What Makes an Intimidating Bag of Clubs?

[OttoVonBizMarkie]

1. Lead tape all over a set of irons - like the kind that is basically melded into the irons. Bonus points if the tape is kinda dinged up on the long irons

 

2. Old putter and/or worn wedges with brand new grips - I don’t know why, but they are always midsize grips too

 

3. Knitted Jan Craig or JuJu headcovers that look they could fall off with a strong gust of wind

 

4. Any irons considered cult classics from like 2006 to 2014 - anyone balling out with those with all the new shiny foam and tungsten options today probably has some game

[mat562]

'I don't play much these days, but we can have a few quid on it if you like. Just to make things interesting.'

 

[mshills]

I can't remember seeing a bad player with either of the following:

• Old(er) clubs, new grips
• Iron sweet spots worn

If there's a wear mark on the sweet spot of the putter, look out!

 

[Mitchell]

4 minutes ago, mat562 said:

'I don't play much these days, but we can have a few quid on it if you like. Just to make things interesting.'

 

“Been struggling a bit with driver, will try to post a decent score” 

[mshills]

Just now, nochrome said:

“Been struggling a bit with driver, will try to post a decent score” 

 

Uh oh that one's in the parking lot.....let's see what I can do from over there.

[azgreg]

3 hours ago, MtlJeff said:

LOL probably a little dated now

 

https://www.golfwrx.com/49131/how-to-build-an-intimidating-bag-of-clubs/

 

 

Still resonates.

 

[JAM01]

Old Sunday bag with 3-sw older blade macgregors odd numbers only

 

Taylormade  R510 driver - mistaken by onlookers for a 3 wood

 

wilson 8802 putter from 1970s referred to as an upgrade from a bullseye for forgiveness. 
 

carried in by 80 year old with a limp. 
 

 

 

 

[MtlJeff]

3 hours ago, BIG STU said:

IMHO best article you ever wrote

 

"How to work in a big box store" still has a special place for me! I had some good ones in that one LOL

[SUPERG]

I used to think this, but nowadays I've run into many dudes with a ton of newer fitted stuff who are crazy good. Spending on golf does not mean you suck, just like not spending on it means your a stick LOL. Love seem a good faded hoofer though. 

[mat562]

'They're really worn now, these old irons of mine, but they still spin them back pretty well...'

 

[BagofToast]

Based on my experience this is what I see and think “good player” 

Quality Headcovers 

-Relatively new driver, current gen or previous. 
-Older model fairways. maybe one current gem one not 

-Beat up MBs or CBs 

-if they have a specialty pw 

-worn putter, doesn’t really matter what it is 

[AdamMH]

1 hour ago, mat562 said:

It doesn't really apply anymore, but it used to be a battered old set of blades with penny-sized bullseye marks worn into them, with new grips and lead tape on them, and a Ping 1-iron poking out between the headcovers.

 

An old putter with a grip with visible thumb marks worn into it is still a red flag though. That's a timeless one. If they pull it out and idly knock in a dozen six footers in a row with it on the practice green, walk away.

 

 

I know someone with almost 30 year old Avon Chamois grips, 1/8th deep thumb marks in every... single... club... Promise it's not as scary as it sounds!

[cals]

Driver: Anything less than 460cc, usually a few models old. Often with an upgraded shaft

 

Woods: V Steel, Sim, 

 

Irons: Ping eye 2, i5, i210, TM RAC miura forged, any old mizunos, Usually not playing blades

 

Wedge: rusty 588 lob wedge been using forever 

 

putter: old TP mills, tad moore, or 20+ year old scotty

 

Always walks, carries an old ping stand bag or sunday bag, plays under 4 hours 

[iNeedMoreGolf]

4 hours ago, Abh159 said:

The easiest way to spot a good player is lead tape. Most people don't even know it exists much less how to use it. If I guy (or gal) rolls up with lead tape all over their irons be prepared to lose some money.

Wait a mintue.. i just lead tape the toe of my draw sim 2 to stop over hooking.. i promise im going to still do something stupid so this aint true lol

[ChipNRun]

Someone who keeps the best, but embraces the future.

 

Within the mix: Brand new Vokey wedges, a vintage 1970s Ping Pal and a real TM VSteel 3 Wood.

 

[B.Easy]

1 hour ago, mshills said:

I can't remember seeing a bad player with either of the following:

• Old(er) clubs, new grips
• Iron sweet spots worn

If there's a wear mark on the sweet spot of the putter, look out!

 

 

Definitely pay attention to the wear mark on the putter!  If it's got one, best head back to the ATM.

 

I don't care about irons.  I've seen plenty of range-rat 6 hcp hitting their dirty sandy balls every day with nice wear marks on their irons.  I was one of them.  I'd think twice, if they were playing some old staff blades with new grips or something....

[MattM97]

For me it's the woods that are maybe a bit older, still with a headcover and have a pretty tight wear mark on the center face. That dude I know will take money from most on the course that day if they bring it up but will also just happily play with you.

 

The other big one mentioned above is the older set of irons with new grips especially if you see they are build up other than standard 1 wrap. 

[DomJones]

1. Low bounce wedges

2. If you dap up the maintenance crew

3. Wads of cash with bills in all types of conditions. 
 

[BIG STU]

2 hours ago, MtlJeff said:

 

"How to work in a big box store" still has a special place for me! I had some good ones in that one LOL

How about posting that link--- I do not remember if I read that one or not--- My memory is not what it once was

[abh00]

Any generation hybrid with a fantastic wear pattern is the most intimidating for sure because if his driver gets wayward your still f

 

i feel like this relates to the jailbird comments I made on rickies new witb

[dubbelbogey]

It's not so much what is in the bag for me as the one shot the player has that catches my eye.

 

E.g. somebody who has a very old 588 wedge and still spins those hot fizzers - and yes, I know players who do just this. The thing about their equipment is that they don't think about their equipment.

[R.Patrick]

The guy that is going to take your money doesn't notice one thing about the clubs you are playing.

[leftycabe]

7 hours ago, ashpga said:

Was having a discussion with a couple of my golfing buddies and we were trying to come up with the most “intimidating” bag setup. In other words, a bag to make you look like a scratch golfer. Here is what we came up with—curious to see what you guys think?

 

1. Ping Hoofer Bag. Bonus points if it is faded and has a T100 course logo on it.

 

2. Non-OEM Headcovers. Either leather or knit pom poms. Again, T100 course logo(s) are a bonus.

 

3. Season-Old Driver. Likely TaylorMade, Titleist or Callaway with an upgraded shaft.

 

4. Older Fairway Wood(s). Once you find one to trust, hard to knock out of the bag. Maybe a V Steel? 

 

5. Forged Cavity Back Irons. Mizuno is at the top of the list, followed by Titleist.

 

6. Vokey Wedges. Bonus points if they are raw finish and have S400 Tour Issue shafts.

 

7. Scotty Cameron. Controversial one. An older Newport or Newport 2 head with a well used PP58 or other pistol grip installed.

 

8. Towel. McArthur Wincraft Caddy towel draped over the irons with one side wet before the round.

This is a fun topic! It’s extremely rare that I play with someone who has newer clubs and is an absolute stick. I think you got it pretty close to what I would think as well. The biggest thing I look for is the wear marks on their clubs. WAY back when, the new superintendent at the course I was working at asked me to play that night. We got to the first tee - no warm up of any kind. His bag was a Prairie Wind (some company trying to get into the market), I can’t remember the 3 wood, Wilson fat shaft irons, Cleveland wedges, and a never compromise putter. He shot 61 and never looked like he ever felt it was anything more than just a round with the guys. I later found out he played some mini tours and played a lot with Zach Johnson and was close to Mike Bender. Ultimately, I like to talk about and try new equipment but guys at that level are just different. They can play with anything as long as the specs are right. 

[ChipNRun]

3 hours ago, mat562 said:

'I don't play much these days, but we can have a few quid on it if you like. Just to make things interesting.'

 

Didn't play the irons, but I did play Sounder 3W and 4W from 1975-1980. Remember the green grip with the gold lettering. The heads were rather small, almost as small as a current-day hybrid.

 

The club pro I got them from said Sounder was a smaller producer down in Florida. Key feature of fairways: they had a locking pin in shaft that held the head in place. Hosel whipping was largely cosmetic.

 

Traded Sounders off for some MacGregor MT woods.

[craz-e]

1 iron or 2 iron in the bag

old blade putter

Agree with the lead tape as many posters have already pointed out 

[Skrimpdelite]

callaway strata

[Phabs]

Nothing. 

[bvanlieu]

15 hours ago, ashpga said:

 

 

7. Ping Answer 2 putter with Ping Man Grip, bonus for BeCU with nice patina 

 

FIFY 🙂 

 

[ezpz]

When they wear a hogan hat and try to swing OTT.

[Superbrit]

Pulls out a driving iron to tee off on the 420 yard par 4 1st hole