CKalma's WITB *Updated for 2022*

[CKalma]

I've been wanting to do a WITB for quite some time and I finally have the time to sit and right this up. I am not a major club ho by any means, but I do tend to update my bag when clubs need to be replaced or something is able to prove to be better than what I have at that time. Yes, I am an all Taylormade guy.... I didn't start out that way, but our club pro years ago swayed me this way and I could not argue with the results so I've stuck with an all Taylormade bag. I haven't kept a handicap in a few years, but was a 9 the last time I did. I am actually better now, but I haven't played in tournaments or any events requiring a handicap in a while now. I play in a few 4 man scrambles every year to fill in as the bomber, but that's about as competitive as I have been lately. Plus, 90% of my rounds now I am focused on my son and teaching him the game. I will likely get more serious about scores again when I move out of Washington State as my goal is to be in Georgia or South Carolina within 2 years with work if all works out. 

 

A little history behind my bag:

 

I've gone through a lot of the drivers Taylormade has brought to the market since 2001. I dabbled with Ping for one season and went right back to Taylormade. I have also hit a few of the Titleist and Callaway releases, but nothing knocked out what I had at the time. The M5 was my most recent and favorite driver, but I hit 2 drives out on the toe in one round that left a dent in the face and it has now been replaced with the SIM. I did not find the M5 to be short like many have stated nor was it fade bias at all, actually quite the opposite for me. I hit my longest drives with it and I found it to be extremely forgiving. With the small sample of testing I have done I think the SIM should last a while but who knows... I have always been a high swing speed player so I always have something extra stiff in driver, nothing too boardy at least not to me. My current shaft the Aldila Rogue White 130 MSI 70TX is phenomenal and I hope it never breaks.

 

Fairway woods tend to last pretty long in my bag. I used to hate 3 wood, but I've become confident with 3 wood off the tee when the hole requires less than driver. A few favorites have been the R9, OG Rocketballz, SLDR, and now the M3. I am now on my 3rd M3 head and will likely pick up a SIM Ti or SIM Max fairway if the SIM2 fairway line isn't any better. I don't have a 5 wood in the bag, but have contemplated picking one up to test since 3 wood has been a great club in my bag. I really like the Tour Blue 95TX shaft I have in my 3 wood currently, but I am intrigued by the Ventus Red 9x with all the positive reviews. I get plenty of height and distance even with going heavier than 10+ grams over my driver shaft weight.

 

Hybrid, No. Just no. I cannot hit a hybrid consistently. I have tried many times and many brands. 

 

A driving iron has filled the gap between my fairway and 3/4 iron for years. I had the 2014 Tour Preferred UDI 2 iron until late 2019. The UDI was an absolute beast paired with the Graphite Design Tour ADDI 105x that is until the shaft broke after a month... I tried one more go with graphite with the Aldila Rip Tour 115 shaft and same thing happened. I then went with an X100 and had a good run, just wanted something different. I lucked out and found a slightly damaged 2019 P790 3 iron head for $65. I'm a big fan of it, but I need to add some lead tape to bring up the head weight. This club is easy to elevate into greens and easy to flight off the tee. I have been thinking of moving to the Dynamic Gold X7 for a shaft, but the DG Tour Issue X100 is doing fine for the moment.

 

My irons are the longest lasting clubs in my current bag. I played Wilson irons as a kid and then played a no name brand iron from high school until I bought a set of Titleist AP1s in 2009. I was never satisfied with the AP1s, but had those until 2011 when Taylormade released the Tour Preferred MCs and MBs. Those were great irons they helped improve my scores along with playing three times a week. I then pick up my current iron set, the 2014 Tour Preferred MB irons in 3-PW. When I added the driving iron I dropped the MB 3 iron and about a year ago I swapped out the MB 4 iron with the MC 4 iron for a little more forgiveness. I have no complaints but they are starting to show some wear in the short irons. I have the Tour Issue X100 in these irons, but like my driving iron I am thinking of moving into the X7s. Irons are also a club in bag that I am in the market for and again the Taylormade fanboy in me is looking into the P7MB 5-PW irons with maybe a P770 4 iron bent to 23-24*.

 

Wedges are another club that last until they are worn out. I have had only a few sets and actually had some Ping Eye 2 wedges from high school up until the Taylormade ZTP wedges came out. I used to only carry a 56* and 60* wedge until about 3 years ago when I added a 52* wedge. I have found that having more options on the bottom of the bag helped with scoring and the in-between yardages I was leaving myself with off the tee. My current wedges are the Milled Grind series in 52* and 56* that I bought in the Antique Bronze color and I went ahead and stripped the finish off with vinegar and a scotch brite pad. I am also a big fan of the HI-Toe 60* wedge in my bag, extremely versatile. All have the Onyx Tour Issue S400 shafts, but just like my irons I have contemplated moving into something stiffer, lower spin and lower flight.

 

I am not a putter ho. I've had very few in comparison to others on this forum. My high school no name putter lasted a long time and then I "borrowed" a friend's dad's Odyssey Anser 2 style putter for years before I had a Scotty Newport putter for a minute and then I bought an all black Prototype Taylormade Spider Blade with the aluminum insert that I miss and should have never gotten rid of. However, the very first round out with my Spider Tour Black was amazing, I holed so many putts from distances I never did before so much so my playing partner and friend made a comment that I should never look at another putter. It's that good... I will be changing the grip to the black Taylormade SuperStroke GTR 1.0 and to a KBS CT Tour stepless shaft in matte black.

 

Anyway pics and details are below. Enjoy and feel free to ask questions.

 

 

Driver: Taylormade SIM 9* w/Aldila Rogue White 130 MSI 70TX @ 44.75” tipped 1"

 

 

Fairway: Taylormade M3 15* w/Aldila Tour Blue 95TX @ 43" tipped 2" 

 

 

Driving Iron: Taylormade P790 19* w/Tour Issue Dynamic Gold X100 Onyx @ 39" 

  

Irons: Taylormade 2014 Tour Preferred MC 4 Iron MB 5-PW w/Tour Issue Dynamic Gold X100 

 

 

Wedges: Taylormade Milled Grind 52* 56* and Hi-Toe 60* w/Tour Issue Dynamic Gold S400 Onyx

 

Putter: Taylormade Spider Tour Black 35" 

  

Ball: Taylormade TP5x

Edited October 6, 2022 by CKalma

[The_Champ]

very nice bag!

[PureDivots]

Those TM MBs might be my favorite iron of all time. Something about the way they look. Based on the shafts you must bring some speed. 

[CKalma]

10 hours ago, The_Champ said:

very nice bag!

Thank you.

 

3 hours ago, DaltonSTL said:

Those TM MBs might be my favorite iron of all time. Something about the way they look. Based on the shafts you must bring some speed. 

I agree the 2014 MBs are perfect in every way. Yeah I haven't been on a monitor in a year, but the last time I was I averaged 123-125mph with driver and 117-119mph with 3 wood. 

[PureDivots]

1 minute ago, CKalma said:

Thank you.

 

I agree the 2014 MBs are perfect in every way. Yeah I haven't been on a monitor in a year, but the last time I was I averaged 123-125mph with driver and 117-119mph with 3 wood. 

Sounds like you’re probably playing around the same cap as me, but got about 15-20 MPH on me and more than a handful of yards off the tee.  Curious on what areas you believe you give strokes up. For example, me it’s just ball striking in general. Iron play keeps me awake at night. 

[CKalma]

3 minutes ago, DaltonSTL said:

Sounds like you’re probably playing around the same cap as me, but got about 15-20 MPH on me and more than a handful of yards off the tee.  Curious on what areas you believe you give strokes up. For example, me it’s just ball striking in general. Iron play keeps me awake at night. 

At the beginning of last season I started hitting a draw and rather than putting work in to get back to a fade I played a draw throughout the bag. Approach shots were definitely the leading cause of where I was giving up strokes. After playing a fade for years, I found it difficult to control a draw into greens. I would over cook the draw several times in a round and leave myself in an awful position. That and along with not being focused on a routine with my irons on the range were both holding me back for sure. I usually had my 7 year old son with me when I went to practice and play so my attention was more on him. I did however make up for some of the mistakes with all chipping/pitching and putting I did. I will be returning to a fade for next season and hopefully getting some more focused range time in. 

[PureDivots]

9 hours ago, CKalma said:

At the beginning of last season I started hitting a draw and rather than putting work in to get back to a fade I played a draw throughout the bag. Approach shots were definitely the leading cause of where I was giving up strokes. After playing a fade for years, I found it difficult to control a draw into greens. I would over cook the draw several times in a round and leave myself in an awful position. That and along with not being focused on a routine with my irons on the range were both holding me back for sure. I usually had my 7 year old son with me when I went to practice and play so my attention was more on him. I did however make up for some of the mistakes with all chipping/pitching and putting I did. I will be returning to a fade for next season and hopefully getting some more focused range time in. 

Draws are fun, but boy when they go wrong they go way off the rails. Sort of backs of my thoughts though on a lot of players in the single digits, but not scratch. Its the lack of precision and scoring whether you bomb it or are a shorter hitter.  Have no problem keeping the scores lower by grinding out a bunch pars and tossing in the occasional birdie or bogey. Be interested to see how the game improves when you get back to a more controllable fade and if you make an iron switch out of those beautiful MBs.

[CKalma]

4 hours ago, DaltonSTL said:

Draws are fun, but boy when they go wrong they go way off the rails. Sort of backs of my thoughts though on a lot of players in the single digits, but not scratch. Its the lack of precision and scoring whether you bomb it or are a shorter hitter.  Have no problem keeping the scores lower by grinding out a bunch pars and tossing in the occasional birdie or bogey. Be interested to see how the game improves when you get back to a more controllable fade and if you make an iron switch out of those beautiful MBs.

Exactly. We'll see what happens next year. 

[BallerNate]

Just bought the Tour Preferred used recently (MC and MB)...much more unforgiving than my last clubs, but seems like they’re going to be awesome once I get comfortable with them! Got the Milled Grind  wedges in 52, 56, and 60...can’t wait to get the hang of all of them!

[B.W.]

I'm a huge fan of this setup all around!  I'm curious - what kind of a yardage gap do you have between the 3W and driving iron?  I've been thinking about picking up a driving iron to swap out with my 5W depending on the course.  I'm not sure if I'd go with 18 or 20 degrees of loft though...

[CKalma]

6 hours ago, nbphilippe said:

Just bought the Tour Preferred used recently (MC and MB)...much more unforgiving than my last clubs, but seems like they’re going to be awesome once I get comfortable with them! Got the Milled Grind  wedges in 52, 56, and 60...can’t wait to get the hang of all of them!

Nice set up. Hopefully it won't take too long to get used to those clubs.

[CKalma]

4 hours ago, B.W. said:

I'm a huge fan of this setup all around!  I'm curious - what kind of a yardage gap do you have between the 3W and driving iron?  I've been thinking about picking up a driving iron to swap out with my 5W depending on the course.  I'm not sure if I'd go with 18 or 20 degrees of loft though...

I would say its about a 20-25 yard gap. I mostly use it off the tee. I've been looking into the possibility of testing a 5 wood for the same reason. I think loft will be dependent on what you're going to use it for. Tee only or are you hitting shots into greens with it?

[BallerNate]

4 hours ago, CKalma said:

Nice set up. Hopefully it won't take too long to get used to those clubs.

Thanks! Wish I had them earlier in the season, but will practice with them all Winter on my indoor garage setup and simulators etc. How do you like the SIM Driver and M3 3-wood? Will probably go with SIM or SIM Max when it’s time to switch up my Driver and Fairway woods...are they as good as advertised?

[CKalma]

7 hours ago, nbphilippe said:

Thanks! Wish I had them earlier in the season, but will practice with them all Winter on my indoor garage setup and simulators etc. How do you like the SIM Driver and M3 3-wood? Will probably go with SIM or SIM Max when it’s time to switch up my Driver and Fairway woods...are they as good as advertised?

The SIM is still new to me and I have done very limited testing with it, but I think it should be better than the M5 I had before it. If you need to cut spin the SIM will definitely do it, if not the SIM Max has been great for those who needed a little extra spin that the SIM wasn't giving them. You should hit both before you think about pulling the wallet out, but many will agree they are great drivers and 3 woods.

 

As far as the M3 goes it's been a super consistent head. I will say I haven't had issues hitting or switching 3 woods for years. The most important things are finding a head that will produce the shot you want and a shaft to compliment it. I only use my 3 wood off the tee and I knew I wanted a decent gap from my driver length so a little shorter and heavier shaft has helped accomplish that for me. Also having the ability to move the weight around can help with misses. 

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, CKalma said:

The SIM is still new to me and I have done very limited testing with it, but I think it should be better than the M5 I had before it. If you need to cut spin the SIM will definitely do it, if not the SIM Max has been great for those who needed a little extra spin that the SIM wasn't giving them. You should hit both before you think about pulling the wallet out, but many will agree they are great drivers and 3 woods.

 

As far as the M3 goes it's been a super consistent head. I will say I haven't had issues hitting or switching 3 woods for years. The most important things are finding a head that will produce the shot you want and a shaft to compliment it. I only use my 3 wood off the tee and I knew I wanted a decent gap from my driver length so a little shorter and heavier shaft has helped accomplish that for me. Also having the ability to move the weight around can help with misses. 

Makes sense, thanks for the info! I just bought a Callaway Rogue Driver (9 @ 10), 3-wood (15), and Hybrid (20) in September...really like the Driver and 3-wood, and still working on figuring out how to hit the Hybrid consistently. Will probably go all SIM or SIM Max when it’s time to switch and like the idea of having all TaylorMade clubs, but the Rogues are definitely get the job done and TaylorMade’s not paying me or giving any discounts, so probably should wait until the SIMs come down in price or something breaks down with my Rogues.

[wjdpar1]

The SIM driver in your picture appears to be cracked or coming apart at a seam.  Or am I not seeing the picture correctly?

[CKalma]

5 hours ago, wjdpar1 said:

The SIM driver in your picture appears to be cracked or coming apart at a seam.  Or am I not seeing the picture correctly?

Where are seeing this crack?

[wjdpar1]

On 12/12/2020 at 1:29 AM, CKalma said:

Where are seeing this crack?

Top of the picture.

 

[CKalma]

10 hours ago, wjdpar1 said:

Top of the picture.

 

The spot where I think you're seeing that is the lighting hitting the carbon fiber. I looked the driver over several times now just to be sure and there are no cracks that I can see. 

[Gator1578]

Great set up!

[wjdpar1]

17 hours ago, CKalma said:

The spot where I think you're seeing that is the lighting hitting the carbon fiber. I looked the driver over several times now just to be sure and there are no cracks that I can see. 

I'll take your word for it.  It sure fooled me.

[CKalma]

Going to be moving into these after picking them up for a steal.

 

[dejanomics]

Great set up!  How are you liking the putter?  Been eyeing a Spider Tour Black at Golf Galaxy that has a sight line....I always putt very well with it every time I try it in store, but I've heard horror stories about the paint chipping over time.  However, yours looks like it is in very good shape.

 

May wait to try out the new Odyssey White Hot OG line before pulling the trigger on anything.

[CKalma]

1 hour ago, dejanomics said:

Great set up!  How are you liking the putter?  Been eyeing a Spider Tour Black at Golf Galaxy that has a sight line....I always putt very well with it every time I try it in store, but I've heard horror stories about the paint chipping over time.  However, yours looks like it is in very good shape.

 

May wait to try out the new Odyssey White Hot OG line before pulling the trigger on anything.

Absolutely love the putter. I had to put a little extra work into longer lag putting, but I'm very pleased with it.

 

I can tell the paint will wear on the bottom of the putter just from normal use. I'm trying to baby it at much as I can to keep the paint from chipping. Even if it does I would rather have it repainted than replace it. That is unless Taylormade comes out with something as good or better in looks, performance, and paint quality.

 

I do love the Odyssey #7 putter. I've come close to having one in the bag.

[Gtyler14]

On 12/7/2020 at 11:48 PM, CKalma said:

Thank you.

 

I agree the 2014 MBs are perfect in every way. Yeah I haven't been on a monitor in a year, but the last time I was I averaged 123-125mph with driver and 117-119mph with 3 wood. 

Have you pulled the trigger on new irons yet? I just made the switch to a sim 10.5 head turned down with a rogue white (testing 60&70tx). I just sold my irons to get back into some MB’s but I’m curious with how you had a 4 iron MC if you switch to the new MB why not a 4 iron MC instead of the p770? The 770 is solid as I have a 770 3 iron but curious why that switch. Love the bag setup.

[CKalma]

1 hour ago, Gtyler14 said:

Have you pulled the trigger on new irons yet? I just made the switch to a sim 10.5 head turned down with a rogue white (testing 60&70tx). I just sold my irons to get back into some MB’s but I’m curious with how you had a 4 iron MC if you switch to the new MB why not a 4 iron MC instead of the p770? The 770 is solid as I have a 770 3 iron but curious why that switch. Love the bag setup.

Unfortunately, I recently reinjured my bad knee and I now have patella tendinitis(jumpers knee) resulting in 3-6 months physical therapy. I'm not shocked that I have reinjured my knee as it has always kind of worried me since I got back into heavier weight lifting and HIIT workouts a couple years ago. Seeing that I am already gaining strength and mobility after only a few weeks, I am hopeful that it won't be as long as a recovery.

 

The Rogue white in TX is such a good shaft and it's mind boggling that it won't ever be a retail offering. It's not going to be easy to find something to replace it. 

 

When I can, I will be testing out the P7MB against my current MBs to see if there is anything to gain other than a new beautiful set of clubs. I don't think there will be much to gain, but I will need new irons at some point in the near future and the 2014 MBs are going to be harder to find in good condition the longer I wait. I passed on the P730 based on looks alone and the P7TW based on price. I've also been looking at a couple other MB/MCs from Miura, Honma, and Mizuno.

 

As far as the MC vs P770 4 iron, I rarely hit a 4 iron into a green and since it has become a secondary off the tee club to my P790 3 iron I figured the P770 bent to the same specs as the P7MB 4 iron might fit the gap a little better between my 3 iron and 5 iron. I do plan on testing the P7MC, P770, and P7MB 4 irons. I was close to going back to a MB 4 iron, but the distance lost on even slight mis-hits compared to the MC was too much. I definitely wouldn't mind having the compact MC head compared to the P770 head and after reading some of the reviews of the P770, it very well may be the MC that wins out. 

 

Edited January 4, 2021 by CKalma

[Gtyler14]

6 hours ago, CKalma said:

Unfortunately, I recently reinjured my bad knee and I now have patella tendinitis(jumpers knee) resulting in 3-6 months physical therapy. I'm not shocked that I have reinjured my knee as it has always kind of worried me since I got back into heavier weight lifting and HIIT workouts a couple years ago. Seeing that I am already gaining strength and mobility after only a few weeks, I am hopeful that it won't be as long as a recovery.

 

The Rogue white in TX is such a good shaft and it's mind boggling that it won't ever be a retail offering. It's not going to be easy to find something to replace it. 

 

When I can, I will be testing out the P7MB against my current MBs to see if there is anything to gain other than a new beautiful set of clubs. I don't think there will be much to gain, but I will need new irons at some point in the near future and the 2014 MBs are going to be harder to find in good condition the longer I wait. I passed on the P730 based on looks alone and the P7TW based on price. I've also been looking at a couple other MB/MCs from Miura, Honma, and Mizuno.

 

As far as the MC vs P770 4 iron, I rarely hit a 4 iron into a green and since it has become a secondary off the tee club to my P790 3 iron I figured the P770 bent to the same specs as the P7MB 4 iron might fit the gap a little better between my 3 iron and 5 iron. I do plan on testing the P7MC, P770, and P7MB 4 irons. I was close to going back to a MB 4 iron, but the distance lost on even slight mis-hits compared to the MC was too much. I definitely wouldn't mind having the compact MC head compared to the P770 head and after reading some of the reviews of the P770, it very well may be the MC that wins out. 

 

I hope the injury doesn’t take long to recover from. I had tommy John’s about 3 years ago and said I wouldn’t play for a year and made it happen in 6. I think my new setup will be the 4 mc and 5-pw mb. I’m switching back to the man from 750s. Loved the 750s but felt I couldn’t move it like I wanted to in the short irons like I could in all the Nike blades I played. Debating on adding a 790 udi or sim 2/3. I use the 3 iron a good bit off the tee and not so much into greens so I might change that around and try something new.

Edited January 4, 2021 by Gtyler14

[CKalma]

Life and bag changes...

 

I'm moving to Texas! Starting a new career after being in law enforcement for 13 years. I will be north of Dallas and looking for a new course to call home. I haven't played much, but I am happy with my bag setup. 

 

My bag for 2022:

 

Driver: SIM 9* 1 click lower. Fujikura Ventus Black 6TX Tipped 1"

 

3 Wood: SIM Ti 15* 2 clicks lower. Fujikura Speeder Evolution 869 Tour Spec 8.2 X Tipped 2" 

 

5 Wood: SIM Ti 19* Tour Issue head. 2 clicks lower. Fujikura Ventus Black 9TX Tipped 2"

 

Irons: P7MC 4 iron, 2014 MB 5-PW. Dynamic Gold X7 

 

Wedges: Milled Grind 52*, 56*, and Milled Grind Hi-Toe 60* Dynamic Gold S400

 

Putter: Spider Tour Black 35" 

 

I will add photos when I get a chance.

[charlokim]

On 10/5/2022 at 9:42 PM, CKalma said:

Life and bag changes...

 

I'm moving to Texas! Starting a new career after being in law enforcement for 13 years. I will be north of Dallas and looking for a new course to call home. I haven't played much, but I am happy with my bag setup. 

 

My bag for 2022:

 

Driver: SIM 9* 1 click lower. Fujikura Ventus Black 6TX Tipped 1"

 

3 Wood: SIM Ti 15* 2 clicks lower. Fujikura Speeder Evolution 869 Tour Spec 8.2 X Tipped 2" 

 

5 Wood: SIM Ti 19* Tour Issue head. 2 clicks lower. Fujikura Ventus Black 9TX Tipped 2"

 

Irons: P7MC 4 iron, 2014 MB 5-PW. Dynamic Gold X7 

 

Wedges: Milled Grind 52*, 56*, and Milled Grind Hi-Toe 60* Dynamic Gold S400

 

Putter: Spider Tour Black 35" 

 

I will add photos when I get a chance.

Nice bag! Where are you moving from? I moved to the northern Dallas area a year ago myself.

Edited October 30, 2022 by charlokim

[CKalma]

13 minutes ago, charlokim said:

Nice bag! Where are you moving from? I moved to the northern Dallas area a year ago myself.

I moved from Washington state where the rain and gray started to drive me crazy, how about you?