Tour Striker

[tobybear]

I finally got a chance to try out a std tour striker today. And found the results mixed. I was honestly hoping to shank and thin a couple before i caught it good but here is a short review of what happened:

Im not someone who takes a big divot with any clubs other then wedges and punch shots and even off of a firm range mat I never once had ANY problem getting the ball in the air, or hitting the grooves of the tour striker. I'm not a great golfer, but a pretty decent 4 hancp. Is there something im doing to cheat?? all of the ones i hit felt hood and had a decent ball flight.

Does this mean that Im hitting down on the ball but and just shallow through the hitting area or should i try the harder to hit model to see a difference in performance.

Thanks

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='tourbound' timestamp='1285107002' post='2707574']
Is this a good training aide for highly skilled players??? Has anyone seen the swing aide with the orange ball on the end of it??
[/quote]

Highly skilled (scratch or better) will benefit from the timing required to hit the TS Pro or TS Pro X consistently. These players obviously have shaft lean and a downward strike, but the timing of the strike can get late or Pro-side thin (too much ball before ground).

The "Orange Whip" by Jimmy Hack Golf. Jim is a great guy and old friend. I have two of these. They are great for stretching and rhythm.

[quote name='tobybear' timestamp='1285123039' post='2707990']
I finally got a chance to try out a std tour striker today. And found the results mixed. I was honestly hoping to shank and thin a couple before i caught it good but here is a short review of what happened:

Im not someone who takes a big divot with any clubs other then wedges and punch shots and even off of a firm range mat I never once had ANY problem getting the ball in the air, or hitting the grooves of the tour striker. I'm not a great golfer, but a pretty decent 4 hancp. Is there something im doing to cheat?? all of the ones i hit felt hood and had a decent ball flight.

Does this mean that Im hitting down on the ball but and just shallow through the hitting area or should i try the harder to hit model to see a difference in performance.

Thanks
[/quote]

Toby, you are a four handicap! Most guys would give a nut to be a four handicap:)

You definitely need the TSP.

Cheers,

MC

[swingseeker2]

I have been struggling with clubhead throwaway and casting for a long time now. No matter what I try to "think" about during the swing, I cannot get rid of this flaw. After reading through this thread, I think the TS is what I need. I just ordered one and will report back. I know that many of you might not find the experience of a female high handicapper of any value, but if it helps someone like me, then I am guessing it will be even more helpful for better players.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='golf_ho ' timestamp='1285533963' post='2714983']
I have been struggling with clubhead throwaway and casting for a long time now. No matter what I try to "think" about during the swing, I cannot get rid of this flaw. After reading through this thread, I think the TS is what I need. I just ordered one and will report back. I know that many of you might not find the experience of a female high handicapper of any value, but if it helps someone like me, then I am guessing it will be even more helpful for better players.
[/quote]

You are just the person that I want to help! Keep me posted on your progress and thanks for the support.

-Martin

[rteach1]

Martin,

I sent you a PM with some questions about the TS.

Thank you.

rteach1

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='rteach1' timestamp='1285636899' post='2717168']<br>Martin,<br><br>I sent you a PM with some questions about the TS.<br><br>Thank you.<br><br>rteach1<br>[/quote]<br><br>Hi rteach1,<br><br>I sent you a note...<br><br>ALSO... guys, send me the link to the thread where I promised a free DVD of my Continuing Education Series Volume 1. I can't find the thread?? I've searched and no luck. The DVD has been out for about two weeks and I want to send them to those that offered up the suggestions for content. The first DVD is about the driver. There was about 15 of you. If I can find the thread, I can PM you all and get your addresses. I hope you like it. <br><br>So far I've shot 6. McCord chimes in with a nugget or two as well. They are $20 ea. and run from 30 to 40 min each. They come out every two months.<br><br>The Driver (available now)<br>Wedge Play (45 days)<br>Course Management<br>A Tribute to George Knudson: The Natural Swing Motion<br>The Golfing Machine Demystified<br>Drills: Practice CAN be fun.<br><br>In the vids I give a lot of credit to the folks who have helped me and influenced my instruction. The list is a long one, but many of you will know a lot of the names: George Knudson, Mark Evershed, Brian Manzella, Mike Hebron, Lynn Blake, Peter Croker, Jeff Evans, Bobby Clampett, Greg McHatton, Ben Kern, Ben Doyle, Lee Dietrich, Joey Pickavance, Gus Jones, Herb Wimberly, Gary McCord and I'm missing many more...<br><br><br><br><br><br><br>

[Yoda]

Martin:

I use 1/32 under grips on my regular clubs, regular size grips are to big for my hands and I tend to lose control of the club on the downswing. I bought a Tour Striker and hit it pretty good, would you recommend that I switch the TS grips to my regular 1/32 under or will that change what the club is doing for me?

Thanks

[Stuy Pegleg]

I believe.

Got the TSP and, frankly, was a bit intimidated seeing it in real life, as a high teens (cough, cough, BS, cough) handicap.

I can hit down on the ball with a regular club, but I have to "force" myself to do it and on lazy driving range days, I don't hit down enough and these lazy range day swings seem to always show up on the course.

You know, weight on back foot at finish, hitting it fat, or thin.

I tried it on the driving range and I gotta say, this club really forced me to not only hit down on the ball, but also almost made such a swing natural after a dozen swings.

When I grabbed my 7 iron, yes, I still did hit some bad shots, but I gotta say that I had far more hitting-down-on the ball strikes than before. Best of all, I didn't even have to force myself to do it because my body was already set to the downward striking swing from using the TSP.

Perhaps the biggest difference was that I noticed that my finish was far better than usual (weight on front foot) on most shots.

Going to order the wedge and get the graphite 7 iron for my parents.

No, this is not a plant or someone paid by TS. Just trying put in my 2 cents' worth.

Martin: As someone who reads patents everyday, I hope that you got some savy patent attorneys!

[ClarkGrswld4]

I just ordered the TSP 5 minutes ago...2 years ago i was a +1 handicap and now I'm a 3 and climbing. Mind you, this is all while my short game and putting has improved over the last 2 years so that just shows you how bad my ball striking has become. I feel like a 15 handicapper. I will report back and see if this training aid helps me get back on the right track

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Yoda' timestamp='1285715788' post='2718814']
Martin:

I use 1/32 under grips on my regular clubs, regular size grips are to big for my hands and I tend to lose control of the club on the downswing. I bought a Tour Striker and hit it pretty good, would you recommend that I switch the TS grips to my regular 1/32 under or will that change what the club is doing for me?

Thanks
[/quote]


Yoda, the only part of the TS I don't care for is the grip. They wear out quicker than I'd like. You'll be putting your own model on in no time and customizing to your size won't be an issue. We are changing manufacturers soon to a more durable grip.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Stuy Pegleg' timestamp='1285718436' post='2718886']
I believe.

Got the TSP and, frankly, was a bit intimidated seeing it in real life, as a high teens (cough, cough, BS, cough) handicap.

I can hit down on the ball with a regular club, but I have to "force" myself to do it and on lazy driving range days, I don't hit down enough and these lazy range day swings seem to always show up on the course.

You know, weight on back foot at finish, hitting it fat, or thin.

I tried it on the driving range and I gotta say, this club really forced me to not only hit down on the ball, but also almost made such a swing natural after a dozen swings.

When I grabbed my 7 iron, yes, I still did hit some bad shots, but I gotta say that I had far more hitting-down-on the ball strikes than before. Best of all, I didn't even have to force myself to do it because my body was already set to the downward striking swing from using the TSP.

Perhaps the biggest difference was that I noticed that my finish was far better than usual (weight on front foot) on most shots.

Going to order the wedge and get the graphite 7 iron for my parents.

No, this is not a plant or someone paid by TS. Just trying put in my 2 cents' worth.

Martin: As someone who reads patents everyday, I hope that you got some savy patent attorneys!
[/quote]

Sincere thanks for the note.

Funny you mention the weight shift and balance change. That was the very first thing that I saw with the very first guy who hit my first proto type. Instead of falling back, his intentions with the TS rotated him onto his left leg.

Along the patent front, things are going well. I did see where Callaway is trying to get something similar:) I just saw it on David Dawsey's site.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='ClarkGrswld4' timestamp='1285725409' post='2719103']
I just ordered the TSP 5 minutes ago...2 years ago i was a +1 handicap and now I'm a 3 and climbing. Mind you, this is all while my short game and putting has improved over the last 2 years so that just shows you how bad my ball striking has become. I feel like a 15 handicapper. I will report back and see if this training aid helps me get back on the right track
[/quote]

With good players like you, you'll find you are going to hit good shots right away. The big thing will be having the rhythm to string together a series of good shots. I'm a pretty good striker and unless I get some reps in, I can hit some ugly shots with the TSP's. I think you'll find that it helps blend the AA, shaft lean with your rhythm. Don't force it, feel it and you'll figure it out. Good luck! I hope you like it.

[Chuck_W]

Martin,
Thanks for your responses on this forum.
I got my Tour Striker Pro last week (ordered from TGW), and just started practicing with it yesterday. Your DVD is very good, and I have watched it through twice already.
I am a high handicap beginner, but I practice regularly, and want to get my game to the next level. From the little I have used the TS, I am confident this training tool is the real deal.
I have just finished reading Bobby Clampett's book "The Impact Zone", and my plan is to use his ideas on swing dynamics along with practice with the TS to take me from a club swinger to a ball striker.
I have also viewed the videos on the tour striker website. Will the follow-up DVD you mentioned be posted there ?

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Chuck_W' timestamp='1285782197' post='2720055']
Martin,
Thanks for your responses on this forum.
I got my Tour Striker Pro last week (ordered from TGW), and just started practicing with it yesterday. Your DVD is very good, and I have watched it through twice already.
I am a high handicap beginner, but I practice regularly, and want to get my game to the next level. From the little I have used the TS, I am confident this training tool is the real deal.
I have just finished reading Bobby Clampett's book "The Impact Zone", and my plan is to use his ideas on swing dynamics along with practice with the TS to take me from a club swinger to a ball striker.
I have also viewed the videos on the tour striker website. Will the follow-up DVD you mentioned be posted there ?
[/quote]

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for buying a TS and I hope it helps you. I'm glad you like the training DVD. The other DVDs are a "membership" and cost $20 per DVD. I like to think the material is worth that and that I'm providing good value for the fee. If you don't like the DVD's send them back and you are only out the shipping expense which isn't much for a few ounces of mail. If you want the continuing education series, you'll be able to sign up for it on the website soon. The programers are having a few issues but should have it sorted out soon.

A lot of the info on the DVD's came from questions from GolfWrx members.

Cheers,

MC

[clearwater]

[quote name='potterphd' timestamp='1285022319' post='2706064']
Hi Martin. First let me say congratulations on the apparent success of this training aid. I was able to meet you at Manzella's GTE in Scottsdale in March, and can honestly say it could not happen to a nicer guy. I received mine (TSP) in very quick order as most here have experienced and was able to take it to the range for the first time at lunch today. Once I warmed up a bit, I was able to get it in the air pretty well, but, as has been the problem with my irons lately, I was hitting some pretty big left to left hooks. Also, they were usually a bit fat. I saw a couple other folks in the thread seemed to have similar issues, so I thought I'd throw the question up here and see what your thoughts were. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Front:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Aq86YUinZR0[/media]

DTL:

[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yi2-wwPrl9I[/media]
[/quote]

downstroke wristcock issues for sure!

Martin, as I've mentioned MANY times...I think you have a GREAT GREAT training aid, BUT a video explaining the follow through would really help a lot of people use it more effectively. Just one man's opinion...take it for what it's worth of course.

[swingseeker2]

I just got my Tour Striker yesterday and took it out to the range today. I chose the regular TS because I felt like I was a long way from a 10 hdcp (I have a 32 index) and despite the advice to get the Tour Striker Pro and tee it up until you "grow" into it, I decided I didn't want the club to be so hard to hit that I felt discouraged right off the bat. It appears that I could have probably gotten away with the TSP, but this club is still a fantastic training aid. I hit a couple of bad shots at first but then I slowed it down and really focused on what I was doing. When I started the swing with my hips and stayed down all the way through the shot, I got it up in the air, it went straight, and I got a nice divot in front of the ball. I am not sure if you are supposed to be taking a divot with this club, but since I tend to thin a lot of my shots, for me a divot is good, especially when it's in front of the ball.

This club is giving me a lot of confidence, which is something I have been lacking lately. It forces me to focus on doing all the right things, and any laziness or lack of focus in the swing is not rewarded. I think I made the right decision to get the regular TS, because it is still plenty hard to hit correctly, but not so hard that it feels impossible for a high handicapper. If I decide to get another club, I may go with the wedge.

This club may be just the thing to get me through this slump I have been in lately. I get accurate, immediate feedback, which is even better than looking at a video of your swing. After you hit a few good shots, you start to get the feel for all the things that have to happen in the swing in order to get good results. I am thrilled.

[manbearpig]

What's the status of GolfTown carrying this in Canada?

[Smack Daddy]

[quote name='manbearpig' timestamp='1285874237' post='2721967']
What's the status of GolfTown carrying this in Canada?
[/quote]

GT started selling them about a week ago but not all stores got them. One of the biggest/busiest stores in Ontario didn't get any. Oddly, they seem to be an item you have to ask for....my local GT didn't have them out on the floor but had a couple in the back.

Martin can confirm but I haven't heard of any Pro or Pro X models being available at GT, just the regular TS.

I'm going to order a Pro X right off the website this weekend rather than wait for GT.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='clearwater' timestamp='1285869314' post='2721827']

downstroke wristcock issues for sure!

Martin, as I've mentioned MANY times...I think you have a GREAT GREAT training aid, BUT a video explaining the follow through would really help a lot of people use it more effectively. Just one man's opinion...take it for what it's worth of course.
[/quote]

It's worth a lot! I'll post a vid with my thoughts. Thanks Nick.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='golf_ho ' timestamp='1285873161' post='2721935']
I just got my Tour Striker yesterday and took it out to the range today. I chose the regular TS because I felt like I was a long way from a 10 hdcp (I have a 32 index) and despite the advice to get the Tour Striker Pro and tee it up until you "grow" into it, I decided I didn't want the club to be so hard to hit that I felt discouraged right off the bat. It appears that I could have probably gotten away with the TSP, but this club is still a fantastic training aid. I hit a couple of bad shots at first but then I slowed it down and really focused on what I was doing. When I started the swing with my hips and stayed down all the way through the shot, I got it up in the air, it went straight, and I got a nice divot in front of the ball. I am not sure if you are supposed to be taking a divot with this club, but since I tend to thin a lot of my shots, for me a divot is good, especially when it's in front of the ball.

This club is giving me a lot of confidence, which is something I have been lacking lately. It forces me to focus on doing all the right things, and any laziness or lack of focus in the swing is not rewarded. I think I made the right decision to get the regular TS, because it is still plenty hard to hit correctly, but not so hard that it feels impossible for a high handicapper. If I decide to get another club, I may go with the wedge.

This club may be just the thing to get me through this slump I have been in lately. I get accurate, immediate feedback, which is even better than looking at a video of your swing. After you hit a few good shots, you start to get the feel for all the things that have to happen in the swing in order to get good results. I am thrilled.
[/quote]

GH,

Thanks for the note and progress report! I'm glad you like it and are developing your own feel.

Cheers,

Martin

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Smack Daddy' timestamp='1285898339' post='2722537']
[quote name='manbearpig' timestamp='1285874237' post='2721967']
What's the status of GolfTown carrying this in Canada?
[/quote]

GT started selling them about a week ago but not all stores got them. One of the biggest/busiest stores in Ontario didn't get any. Oddly, they seem to be an item you have to ask for....my local GT didn't have them out on the floor but had a couple in the back.

Martin can confirm but I haven't heard of any Pro or Pro X models being available at GT, just the regular TS.

I'm going to order a Pro X right off the website this weekend rather than wait for GT.
[/quote]

Hi Smack,

I'll talk to my distributor. The golf shops are worried that the TS won't "sell itself" and that it will require too much explanation from sales clerks.

I'll talk to my retail guy and have him check on the big shot in Ontario.

Thanks,

Martin

[Mward2002]

Hate to tell you this Martin, but the DVD's not being included in the box still. Will PM you the invoice number later tonight when home.

First shot with it was spot on, had the old school airplane trajectory flight to it. While it looked awesome, is that flight normal?

[hoganfan924]

[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1285944083' post='2723258']
Hate to tell you this Martin, but the DVD's not being included in the box still. Will PM you the invoice number later tonight when home.

First shot with it was spot on, had the old school airplane trajectory flight to it. While it looked awesome, is that flight normal?
[/quote]

Might want to double check the box. Mine was jammed in the bottom with some wrapping paper so it didn't come out when I just opened one end and flipped the box over.

[Chuck_W]

I purchased my TSP from Golf Warehouse, and the DVD was taped to the bag that the club was in. As I said before, the DVD is very well done.

[Mward2002]

I got unlucky. Nada in box or in packing paper. :/

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1285959616' post='2723627']
I got unlucky. Nada in box or in packing paper. :/
[/quote]


Sorry about that! Did you order it from tourstriker.com or one of the retailers? The DVD is available for free at www.tourstriker.com in the media area. I'm happy to send you a copy. PM me with your address.

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='Mward2002' timestamp='1285944083' post='2723258']
Hate to tell you this Martin, but the DVD's not being included in the box still. Will PM you the invoice number later tonight when home.

First shot with it was spot on, had the old school airplane trajectory flight to it. While it looked awesome, is that flight normal?
[/quote]

Not exactly sure what you mean. If you like the way it is flying, there's a pretty good likelihood that your impact alignments are solid.

[GolfPro64]

I ordered a TS Pro couple weeks back thinking I had a problem with Flipping or using a bit to much right hand but I guess I was wrong because I hit this club better then my own 7 iron. Shaft was pretty soft and hit some pretty good draws/hooks but other then that was great.

Any thoughts on on the TS5 or TSX as I feel I might be able to get more out of them then the TSPro.

Thanks,

C

[Cmartingolf]

[quote name='GolfPro64' timestamp='1285998603' post='2724395']
I ordered a TS Pro couple weeks back thinking I had a problem with Flipping or using a bit to much right hand but I guess I was wrong because I hit this club better then my own 7 iron. Shaft was pretty soft and hit some pretty good draws/hooks but other then that was great.

Any thoughts on on the TS5 or TSX as I feel I might be able to get more out of them then the TSPro.

Thanks,

C
[/quote]

C,

You can vary the challenge of the TSP by the tightness of the turf. My range is super tight and I find that to be great practice. It doesn't sound like you have impact alignment issues. As a good ball striker myself, I don't have problems with forward shaft lean or downward strike. My problem is often that my divot is too far ahead of the ball and I hit thin shots. The TSP helps me with the rhythm of getting my alignments on the ball.

To answer your question about the other two models; I don't know that you'll find any difference. The TSP5 is certainly the most challenging as far as timing goes. The TSPX adds the element of sweet spot control.

If you can hit the TSP without much challenge, then congrats. You are doing a lot of things well! Practice with it until you can hit a great percentage of shots with a successful ball flight and I bet you are more pleased with your regular iron game.

Cheers,

Martin

[Rohlio]

[quote name='golf_ho ' timestamp='1285533963' post='2714983']
I have been struggling with clubhead throwaway and casting for a long time now. No matter what I try to "think" about during the swing, I cannot get rid of this flaw. After reading through this thread, I think the TS is what I need. I just ordered one and will report back. I know that many of you might not find the experience of a female high handicapper of any value, but if it helps someone like me, then I am guessing it will be even more helpful for better players.
[/quote]

On the contrary reports on successes of high handicappers are great to hear as it gives hope for those of us low cappers who have a spouse/friend/child/etc. struggling with learning the game. Letu s know how it goes.