Ping Glide ES For SUPER TIGHT lies???

[pinhigh27]

[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438207149' post='12043946']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438188667' post='12041892']
[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438187642' post='12041772']
Hey Square,

Your unique perspective on golf equipment and now, shot technique, continues to amaze. Have you ever thought about summarizing all your Squareism's into one post? I'm having a hard time remembering all of them.

From memory...

- Modern putters, 340+ grams, are too heavy.
- Small players clubs are easier to hit than large GI clubs
- Using a lob wedge with an open face is poor technique
- Ping's product cycles are too frequent
- "dynamic fitting" should be avoided and all fitting should be static
- Children under the age of 11 should not be allowed to use a driver
- Wedges with loft above 58 are to be avoided
- Modern Ping's are "disposable" clubs and go against Karsten's plan for the company

Amazing.
[/quote]



An A grade for you. Your summary is mostly all correct with a couple of minor exceptions.
Specifically, I do not recommend MB blades (the only true "players" clubs). Instead I recommend, for just about every player of every skill level, from beginner to Tour pro, relatively compact, traditional head size cavity back irons. These are the true "game improvement irons", offering both forgiveness on mishit shots as well as ease of squaring the club at impact.
The other point to clarify is that I don't believe Karsten had a "plan for the company". Unlike his heirs running Ping now, who undoubtedly have a few accountants dreaming up ways to advertise the brand , grow revenues. maximize near term profits etc...Rather than focus on that business school nonsense, Karsten Solheim was about designing and producing sensible, excellent functioning products of true, honest quality.
Other than the above two minor points, you have learned well and receive a grade of A.
[/quote]

So..... That ES grind then? How are others (if anyone has got there hands in one early) finding it from different lies? Is it as versatile as people are saying it is it just new club love!?
[/quote]

I promise you'll benefit from not listening to that dude.

[square]

[quote name='pinhigh27' timestamp='1438209161' post='12044130']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438180019' post='12040882']
[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438179016' post='12040736']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438156017' post='12039674']
For high loft wedges a wide sole is best because it offers forgiveness off both hard pan , fluffy-grassy lies, as well as all types of sand bunker conditions.
In contrast, high lofted wedges with narrow soles and, or, low bounce angles offer the player almost no forgiveness, and should be avoided.
Bounce (and wide soles) , when it comes to high loft wedge play, is your friend. For several decades all sand wedges were made with either wide soles or really wide soles, and there is a good reason for that.
[/quote]

If you hit flop shots around the green the WS is a poor choice. Wide sole doesn't allow you to open the face as easily.
[/quote]

There is no need to "open the face". With correct technique, 56* (and a square face angle) is enough loft to play very short distance shots which stop quickly. With 58* or 60* lofts, and a square club face at address, one may play shots with more than enough height trajectory and soft landing for any green side shot from the grass, hard pan, or bunker lie.
"opening the face" of a wedge is the starting point for all sorts of mishit shots and needlessly challenging distance control. It's much more sensible to address shots with a square club face as this promotes good quality square ball contact, With consistent square ball contact consistent spin and distance control happens.
[/quote]

yeah all the players on tour who carry a wedge higher than 56* clearly have no idea what they are doing.
[/quote]

What does a Tour player averaging 71 on 7,200 yard courses have in common with an internet forum poster who often shoots 80 (or higher) ? Not much.
Swinging a 60* wedge, or worse opening the face of a 60* wedge, is about the last thing a player with a scoring average higher than 72 should be doing or even thinking about. There is a long list of things that the 85 shooter trying to break 80, or the 77 shooter trying to shoot 73 , should be working on, but playing high lofted wedge shots with an open face is not on that list.

[pinhigh27]

guess you play on some dog tracks with shaggy greens. good luck hitting it out of rough and getting up and down greenside at any course with firm or fast greens.

I'm pretty sure if someone is capable of bogey golf, they can hit a LW. it's really not this incredibly difficult feat that people make it out to be.

[duuuuuuce]

a ball sitting down in thick green side rough with no green to work with and you don't open the face. I bet I get it closer opening the face 9 out of 10 times.

[square]

[quote name='pinhigh27' timestamp='1438209995' post='12044184']

I'm pretty sure if someone is capable of bogey golf, they can hit a LW. it's really not this incredibly difficult feat that people make it out to be.
[/quote]

It's not a question of being able to "hit an LW". The challenge is getting the ball next to the hole. Without a doubt most "bogey golfers" carry a LW, it's one of the primary reasons they are bogey golfers.

[richard t]

Will Rogers said, " all I know is what I read in the newspaper." Glad he did not say internet. I've been opening my Eye2 SW and LW for over 30+ years. I seem to have little or no problem hitting pitches, lobs and/or sand shots with an 'open face.'
Certainly not a 'Tour' player but I shot 74 today with a sand save, 2 up and downs and a couple real nice pitches from close in.
Wedge play is something like putting IMO. Folks learn a certain technique that works for them. To just arbitrarily say, this or that is mind boggling.

[square]

[quote name='richard t' timestamp='1438212434' post='12044388']
Folks learn a certain technique that works for them.
[/quote]

"Works for them" is subjective. I know guys who proclaim that they love their lob wedges, but the reality is I have seen those L wedges cost these guys lots of shots. One or two up and downs that don't happen does add up. I know guys who claim to "love" this club or that club, but the reality is their shot results with that club are inconsistent. They think the club (or technique of playing a shot) works for them, but it's not true.
I understand you enjoy playing your wedge shots with an open face, but that doesn't mean you would not get more consistent spin and distance control if you played your wedges with by address the ball with the club face square to the target line. One thing is for certain regarding golf, and that is every player has room for improvement.

[rodinho]

Square, although I'm struggling to see how this relates to the initial question I asked, I can't help myself here. Are you genuinely saying that no matter what situation a golfer is in around a green, you do not need more than 56* of loft? I can see how some people will play their highest lofted wedge as a 56, I even know some who do, but these people open the face up on it all of the time when they have to.
This is where different grinds come in to it.
If you come and play at my home course, I promise you you would not manage with a 56 with a wide sole/high bounce angle. Sometimes you need a little more loft and a little less bounce. Loft can be your friend!

[Soloman1]

Obviously, someone is a Square peg in a round hole.

[Nessism]

My 60* wedge is one of the most used clubs in my bag. And I love hitting flop shots. I don't always hit it perfectly, but more times than not it's decent and sometimes brilliant. There are a LOT of situations on the course with a flop is the only way to get the ball within decent putting range. The thing to remember is to always focus on getting the ball to the green. Don't try to be a hero and target a landing zone too close to the edge of the green, but that's a great way to leave it short.

Square, how about humoring us and revealing your handicap? Based on your iron shafts it's clear you are no power hitter. You don't hit flops either I take it. So how about it?

[square]

[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438214078' post='12044556']
Square, although I'm struggling to see how this relates to the initial question I asked, I can't help myself here. Are you genuinely saying that no matter what situation a golfer is in around a green, you do not need more than 56* of loft? I can see how some people will play their highest lofted wedge as a 56, I even know some who do, but these people open the face up on it all of the time when they have to.
This is where different grinds come in to it.
If you come and play at my home course, I promise you you would not manage with a 56 with a wide sole/high bounce angle. Sometimes you need a little more loft and a little less bounce. Loft can be your friend!
[/quote]

Your thread title reads SUPER TIGHT LIES. At that point the question of "opening the club face" is answered, with a resounding no.
Yes, players may be able to open up a high lofted wedge and get reasonable distance control, but those shots are few and far between. The distance consistency is never there trying to play open faced wedges from tight lies.Guys typically remember one shot they executed well and next to the hole, but they forget the three other attempts which led to poor results. 25% success is not a good percentage. Players who square the wedge face at address get more consistent distance control, and their percentage of success goes up from 25% to better than 50%. That equals a shot or two per round.
The up and down percentages improve even more when one refrains from using more loft than 56* Consistent distance control, leaving the ball next to the hole, is much easier to achieve using 50*, 52*, 54* or 56* lofts than it is using a 58* or 60* loft. What I am writing here is nothing new, and has been suggested by Tour pros and capable instructors for decades. But amateurs don't want to hear it. They think the suggestion of less loft is for the other guy, they think it is for the beginner or the hacker, not them. But in truth less loft is a sensible idea for anybody with a scoring average higher than 72.

[square]

[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438214729' post='12044594']
My 60* wedge is one of the most used clubs in my bag. There are a LOT of situations on the course with a flop is the only way to get the ball within decent putting range.

[/quote]

Stop right there. If you are having to play flop shots all day long then your ball striking needs work. A big part of the game is leaving the ball in a good place from which to play the next shot. The best scoring players are very aware of the leave they give themselves for the next shot. Anybody needing a lot of flop shots is out of position on the golf course and should be working to get control of their ball , so that their misses are still within good position (not leaving flop shots).

[Nessism]

[quote name='square' timestamp='1438215491' post='12044648']
[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438214729' post='12044594']
My 60* wedge is one of the most used clubs in my bag. There are a LOT of situations on the course with a flop is the only way to get the ball within decent putting range.

[/quote]

Stop right there. If you are having to play flop shots all day long then your ball striking needs work. A big part of the game is leaving the ball in a good place from which to play the next shot. The best scoring players are very aware of the leave they give themselves for the next shot. Anybody needing a lot of flop shots is out of position on the golf course and should be working to get control of their ball , so that their misses are still within good position (not leaving flop shots).
[/quote]

Ha ha, good one. If I could control where my misses wind up I wouldn't be posting here in this forum, I'd be on the PGA tour!

I use my 60 for most approaches inside 80 yards. I use it out of bunkers, with an open face, and I use it for pitches and flops around the green. VERY useful club.

[jamie]

I don't think I've ever not opened the face in thick rough...opening the face, even slightly, offers way more forgiveness for me. Even when I'm trying to hit long runners, I'll take a gap or pw and open it slightly.

[jamie]

[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438215828' post='12044678']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438215491' post='12044648']
[quote name='Nessism' timestamp='1438214729' post='12044594']
My 60* wedge is one of the most used clubs in my bag. There are a LOT of situations on the course with a flop is the only way to get the ball within decent putting range.

[/quote]

Stop right there. If you are having to play flop shots all day long then your ball striking needs work. A big part of the game is leaving the ball in a good place from which to play the next shot. The best scoring players are very aware of the leave they give themselves for the next shot. Anybody needing a lot of flop shots is out of position on the golf course and should be working to get control of their ball , so that their misses are still within good position (not leaving flop shots).
[/quote]

Ha ha, good one. If I could control where my misses wind up I wouldn't be posting here in this forum, I'd be on the PGA tour!

I use my 60 for most approaches inside 80 yards. I use it out of bunkers, with an open face, and I use it for pitches and flops around the green. VERY useful club.
[/quote]
Haha touchè. I'm pretty sure "Square" has been trolling this whole thread?!

[BCULAW]

Hey. Sorry to threadjack this post about wedge technique and general equipment ramblings. Just wondering how that ES Grind Glide wedge has been working for you guys off of tight lies? I'm a big fan of the line, and am curious whether this grind is the most versatile green side option.

[bazinky]

[quote name='BCULAW' timestamp='1438256012' post='12046688']
Hey. Sorry to threadjack this post about wedge technique and general equipment ramblings. Just wondering how that ES Grind Glide wedge has been working for you guys off of tight lies? I'm a big fan of the line, and am curious whether this grind is the most versatile green side option.
[/quote]

What a shock, a ping equipment question thread derailed by Square ...

[Konklifer]

If you all want to debate the techniques of wedge shots from tight lies, go here: [url="http://www.golfwrx.com/forums/forum/6-instruction-%26-academy/"]http://www.golfwrx.c...tion-&-academy/[/url] and spare the rest of us.

#notamoderator

[irwinfletcher77]

[quote name='BCULAW' timestamp='1438256012' post='12046688']
Hey. Sorry to threadjack this post about wedge technique and general equipment ramblings. Just wondering how that ES Grind Glide wedge has been working for you guys off of tight lies? I'm a big fan of the line, and am curious whether this grind is the most versatile green side option.
[/quote]
Works off any lie!!!! I had multiple chips the other day off a tight lie and performed beautifully for me!!

[rodinho]

[quote name='BCULAW' timestamp='1438256012' post='12046688']
Hey. Sorry to threadjack this post about wedge technique and general equipment ramblings. Just wondering how that ES Grind Glide wedge has been working for you guys off of tight lies? I'm a big fan of the line, and am curious whether this grind is the most versatile green side option.
[/quote]

+1

[mbradley]

[quote name='square' timestamp='1438214998' post='12044608']
[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438214078' post='12044556']
Square, although I'm struggling to see how this relates to the initial question I asked, I can't help myself here. Are you genuinely saying that no matter what situation a golfer is in around a green, you do not need more than 56* of loft? I can see how some people will play their highest lofted wedge as a 56, I even know some who do, but these people open the face up on it all of the time when they have to.
This is where different grinds come in to it.
If you come and play at my home course, I promise you you would not manage with a 56 with a wide sole/high bounce angle. Sometimes you need a little more loft and a little less bounce. Loft can be your friend!
[/quote]

Your thread title reads SUPER TIGHT LIES. At that point the question of "opening the club face" is answered, with a resounding no.
Yes, players may be able to open up a high lofted wedge and get reasonable distance control, but those shots are few and far between. The distance consistency is never there trying to play open faced wedges from tight lies.Guys typically remember one shot they executed well and next to the hole, but they forget the three other attempts which led to poor results. 25% success is not a good percentage. Players who square the wedge face at address get more consistent distance control, and their percentage of success goes up from 25% to better than 50%. That equals a shot or two per round.
The up and down percentages improve even more when one refrains from using more loft than 56* Consistent distance control, leaving the ball next to the hole, is much easier to achieve using 50*, 52*, 54* or 56* lofts than it is using a 58* or 60* loft. What I am writing here is nothing new, and has been suggested by Tour pros and capable instructors for decades. But amateurs don't want to hear it. They think the suggestion of less loft is for the other guy, they think it is for the beginner or the hacker, not them. But in truth less loft is a sensible idea for anybody with a scoring average higher than 72.
[/quote]

I think that you are right about the square face. That is why I play a 64 and a 60. I rarely open the face on the 64 and I can hit crazy high stopping shots. I could play the same shots with the 60, but not with the same reliability. Both wedges work well for me. By the way, the golf shop just called me. My 60 degree ES with a recoil 95 shaft is in.

[rodinho]

[quote name='mbradley' timestamp='1438295111' post='12050208']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438214998' post='12044608']
[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438214078' post='12044556']
Square, although I'm struggling to see how this relates to the initial question I asked, I can't help myself here. Are you genuinely saying that no matter what situation a golfer is in around a green, you do not need more than 56* of loft? I can see how some people will play their highest lofted wedge as a 56, I even know some who do, but these people open the face up on it all of the time when they have to.
This is where different grinds come in to it.
If you come and play at my home course, I promise you you would not manage with a 56 with a wide sole/high bounce angle. Sometimes you need a little more loft and a little less bounce. Loft can be your friend!
[/quote]

Your thread title reads SUPER TIGHT LIES. At that point the question of "opening the club face" is answered, with a resounding no.
Yes, players may be able to open up a high lofted wedge and get reasonable distance control, but those shots are few and far between. The distance consistency is never there trying to play open faced wedges from tight lies.Guys typically remember one shot they executed well and next to the hole, but they forget the three other attempts which led to poor results. 25% success is not a good percentage. Players who square the wedge face at address get more consistent distance control, and their percentage of success goes up from 25% to better than 50%. That equals a shot or two per round.
The up and down percentages improve even more when one refrains from using more loft than 56* Consistent distance control, leaving the ball next to the hole, is much easier to achieve using 50*, 52*, 54* or 56* lofts than it is using a 58* or 60* loft. What I am writing here is nothing new, and has been suggested by Tour pros and capable instructors for decades. But amateurs don't want to hear it. They think the suggestion of less loft is for the other guy, they think it is for the beginner or the hacker, not them. But in truth less loft is a sensible idea for anybody with a scoring average higher than 72.
[/quote]

I think that you are right about the square face. That is why I play a 64 and a 60. I rarely open the face on the 64 and I can hit crazy high stopping shots. I could play the same shots with the 60, but not with the same reliability. Both wedges work well for me. By the way, the golf shop just called me. My 60 degree ES with a recoil 95 shaft is in.
[/quote]

Would be good to hear some feedback once you've had a bit of time with it!

[Konklifer]

I spent some time with these tonight and I"m definitely getting a 60 bent to 59. However, I like the profile so much that I'd like a 56 bent to 55 as well. My question is how will it play for full shots, which is what I would use the 55 for most of the time. Yeah, I know the SS is probably better suited but I like the offset of the ES at address.

[irwinfletcher77]

I was thinking the same thing as you. Have a SS 54 right now but I love my es 60 so much I kind of want to get a 56 as well and bend it a little strong

[Golfdoctor]

I just order a Glide es in 56* digital loft to 55* w/Spinner shaft and the New Glide grip in Gold color code. Golfsmith doesn't charge upgrade for the spinner shaft and only $8 for the Digital loft. Shipping is middle of August.

[mbradley]

[quote name='Golfdoctor' timestamp='1438306868' post='12051204']
I just order a Glide es in 56* digital loft to 55* w/Spinner shaft and the New Glide grip in Gold color code. Golfsmith doesn't charge upgrade for the spinner shaft and only $8 for the Digital loft. Shipping is middle of August.
[/quote]I was told 3 to 4 weeks last week and it came in today. Mine is customized.

[9woodfan]

I've been playing the Glides in 54 and 58 WS since they came out and I love them... you had to pry the Tour-S Rustiques out of my hands at the time but now I don't even think about them. I have a heel grind on the 58 and it works well from sand and for flops. There is already lots of heel relief there but the added grind makes the open face shot that much easier. I want to order a ES sole in a 62 just for green side bunkers and fun flops... Such a great wedge... but the 58 has been so good I don't REALLY need too... but that's just not the WRX way now is it!

[rodinho]

[quote name='Konklifer' timestamp='1438300216' post='12050620']
I spent some time with these tonight and I"m definitely getting a 60 bent to 59. However, I like the profile so much that I'd like a 56 bent to 55 as well. My question is how will it play for full shots, which is what I would use the 55 for most of the time. Yeah, I know the SS is probably better suited but I like the offset of the ES at address.
[/quote]

This is exactly what I'm thinking of a 56 bent to 55. Just unsure how it will be for full shots. I've looked at the pm grind and to me the leading edge sits a little bit high for full shots. Hope the es will sit a bit more flush.

[Konklifer]

[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438331816' post='12052550']
[quote name='Konklifer' timestamp='1438300216' post='12050620']
I spent some time with these tonight and I"m definitely getting a 60 bent to 59. However, I like the profile so much that I'd like a 56 bent to 55 as well. My question is how will it play for full shots, which is what I would use the 55 for most of the time. Yeah, I know the SS is probably better suited but I like the offset of the ES at address.
[/quote]

This is exactly what I'm thinking of a 56 bent to 55. Just unsure how it will be for full shots. I've looked at the pm grind and to me the leading edge sits a little bit high for full shots. Hope the es will sit a bit more flush.
[/quote]

From Ping: "The Eye2-style scooped sole in the ES models offers versatility on full and partial shots from all conditions, especially bunkers."

Take it FWIW.

[mbradley]

[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438298134' post='12050452']
[quote name='mbradley' timestamp='1438295111' post='12050208']
[quote name='square' timestamp='1438214998' post='12044608']
[quote name='rodinho' timestamp='1438214078' post='12044556']
Square, although I'm struggling to see how this relates to the initial question I asked, I can't help myself here. Are you genuinely saying that no matter what situation a golfer is in around a green, you do not need more than 56* of loft? I can see how some people will play their highest lofted wedge as a 56, I even know some who do, but these people open the face up on it all of the time when they have to.
This is where different grinds come in to it.
If you come and play at my home course, I promise you you would not manage with a 56 with a wide sole/high bounce angle. Sometimes you need a little more loft and a little less bounce. Loft can be your friend!
[/quote]

Your thread title reads SUPER TIGHT LIES. At that point the question of "opening the club face" is answered, with a resounding no.
Yes, players may be able to open up a high lofted wedge and get reasonable distance control, but those shots are few and far between. The distance consistency is never there trying to play open faced wedges from tight lies.Guys typically remember one shot they executed well and next to the hole, but they forget the three other attempts which led to poor results. 25% success is not a good percentage. Players who square the wedge face at address get more consistent distance control, and their percentage of success goes up from 25% to better than 50%. That equals a shot or two per round.
The up and down percentages improve even more when one refrains from using more loft than 56* Consistent distance control, leaving the ball next to the hole, is much easier to achieve using 50*, 52*, 54* or 56* lofts than it is using a 58* or 60* loft. What I am writing here is nothing new, and has been suggested by Tour pros and capable instructors for decades. But amateurs don't want to hear it. They think the suggestion of less loft is for the other guy, they think it is for the beginner or the hacker, not them. But in truth less loft is a sensible idea for anybody with a scoring average higher than 72.
[/quote]

I think that you are right about the square face. That is why I play a 64 and a 60. I rarely open the face on the 64 and I can hit crazy high stopping shots. I could play the same shots with the 60, but not with the same reliability. Both wedges work well for me. By the way, the golf shop just called me. My 60 degree ES with a recoil 95 shaft is in.
[/quote]

Would be good to hear some feedback once you've had a bit of time with it!
[/quote] Picked it up today. will not play until this weekend, but to answer the question about tight lies. I think that you could chip off of concrete with this one. Definitely better off of tight lies than the thin sole, which is surprising. Judging from the wide sole, I would be shocked if it is not a monster out off the sand. Ping seems to be pushing the bunker capability angle. I don't quite get that one as this is clearly an all purpose wedge.