Where are you playing tomorrow - Chicago (Round 3)

[Argonne69]

1 hour ago, psygolf said:

There’s never been a better time to buy the PXG line, fire sale on the irons right now.

 

The problem is that they charge $39 for a basic upgraded shaft, e.g. Nippon 950GH. Ping and Mizuno never charged for basic shaft swaps. Yeah, I'm being cheap, but if I'm shelling out $250 per iron I don't think it's asking too much for a run of the mill shaft. 

[mci711]

26 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

The problem is that they charge $39 for a basic upgraded shaft, e.g. Nippon 950GH. Ping and Mizuno never charged for basic shaft swaps. Yeah, I'm being cheap, but if I'm shelling out $250 per iron I don't think it's asking too much for a run of the mill shaft. 

 

I don't get the appeal of PXG. Mizuno, Titleist and Ping, to me, feel, look, and perform better. There is a reason you never see "fire sales" for those brands. For a PXG iron to be $75+ more per club I'd hope to never miss a green again 😂. Just doesn't make a ton of sense to me. 

[psygolf]

2 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

The problem is that they charge $39 for a basic upgraded shaft, e.g. Nippon 950GH. Ping and Mizuno never charged for basic shaft swaps. Yeah, I'm being cheap, but if I'm shelling out $250 per iron I don't think it's asking too much for a run of the mill shaft. 

The usual upgrade shafts have been baked into the recent higher wholesale pricing in brands like Mizuno/Titleist...and I bring it to my reps’ attention every time they what to tout they have “no upcharge” on iron shafts >>> it’s because their wholesale $ per iron is $40 higher than it used to be when DG was the stock offering.

😉

[chisag]

... You guys would LYAO at the Phoenix locals. Yesterday was 58*, a light breeze and cloudy instead of the sunny 65+ it is normally. Golfers in long pants, jackets, beanies and some wearing mittens between shots LOL. Played with a local today that had a tee time yesterday but cancelled due to the "cold weather". 🤣

[Argonne69]

10 hours ago, chisag said:

... You guys would LYAO at the Phoenix locals. Yesterday was 58*, a light breeze and cloudy instead of the sunny 65+ it is normally. Golfers in long pants, jackets, beanies and some wearing mittens between shots LOL. Played with a local today that had a tee time yesterday but cancelled due to the "cold weather". 🤣

 

I put pants on for the first time in two months on Christmas Day when the family opened presents. Otherwise I've been in shorts for every round of golf and hike. 

 

[Argonne69]

22 hours ago, mci711 said:

 

I don't get the appeal of PXG. Mizuno, Titleist and Ping, to me, feel, look, and perform better. There is a reason you never see "fire sales" for those brands. For a PXG iron to be $75+ more per club I'd hope to never miss a green again 😂. Just doesn't make a ton of sense to me. 

 

I'm a low spin player. My i200s (2 degrees weak) are better than my Mizuno MP5s, but still can't get more than 4000 rpm on a 7 iron. I tried the 0311P model, and they were basically the same as the Pings. However, the 0311Ts (stock loft) got me up to 4400 rpm, and felt nearly as good as the Mizunos. With a 2 degree weak bend they would likely add a few hundred more RPMs.

 

 

Edited January 3, 2021 by Argonne69

[psygolf]

On 1/3/2021 at 7:32 AM, Argonne69 said:

 

I'm a low spin player. My i200s (2 degrees weak) are better than my Mizuno MP5s, but still can't get more than 4000 rpm on a 7 iron. I tried the 0311P model, and they were basically the same as the Pings. However, the 0311Ts (stock loft) got me up to 4400 rpm, and felt nearly as good as the Mizunos. With a 2 degree weak bend they would likely add a few hundred more RPMs.

 

 

Shaft in your Pings?

[geochitown]

26 minutes ago, psygolf said:

Shaft in your Pings?

 

from Arg's sig

 

Ping i200 7-P (2 Deg Weak) Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - True Temper X95 S300

[Argonne69]

4 hours ago, geochitown said:

 

from Arg's sig

 

Ping i200 7-P (2 Deg Weak) Orange Dot (2 Deg Flat) - True Temper X95 S300

 

One thing I didn't particularly like about the PXG fitting is the relatively few shaft offerings. They don't carry the XP 95s, so the Nippon 950GHs where the closest. 

 

 

[psygolf]

7 hours ago, Argonne69 said:

 

One thing I didn't particularly like about the PXG fitting is the relatively few shaft offerings. They don't carry the XP 95s, so the Nippon 950GHs where the closest. 

 

 

Agreed...I noticed over the past few years, they as a company seem to lock on a flavor of the season when it comes to shafts.

 

If you haven’t tried it yet, find a place where you could try the 950GH Neo

Edited January 5, 2021 by psygolf

[Gdane]

This is not where I am playing tomorrow, but I was looking through pictures and reflecting on the 2020 Chicagoland golf season.  With small children I don't play near as much as I used to, but I try to make a point to play somewhere new/worthwhile when I do get a chance to play.  Aside from the tried and true rounds at Pine Meadow, Thunderhawk, and Stonewall Orchard, I made it out to the following new-for-me courses in 2020:

 

Weaver Ridge

TPC Deere Run

Chalet Hills

Mistwood

The Preserve at Oak Meadows.

 

After years of saying I'd do it, I finally made day trips to a couple of "best you can play by state" mainstays and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  WR could use some TLC, but overall I really enjoyed it, and TPC Deere Run may be my favorite course that I've played in the state.  The Preserve is probably my second favorite of the newly played courses in 2020, and will go into the rotation.  I also enjoyed Chalet Hills for its  challenging holes and low price point.  For all the fanfare, I was probably most disappointed by Mistwood.  That my be a result of over-anticipation, but despite the great facility and conditioning the course just didn't do much for me when considering the price point.

 

The remaining courses on the newest "best you can play" list for me are Cog, The General, the Glen Club, Ravisloe & Cantigny.  I will do my best to make it to the General, Ravisloe & Cantigny in 2021, but not sure I can see myself digging into the piggy bank to drop $100+ at Cog/Glen Club.  At those points I'd rather make the drive up to Wisconsin and play a top 50 public.

[B-Man]

2:00 tee time. What up?

 

[Argonne69]

2 hours ago, Gdane said:

This is not where I am playing tomorrow, but I was looking through pictures and reflecting on the 2020 Chicagoland golf season.  With small children I don't play near as much as I used to, but I try to make a point to play somewhere new/worthwhile when I do get a chance to play.  Aside from the tried and true rounds at Pine Meadow, Thunderhawk, and Stonewall Orchard, I made it out to the following new-for-me courses in 2020:

 

Weaver Ridge

TPC Deere Run

Chalet Hills

Mistwood

The Preserve at Oak Meadows.

 

After years of saying I'd do it, I finally made day trips to a couple of "best you can play by state" mainstays and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.  WR could use some TLC, but overall I really enjoyed it, and TPC Deere Run may be my favorite course that I've played in the state.  The Preserve is probably my second favorite of the newly played courses in 2020, and will go into the rotation.  I also enjoyed Chalet Hills for its  challenging holes and low price point.  For all the fanfare, I was probably most disappointed by Mistwood.  That my be a result of over-anticipation, but despite the great facility and conditioning the course just didn't do much for me when considering the price point.

 

The remaining courses on the newest "best you can play" list for me are Cog, The General, the Glen Club, Ravisloe & Cantigny.  I will do my best to make it to the General, Ravisloe & Cantigny in 2021, but not sure I can see myself digging into the piggy bank to drop $100+ at Cog/Glen Club.  At those points I'd rather make the drive up to Wisconsin and play a top 50 public.

 

When Dubs was a regular PGA Tour stop I could see why it was able to get the $150+ fee. The tour has long moved on, and while it's still a wonderful layout, it's hard to justify the price. As far as I'm aware, they offer no discounts in the shoulder seasons. At least The Glen Club offers discounted rates in the late fall. 

 

Cantigny is another one that is bordering on being overpriced. Wonderfully layout, but it's double the cost of a handful of other top courses. 

 

[mci711]

19 minutes ago, Argonne69 said:

 

When Dubs was a regular PGA Tour stop I could see why it was able to get the $150+ fee. The tour has long moved on, and while it's still a wonderful layout, it's hard to justify the price. As far as I'm aware, they offer no discounts in the shoulder seasons. At least The Glen Club offers discounted rates in the late fall. 

 

Cantigny is another one that is bordering on being overpriced. Wonderfully layout, but it's double the cost of a handful of other top courses. 

 

 

My only rebuttal to Cantigny is it is almost impossible to get a tee time for 2+ at Cantigny on the weekend, even as a single it isn't a guarantee. They could probably raise their prices and still stack to the tee sheet. Somewhat of a wealthy area with a lot of golfers. 

 

I don't see that as much with Dubs, seems like less people play there and I usually fly through when I play it. 

 

The more I think about it over the years the more I agree with the OP - Deer Run is the best public course in Illinois. 

[B-Man]

3 hours ago, B-Man said:

2:00 tee time. What up?

 

 

The "Queen B-Man". Hmm. Maybe I'll have to rename it.

 

 

[Edsland]

My son and I played WhiteTail Ridge in Yorkville for the 1st time this past year. I thought for the price and conditions it was really enjoyable. 

[@_the_crook]

2 hours ago, B-Man said:

 

The "Queen B-Man". Hmm. Maybe I'll have to rename it.

 

 

 

I hope it's discounted for facing the wrong direction. (giggle)

 

[ldchristopher]

4 hours ago, B-Man said:

 

The "Queen B-Man". Hmm. Maybe I'll have to rename it.

 

 

I know it’s strictly aesthetic but I love the micro honeycomb milling. It’s such a nice touch. 

[VNutz]

15 hours ago, B-Man said:

 

The "Queen B-Man". Hmm. Maybe I'll have to rename it.

 

 

Ho hum??

[DavePelz4]

15 hours ago, B-Man said:

 

The "Queen B-Man". Hmm. Maybe I'll have to rename it.

 

 

 

Need to share the story, not just the outcome. And thanks for stopping by considering you were a couple of blocks away!

[B-Man]

15 minutes ago, DavePelz4 said:

 

Need to share the story, not just the outcome. And thanks for stopping by considering you were a couple of blocks away!

 

Apologies DP. For some reason I thought you had retired and were living near the Farms in the Geneva area.

 

Not much of a story. Sold a wedge for $40 last week and thought I would treat myself!

Edited January 6, 2021 by B-Man

[DavePelz4]

4 minutes ago, B-Man said:

 

Apologies DP. For some reason I thought you had retired and living near the Farms in the Geneva area.

 

Not much of a story. Sold a wedge for $40 last week and though I would treat myself!

 

Still working on the move to the Farm. A bit away.

 

Intrigued to hear about the fitting process as everyone who have gone through the process has raved about the Bettirnardi team.

[B-Man]

Just now, DavePelz4 said:

 

Still working on the move to the Farm. A bit away.

 

Intrigued to hear about the fitting process as everyone who have gone through the process has raved about the Bettirnardi team.

 

Fitting process was better than expected. Very thorough.

 

Quick summary:

- 2:00 appt for an hour. Costs $100 but that goes to the cost if you purchase a putter on the day.

- Fitter Matt had 8 appointments yesterday. I got started about 2:10. Took 45 minutes all in.

- Started off with 10 or so 20' putts on putting green with my gamer with Matt looking at from behind the hole back.

- All current models are on a rack beside the practice green. Matt explained the design & characteristics of each model currently available. I hit 10 putts or so with each model and chose 1 or 2 based on feel, looks etc. Typically for other handers (not lefties), due to the amount of models and styles available (between more than 20), right handers will take 20-30 minutes here. I spent 5 minutes. (You get the idea.)

- Picked 1 model and moved to the fitting platform with the 1080fps camera and Quintic fitting system. Awesome.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted shaft length.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted lie.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted loft.

- Hit 5 or so putts, BOOM! Sold.

- "Looks like we found something. Good? Shall we check in the Vault for an all black version."

 

Only the second time I've ever had a putter fitting. Last one was over 10 yrs back and was okay. All in all, well worth it. I went in there with some idea of what 4 models I was looking at (mallet shape mostly) but with no fancy to anyone in particular. If anything I was leaning towards the Inovai model or Studio Stock 7. Neither of those were adequate. And with the Studio being straight down LaGrange Rd. for me 30 minutes away, done deal.

 

Do yerself a favor!

 

 

 

[chisag]

36 minutes ago, B-Man said:

 

Fitting process was better than expected. Very thorough.

 

Quick summary:

- 2:00 appt for an hour. Costs $100 but that goes to the cost if you purchase a putter on the day.

- Fitter Matt had 8 appointments yesterday. I got started about 2:10. Took 45 minutes all in.

- Started off with 10 or so 20' putts on putting green with my gamer with Matt looking at from behind the hole back.

- All current models are on a rack beside the practice green. Matt explained the design & characteristics of each model currently available. I hit 10 putts or so with each model and chose 1 or 2 based on feel, looks etc. Typically for other handers (not lefties), due to the amount of models and styles available (between more than 20), right handers will take 20-30 minutes here. I spent 5 minutes. (You get the idea.)

- Picked 1 model and moved to the fitting platform with the 1080fps camera and Quintic fitting system. Awesome.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted shaft length.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted lie.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted loft.

- Hit 5 or so putts, BOOM! Sold.

- "Looks like we found something. Good? Shall we check in the Vault for an all black version."

 

Only the second time I've ever had a putter fitting. Last one was over 10 yrs back and was okay. All in all, well worth it. I went in there with some idea of what 4 models I was looking at (mallet shape mostly) but with no fancy to anyone in particular. If anything I was leaning towards the Inovai model or Studio Stock 7. Neither of those were adequate. And with the Studio being straight down LaGrange Rd. for me 30 minutes away, done deal.

 

Do yerself a favor!

 

 

 

... Nice! Putting is one on the strongest parts of my game and probably the only part I have never tinkered with. I had a fitting with Chris at Mistwood expecting loft to be adjusted and that was about it. There was so much more though. I had my eyes about 3" inside the line and have a heavy gate stroke. Turned out any tempo and stroke length was just about identical for every stroke. Chris asks are you a streaky putter and I respond no. He says how about this, you are an excellent lag putter but some days the 3-8 footers just don't fall as you burn the edges on both sides? And I say well yea, that would be accurate. He tells me because of the heavy arc my putter face angle varied just a little at impact which is enough to miss those makable putts some days. 

... So he has me shorten my stroke, stand with my eyes directly over the ball and use less of an arc. I proceeded to make everything in the 3-8' range. After experimenting several months I have found a shorter stroke doesn't work for me but eyes over the ball and a reduced arc has worked out really well once I became comfortable with the change. 35 years of playing and I never even thought of changing my stroke but thanks to a putter fitting, I have become more consistent with my makable putts. Like B-Man I highly recommend a putter fitting. 

 

[geochitown]

setup is huge for putting

[DavePelz4]

22 hours ago, B-Man said:

 

Fitting process was better than expected. Very thorough.

 

Quick summary:

- 2:00 appt for an hour. Costs $100 but that goes to the cost if you purchase a putter on the day.

- Fitter Matt had 8 appointments yesterday. I got started about 2:10. Took 45 minutes all in.

- Started off with 10 or so 20' putts on putting green with my gamer with Matt looking at from behind the hole back.

- All current models are on a rack beside the practice green. Matt explained the design & characteristics of each model currently available. I hit 10 putts or so with each model and chose 1 or 2 based on feel, looks etc. Typically for other handers (not lefties), due to the amount of models and styles available (between more than 20), right handers will take 20-30 minutes here. I spent 5 minutes. (You get the idea.)

- Picked 1 model and moved to the fitting platform with the 1080fps camera and Quintic fitting system. Awesome.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted shaft length.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted lie.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted loft.

- Hit 5 or so putts, BOOM! Sold.

- "Looks like we found something. Good? Shall we check in the Vault for an all black version."

 

Only the second time I've ever had a putter fitting. Last one was over 10 yrs back and was okay. All in all, well worth it. I went in there with some idea of what 4 models I was looking at (mallet shape mostly) but with no fancy to anyone in particular. If anything I was leaning towards the Inovai model or Studio Stock 7. Neither of those were adequate. And with the Studio being straight down LaGrange Rd. for me 30 minutes away, done deal.

 

Do yerself a favor!

 

 

 

 

Thanks for sharing BMan, it sounds like an awesome experience! 

[psygolf]

On 1/6/2021 at 10:44 AM, chisag said:

 

 

... Nice! Putting is one on the strongest parts of my game and probably the only part I have never tinkered with. I had a fitting with Chris at Mistwood expecting loft to be adjusted and that was about it. There was so much more though. I had my eyes about 3" inside the line and have a heavy gate stroke. Turned out any tempo and stroke length was just about identical for every stroke. Chris asks are you a streaky putter and I respond no. He says how about this, you are an excellent lag putter but some days the 3-8 footers just don't fall as you burn the edges on both sides? And I say well yea, that would be accurate. He tells me because of the heavy arc my putter face angle varied just a little at impact which is enough to miss those makable putts some days. 

... So he has me shorten my stroke, stand with my eyes directly over the ball and use less of an arc. I proceeded to make everything in the 3-8' range. After experimenting several months I have found a shorter stroke doesn't work for me but eyes over the ball and a reduced arc has worked out really well once I became comfortable with the change. 35 years of playing and I never even thought of changing my stroke but thanks to a putter fitting, I have become more consistent with my makable putts. Like B-Man I highly recommend a putter fitting. 

 

We went to the Studio B back in ‘05, I believe it had been open less than a year...I asked the fitter “what are the more common adjustments that you all make to the putters you are fitting, any trends?”

He responded that a vast majority of players have too much loft for their putting stroke, that they end up adjusting 80-90% of them down 2-3deg.

Then I asked him, “if that is the case, why not make your std loft on all of your stock putters 2deg...seems like it would work to your benefit, right?”

 

He said...”never thought of that, but since Scotty’s are at 4deg, that’s where everyone is at.”

 

🤔

[Symphonize]

On 1/6/2021 at 9:55 AM, B-Man said:

 

Fitting process was better than expected. Very thorough.

 

Quick summary:

- 2:00 appt for an hour. Costs $100 but that goes to the cost if you purchase a putter on the day.

- Fitter Matt had 8 appointments yesterday. I got started about 2:10. Took 45 minutes all in.

- Started off with 10 or so 20' putts on putting green with my gamer with Matt looking at from behind the hole back.

- All current models are on a rack beside the practice green. Matt explained the design & characteristics of each model currently available. I hit 10 putts or so with each model and chose 1 or 2 based on feel, looks etc. Typically for other handers (not lefties), due to the amount of models and styles available (between more than 20), right handers will take 20-30 minutes here. I spent 5 minutes. (You get the idea.)

- Picked 1 model and moved to the fitting platform with the 1080fps camera and Quintic fitting system. Awesome.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted shaft length.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted lie.

- Hit 5 or so putts, adjusted loft.

- Hit 5 or so putts, BOOM! Sold.

- "Looks like we found something. Good? Shall we check in the Vault for an all black version."

 

Only the second time I've ever had a putter fitting. Last one was over 10 yrs back and was okay. All in all, well worth it. I went in there with some idea of what 4 models I was looking at (mallet shape mostly) but with no fancy to anyone in particular. If anything I was leaning towards the Inovai model or Studio Stock 7. Neither of those were adequate. And with the Studio being straight down LaGrange Rd. for me 30 minutes away, done deal.

 

Do yerself a favor!

 

 

 

Had basically the same experience for my fitting in 2018. All around great place. I’ve been a big Betti fan for a few years, especially with them being local. Need to get some of their cool headcovers. But so many options, don’t know where to start. 
 

The Hive was awesome to check out too, some sick putters in there. 

[Woodridge]

Fun thread guys. I made it through all 126 pages and learned a lot about courses in Chicagoland that I haven't had a chance to play.  

Edited January 13, 2021 by Woodridge

[DavePelz4]

11 hours ago, Woodridge said:

Fun thread guys. I made it through all 126 pages and learned a lot about courses in Chicagoland that I haven't had a chance to play.  

 

Were you drinking?