shortened, but it wasn't clear if this was permanent? And the 7th Tee was well forward as well. The Indexes have also been swapped around. The 4th is now Index 1, and the 16th is now 3.

Driver 1: Cleveland Classic 270 Ping with Miyazaki C. Kua 39R
Driver 2: Cleveland Classic XL 10.5* with Miyazaki Kusula Black Tour 61S
Fairway: Cleveland Classic XL 3 Wood
Hybrid: Cleveland HB Launcher #3 19*
Irons: Cleveland 588TT 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Scotty Cameron Futura 7M Mallet C-B 38"

I was a bit off with my Driver swing at the start. I pulled the first one right and then was hitting straight pushes left. Not badly and I was able to scramble most of the time, but a little unsettling.There wasn't a lot in between the two. They can be quite long if I swing well and are both very friendly on off centre hits. I couldn't split them on preference. Either would be welcome in my bag.

My iron play was OK. I was striking the 588TTs pretty well, with the odd tug right with the short irons. These irons always feel good and fit well with my game.

My short game was mixed, results wise. The Greens had been cored a few weeks ago, and the course was looking a bit bare and patchy. Lies weren't the best a lot of the time and the greens were quite variable and patchy as well. I started OK with the Putter but got frustrated with the greens as the round progressed.

[Daves]

Yesterday we played our Monthly Mug stroke event. I struggled around the greens for much of the round, and had to grind out a score. My tally was 45/43 = 88 for a Nett 77. I drove the ball OK for the most part, but could not make a putt to save myself.

Driver 1: Honma TW747 460 9.5* with Honma Vizard 60 Reg
Driver 2: Tour Edge Exotics XCG7 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Cleveland Classic XL 3 Wood
Hybrid: Cleveland HB Launcher #3 19*
Irons: Adams XTD Forged 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Taylormade Spider Mallet 74 CS C-B 38"

I started with the Honma and hit it pretty well. I am still learning how to hit it best, but am growing to like it a lot. I find I can launch it pretty well and get it out there when needed. I struggled to start with the Tour Edge, but got it going after a few Drives. It was the first time I had bagged it for a comp. I did find it harsh off the face with the Chrome Soft I was using, but it felt better when I swapped to a Pro V1 towards the end of the round. I wasn't as comfortable with it as the Honma, but there were some good signs in my last few drives. I think I would have to work on it to get it going, its not a natural fit off the bat. But it does show signs of potential, if I mastered it. I have an E8 model that I will give a run at opportunity as a comparison.

I struggled with my irons strikes at times, but hit some pretty solid shots as well. I was getting some pretty ordinary lies at times. I have never been in so many Fairway divots in a round before. Most grown over, but deep and often going in another direction!

The short game struggled. I got some bad lies and bounces. but the feel wasn't there either. Ditto, the putter. The ball felt awful off the face, and I was totally off on distance at times. I did wonder if it was the ball? I changed to a ProV1 for the last 3 holes and things did improve noticeably and I made a few shorter putts. I am tempted to cut the Chrome Soft in half now, but might put it into play again in another round first. And see if the problem persists, or whether it was just me?.

[Daves]

We got in an early round on Friday. I started poorly, double from the middle of the fairway on the first, par from the trees on the 2nd...and the struggle continued till the 6th. then parred the last four!? for 15 pts. I was much steadier on the back, shot 4 over for 19 points, 34 total.

Driver 1: Callaway Epic 10.5* with Aldila Tour Green ATX 65S
Driver 2: Callaway XR16 Pro 10.5* with Aldila Tour Blue ATX 55S
Fairway: Callaway Epic 3 Wood
Hybrid: Callaway Epic #3 20*
Irons: Callaway Apex/Apex Pro Combo 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Taylormade TP Collection Ardmore C-B 38"

It was the Green Meanie vs the Blue Meanie Driver Showdown. There wasn't a lot in it, with perhaps the Epic being slightly longer on average, but the XR was longer overall on occasion. I didn't find either particularly long on the day though, but they were competitive.

Shot of the day was the Epic Hybrid over the Gum Trees to the 10th Green. Normally we go around them because they need a very high shot with plenty of carry to clear. I was 180m out and thought i would give it go. I could not have hit it much better. Beautiful flight, dead straight to the middle front of the green.

I have found the Apex Pros a touch harsh in the past, but got on with them much better this round. Maybe it was the balls I used? (ProV1/Z Star), but they felt a lot better off the face.

I modified the Ardmore prior to the round. Lengthening it to 38"" and adding a Counter Balance Grip. I was very solid with it and it felt pretty good. The greens were slow and the pace was hard to judge, but I managed to keep it to 30 putts for the day.

[Daves]

Yesterday's round was a single Stableford at Redland Bay I was super solid out of the blocks and turned 3 over for 20 points the front, And I kept it going for much of the back, but faded a little to the finish with 17 pts for 37pts total.

Driver 1: Cobra King F9 10.5* with HZRDUS Smoke Black 60g 6.0
Driver 2: Cobra F7+ 10.5* with PL Blue Reg
Fairway: Cobra F8 3 Wood
Hybrid: Cobra F8 #3 19*
Irons: Cobra Bio Cell + 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: STX 5.2 2 CS C-B 38"

I was in tune with the F9 and I hit it the best I have so far. I saw some extra distance as the shots kept coming out of the middle. It wasn't perfect, but I could see the potential for perhaps the first time. I was hesitant to change Driver at the turn, but did any. I started solidly with the F7+ but started to spray it a bit towards the end. It felt pretty good, but the P L Blue shaft felt perhaps a tad soft for me for the first time. I turned a few over left to right when I went at it a bit harder.

The Bio Cell + performed really well and felt great. I was hitting them solidly long and was able to flight them well in the strong Northerly. Shot of the day (probably the month!) was a Drawn 5i around and under a tree that was blocking me out on the 7th to 10 feet for an easy Birdie.

The STX was super solid. I putted it really well for 28putts. And it could have been even better but for a couple of shonky Temp greens.

[Daves]

Yesterday I played Brookwater with the Vets. It was hot and steamy. The course was in great nick, except that many of the greens had apparently suffered pretty significant Hail damage and were very pockmarked. I started very solidly, but impatience and the bumpy greens eventually derailed my putting. In the end I accumulated 17/15 = 32 points. A grade was won with 34, so I a bit of luck would have got me there.

Driver 1: Taylormade M2 10.5* With Fujikura Pro 50 Reg
Driver 2: Taylormade M4 10.5* with ATMOS 5 Reg
Fairway: Taylormade M6 3 Wood
Hybrid: Taylormade M4 #3 19*
Irons: Taylormade RSi2 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Yes Natalie CS C-B 38"

I was super solid with the Drivers. I only missed 2 fairways all day, and then only marginally. There wasn't very much in it between the two. Pretty much the same on distance forgiveness, ease of use etc.

And I hit the RSi2s very well. Plenty of greens in Reg, or very close.These have The Matrix Program F15 Graphites. I find them really good to flight as needed. Super high into a par 3, or low running draws when I need to scoot one long.

My short game was a bit mixed. Lots of tight lies, made it hard to get perfect contact, but I was mostly thereabouts. My putting start well ,but tapered off after a few misses and bumps off line. But impatience was the most costly factor. I was hitting them ball really well, but some of my playing partners were all over the place. I spent a lot of time searching for their balls in the rough or waiting for them to hit their fourth shot. The stop start made it hard to keep a tempo and a good playing pace. Add a few mis-pulled clubs (I hate cart golf!) and I made some fundamental errors that cost me.

[Daves]

Yesterday I played a single Stab event at Redland Bay in a howling SE wind. I did not score well, but I was happy with a lot of my game. I have been trying to embed some swing changes and it is slowly paying dividends. I just need to keep working on my execution. In the end I tallied 14/15 = 29 with 3 wipes off 9. My first single figure Hcp Reddie Bay round for a few years.

Driver 1: Titleist 917 D2 10.5* with PL Red Reg
Driver 2: Titleist 913 D2 9.5* with Aldila Rogue Silver 110 MSI 60 Stiff
Fairway: Titleist 917 F2 16.5* 3 Wood
Hybrid: Titleist 913 Hd 18*
Irons: Titleist 710 CB 4 - PW with Nippon 105T Stiff
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Scotty Cameron Studio Select Squareback No. 1 C-B 38"

My aiming was a bit off, but otherwise I was very happy with the way I hit the two Titleist Drivers. There wasn't a lot in it, I was middling both and hitting them pretty long. The occasional overly fast transition pull snuck in as I tried to hit them a bit harder. I was surprised how far I was hitting them at times, even into the wind.

I was very solid with the CBs and they felt great as I managed to middle most shots. I played the pars 3 in one under which reflected both my iron and short game touch.

My short game was also pretty solid. But my putting was mixed as I struggled with variable paced greens, gusty conditions and lots of long 1st putts (the downside of hitting more greens!). My record of lots of lipouts in a round also continues! 32 putts was OK, but I thought I putted better than that.

[Daves]

Yesterday we played early in the Black Marker Challenge. Conditions were near perfect and pace of play was good. I started super solidly, even par through the first 7, 21 points the front. Then I changed Driver at the turn and it all fell apart. And I struggled to get it back on track. I finished with 14 points the back for 35 total.


Driver 1: SMT Nemesis 370 9* with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: SMT Encore 10* with HOF Express Reg
Fairway: Lynx Parallax 3 Wood
Hybrid: Krank Formula 6#3 19*
Irons: Wilson Staff FG Tour V6 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: STX 5.5 2 CS C-B 38"

The Nemesis was absolutely awesome. I am not sure why it took me so long to put it back in the bag??. It was extra long and very straight. I did not miss a fairway with it on the front, and only one when I reinstated it on the back nine, after my driving went awry with the Encore. And it looks terrific as well, compact head, smooth face, dark blue top, looking very slick at address. The Encore is a similar size, but the face is noticeably closed. And that did my head in, I think, and my swing went south. I hit 3 drives with it. The last showed some potential, after I settled my swing back down. But it wasn't enough, so I changed back to the Nemesis to try to resurrect my round. I think the Encore can work, but it needs some range time to get my head around how to hit it. Whereas the Nemesis is just point and shoot.

My Iron striking was pretty solid. Better than previous rounds with the V6s. And my short game was very good, particularly with the 9 iron. 7 U & Ds and a lipout chip in total.

The STX was super solid. 28 putts, only one missed that I should have got. And that was me, not the putter.

[Daves]

I followed up yesterday with a single Stab/4BBB event at Redland Bay. I was solid out of the blocks, but not quite on with the short game for while. I managed 18 points the front and 17 the back with a single wipe, for 35 points total off a 9 HCP. I was striking the ball very well most of the time, but just not get any luck to go my way. A terrible deflection off a very well struck shot saw me see red for a hole (the wipe). But I settled and ground it out to the finish.

Driver 1: Adams Super S 10.5* with Matrix HD Radix V s Reg
Driver 2: Adams Speedline Tech 10.5* with Matrix HD Radix V S Stiff
Fairway: Adams Tight Lies 2016 3 Wood
Hybrid: Adams Pro Gold 20*
Irons: Adams CB3 with Matrix Program 8.1 Stiff
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Adams A12 OS Mallet C-B 38"

Both Adams were very solid. I hadn't realised till I got them out that these two drivers were very similar design. The Super S was apparently the update of the Tech by the look of them, particularly the sole plate design. I was hitting them both pretty long and straight, and they felt very good off the face. And whilst the sole designs looks pretty funky, you can't see it at address. They both look quite conventional from above. Not quite as long as the SMT was the day before, bot both would be very competitive with most current drivers.

I was solid with the CB3s. They always feel good and with the Matrix Shafts, they can be launched high to land soft, when you need it.

My chipping was a little off for a while, so I struggled to convert good opportunities at times. The Putter was very solid though (28 Jabs), so that helped keep the score rolling. The only negative with the A12 OS, is the fins on the bottom plate had a tendency to catch the longer fringe grass if you putted from the edges.

[Hatchman]

Yesterday we played early in the Black Marker Challenge. Conditions were near perfect and pace of play was good. I started super solidly, even par through the first 7, 21 points the front. Then I changed Driver at the turn and it all fell apart. And I struggled to get it back on track. I finished with 14 points the back for 35 total.


Driver 1: SMT Nemesis 370 9* with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: SMT Encore 10* with HOF Express Reg
Fairway: Lynx Parallax 3 Wood
Hybrid: Krank Formula 6#3 19*
Irons: Wilson Staff FG Tour V6 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: STX 5.5 2 CS C-B 38"

The Nemesis was absolutely awesome. I am not sure why it took me so long to put it back in the bag??. It was extra long and very straight. I did not miss a fairway with it on the front, and only one when I reinstated it on the back nine, after my driving went awry with the Encore. And it looks terrific as well, compact head, smooth face, dark blue top, looking very slick at address. The Encore is a similar size, but the face is noticeably closed. And that did my head in, I think, and my swing went south. I hit 3 drives with it. The last showed some potential, after I settled my swing back down. But it wasn't enough, so I changed back to the Nemesis to try to resurrect my round. I think the Encore can work, but it needs some range time to get my head around how to hit it. Whereas the Nemesis is just point and shoot.

My Iron striking was pretty solid. Better than previous rounds with the V6s. And my short game was very good, particularly with the 9 iron. 7 U & Ds and a lipout chip in total.

The STX was super solid. 28 putts, only one missed that I should have got. And that was me, not the putter.

Never herd of the SMT brand before. Did some googling to use up 10-15min of my day.

[Daves]

Never herd of the SMT brand before. Did some googling to use up 10-15min of my day.

I don't think they are around anymore. But the Nemesis and other models were big on the Long Drive circuit some years ago.

I used the Nemesis again yesterday, and it continues to impress

Monday's round was with the Vets at Keperra. It was in the best condition I had seen it in for a long while. The Keperra Bowl was on a few weeks ago, and the greens were still pretty smick and rolled beautifully. Though the back nine (old course) was still preferred lies, so they still have some way to go. The dam, drainage and other work they have been doing does seem to be paying off finally.

I was off 8 and did not get a shot till the 7th hole, so it was a slow grind out of the blocks. I was playing alright, but hitting the odd pull was hurting my scoring. My playing partners voted this my shot of the day; I double crossed my tee shot (4i) on the 3rd, over the high net fence, onto the railway line and eventually into someones backyard. I absolutely smacked it and it went a mile, mostly whilst being OOB! I made par with my second ball, but no shot meant no points.

My finally tally was 15/15 = 30 points with a wipe on each nine. The slow play ( just short of 5 hours) got to me towards the end. The last hole was a 5+ minute wait on the tee and 10+ minute wait to hit our seconds. I was in prime position ,but duffed it into the water in my hurry to hit it. It did not feel like it at the time, but on reflection I can only surmise that it was a Shank, by its trajectory and direction! I did make the up and down but the damage was done.

Driver 1: SMT Nemesis 370 9* with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: Krank Formula 5 LD 10.5* with Aldila Trinity Stiff.
Fairway: Lynx Parallax 3 Wood
Hybrid: PXG 0371 3 19*
Irons: Ping E1 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: STX 5.5 2 CS C-B 38"

Another battle of the LD Drivers. I wasn't swinging it quite as well as last round, but I was still very impressed with the Nemesis. It is long, it is straight and it is very easy to hit out of the middle. And it looks brilliant as well! The Krank was also impressive, though not quite as long as the SMT. It was also very straight and easy to hit. Points decision to the SMT on the day, but the Krank is still a keeper and looks pretty techy as well.

I hit the E1s pretty well most of the time and hit plenty of greens. They feel OK, but not anything special, which is probably their only downside. They are not overly chunky, but did look GI at address. Good shot of the day was an 8i to 3 feet on the 7th for a knock in birdie.

My short game was good, my putting even better. I did not make much of any length, but I was super solid with the STX and did not miss anything that was in range (28 putts).

[Daves]

Yesterday we played a Par event at Redland Bay. A fairly rare event. I did not have high expectations, playing off my lower HCP. But I started very solidly and got a roll on. I was even with the card with 2 Birdies through the front which had me at +3 at the turn. I started the 2nd nine (front) just as well, but my luck started to dry up. I keep grinding, but could only manage -1 for a + 2 final score. This was my lowest round in a few years, 76 off the stick that would have been 40 points/net 67 in other formats. Which would have won the A Grade, but because my two Birdies were on shot holes, I end up 4th, and got a ball for my efforts. Still I was very happy with my ball striking and my putting was spot on.

Driver 1: Srixon Z-765 9.5* with Miyazaki Kaula Tour 5S
Driver 2: Honma TW747 460 10.5* with Honma Vizard 60 Reg
Fairway: Srixon Z65 3 Wood
Hybrid: Srixon Z65 #3 19*
Irons: Srixon Z-565 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Affinity Touchstar Mallet CS C-B 38"

Another Japanese Driver showdown. It had been a while since I bagged the Srizon. I was very solid with it. I hit a few slight pulls fighting the gusty SE wind. My only poor drive with it was the last of the first nine (18th) which I tried to hit too hard into the wind. It was very easy to hit and I was getting good distance. My first drive with the Honma was great, but I did struggle a little with it. It has a comparatively closed face alongside the Srixon and I was a bit off with my aiming. It was only minor, I hit some great drives, but a few pully draws snuck in. Distance was very similar for both. Not much in the feel and looks department either (other than the slightly closed face on the Honma.) The Srixon got the points marginally, because I was able to convert more of its drives.

My irons striking was pretty good for the most part. I hit lots of greens and was thereabouts when I did miss. The Srixons felt great. I have always got on with the NS Pro shafts in them. My first set of Titleist came with them and I have been a fan ever since.

My short game was very solid, and my putting was next level. I had lots of long first putts, but managed to convert all bar one on the day. Despite that I had only 25 putts total, as my short game conversion rate went ballistic. The Affinity is a fairly cheap, lower quality putter. But it just looks right to me. It has great alignment markings, is Centre Shafted and has a good feel off the face. I found if I was disciplined in my routine, it was deadly inside 6/7 feet. That builds confidence big time!

[Daves]

I wasn't going to play on Friday, after a big night out. But I got a late call up from PeteyD and we slipped in a quick 18 in glorious conditions. I had a case of the pulls and the resulting lies were not pretty. I try to grind through it without luck and ended up with 29 points, with 4 wipes.

Driver 1: Cobra Fly Z+ with PL Blue Reg
Driver 2: Cobra F9 with HZRDUS Smoke Black 60g 6.0
Fairway: Cobra Fly Z 3 Wood
Hybrid: Cobra Baffler T Rail #3 19*
Irons: Cobra King Forged CB/MB Combo 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: Nike Method Matter M5 - 10 C-B 38"

The pulls were intermittent, which is probably worse, because you are not sure where the next one is heading! I did manage to hit some good drives, but the pulled ones ended up dead almost every time. The Fly Z+ was pretty solid considering. I was getting good length and hitting it how I wanted, if I did not pull it. I switched to the F9 at the turn. First drive was good then a couple of pulls. A few more good drives and then finished with a couple more pulls! Very frustating! I have to say the pulls were going a looong way! But almost always into trouble! Hard to judge a winner with some much inconsistency in my swing.

The Forged Combo felt good, but had they lots of work to do. I was also pulling my irons intermittently, which didn't help.

The short game got a work out and was OK, but I made little with the Putter, though I putted very well (2. We both struggled with pace and left lots in the jaws. Just a bit more frustration for the day.

[Daves]

I was back out yesterday for a Single Stab. round. And there was not even the hint of a pulled shot all day. Go figure! I was striking the ball solidly and keeping it in play. Not quite on top of my game, but was able to grind out a score with a mostly very consistent round. 34 points 16 + 18 = 34 points with one wipe.

Driver 1: Dunlop TAO 460 11* Project X PXv Reg
Driver 2: Mutant Kra-Z LD 10.5* with Brute Golf CT - 4000 Reg
Fairway: Cobra Fly Z 3 Wood
Hybrid: Mutant Kra-Z #2 19*
Irons: Taylormade PSi 4 - PW
Wedges Yururi 53* & 57*
Putter: STX 5.5 2 CS C-B 38"

A couple of outliers in the bag this time. The TAO is circa 2011/12. It is a classic looking shape with a deep face and a slightly iridescent paint finish. Black with hints of deep purple. The PX shaft felt like a bit of a noodle. The first couple of drives went hard left, as I struggled to square the face. I settled down with it after that and it went pretty well, it felt like it was never going to go right on me. Yet I could still draw it a touch in need, once I worked out how to swing it. The Mutant shaft also felt "noodley". This is a typical LD type driver, deep smooth face and a lightish head. I hit it pretty well, having learned from the TAO. Again it felt like it did not want to right on me. It was just a case of timing the swing to allow for the shaft droop. I got some serious length out of it when I went after it. It is a nice big looking head, but without out any real alignment markings. So you need to work out how to point it. It got the points on the day ,but I enjoyed playing both drivers.

My iron striking was pretty solid. It was probably the best I have hit the PSis. Lots of greens hit or near misses putting me in the hole for a possible score most of the time.

My short game was solid. And I putted very well (29). I was mostly in it but made very little of any length, and sunk everything I should have. I have played a Prov1 the last couple of rounds and really enjoyed it. But I am still adjusting to the spin and runout differences, ever so slight that they are.