What’s in the Bag: Dave Baltzer, GolfTEC Houston Coach

May 27, 2010

From the May Momentum Newsletter. A look inside the bag of Dave Baltzer, Director of Instruction at GolfTEC Houston.

Driver: Nike SQ DYMO STR8FIT (9.5-degree); UST Proforce AXIVCore shaft, 79-gram, X-flex

With my driver, accuracy has always been more important to me than distance. As I’ve improved my swing over the years, my typical mis-hit has shifted from a fade to more of a draw. I’ve now entered the world of adjustable face technology. My STR8FIT driver allows me to set the club head in a position to help guard against my typical misses. This has resulted in more confidence on the tee box, as well as more fairways hit and fewer penalty strokes from wayward drives.

Fairway wood: Nike SQ DYMO 4-wood (17-degree); UST Proforce AXIVCore shaft, X-flex

Because of my preferred set make up (four total wedges), I was forced to make a decision on the long end of my set to stay within the 14-club rule. Eleven years ago, I decided to dump the traditional 3-wood and 5-wood and opt for something right in the middle. My 17-degree 4-wood gives me more distance than a 5-wood and it’s easier to hit off the deck than a typical 3-wood. This has been one of my bread and butter clubs ever since I put it in the bag.

Hybrid: Nike VR 3 Hybrid (21-degree); Aldila VooDoo shaft, S-flex

Five years ago, I said goodbye to my 3-iron…FOREVER! Hybrids are so easy to hit and so versatile from many different lies on the course that anyone who is playing a 2-, 3-, or 4-iron really needs to reconsider their set make up. My Nike VR hybrid gives me more distance than a 3-iron, which helps my distance transition from my 4-wood down into my irons. It’s also a great club to hit off of the tee on tight par 4s or long par 3s.

Irons: Nike VR Forged Split Cavity (4-, 5-iron); Nike VR Forged Blade (6-PW); Dynamic Gold S300 shaft

I’ve always liked a “blended iron set” where the long irons are more forgiving and the middle to short irons become more workable. Since Nike hasn’t made a combo set for several years now, I went ahead and created my own. I like this setup as it helps continue the smooth transition from hybrid to irons. Increasing the forgiveness of your long irons, even slightly, can do wonders for your confidence and shot performance.

Wedges: Nike VR Forged Wedge (52.10, 56.14, 60.06); Dynamic Gold S400 shaft

Wedges are my absolute favorite clubs in my bag and they are also the deadliest part of my game. Because of this, I made sure that my loft and bounce combinations were spot on. 52, 56, and 60 are pretty typical lofts for a gap, sand and lob wedge. Where I really customized my set make up here is going with a high-bounce, 14-degree sand wedge and a low-bounce, 6-degree lob wedge. Around the green, I typically choose my wedge based on the optimal bounce—rather than loft—for the lie I have. Bounce has a lot to do with how effectively you are able to execute wedge shots around the green.

Putter: Kirk Currie Brazos (32.75″)

I’ve been using my Kirk Currie for about eight years now. I’ve tried a few others along the way, but have always come back to what works. My favorite thing about this putter is the adjustable head and grip weights, which allows me to customize the feel of the putter to best suit my putting stroke.

Ball: Nike One Tour D

The Tour D is the best ball Nike has ever made for my swing. It helps me control spin off the driver while still providing great feel around the green.

Accessories: None

No gadgets for me! Although I think range finders and GPS devices are very useful, I grew up stepping off my own yardages and still use that practice today when I’m playing. It’s part of my pre-shot routine and helps keep me in a rhythm while playing.

If you’re considering an equipment upgrade or just want to try out some new clubs, call or visit a GolfTEC Improvement Center near you.

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What’s in the Bag: Mitch Flemming, GolfTEC Coach

April 27, 2010

From the April Momentum Newsletter. A look inside the bag of Mitch Flemming, Coach at GolfTEC Cleveland East.

Driver: Callaway FT Tour (8.5-degree, 44″); Aldila Voodoo shaft, X-flex

Distance has never been an issue for me. I feel at 44 inches I have more control, allowing me to hit more fairways. I am also a high-spin player. This head style, combined with the Voodoo shaft, allows me to reduce spin and flatten my trajectory for even more distance.

For those of you looking for increased accuracy and consistency off the tee, experiment with shorter length drivers. You may be surprised how much more consistency you will gain without giving up any distance.

Fairway wood: Sonartec SS 3.5 (14-degree, 43″); Aldila NV 105 shaft, X-flex

I used to change my 3-wood numerous times every year, trying to find one that I liked. Not any more—I’ve had this in my bag for four years.

Hybrid: Callaway Diablo Tour (18-degree, 40.75″); Fujikura E Fit-On 380 HB shaft, X-flex, 240-255yds

I love how hybrids have changed the game. They really allow for an easier transition from fairway woods to long irons.

Irons: Callaway Prototype (3-PW), Dynamic Gold X100 shafts

Even with my high swing speed, I am thinking about replacing my 3-iron with an additional hybrid. Most players carry at least one long iron that should be replaced with another hybrid. They are much easier to hit and more effective on approach shots because the ball descends from a steeper angle with higher spin, making it easier to hold the green.

Wedges: Callaway Jaws (54-, 60-degree), Dynamic Golf S300 shafts

Six-degree gaps are the most you ever want between your wedges. In fact, I recommend having less than six-degree gaps for most of my clients. I feel very comfortable with partial-swing shots and I practice them a lot. For many players, hitting a full shot is more comfortable. Carrying an extra wedge will give you more opportunities to make a full swing and stay in your comfort zone.

Putter: Titleist Studio Select (35″)

I’ve been putting with this style of putter for the past 10 years. When I find something I like, I stick with it. I use a 35-inch putter because of the way I set up. I like to have a bit more bend in my arms than the average person but my hands still hang freely under my shoulders. Setup is a critical part of putting. If you’re not able to set up properly, you will have a very difficult time creating a consistent, un-manipulated putting stroke.

Ball: Callaway Tour i(z)

I haven’t played with the new ball yet but am very excited to try it. It looks to be a step up from the Tour ix ball, which was designed to reduce backspin off the tee (which I need) without sacrificing feel around the greens.

Accessories: Nikon Laser Range Finder

I like a laser range finder because I like the “point and shoot” method. They are very valuable when approaching from the green from a funny angle or when playing a course you are unfamiliar with.

If you’re considering an equipment upgrade or just want to try out some new equipment, call or stop a GolfTEC Improvement Center near you.

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What’s in the Bag: Trevor Broesamle, GolfTEC Coach

March 23, 2010

From the March Momentum Newsletter. A look inside the bag of Trevor Broesamle, GolfTEC Coach and Director of Instruction at GolfTEC Santa Barbara.

Driver: TaylorMade R9 (9.5-degree, 45″); Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki 63 shaft, S-flex

I’ve never been exceptionally long off the tee, so hitting fairways has always been a priority. Dialing in the adjustable settings has allowed me to find a very consistent shot pattern that gives me the best chance to score from the fairway. My typical miss is a wild draw (translation: hook), so I’ve configured the hosel setting to promote a slight fade and set the adjustable weights neutral. I was able to fine tune the exact weight configuration with the help of our Vector Launch Monitor here at GolfTEC; I decreased my spin rates by placing more weight closer to the clubface, optimizing my launch characteristics for my ball speed.

You may note that despite drivers getting longer and longer (the latest TaylorMade offering is 46.5″), I’ve kept my driver a more manageable 45″ for better control. This is something I encourage my clients to do, as the slight increase in clubhead speed from the extra length is often negated by the inability to consistently hit the center of the face.

Fairway wood: TaylorMade R9 (15-degree, 42.75″); Mitsubishi Rayon Fubuki 73 shaft, S-flex

I always stay consistent with the settings from driver to fairway wood. It’s just one of those things that I have to know is consistent—if the settings varied, I think it would drive me crazy.

Hybrid: TaylorMade Rescue TP (19-degree, 40″); Aldila VooDoo SVS8 shaft

My launch characteristics change as I jump down to the hybrid, so I’ve adjusted the hosel settings to promote a slightly higher ball flight as well as changing the shaft for a tighter shot pattern. The need for accuracy rather than distance increases considerably as you approach your wedges.

Irons: 4-iron: TaylorMade R7 CGB Max; 90g SuperFast Black Steel shaft, S-flex. 5-iron-PW: TaylorMade Tour Preferred; KBS Tour shaft, S-flex

Having that 4-iron in my bag is almost not even fair—in fact, sometimes it feels like I’m cheating. It’s slightly stronger loft and super low center of gravity, coupled with the light steel shaft makes it play like another hybrid. Having a 5-iron as my first “real” iron makes sense with my lower ball flight and launch characteristics. Most amateurs would benefit from ditching their long irons entirely and replacing them with something that helps them “cheat” a little.

Wedges: TaylorMade RAC TP Z (52-, 56-, 60-degree); Project X 5.5 shaft

To get the most consistent distances between wedges, I changed the shafts and bent the 52-degree to a 51-degree. The extra degree closes the gap (pun intended) between that and the PW.

Since I’m more of a digger (as opposed to a sweeper/slider), I’ve had my wedges built with the most bounce available. It’s especially helpful in the softer turf conditions on the California Central Coast and that pesky kikuyu grass that’s so ubiquitous around here.

I recommend having your GolfTEC Coach look at the gaps between your wedges and check to see if you have an optimal amount of bounce for your swing and the conditions you play in.

Putter: TaylorMade Rossa Maranello by Kia Ma (33″)

I’m six feet tall and have a putter that’s two inches shorter than what you’ll typically find at a retail store. This is not an accident. Most players have a putter that is too long for them, forcing them to get on their heels, move their eyes inside the ball and bunch up their arms. This makes that true pendulum stroke we’re always talking about a near impossibility. Get fit for your putter and give yourself a chance to make a better, more consistent putting stroke.

This putter is very toe heavy, which helps me feel the discreet opening and closing of the face on the way back and the way through.

Ball: TaylorMade Penta TP

I’ve been playing the Penta 5-layer ball since last year. This ball gives me the best of both worlds. With most other balls out there, you have to sacrifice one thing (feel, spin) in order to gain another (driver ball speed). The engineers at TaylorMade figured out how to piece it all together. What I like most about the Penta ball is the amount of spin I can get from just off the green.

Accessories: Laser Range Finder; Sharpies

One item that is an absolute must is my laser range finder. Not only is it helpful with course management decisions, but it’s great for practice at the range to really dial in your distances. That’s the primary reason I don’t have a GPS unit; ranges are usually poorly marked. And what’s the point of outdoor practice without yardages?

Finally, I always have silver and purple Sharpies in my bag so I can mark my balls with three dots below the number—in Los Angeles Kings colors. I know, a hockey fan in Southern California… go figure.

If you’re considering upgrading your bag, getting a club fitting or just want to try out some new golf equipment, call or stop by a GolfTEC Improvement Center near you.

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What’s in the Bag: Sean Kicker, GolfTEC Coach

February 19, 2010

A look inside the bag of Sean Kicker, GolfTEC Coach, Director of Instruction and Store Manager at GolfTEC Coral Gables in Miami, FL.

Driver: Cleveland HiBore (9-degree); Fujikura Fit-on Gold shaft, S-flex

I personally prefer the smaller 330cc head size of this driver. It really fits my eye and gives me the confidence to keep the ball in the fairway.

Fairway Wood: Cleveland HiBore 3-wood (15-degree); Aldila NVS shaft, S-flex

This is one of my most reliable clubs both off the tee and from the fairway. This small compact head features an Energy Transfer Core that transfers into higher ball speeds.

Hybrids: Mizuno MP-FLI-HI Iron Hybrid (18-, 21-degree); Project X 6.0 shaft

These hybrids are a recent addition to my bag and I am amazed that it took me so long to get rid of my old long irons and switch over to hybrids. These MP FLI-HI iron hybrids deliver a high ball launch and trajectory, pin-point distance control and a soft landing from long distances.

Irons: Mizuno MP-62 (4-PW); Golf Pride Multi-Compound Midsized Grips; Project X 6.0 shafts

The MP-62 irons with breakthrough DUAL MUSCLE technology give me maximum workability and shot making control, while still providing some level of forgiveness.

Wedges: Mizuno MP T-10 White Satin (52-, 56-degree)

I haven’t played a wedge that feels as good as these Mizunos. And with the new Quad Cut Grooves, they give me maximum spin and control.

Putter: Couture Golf Gullane (32″ length, 365 grams)

If you haven’t been fit for a putter—playing an off-the-rack putter instead—you’re missing out in a big way! Playing a custom-fit putter like this one allows me to get into the same setup every time and putt consistently from round to round. The head weight is heavier, which reminds me to accelerate through the ball.

Ball: TaylorMade TP Red Tournament Edition

The TP Red Tournament Edition ball was designed for higher ball speed and higher spin players. It features a mid-to-low launch angle which gives me increased distance and exceptional control in windy conditions.

If you’re considering upgrading your bag, getting a club fitting or just want to try out some new golf equipment, call or stop by a GolfTEC Improvement Center near you.

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What’s in the Bag: Elliot Hall, GolfTEC Coach

January 7, 2010

Elliot Hall — GolfTEC Coach, Sacramento, CA — gives you a look inside his bag.

Driver: 7.5-degree Alpha C8302; Bang FAST 45g shaft, X-flex

This is one of the top driver heads in the long-drive contests. It has a plasma welded face vs. a titanium weld, which increases ball speed and distance. The shaft is what really makes this driver fly. It is a super light-weight shaft with spine-low technology. This allows the club to be swung faster without losing control or adding spin, which produces a boring, penetrating ball flight.

Fairway wood: 13.5-degree Titleist 909F2; Aldila Voodoo Red shaft, S-flex

I use this depending on the length of the course and weather conditions. It produces a nice low, penetrating ball flight. This is my go-to club on long courses and in windy conditions. If I’m playing a shorter course with less wind, I’ll stick with my hybrid.

Hybrid: 17-degree Mizuno MX-700; Exsar HS4 80g shaft, S-flex

This is one of Mizuno’s new hybrid designs. The ES-230 Hot Metal face provides a great feel at impact. It flies much higher and softer than my 3-wood, anywhere from 240-260 yards. If I need it to go 220-230 yards, I can choke down and still have the control and high ball flight. There’s not a more versatile club in my bag. It’s forgiving out of all types of lies: deep rough, bunkers, hard-pan, etc. Overall, I love this club!

Irons: Mizuno MP-60 forged blades (3-PW); X100 Dynamic Gold shafts

These irons have the softest and sweetest feel when you hit the sweet spot! The muscle back allows for some forgiveness on mis-hits, while keeping the workability of the club. The great thing about playing a forged iron is the feedback you receive on mis-hits. It has really allowed me to improve my ball striking and consistency. Plus, it is a great looking club!

Wedges: Mizuno MP-T Series (53-degree); Titleist Spin Milled Vokey (60-degree)

I use a three-wedge system for my scoring clubs (including my PW). I can change the distance of the shot simply by changing the length of my swing or how far I choke down on the shaft. There are about three yardages assigned to each club, based on a half, three-quarter and full swing. If I’m in between clubs, I usually take the longer of the two choices and then choke down. This allows me to stay aggressive with all my scoring clubs.

Putter: Pro Gear CG100 Classic Blade

This putter was fitted for me with a 34″ length and balanced heel/toe weighting. The grip I use is an oversized putter grip. This allows me to take the hand rotation out of the stroke, which in turn keeps my ball on the selected line.

Ball: Bridgestone B330, B330-S

Since I have a higher swing speed, I play a high compression ball. Bridgestone has done a remarkable job on ball fittings based on swing speeds. The higher compression fits my driver swing speed, which reduces the spin rate, allowing the ball to curve less and carry farther. I play the B330 ball on longer courses with softer greens. On shorter courses with firm greens, I play the B330-S.

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