BallerNate’s WITB

[BallerNate]

3 hours ago, Ben B said:

The only way to not buy equipment is to log off golfwrx, and all other social media platforms for that fact. Do not visit any golf stores. And just go play golf. Just remember, when walking into the pro shop to pay for your round.... walk straight to the counter, pay, and walk straight back out the door. Do not look at the putters or wedges or drivers sitting by the counter. 

 

All jokes aside. Getting down to a single digit is a great goal. Enjoy the journey. My best advise is to always chose the shot that has the highest probability of success based off your current skill level. And practice putting and green reading as much as you possibly can. You'll be down to single digits in no time....

Hahaha…yeah, my impulse control isn’t THAT bad, Lol!!

 

Agree 100%, course management and decision-making are probably the biggest areas I lose strokes.

 

Chipping and putting are actually two of my biggest strengths. For me, my biggest issues have usually been going for hero shots too often, and being more consistent with my ball-striking.

 

Appreciate the kind words and advice…I’ll keep you guys posted!

[MikeW2]

46 minutes ago, BallerNate said:

Hahaha…yeah, my impulse control isn’t THAT bad, Lol!!

 

Agree 100%, course management and decision-making are probably the biggest areas I lose strokes.

 

Chipping and putting are actually two of my biggest strengths. For me, my biggest issues have usually been going for hero shots too often, and being more consistent with my ball-striking.

 

Appreciate the kind words and advice…I’ll keep you guys posted!

That’s the athlete in you telling you “yeah, you can do it!” Golf is a different sport, the athlete that made you successful in other sports…his mental gymnastics need to be ignored in golf. When you achieve that it’s about the same as the day when you realized that (in your case basketball) the game has slowed down for you. Everything after that gets easier.

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, MikeW2 said:

That’s the athlete in you telling you “yeah, you can do it!” Golf is a different sport, the athlete that made you successful in other sports…his mental gymnastics need to be ignored in golf. When you achieve that it’s about the same as the day when you realized that (in your case basketball) the game has slowed down for you. Everything after that gets easier.

Yup, you’re 100% right Mike!

 

I’ve been playing the game of Golf like a Basketball player for the last 4 years.
 

In Basketball you try and outwork/out-tough your opponent, you’re always trying to make the big play (Rebound, stop, shot, pass), and taking the big risks usually pays off when you’re a top player.

 

I finally figured out this Winter that Golf is like playing Chess, not Checkers.

 

It really clicked this Winter when I watched a few YouTube videos with PGA Tour guys talking about “where to miss”, and the Full Swing episode from this season with the Caddies walking the course Pre-Round talking about areas that are off-limits for their players was another revelation.

 

My mental approach to the game will be much better this season, and I’m finally starting to figure this Golf thing out going into my 5th full season. 😎🙏🏽

[MikeW2]

You’ll get there and I wish you luck on your attempt to curb your equipment purchasing problem 😂

[BallerNate]

43 minutes ago, MikeW2 said:

You’ll get there and I wish you luck on your attempt to curb your equipment purchasing problem 😂

Haha…thanks my man!!

 

It’ll be a lot easier to control the urges once Golf courses open back up…countdown’s on!! 😎☀️

[MikeW2]

Count down is definitely on! This is the best and worst time of the year…full of anticipation because weather is warming up, the snow is almond all gone in my area. Full of fear because we are in the northeast and Mother Nature can wake up on the wrong side of the bed and decide to drop some spring snow on us and push everything back. I’m hoping she rides out the approach to spring without choosing violence 🤞

[BallerNate]

9 hours ago, MikeW2 said:

Count down is definitely on! This is the best and worst time of the year…full of anticipation because weather is warming up, the snow is almond all gone in my area. Full of fear because we are in the northeast and Mother Nature can wake up on the wrong side of the bed and decide to drop some spring snow on us and push everything back. I’m hoping she rides out the approach to spring without choosing violence 🤞

Edited March 18 by BallerNate

[Jim53]

18 hours ago, BallerNate said:

and I’m finally starting to figure this Golf thing out going into my 5th full season. 😎🙏🏽

Well I was rooting for you until I read this, the golf overlords do not like normal people to think this way and will put some type of weird curse on some part of your game that is now automatic.

 

Happens all the time, I thought I had the Driver figured out and the wedge game took a dump. Then got that working again and the Putter quit, got that back on line and you guessed it the irons went wacky.

Now like you are am quite happy with the game and bag as it is and had to have knee surgery....

 

Good luck in your quest!!

[BallerNate]

3 hours ago, Jim53 said:

Well I was rooting for you until I read this, the golf overlords do not like normal people to think this way and will put some type of weird curse on some part of your game that is now automatic.

 

Happens all the time, I thought I had the Driver figured out and the wedge game took a dump. Then got that working again and the Putter quit, got that back on line and you guessed it the irons went wacky.

Now like you are am quite happy with the game and bag as it is and had to have knee surgery....

 

Good luck in your quest!!

Haha…I was laughing at your post until I read about the knee surgery.

 

I feel your pain, I had to have full reconstructive surgery on my PCL and MCL in my Senior year of College, which ended my Pro Basketball dreams.

 

100% though, you’re right…it’s very tough to put all the elements of Golf together on the same day, or for extended stretches.

 

I’ll just focus on taking it one shot at a time, and hope for the best.

 

All the best for your knee surgery, and hope you make a full and speedy recovery. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

[Jim53]

24 minutes ago, BallerNate said:

Haha…I was laughing at your post until I read about the knee surgery.

 

I feel your pain, I had to have full reconstructive surgery on my PCL and MCL in my Senior year of College, which ended my Pro Basketball dreams.

 

100% though, you’re right…it’s very tough to put all the elements of Golf together on the same day, or for extended stretches.

 

I’ll just focus on taking it one shot at a time, and hope for the best.

 

All the best for your knee surgery, and hope you make a full and speedy recovery. 🙏🏽🙏🏽

Thank you, it was just a clean up of a couple of tears and will be two weeks friday. I am planning to play Sunday and test it out. I will wear a neoprene brace just to give it some support and swing easy, feels good though and no swelling.

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, Jim53 said:

Thank you, it was just a clean up of a couple of tears and will be two weeks friday. I am planning to play Sunday and test it out. I will wear a neoprene brace just to give it some support and swing easy, feels good though and no swelling.

Nice…good to hear!

 

Have a great round on Sunday…enjoy!

[Shanks2424]

@BallerNate ARE YOU STILL ALIVE OR HAVE YOU GIVEN UP THE GAME.

[MattM97]

5 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

@BallerNate ARE YOU STILL ALIVE OR HAVE YOU GIVEN UP THE GAME.

 

Probably snowed in. 

[BallerNate]

7 hours ago, Shanks2424 said:

@BallerNate ARE YOU STILL ALIVE OR HAVE YOU GIVEN UP THE GAME.

Haha! Yes Brotha, I’m here…alive and well, Lol.

 

I started a new job a couple of weeks ago, so just keeping my head down in Training, and looking forward to the start of the season.

 

There’s a Driving range opening in my area on Friday, and courses will slowly start opening up, so we’ll be swinging away outdoors soon!!

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

 

Probably snowed in. 

Hahaha!

 

From what I heard, we had a much easier Winter this year on the East Coast than you guys did in Ontario.

 

We’ll have a few courses and Driving ranges opening up here over the next week, so definitely looking forward to getting outside.

[MattM97]

44 minutes ago, BallerNate said:

Hahaha!

 

From what I heard, we had a much easier Winter this year on the East Coast than you guys did in Ontario.

 

We’ll have a few courses and Driving ranges opening up here over the next week, so definitely looking forward to getting outside.

 

We got hit with snow today, now it's raining and will be 18C tomorrow apparently. This weather changes faster than my moods.

[BallerNate]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

 

We got hit with snow today, now it's raining and will be 18C tomorrow apparently. This weather changes faster than my moods.

Haha…Oof! Well, we’ll have to get to a real Spring and a Golf season eventually. 🤞🏽🤞🏽

[BallerNate]

YES!!!!!!! Finally back outside, and it felt so good!!!

 

It’s been a long cold Winter and Spring, but we’re finally starting to get some Ranges and Courses open out here on the East Coast of Canada!

 

Will do my full WITB soon when I get some time, but really like where my bag is at currently, and my swing felt pretty good today for the first time being outside!

 

Special shoutout to the new Qi10 Max Driver and Qi35 Max 3W…it was a FANTASTIC first outdoor session for those 2, and I’ll be hitting a ton of Fairways with them this season for sure!! 😎☀️🔥 

Edited April 16 by BallerNate

[Ben B]

20 hours ago, BallerNate said:

YES!!!!!!! Finally back outside, and it felt so good!!!

 

It’s been a long cold Winter and Spring, but we’re finally starting to get some Ranges and Courses open out here on the East Coast of Canada!

 

Will do my full WITB soon when I get some time, but really like where my bag is at currently, and my swing felt pretty good today for the first time being outside!

 

Special shoutout to the new Qi10 Max Driver and Qi35 Max 3W…it was a FANTASTIC first outdoor session for those 2, and I’ll be hitting a ton of Fairways with them this season for sure!! 😎☀️🔥 

Ahh yea! Big day for sure. For those that get to play outside year round, they don't get to experience that "first time outside hitting golf balls" feeling each year. It's the best. 

 

I'm sure you are pumped. Looking forward to the full WITB, and the many more to come...😂

Edited April 17 by Ben B

[BallerNate]

5 hours ago, Ben B said:

Ahh yea! Big day for sure. For those that get to play outside year round, they don't get to experience that "first time outside hitting golf balls" feeling each year. It's the best. 

 

I'm sure you are pumped. Looking forward to the full WITB, and the many more to come...😂

Yeah that’s true, not being able to play outside for 5 months sucks, but it definitely makes you appreciate the Golf season that we have that much more!

 

And LOL to the “many more” WITB’s…I’ve definitely earned that rep! 😂😂

 

On a positive note, since I set my goal on March 15th to not buy any new equipment until I get to a single digit Handicap, I’ve actually stuck with it and haven’t bought anything new.

 

Just like the 1st day back outside, when I buy that 1st item as a single digit Handicap, it’s going to be SWEET!!

[BallerNate]

What’s up Everybody! We’re finally back outside here on the East Coast of Canada, and I’ve played two 9-Hole rounds, and 2 range sessions to start the season.

 

First full 18-Hole round booked for tomorrow, so I’m ready to do my 2025 WITB!

 

I’ve bought 7 new clubs since the end of last season, so that’s actually a very slow Off-season for me, and my plan is to stick to the goal getting to a single-digit Handicap before buying anything else…we’ll see how it goes. 😬😎

 

2025 WITB:

 

Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 Max (9* @ 11* Upright)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 60g 

 

3-Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 Max (15* @ 16* Upright)

Shaft: Hzrdus Smoke Black 6.0 70g

 

Hybrids: Callaway Rogue ST Max OS (21* and 24*)

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

 

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 Tour Rack (50-54-58 Mid)

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

 

Putter: Odyssey White Hot OG 7 S or Odyssey Tri-Hot 5K Rossie (35.5”)

Grips: Winn 2020 Vision Midsize Pistol (+4 wraps)

 

Golf Ball: Titleist TruFeel

 

Grips: Golf Pride Underrated/Steph Curry Midsize MCC+4

 

Bag: Titleist Links Legend

 

Shoes: Nike/Air Jordan 

[DE-ILLINI]

Bags looks solid and good luck with the journey to scratch.

[BallerNate]

6 hours ago, DE-ILLINI said:

Bags looks solid and good luck with the journey to scratch.

Thanks my man!

 

I learned my lesson about talking about Scratch…I had no idea what I was talking about when I first joined WRX, Lol.

 

Just going to shoot for single digits and take it from there.

[rsballer10]

Nice looking bag! Best of luck getting to single digits. I'm a fellow hooper/golfer as well. Our clubs have very similar specs, I'm about 1/2" shorter in the irons and 3/4" shorter in the wedges. I'm 6'5 so I'm guessing you're a bit taller than that. I have a very similar putter too. OG 7 with the crank hosel, same length similar size grip.

 

[BallerNate]

11 hours ago, rsballer10 said:

Nice looking bag! Best of luck getting to single digits. I'm a fellow hooper/golfer as well. Our clubs have very similar specs, I'm about 1/2" shorter in the irons and 3/4" shorter in the wedges. I'm 6'5 so I'm guessing you're a bit taller than that. I have a very similar putter too. OG 7 with the crank hosel, same length similar size grip.

 

Thanks my man, much appreciated!

 

Yes sir, I’m 6’7. Golf, and figuring out the right specs is definitely so much harder for us over 6’2-6’3…most people have no idea.

 

Wish there were more skills that were transferable from Basketball to Golf, Lol.

[BallerNate]

Welp, they say when an addict relapses, they go BIG, Lol.

 

I went in to my Golf shop for a grip, and came out with this. And I might have messed around last night and ordered a new Qi35 Max Driver too, Lol!!

 

After picking this up, I had enough wherewithal to cancel the Qi35 Max order until at least testing this thing out, but I’m ready to pull the trigger on that anytime. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ 

[Ben B]

1 minute ago, BallerNate said:

Welp, they say when an addict relapses, they go BIG, Lol.

 

I went in to my Golf shop for a grip, and came out with this. And I might have messed around last night and ordered a new Qi35 Max Driver too, Lol!!

 

After picking this up, I had enough wherewithal to cancel the Qi35 Max order until at least testing this thing out, but I’m ready to pull the trigger on that anytime. 🤷🏽‍♂️🤦🏽‍♂️ 

[BallerNate]

5 hours ago, Ben B said:

Yup…it sure is!

 

Honestly, this move is because I think my Qi10 Max was damaged/defective in some way.

 

I found over my first 3 rounds and range sessions that I was about 30-40 yards short from where I was hitting my Paradym X last season.

 

At first I thought it might be cold temps, but then this week I played with a buddy I out-drove by 20-30 yds on average last year, to him blowing past me consistently this year. Hasn’t been making sense, and finally decided I needed to fix it ASAP!

[Ben B]

1 hour ago, BallerNate said:

Yup…it sure is!

 

Honestly, this move is because I think my Qi10 Max was damaged/defective in some way.

 

I found over my first 3 rounds and range sessions that I was about 30-40 yards short from where I was hitting my Paradym X last season.

 

At first I thought it might be cold temps, but then this week I played with a buddy I out-drove by 20-30 yds on average last year, to him blowing past me consistently this year. Hasn’t been making sense, and finally decided I needed to fix it ASAP!

Oh absolutely! Can not have your buddy out driving you!

[BallerNate]

28 minutes ago, Ben B said:

Oh absolutely! Can not have your buddy out driving you!

💯💯🎯🎯