BallerNate’s WITB

[Shanks2424]

On 8/24/2024 at 4:55 PM, BallerNate said:

Writing a milestone post to update everyone!

 

Golf is so hard, so we have to celebrate progress and checkpoints along the way!

 

Today I shot my personal best at the toughest course in my area that I play regularly…shot an 82!!

 

I know that’s not low for lots of WRX’rs, but I only started playing in June 2020, and at that course I usually shoot between 92-94…it’s a monster course!

 

My Handicap just dropped from 14.6 to 13.1 also because I also shot an 85 earlier in the week, an 86 last week, and a 72 on a short Par 60 in our area!

 

A big part of that is I feel really good about where my bag is at currently. I just switched putters this week, and it has unlocked a lot of confidence on the Greens for sure!!

 

Here’s my current setup…I feel like even lower scores are coming up very soon!! 🔥🔥 

CONGRATS BRO!!!! SOLID BAG

[BallerNate]

10 hours ago, XHoop24 said:

Great playing! That is quite the accomplishment as someone quite new to the game.  

 

Love the iron set - I had been a long time Mizuno iron player but switched into the ZX5/7 MK2 combo set last year and absolutely love them. They are so good. I did 4/5 ZX5 and 6-GW ZX7. 

Thanks my man, much appreciated!!

 

I’ve just kept grinding away and learning as I go along. 
 

Biggest thing I’ve put into practice this year is the “next play” mentality. Don’t let one bad play carry into the next play. It’s a philosophy I’m big on as a Basketball coach, so I started figuring I should use that mentality for Golf too.

 

And I 100% agree, the ZX5 and ZX7 MK II irons are fantastic!! I’m still dialing in the ZX5 MK II long irons, and hit the MK I’s better, but I’m sure I’ll get them figured out soon.

[BallerNate]

9 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

CONGRATS BRO!!!! SOLID BAG

Thanks Brother, much appreciated!!

 

Having confidence in every club in my bag definitely carries over to performance on the course! It helps tremendously not to have any doubts when you pull out a club!

[BallerNate]

Interesting visit to my Golf shop yesterday.

 

I mentioned in a post the other day that I hit the OG ZX5 long irons much better than I’ve been hitting the ZX5 MK II’s, so was starting to wonder why that is.

 

I’ve also been noticing that my ZX7 MK II short irons have been launching SUPER high, and spinning a ton.

 

So I went in to get my lofts and lie angles checked, and surprisingly Srixon completely botched my custom orders.

 

My specs were supposed to be +1”, 1* Up, and Standard lofts.

 

Instead my long irons (5-7) were 2* Flat and 1* Strong?!

 

And my short irons (8-PW) were bent 3 to 4 degrees WEAK???!!

 

So disappointing that Srixon mangled my order so badly. Got out for a round today now that my clubs were adjusted correctly, and saw a HUGE improvement in iron performance right away.

 

Great reminder to get your lofts, lies, and lengths checked, especially if you’ve ordered custom specs. 🙄🙄

[Shanks2424]

2 hours ago, BallerNate said:

Interesting visit to my Golf shop yesterday.

 

I mentioned in a post the other day that I hit the OG ZX5 long irons much better than I’ve been hitting the ZX5 MK II’s, so was starting to wonder why that is.

 

I’ve also been noticing that my ZX7 MK II short irons have been launching SUPER high, and spinning a ton.

 

So I went in to get my lofts and lie angles checked, and surprisingly Srixon completely botched my custom orders.

 

My specs were supposed to be +1”, 1* Up, and Standard lofts.

 

Instead my long irons (5-7) were 2* Flat and 1* Strong?!

 

And my short irons (8-PW) were bent 3 to 4 degrees WEAK???!!

 

So disappointing that Srixon mangled my order so badly. Got out for a round today now that my clubs were adjusted correctly, and saw a HUGE improvement in iron performance right away.

 

Great reminder to get your lofts, lies, and lengths checked, especially if you’ve ordered custom specs. 🙄🙄

If you are hitting your irons and wedges bad first and cheapest thing to do is check loft and lie and it can make a world of diffrence.

[BallerNate]

6 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

If you are hitting your irons and wedges bad first and cheapest thing to do is check loft and lie and it can make a world of diffrence.

Yeah, lesson learned for sure my man.

 

I had ordered a lot of equipment from Srixon/Cleveland in the past and never had any issues, so I just assumed everything was correct.

 

I had a similar experience with custom P770’s from TM last year with completely incorrect specs also unfortunately.

 

Looks like these OEM’s can’t keep up with demand though and probably need to hire more staff. 🤷🏽‍♂️

[adamwon84]

On 8/28/2024 at 12:20 PM, BallerNate said:

Interesting visit to my Golf shop yesterday.

 

I mentioned in a post the other day that I hit the OG ZX5 long irons much better than I’ve been hitting the ZX5 MK II’s, so was starting to wonder why that is.

 

I’ve also been noticing that my ZX7 MK II short irons have been launching SUPER high, and spinning a ton.

 

So I went in to get my lofts and lie angles checked, and surprisingly Srixon completely botched my custom orders.

 

My specs were supposed to be +1”, 1* Up, and Standard lofts.

 

Instead my long irons (5-7) were 2* Flat and 1* Strong?!

 

And my short irons (8-PW) were bent 3 to 4 degrees WEAK???!!

 

So disappointing that Srixon mangled my order so badly. Got out for a round today now that my clubs were adjusted correctly, and saw a HUGE improvement in iron performance right away.

 

Great reminder to get your lofts, lies, and lengths checked, especially if you’ve ordered custom specs. 🙄🙄

Sorry to hear that this happened, but glad it got corrected for you.....still looking forward to more posts on you buying more stuff, you are my WRX spirit animal 

[BallerNate]

10 hours ago, adamwon84 said:

Sorry to hear that this happened, but glad it got corrected for you.....still looking forward to more posts on you buying more stuff, you are my WRX spirit animal 

Haha…always happy to inspire a fellow equipment addict, Lol!!

 

Yeah, my Irons are working soooooo much better now that they’ve been properly adjusted.

 

Just in time, I’ve got two Tournaments this week, and will probably have a guys Golf trip in the next few weeks before the end of the season too! 😎👌🏽

[MtlJeff]

The problems of being built like Tim Duncan LOL

 

You should try being 6 foot with standard length arms ....everything fits you

 

Have you even tried that?

[JetSpeed79]

26 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

The problems of being built like Tim Duncan LOL

 

You should try being 6 foot with standard length arms ....everything fits you

 

Have you even tried that?

I thought we agreed not to make people feel bad by talking about our incredible physical gifts and abilities?
 

Like how I’m not even going to mention my 10 inch vertical or 3 ft wing span (elite). 
 

#highroad

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, MtlJeff said:

The problems of being built like Tim Duncan LOL

 

You should try being 6 foot with standard length arms ....everything fits you

 

Have you even tried that?

Bahaha!!!

 

I haven’t tried being 6 feet with standard length anything since about Grade 7, Lol!!

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, JetSpeed79 said:

I thought we agreed not to make people feel bad by talking about our incredible physical gifts and abilities?
 

Like how I’m not even going to mention my 10 inch vertical or 3 ft wing span (elite). 
 

#highroad

LOL!!

 

Yeah, Golf is probably the only sport in the World where Xander Schauffele and Colin Morikawa are on equal playing fields to guys like DJ, Jon Rahm, or Scotty Scheffler, Lol!

 

And at 6’7 with a 6’11 wingspan, I have no advantage against World class athletes such as yourself and @MtlJeff , Lol!! 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[adamwon84]

14 hours ago, BallerNate said:

Haha…always happy to inspire a fellow equipment addict, Lol!!

 

Yeah, my Irons are working soooooo much better now that they’ve been properly adjusted.

 

Just in time, I’ve got two Tournaments this week, and will probably have a guys Golf trip in the next few weeks before the end of the season too! 😎👌🏽

Good Luck!

[JetSpeed79]

17 hours ago, BallerNate said:

LOL!!

 

Yeah, Golf is probably the only sport in the World where Xander Schauffele and Colin Morikawa are on equal playing fields to guys like DJ, Jon Rahm, or Scotty Scheffler, Lol!

 

And at 6’7 with a 6’11 wingspan, I have no advantage against World class athletes such as yourself and @MtlJeff , Lol!! 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

It’s a crazy game. Where else are athletic little guys supposed to go? All the fast twitch muscles in the world won’t help JT land the starting outside linebacker spot lol. 

[BallerNate]

12 hours ago, adamwon84 said:

Good Luck!

Thanks my man, much appreciated!!

 

Had a 4-man scramble today and we just left too many Birdies out there.

 

-4 as a team with 5 Birdies and only 1 Bogey…just too many Pars, Lol.

 

New opportunity on Friday…I’m ready to bring home a Championship!!

[BallerNate]

6 hours ago, JetSpeed79 said:

It’s a crazy game. Where else are athletic little guys supposed to go? All the fast twitch muscles in the world won’t help JT land the starting outside linebacker spot lol. 

Haha!!
 

No doubt, it’s either Golf, Tennis, Gymnastics, or Diving for the small guys, although you probably need to be more athletic for those last 3, Lol!!

[ewaldbeukes]

On 8/14/2024 at 2:46 AM, BallerNate said:

Delivery day finally came from Srixon!!

 

I decided to order custom ZX5 MK II 5-7 irons while they were still available for ordering to my specs (+1”, 1* Up with Modus3 Tour 105 S shafts).

 

Sounds like the delay was that the Modus3 Tour 105 shafts were backordered, and Srixon is now selling ZX5 MK II Irons with KBS Tour 105 shafts.

 

5.5 weeks were worth the wait though…can’t wait to put them in play this week!! 🔥🔥 

Now that bag is coming together nicely! Just in time for the new Cleveland wedges... can someone say UPGRADE

[BallerNate]

3 hours ago, ewaldbeukes said:

Now that bag is coming together nicely! Just in time for the new Cleveland wedges... can someone say UPGRADE

Haha…indeed!!

 

Man, the RTX 6 Zipcore’s are soooo good, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Cleveland finds a way of making them better.

 

The control and feel with them is off the charts…if I’m within 70 yds or so of the hole, I always feel like I have a shot to hole out with my RTX 6’s!

[ewaldbeukes]

17 hours ago, BallerNate said:

Haha…indeed!!

 

Man, the RTX 6 Zipcore’s are soooo good, it’s going to be very interesting to see how Cleveland finds a way of making them better.

 

The control and feel with them is off the charts…if I’m within 70 yds or so of the hole, I always feel like I have a shot to hole out with my RTX 6’s!

I have heard / read that they have kept all the good and only optimised from there (shaping, feel, graphics) so I am really excited. Been on the Vokey train for a few years but can see a 50 Mid, 54 Mid and 58 Low with some S400s in the back if they nail it.

[BallerNate]

6 hours ago, ewaldbeukes said:

I have heard / read that they have kept all the good and only optimised from there (shaping, feel, graphics) so I am really excited. Been on the Vokey train for a few years but can see a 50 Mid, 54 Mid and 58 Low with some S400s in the back if they nail it.

Very nice…looking forward to seeing them!!

 

I saw the new Cally Opus wedges yesterday, and they are absolutely gorgeous! But I’ll wait until all the new stuff comes out in the new year before considering any moves with the wedges.

[BallerNate]

What’s up everybody! Haven’t done an update for a while, so just keeping everyone posted on my updates.

 

The last few weeks everything has been coming together, and for the first time since I started playing in June 2020, I’m starting to feel confident and under control on the Golf course!

 

My Handicap has now dropped to 11.6, and I just shot a personal best of +3 (39) on a 9 Hole course in my area yesterday!

 

The biggest differences are my Driving, and Chipping. My average Driving distance is up to 264 yds, and each of my last 5 rounds I’ve hit multiple Drives over 295 yards. There were times during my Golfing journey that I could barely hit Drives over 215 yards, so that is a HUGE change for me!!

 

And when I get into trouble, my Chipping has been much improved, and I feel like I can get up & down from almost anywhere, which is also huge for my confidence!

 

Cooling down fast here now, so just going to keep trying to get as many rounds in as possible before the snow starts falling, and will re-evaluate any changes to the bag or unnecessary luxuries once we get into the off-season. 

[BallerNate]

What’s up everybody! So I’ve slowed my bag turnover this season to a more reasonable level, and I’ve really just been focusing on getting my game and all parts of my bag fully dialed!

 

I’m planning on riding this bag out until the end of the season, and will just pick up some fun unnecessary stuff once the Demo/End of season sales start.

 

I’m playing the best Golf of my Golf journey so far, and love the current setup, so changes will just be cosmetic/for fun mostly.

 

So here is my Fall 2024 WITB:

 

Driver: Callaway Paradym X (9* @ 11*)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 60g 

 

3-Wood: Callaway Paradym X (15* @ 16*)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 70g

 

Hybrid: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS (21*)

Shaft: Tensei AV Blue Raw 75 S (+0.5”, 1* Up)

 

Utility: Goliath Cypress (20*)

Shaft: Shock Zone High Performance 

 

Irons: Srixon ZX5 MK II (5-7), ZX7 MK II 8-PW)

Shafts: Nippon Modus3 Tour 105 S (+1”, 1* Up)

 

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore (52-10 Mid & 58-10 Mid)

Shafts: Dynamic Gold Spinner (+1.25”, 1* Up)

 

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7 S (35.5”)

Grip: Lamkin Deep Etched (+3 wraps)

 

Golf Ball: Noodle Long & Soft

 

Grips: Lamkin Crossline Midsize Black

 

Bag: Play Eagle Stand Bag

 

Shoes: Nike Air Jordan 4 Golf Bred & Jordan Retro 6 G NRG 

[MikeW2]

Glad to hear that you’re playing well!

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, MikeW2 said:

Glad to hear that you’re playing well!

Thanks Mike, much appreciated!!

 

Yeah, finally in Year 4 of playing I’m putting all the pieces together and figuring out this Golf thing.

 

So many layers to it, from the equipment side of getting the right specs, shafts, yardage gaps etc, to the technical side of the game.

 

Only now am I really understanding my Driver swing, how to make consistent contact with Irons & wedges, how to chip, how to putt etc.

 

My Handicap is down to 11.8, and should be trending down somewhere in the 10 range by the end of the season.

 

It’s a wonder why we subject ourselves to a game this difficult and frustrating, but it’s so addictive and so beautiful at the same time! 😍😍

[BallerNate]

Btw, I didn’t mention on my Fall WITB post, but the Noodle Long & Soft being my go-to ball is not a typo, Lol!!

 

I know many WRX’rs have encouraged me to find a different ball, and it’s not as cool or prestigious as Pro V1’s or TP5’s.

 

But no matter what ball I test (and I’ve tested pretty much all of them), I just can’t find anything that feels as good or performs as well for me. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

 

Someday when I’m a kick-a** Golfer who’s single digits, it’s just going to be a funny quirk that I tell people, “Yup, it is what it is…Noodle just performs the best for my game.” 😎✌🏽 

[Shanks2424]

On 10/1/2024 at 10:45 AM, BallerNate said:

What’s up everybody! So I’ve slowed my bag turnover this season to a more reasonable level, and I’ve really just been focusing on getting my game and all parts of my bag fully dialed!

 

I’m planning on riding this bag out until the end of the season, and will just pick up some fun unnecessary stuff once the Demo/End of season sales start.

 

I’m playing the best Golf of my Golf journey so far, and love the current setup, so changes will just be cosmetic/for fun mostly.

 

So here is my Fall 2024 WITB:

 

Driver: Callaway Paradym X (9* @ 11*)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 60g 

 

3-Wood: Callaway Paradym X (15* @ 16*)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 70g

 

Hybrid: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS (21*)

Shaft: Tensei AV Blue Raw 75 S (+0.5”, 1* Up)

 

Utility: Goliath Cypress (20*)

Shaft: Shock Zone High Performance 

 

Irons: Srixon ZX5 MK II (5-7), ZX7 MK II 8-PW)

Shafts: Nippon Modus3 Tour 105 S (+1”, 1* Up)

 

Wedges: Cleveland RTX 6 Zipcore (52-10 Mid & 58-10 Mid)

Shafts: Dynamic Gold Spinner (+1.25”, 1* Up)

 

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7 S (35.5”)

Grip: Lamkin Deep Etched (+3 wraps)

 

Golf Ball: Noodle Long & Soft

 

Grips: Lamkin Crossline Midsize Black

 

Bag: Play Eagle Stand Bag

 

Shoes: Nike Air Jordan 4 Golf Bred & Jordan Retro 6 G NRG 

DID THE 3 EXTRA WRAPS ON THE PUTTER GRIP MAKE IT FATER

[MtlJeff]

16 hours ago, BallerNate said:

Btw, I didn’t mention on my Fall WITB post, but the Noodle Long & Soft being my go-to ball is not a typo, Lol!!

 

I know many WRX’rs have encouraged me to find a different ball, and it’s not as cool or prestigious as Pro V1’s or TP5’s.

 

But no matter what ball I test (and I’ve tested pretty much all of them), I just can’t find anything that feels as good or performs as well for me. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

 

Someday when I’m a kick-a** Golfer who’s single digits, it’s just going to be a funny quirk that I tell people, “Yup, it is what it is…Noodle just performs the best for my game.” 😎✌🏽 

 

I played in a pretty high level tournament here last year with a Seed SD-X1 ball......guys did ask me what the heck that was lol

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

DID THE 3 EXTRA WRAPS ON THE PUTTER GRIP MAKE IT FATER

Yeah man, the extra wraps definitely make a big difference.

 

I’ve found the Lamkin Deep Etched grip feels pretty thin without extra wraps, but I’ve had between 3 to 5 extra wraps added and that does a good job of beefing them up.

 

My favourite putter grip is actually the Lamkin Sink Fit Skinny Pistol, but those seem like they’re always sold out here in Canada.

 

 

 

 

[BallerNate]

29 minutes ago, MtlJeff said:

 

I played in a pretty high level tournament here last year with a Seed SD-X1 ball......guys did ask me what the heck that was lol

Haha!! Yeah man, I’ve learned that you just have to use whatever works best for your game.

 

Noodle balls have pretty much no cool factor, but I love the performance and feel, so it is what it is… 🤷🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[BallerNate]

X

Edited October 6, 2024 by BallerNate