Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

harlequine · February 11

On 2/7/2025 at 5:42 PM, Tommy56 said:

That's a good point... longevity is important, especially in super-light bags. Koger bags look so good. I was considering ordering one until I realized my aging back doesn't like picking up a bag all the time anymore. I sold off a brand-new Titleist carry bag for that reason. That said, I still love to walk every chance I get.

Ping Moonlite is for you!!!

Tommy56 · February 11

2 hours ago, harlequine said:

Ping Moonlite is for you!!!

Yes, that would be a terrific option if I was in the market, but I still have/use my Ping Hoofer Lite which is a great all around bag and holding up well.

spud3 · February 12

11 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

That’s awesome. Bags are definitely being made cheaper and cheaper. Btw, I would love to play in the Bandon Solstice. It has been on my bucket list ever since I heard about it.

It is a bucket list thing. I live in Portland, so make it down to Bandon at least a couple times a year. I wanted to do the Solstice while I still could, and decided early on to play it with a half set, carrying the whole day (4 rounds, no caddie). My bag set up was D, 4h, 6i, 8i, PW, SW, P. I've played a lot of afternoon rounds there with that set and it was perfect. I did a write up on the experience over in the Northwest forum.

If you can swing it at all, do it. It's a hoot. They do have a lottery system for that now, so you have to register for that early in the process. It's also kinda spendy (~ $2K). And I would not recommend it for your first time there.

WipeyFade · February 12

1 minute ago, spud3 said:

It is a bucket list thing. I live in Portland, so make it down to Bandon at least a couple times a year. I wanted to do the Solstice while I still could, and decided early on to play it with a half set, carrying the whole day (4 rounds, no caddie). My bag set up was D, 4h, 6i, 8i, PW, SW, P. I've played a lot of afternoon rounds there with that set and it was perfect. I did a write up on the experience over in the Northwest forum.

If you can swing it at all, do it. It's a hoot. They do have a lottery system for that now, so you have to register for that early in the process. It's also kinda spendy (~ $2K). And I would not recommend it for your first time there.

Ya, I knew it was expensive, so realistically I’ll probably never go lol. I would rather put that money toward a Scotland trip. Since I heard of the Solstice I’ve started doing a day like that at my home course with some of my buddies. It a little different here in the south, highs are usually around 90.

aiyyer · February 12

If you don’t mind going as a single or twosome, it’s easy to find tee times and play 36 in winter. In 50* weather.
Lodging is an issue but you can stay off property also.

WipeyFade · February 12

2 minutes ago, aiyyer said:

If you don’t mind going as a single or twosome, it’s easy to find tee times and play 36 in winter. In 50* weather.
Lodging is an issue but you can stay off property also.

I honestly don’t mind doing that, in my experience larger groups are harder to travel with. Plus, I don’t think anyone I normally play with would appreciate the courses anyway. Don’t you have to book your trip a year in advance?

54CW · February 15

On 2/1/2025 at 1:18 PM, 54CW said:

Towards the end of 2024 I was thinking about how much I’ve spent on golf equipment over the past few years. I did some rough math of my past purchases and it quickly felt wasteful even though I’ve been able to sell anything for pretty close to what I paid for it. I’m definitely an enthusiast and don’t mind switching clubs like socks but this year I want to focus on playing more than anything.

I’ve seen no-buy trends and New Year resolutions from others over the past few years and this year I’m doing it for golf. This means I’m not buying anything new or used. No clubs, balls, shoes, etc. I’ve got enough in my bag right now to play pretty well with a stash of about 5 dozen balls. I’m allowing one exception by replacing anything that’s broken.

This is tough because like many of you, I finish a round and immediately start looking for something new to fill a hole in my game. This year is especially tough because there are some great new clubs coming out. The urge to buy new stuff is even greater with all the bad weather.

So my bag is set. Here’s what I’m working with this year. The few rounds I’ve played have been even irons only. I have a few persimmons I’ll play when it’s a bit dryer and warmer out

6 weeks in and already broke my rules and ordered Maltby irons. Those Pings are for sale though 😂

WipeyFade · February 15

1 hour ago, 54CW said:

6 weeks in and already broke my rules and ordered Maltby irons. Those Pings are for sale though 😂

Well I’ve got five 7 woods and a 9 wood I’m watching on ebay🤣. The Maltby irons look sweet though. I just wish they had more options for lefties.

boont · February 15

Doing a bit of rearranging after a few rounds of seeing what clubs I rarely/don't touch.

Was: Dr, 5W, 5H, 6i, 8i, PW, 50, 58, Putt

Now: DR, 5H, 7i, 9i, PW, 54, Putt

On paper 5H/7i/9i is fine, but in practice I probably need something a bit longer. Don't have a 4H, but I guess i'll try the 3H turned down a bit.

WipeyFade · February 15

1 minute ago, boont said:

Doing a bit of rearranging after a few rounds of seeing what clubs I rarely/don't touch.

Was: Dr, 5W, 5H, 6i, 8i, PW, 50, 58, Putt

Now: DR, 5H, 7i, 9i, PW, 54, Putt

On paper 5H/7i/9i is fine, but in practice I probably need something a bit longer. Don't have a 4H, but I guess i'll try the 3H turned down a bit.

Looks like a cool set to me. It is nice to have something longer for when the driver isn’t working or you have a shot a a par 5 in 2.

54CW · February 15

@WipeyFade sti2 come in lefty 👀

boont · February 15

4 minutes ago, WipeyFade said:

Looks like a cool set to me. It is nice to have something longer for when the driver isn’t working or you have a shot a a par 5 in 2.

That's exactly what happened yesterday. Driver stopped working halfway into the round, ended up hitting the 5H off the tee for the next 4-5 holes. Just a bit too short.

Edited February 15 by boont

WipeyFade · February 15

Just now, boont said:

That's exactly what happened yesterday. Driver stopped working halfway into the round, ended up hitting the 5H off the tee for the next 4-5 holes.

Ya, something longer is great when that happens.

2 minutes ago, 54CW said:

@WipeyFade sti2 come in lefty 👀

Oh man! I just looked them up and they look way better that their older offerings.

chern · February 15

I want to get to 8 clubs in a set including putter of an ultra forgiving/high launch/easy bag.

I have done a lot of research, tinkering, chatgpt analysis on shot distance over 1,000 courses for my swing speed and god knows how many hours of YouTube.

In terms of carry distance, here is what I am thinking...

270: Driver

230: 7 wood

200: 9 wood

180: 7 hybrid

150: 9 iron (more game improvement than not)

120: 52* (cavity back wedge)

90: 60* (traditional wedge)

Thinking about going with 1/2 or 1" shorter in the 7 and 9 wood. 80tx shaft, and then 105tx in the hybrid. I'd love to get them a little flat but that's easier said than done. Ideally I'd be peaking at 130-135ft for the 7-9-7-9 then obviously lower in the wedges.

What is the groups thoughts on the 7-9-7 combo? Am I going to overlap too much? I thought about a 5 wood in place of the 7, but don't notice a huge difference between the two. Could always go 1 strong in the 7 and play it like a 6. Just hit a 7w much better than a 5w.

Ca3l · February 15

59 minutes ago, chern said:

I want to get to 8 clubs in a set including putter of an ultra forgiving/high launch/easy bag.

I have done a lot of research, tinkering, chatgpt analysis on shot distance over 1,000 courses for my swing speed and god knows how many hours of YouTube.

In terms of carry distance, here is what I am thinking...

270: Driver

230: 7 wood

200: 9 wood

180: 7 hybrid

150: 9 iron (more game improvement than not)

120: 52* (cavity back wedge)

90: 60* (traditional wedge)

Thinking about going with 1/2 or 1" shorter in the 7 and 9 wood. 80tx shaft, and then 105tx in the hybrid. I'd love to get them a little flat but that's easier said than done. Ideally I'd be peaking at 130-135ft for the 7-9-7-9 then obviously lower in the wedges.

What is the groups thoughts on the 7-9-7 combo? Am I going to overlap too much? I thought about a 5 wood in place of the 7, but don't notice a huge difference between the two. Could always go 1 strong in the 7 and play it like a 6. Just hit a 7w much better than a 5w.

Do you have the clubs already? It seems unlikely you’d have a 30 yd gap between a 7 and 9 wood. I’d expect closer to 15-20 yd range. I also kind of wonder based on your yardages and hitting it 130ft high why you’d want a 7 hybrid over an iron. You may find you need some versatility in an 8 club bag. I’ve never tried that high lofted of a hybrid, but I’d imagine it would be more difficult to work the ball with or take 10-20 yds off compared to an iron.

3rutu5 · February 15

I've been called weird for suggesting something like this, I bought a pencil bag and only wanted to attempt 6 clubs all up. A) because it fits in the bag and B) I thought you would really have to think about the shot selections. And C) I thought you really only use a handful of clubs when you play anyway with the big stick, 5i, 7i, P and putter normally, sometimes the 5w and 9i get a go as well.

Got this New era bag from Japan and might just add to it as it's lightweight and easy to cary

Edited February 15 by 3rutu5

Tommy56 · February 15

10 hours ago, boont said:

Doing a bit of rearranging after a few rounds of seeing what clubs I rarely/don't touch.

Was: Dr, 5W, 5H, 6i, 8i, PW, 50, 58, Putt

Now: DR, 5H, 7i, 9i, PW, 54, Putt

On paper 5H/7i/9i is fine, but in practice I probably need something a bit longer. Don't have a 4H, but I guess i'll try the 3H turned down a bit.

@boont Your “now” set is very close to mine, except I have 7w following Driver as it gives me more length and versatility on par 5s, long par 4s, and driver substitute when needed. Then a strong 7i and more normal 9i gives me the gapping I want. I also have 54 as my only wedge and find I don’t really miss the PW.

You definitely have a very playable set, especially with a little more length option toward the top. Play well!

WipeyFade · February 15

16 hours ago, 54CW said:

@WipeyFade sti2 come in lefty 👀

After seeing those I’m seriously considering swapping my blade 4 and 8 for a 4 and 8 in the sti2 and bending them to the same lofts I have. It looks like they have packed a lot of forgiveness in a great looking club head. I am coming to terms with my anbilities and have realized that I could use more forgiveness. Also, In my experience, Maltby clubs look better in person than they do on the website. I built my son a 56 about a month ago and it looks as good as any OEM on the market.

aiyyer · February 16

On 2/11/2025 at 10:40 PM, WipeyFade said:

I honestly don’t mind doing that, in my experience larger groups are harder to travel with. Plus, I don’t think anyone I normally play with would appreciate the courses anyway. Don’t you have to book your trip a year in advance?

Nope. As a single you can find tee times a week before and stay off property to address lodging. The Bandon Inn is very good for the price and a 10 minute drive.
That’s what a lot of Portland and Seattle guys do in winter - check the weather and drive. Obviously flying is harder but still doable with a month’s notice.

WipeyFade · February 16

4 minutes ago, aiyyer said:

Nope. As a single you can find tee times a week before and stay off property to address lodging. The Bandon Inn is very good for the price and a 10 minute drive.
That’s what a lot of Portland and Seattle guys do in winter - check the weather and drive. Obviously flying is harder but still doable with a month’s notice.

That’s awesome. I will keep that in mind for the future. Right now the kids are still little so I’m crossing off some of the Sugarloaf Social Club Hidden Gems when I get a chance. I turn 40 in a little over 3 years and I’m planning something a little bigger for that. I initially wanted to go to Scotland or Bandon, and that still might happen, but those kind of seem like a pipe dream at this point. Now I’m thinking of a Nebraska road trip; Wildhorse, Bayside, and some of the 9-holers in the Sand Hills.

spud3 · February 16

1 hour ago, aiyyer said:

Nope. As a single you can find tee times a week before and stay off property to address lodging. The Bandon Inn is very good for the price and a 10 minute drive.
That’s what a lot of Portland and Seattle guys do in winter - check the weather and drive. Obviously flying is harder but still doable with a month’s notice.

Doing that exact thing next week. Driving down Wednesday morning, staying at the BI, called and made tee times about noon today for Thursday and Friday morning, will improvise* Wednesday and Thursday afternoon (carrying a half set) and drive home after the Friday round.

* That means checking in with one of the pro shops to find out which course has an afternoon single slot open - which occasionally produces a second round on the course I just finished and usually playing all by myself.

Solo trips are the best...

boont · February 16

23 hours ago, Tommy56 said:

@boont Your “now” set is very close to mine, except I have 7w following Driver as it gives me more length and versatility on par 5s, long par 4s, and driver substitute when needed. Then a strong 7i and more normal 9i gives me the gapping I want. I also have 54 as my only wedge and find I don’t really miss the PW.

You definitely have a very playable set, especially with a little more length option toward the top. Play well!

Ah nice. I was strongly considering a 7W (or even a heavenwood) for a while before snagging the 3H (G430) on a clearance sale. Was thinking a hybrid would be more useful all round (especially in the context of my full bag), but I hit woods better. Maybe I'll convince myself to acquire a 7W.

I might try dropping the PW as you have and just choke down on the 9i instead. I also ran a single 50 wedge the other day before changing to the 54 which worked out fine, but just thought the 54 might be a bit more useful.

WipeyFade · February 16

1 hour ago, boont said:

Ah nice. I was strongly considering a 7W (or even a heavenwood) for a while before snagging the 3H (G430) on a clearance sale. Was thinking a hybrid would be more useful all round (especially in the context of my full bag), but I hit woods better. Maybe I'll convince myself to acquire a 7W.

I might try dropping the PW as you have and just choke down on the 9i instead. I also ran a single 50 wedge the other day before changing to the 54 which worked out fine, but just thought the 54 might be a bit more useful.

Well, I am about to rejoin team 7 wood. I purchased a head on eBay last night now I’m just waiting for it to come in.

As far as wedges go, I’ve found that a 54-56 is the most versatile loft for me. For approaches over 110 my 38* 8i gets used. Anything under that and I use my 56 unless it’s a bump and run or punch out from the trees.

WipeyFade · February 16

11 hours ago, spud3 said:

Doing that exact thing next week. Driving down Wednesday morning, staying at the BI, called and made tee times about noon today for Thursday and Friday morning, will improvise* Wednesday and Thursday afternoon (carrying a half set) and drive home after the Friday round.

* That means checking in with one of the pro shops to find out which course has an afternoon single slot open - which occasionally produces a second round on the course I just finished and usually playing all by myself.

Solo trips are the best...

I really like the quietness and rhythm of playing solo.

Tommy56 · February 16

4 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

I really like the quietness and rhythm of playing solo.

Well stated ...

BYK · February 16

4 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

I really like the quietness and rhythm of playing solo.

yup

agreed 100%

No problem playing with others, but solo rounds are pretty nice

tatertot · February 16

39 minutes ago, BYK said:

yup

agreed 100%

No problem playing with others, but solo rounds are pretty nice

I like playing with buddies ... but there is something special about going solo, especially when you're walking ... somehow this really hard game becomes peaceful, almost therapeutic.

BYK · February 16

10 minutes ago, tatertot said:

I like playing with buddies ... but there is something special about going solo, especially when you're walking ... somehow this really hard game becomes peaceful, almost therapeutic.

1000%

Was just talking about this in another thread.

aiyyer · February 17

7 hours ago, WipeyFade said:

I really like the quietness and rhythm of playing solo.

Not at Bandon though!

You’ll usually be placed with a group.
I did start Pacific Dunes as a single and was asked to pair up with a 2 some on 2.
Waited till 4 to catch up and those three holes were magical.

BYK · February 17

17 minutes ago, aiyyer said:

Not at Bandon though!

You’ll usually be placed with a group.
I did start Pacific Dunes as a single and was asked to pair up with a 2 some on 2.
Waited till 4 to catch up and those three holes were magical.

whoo, I woulda walked slow til there was someone behind me.

That's sweet

Starting a new adventure . . . Minimalist Golf

Recommended Posts

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Popular Posts

BravoGolf

stimpmeterp

54CW

Posted Images

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites

Link to comment

Share on other sites