Ago33’s Return to Golf

[ago33]

Alright so I’m playing golf again. I was partying to much in a big city, now I moved back to my home town and I’m playing golf again and blasting long drives. My swing is finally grooved and I’m ready to compete in tournaments next year.
 

 

Driver: Taylormade Stealth 2 Plus 8 Degree, lofted to 6.5. Project X HZRDUS Hulk 60 TX, 45 Inches. Best Grips Micro Perf Midsize.

 

This driver goes way to far and is fairly workable. I haven't had any issues with durability in the upper 180s of ball speed. It hits some big bombs. My only complaint is that I lose a few balls on the back nine of tighter courses when I’m slamming beers. Also I highly recommend leather grips on graphite shafted clubs you are trying to swing all out. The additional tackiness on hot days is a game changer. 

 

3 Wood: Taylormade Stealth Plus 13.5, lofted to 12.75. Project X HZRDUS Hulk 80 TX, 43.5 inches. Best Grips Micro Perf Midsize.

 

I have always carried a strong 3 wood to use as a mini driver. This goes as far as an old school driver with better accuracy. I’ve tested the mini drivers, however they launch the ball too low with higher spin to get into my flight window

 

5 Wood: Taylormade Stealth Plus 19, lofted to 17.5. Fujikura Ventus Black 9 X, 42 inches. Golf Pride MCC+4 Midsize Align. 

 

Traditionally I have always used a lower spin hybrid or driving iron on this spot of the bag. However with modern club technology, the ball goes too far and I need something to stop the ball on the green. I’m using the Ventus instead of the hulk. I find the Ventus more workable than the Hulk from off the deck. From the tee, nothing can beat the Hulk. I switch over the MCC+4 midsize grips when I am trying to hit a specific distance. They are a touch softer than the leather and the rib is more pronounced.

 

4 Iron: Srixon ZX Utility 4, bent to 22. Dynamic Gold X7, +1/2” MCC +4 Midsize Align

 

This is the perfect 4 iron. Plenty of ball speed, forgiveness and height. Perfect club for long Par 3s or second shots into Par 5s. The X7 shaft keeps the flight from ballooning like other higher lofted driving irons.

 

5-9 Irons: Srixon ZX7, standard lofts, Dynamic Gold X7, +2 upright, +1/2” MCC +4 Midsize Align

 

These have been the best irons I have ever played. The feeling of the forging is buttery smooth on center strikes and mishits do not get punished. The X7 shafts have been a game changer for my iron game. The ball starts on the intended line every time and there is limited ball movement. They are still workable if need be. 
 

Cleveland RTX Zipcore Wedges Raw 46, 52, 56 Mid, 60 Low. Dynamic Gold X7, +1/2”, +1 Upright, 56 and 60 -1 degree loft, MCC +4 Midsize Align

 

I am surprised these wedges preform better than my previous set of Vokeys. I feel that Vokey has had bounce creep over the past few years and there is no consistency between for a full set of 4 wedges. There are also no raw options without shelling out big money. The flight and spin is just about the same. I love heavy and stiff shafts in my wedges. I do not like wedges to spin as the moment there is wind, who knows where the ball will end up. I might switch to an S400 in the lob wedge for more spin, however I find that playing a spinner ball helps more on faster greens.

 

Putter: Yes! Ann 35”, KBS GPS Putter Shaft, very upright, Gripmaster Roo Midsize.

 

I picked this putter up second hand a years back and it has always found a way back into my bag. I played with a Yes! putter in high school and love how the C grooves work on the face. The ball always starts rolling on the correct line no matter how shaggy the greens are. I decided to replace the steel shaft and worn out grip with a KBS GPS graphite shaft and leather grip to see how it stacks up to modern putters. My complaint about C Groove putters has always they lacked forgiveness. The graphite shaft definitely helps with speed and direction control on mishits. I’ll be shocked if anything can beat this, however I am wondering what I’m upright mezz max will do

 

Golf Ball: Pro V1x Left Dash or Pro V1x

 

If I’m playing “YouTube” golf, I’ll play the left dash for a little extra ball speed and lower spin. If I am playing shots for position I’ll play the standard X. 
 

Overall, I’m very excited to be golfing again and can’t wait to see how low I go next year.

Edited November 11, 2023 by ago33

[Aprovenz]

I see the avatar pic, is the "hometown" in Wisconsin?

[MGN01]

Great set up.  Love the Srixons and also use Cleveland wedges.  Enjoy.

[akap4surf]

Lumber in this setup!🔥

[ago33]

On 11/22/2023 at 11:06 AM, Aprovenz said:

I see the avatar pic, is the "hometown" in Wisconsin?

Yes, I live in Milwaukee right now. Now that I got my game back last year, I am going to make it a priority to play the championship courses (Straits, Erin Hills and Sentry World) over the next year. Very excited. Also excited to see Love progressing, I might have to change up the avatar if he starts taking off!

[BallerNate]

Sweet setup man!

 

I agree, Srixon irons and Cleveland wedges are tough to beat in terms of feel and control!

 

The ZX7 will go down as one of the greatest irons ever made for sure…very tough to beat.

[ago33]

On 11/27/2023 at 6:25 AM, BallerNate said:

Sweet setup man!

 

I agree, Srixon irons and Cleveland wedges are tough to beat in terms of feel and control!

 

The ZX7 will go down as one of the greatest irons ever made for sure…very tough to beat.

The grooves on mine are still fresh, so they still have a couple more seasons in them. The remind me of more beefed up version of my MP-32s with x100s that I played in high school with. The only thing that gave them a run was the T150s.

 

Golf Ball for next year appears to be the Z Star Diamond. I’ve picked up 9 dozen so far with the buy 2 get 1 special.

 

Qi10 driver looks sweet. Going to get fit for it next year. I’ve worked on my flexibility and now I’m holding the club though impact better so I might not need the spin killing hulk shaft.

 

 

 

Edited March 25 by ago33

[ago33]

Quick Update to the Bag after winter golf

 

I dropped the 4th wedge, bent my irons a degree weak and added the 3 iron. The gap between the 5 wood and 4 iron was a little too much for me. I also wanted an iron that I could smoke off the tee. Compared to the 2 iron that I played in the past, the ball speeds and carry is about the same, however getting a really nice high flight that can be controlled into greens. The landing dispersion is much tighter. The ventus shaft is so consistent. 

 

The V grind lob wedge is really what did me in. I lost my 60.06 in Arizona and had this one collecting rust at in my parent's garage. I was using a 57 and 61 setup however the low bounce on the 61 really didn't do anything constructive. Even when I did hit a great trouble shot, I would miss the putt. Now I am using a 60V (bent to 59) and it handles mostly everything i would use the 57 and 61. 

 

Lastly I switched the putter up to the 5.5M. There has been a long standing tradition between me wanting to use a blade for speed control or the toe flow mallet for better putting within 15 feet. Now my stroke is getting to a place where the Scotty is back in the bag. 

[ago33]

Here are some close ups of the blast from the past putter and lob wedge

 

 

[robbie91]

Fantastic work horse set up! Love the look of that putter.