Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Just wanted to say thanks to POM for introducing me to all and sundry when I was up there. They’re a great bunch of blokes who can have a good laugh and still play serious golf.

I just can’t get over how good you guys have got it up there with your subs. The quality of the Willows course is great value for money – if you’re looking for a club to join up Townsville way check it out.

I’ve also heard that Townsville golf club is going down the gurgler? I saw an article in the paper up there saying that TGC is offering a return on investments in the club of over $5000 of 10% after 5 yrs – anyone know anymore about that?

Topic: Golf Equipment / Stupid question - Why do people carry their clubs?

I’ve got the lot…a 3 wheeler and a carry bag.

I actually found that it was better for my back when I carried my clubs rather than pushing a buggy.
Then I tried out a bagboy 3 wheeler and loved it. The biggest difference is you tend to push the bagboy rather than pull it which was a lot better for my posture after playing 18, 36 whatever.

The good thing about a carry bag is that it’s fast. If you’re playing a lot of golf, practicing etc and continually dragging your clubs in and out of the car they are a whole lot less hassle.
I made up a ‘Z’ shaped hook to hang it on using a piece of 6mm rod that I attach to the bag. I can grab the bucket, fill a divot then hook it back on without taking my bag off. It doesn’t get in the way when I put the bag down and doesn’t fling around when I walk.

As for people who get put off by the noise of the clubs clacking together when they’re trying to play a shot – WTF? Is that all you can think about standing over the ball – someone else on the next fairway whose WALKING… I don’t get it.

Topic: Golf Talk / How to lower your handicap..Leave your tip

Two things:

Stop trying to smash driver as far as you can off the Tee. If you swing a bit more in control and make better contact you’ll hit more fairways. It’s much easier to hit the green from the short stuff.

Practice your short game – putting drills and putting practice – have a pre-shot routine and always stick to it. Learn to chip consistantly using your favourite club whatever it is. With a wedge in your hand from around 25m out my thought is to hole it. Pick a spot where you want the ball to LAND not where you want it to stop and aim for that. When practicing think about technique, when playing; think about the target/landing point and not about whether your left arm is at 3 degrees or 4 degrees etc or minute anal details like that.

Topic: Golf Talk / Cheapest Online Store

I’ve found that 3balls tend understate the condition of their stuff. It’s usually better than what they say it is…

I picked up a driver that they said was a 5 on their scale and I reckon it was closer to a 7…Very Happy with their prices and quality. The only issue is postage costs but you can’t escape that, however the speed of the postage is very good…5 days from purchase to my doorstep in Adelaide CBD.

Topic: Golf Equipment / Bunker shots with a 60 degree wedge?

I tend to do all my bunker shots with the one club; a 58 with about 10deg bounce but only out to about 20 meters then I’ll use my 56 then the 52 depending on distance.
I adjust the swing and the amount I open up the face to vary how far the ball will go or the type of sand, wet/dry etc.

I find that if I use the one club and adjust the way I setup or if the face is more open or closed I get a more consistant result. Just through practising with the one club I can vary the result.

I guess you could say that it’s just the vibe of the thing. I try not to get too technical and go by feel. I used to be concerned that I was being a bit careless until I read about how Nicklaus used to do the same thing. He used 1 club to chip and/or bunker shots around the green and just varied his set-up to suit.
I figure if it’s good enough for him then it’s good enough for me. Just do what you feel comfortable with.

Another bunker tip is to practice on your flop shots with a mid/long iron just like Ballesteros used to do. Start off with a 7 iron and gradually get down to a 3 iron. You have to set-up real low and wide, keeping your legs quiet to get the ball to come out high and land softly.
Once you can do this and you go back to using your wedges, bunkers won’t be a problem anymore.

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Bewdaful…I’ll be there.
Prolly be there a few other days as well…

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Don’t know yet…it’s only mid-week.

I’m sure they’ll show up come the weekend though…especially going past the Watermark and the open air bar/restaurant…

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Ta.

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Dunno if I’ll get down there by that time on a Sunday…

I’ll definately play the Saturday MM round though, whatever time you guys go off will suit, just let me know.

I’ll be down there at some stage over the next 2 weekends. I’ve got a Titleist bag with Hi-Bore driver and Fwy. Probably have a blue Titleist hat on also.

As for the roundabouts, they are big that’s why we were nearly T boned, Old Mate was doin about 80 and straightlined the whole thing…unfortunately the other cars were in his way…

Will check in on here again 2morrow.

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Oooohhhh yehhh…

On the Army base…even more exciting…although we were nearly T-boned going thru the round-a-bout outside the gate…that was exciting

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Refuse to take offence at your thoughtless comments Gribbles:-) May not be the best courses in Australia but we like them. Still no us & them between Rowes bay & the Willows Ditty. Wish I could say the same about Townsville. but there still tends to be the ” we were the first here & we are the best,” attitude with some of thier members & some of ours reciprocate in kind which gains nothing for anyone. Yes Hibore we still have the practice range & no there is not one closer to town I,m afraid. The comp on sat 2nd is a single stableford as is Sundays. more to your liking maybe Sat 9th is a Monthly Medal Stroke off the blue tee,s. Spots available in all of them at the moment.BTW We have just had 100mm of rain on tues& wed. Oh & gribbles, The Willows has changed just a little in the last 6 years & very much for the better , with more improvements to come.Let me Know if your interested in booking a spot in any of the comps Hibore. Would be nice to meet any visitor that likes playing at The Willows.

A bad day on the golf course is better than no golf at all. :(

No one who ever had a lesson would have a swing like mine

Lee Trevino

Pom – Keen as mustard to play in the stroke round on Saturday the 9th.

I’m up here at the moment working at Garbutt & staying at the Watermark on the Strand.

One of the guys here has a game happening on Sunday morning (the 3rd) Rowes Bay at 7ish. I think that it’s a bunch of older guys as they only want to play 9 holes!! I can’t see the point in getting up that early to only play 9? Anyway, if that’s all they play then I’ll be going on for 18 at least, maybe even go down to Willows as well.
If I don’t get down to the Willows I’ll be going down to TGC for a hit on the 2nd also. Hit some on the (Willows) range and go and play 18 in the comp. I’m preferring Willows ATM as I can spend more time down there chipping, putting and range etc.

I’d like to get down to one of the resort courses but transport could be an issue. Lemme know if there’s a spot in the monthly medal (or others) as I’m keen for a hit. I may have 1 other as well depending on his plans.

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

I said ”...value for money…” I didn’t say ”...the best there is…”

I was only up there last year and I thought they were pretty good, I’ve managed to get out onto some reasonable courses like Royal Adelaide, Glenelg, Lady Bay, half a dozen or so resort courses around the Gold Coast, Vic Sandbelt so I’ve got a bit of an idea.

I’m not saying ur wrong but I’m sure there’s various seasonal changes so that some courses ‘peak’ at different times. But when I visited Townsville this time last year they were pretty good, even with the torrential rain that had occured the week before I got there.

Even the different long blade grasses on the greens were pretty good 2 me considering the putting surfaces you get in the southern states.

Topic: Golf Equipment / New Tour Burner not for tour players?

Getting a lesson from someone qualified probably wouldn’t hurt, the person giving the lesson will be able to be a lot more specific to your needs.

Besides 250m+ if it’s straight is a pretty good start; but in general terms if a piece of golf equipment says ‘tour’ or ‘flighted’ or something like that then it will tend to have a lower ball flight or a lower spin rate.

Distance and height are related up to a point, but you also have to factor ball spin rate, launch angle, club face loft, ball position amongest other things.

You could try changing your ball position to something a bit further forward so that you hit the ball on more of an upswing. But a lesson from Pro will also address set-up etc to help with your ball flight woes.

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

I have played Townsville and The Willows, I liked them both personally. They’ve both got some really challenging holes on them when the water comes into play.

I got the impression that there is a bit of US and THEM between some of the members at the respective clubs…bit of a shame really as they both are great value for money. My only real preference was for The Willows due to the practice range out the back. I’m hoping it’s still there and I hope that someone has built one closer to town to replace the one near the airport???

I can’t believe the quality of the courses considering the cost of memberships at either of them…sensational value for sure.

Topic: Sports Talk / Stoner is a whinger

Totally agree about the training for drivers…

Every bike racer/rider or cart racer I’ve ever known is more aware on the road than the vast majority of car drivers.
Although I’ve never held a bike road license I raced them on and off road along with carts for about 10yrs.

I did ride a bike on the public roads once along the Putty Road when I had my learners. I was nearly taken out 3 times by idiots in cars on the wrong side of the road. That was only on 1 ride!!!
I figured that those near misses coupled to the fact I tended to want to race everytime I hopped on a bike I figured I’d better keep it confined to the track and have never ridden on the road since.

Learning about vehicle control along with the limits of yourself and the vehicle would save planty of lives I think…You can’t tell me that a mandatory pre-license course involving a cart on a racetrack learning a bit about vehicle control wouldn’t be popular!

And Casey should Harden the #$*@ up…it’s a racetrack… If he was goin fast enough he wouldn’t have been passed.

Rubbin is racin son…

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Hi Hi-bore. I am a Member at the Willows Golf Club & have been for several years. Are you looking for a round in a competition or just a social round. Our open is on this weekend so the course is in pretty fair nick. Rain has spoiled it a little but will be dry by Saturday. Hey DittyHow long since you were a member here.We only have 30 million sand traps now

PS. Laguna Quays is 30k south of Proserpine The new Adam Scott course is to be built just outside Bowen. Niether is anywhere near Ayr

A bad day on the golf course is better than no golf at all. :(

No one who ever had a lesson would have a swing like mine

Lee Trevino

Sorry I took so long to reply…
Idealy I’d like to get in on the comp round which I’m assuming is on Saturdays?

Not sure who things are graded but I’m 5 ATM and I’m hoping to play in stroke rounds preferably.
I’m heading up on Monday the 28th and be back in ADL on the 12th Aug so I’l hopefully catch 2 comps maybe.

Although I would like to get down South to one of the resort courses if I get the chance.

Any tips?

Topic: Golf Talk / Townsville Golf

Anyone here still a member at Townsville or Willows?

I’m travelling to TVL next week for a fortnight or so…looking for a game along with at least 1 other bloke travelling with us.

Is Laguna Keys the newish Adam Scott resort course in Ayr?

Topic: Golf Talk / The 2008 Australian Long Drive Schedule

Can’t wait until you come over to SA.
Then I’ll get a chance to have a chat…

Topic: Golf Equipment / Titleist Driver Comparison.

A few of the guys I play with various handicaps and are Titleist guys all reckon that the the 905R is the longer club.

The others may be more forgiving but they all agree the 905R is the longest. You gotta wonder if Titleist is just releasing new drivers to try and keep up with TM and not because of any ‘performance’ improvement?

Topic: Golf Equipment / titleist V1 / V1x

ProV’s are great but you could try the Bridgestone 330S as well…or Nike 1 Platinum.

I used to use nothing but ProV1 until I tried the two above as I wanted to spend less $$ on a good ball; you can get some pretty good deals for both at around $50/doz.

Squizzy’s golf balls has the 330S @ $49/doz + delivery (or pick up if in Melb? Golf World used to have the Platinums at about the same money. Be aware that apparently these are superseded models; but I don’t know if that matters all that much?

I think the 330S is the longer of the two above but the Nike just checks into the green – It’s really good IMO; 330S checks nicely also.

Topic: Golf Equipment / New Tour Burner not for tour players?

WOW…Accidently get 30-50 extra metres CARRY on my drives
for only $200!!!

Where do I sign up?

Topic: The Lounge / Jobs?

Aero Engineer – Structures. Ex – Military now contractor.
Used to race MX, SX, Enduro, Pushy’s and now I play golf; the wife doesn’t like the ‘excitement’ of the other sports.

I’ve got another project I’m working on…I’m sure it’ll be here any minute…

Topic: Golf Equipment / $250 fujikura shaft??!!!

Whale Oil Beef Hooked…another threadjacking.

I notice I’m not the only one who thinks so either…LMAO again, I love it!

Topic: Ask Golf Guru - Golf Instruction / Styles' journey to Scratch and beyond!

Styles, great thread on your journey to scratch, it’s a good read & I’m picking up some good tips, thanks.

It’s all that much more impressive with your existing and new addition to the family – all power to ya. Tough to maintain (or improve) a handicap with family demands.

Not sure if this is the answer or not but when I’ve got the left’s I use a ‘closed stance’ drill with the right foot back from the left foot (right hander). Toes level with my heel & slightly narrow stance to get the feeling of coming into the ball from the inside. My tendancy when getting lazy is over the top and this drill helps me.

Topic: Ask Golf Guru - Golf Instruction / FLOP SHOTS

Please correct me if I’m wrong but this thread started with someone asking about flop shots and is now going down the path of how fabulous & humble AB is with him telling all & sundry how far he blades his irons…
THEN we get someone else telling us how much of a good guy AB is and supposedly I would think the same if I only knew him…
If you want to get out in the public domain with your sponsor plugs and your ambitions – then all power to you. Just don’t expect everyone to “Share the dream”. Sure you have helpful things to say, but not always.
Recognise there are others on this forum who don’t care for some of your ‘helpful’ posts and I’m sure you’ll stop grinding your teeth at night and sleep a lot better…

I think you should change the message at the end of your signature from “Some dream, others DO!” to read instead “Some talk, others DO!”...
It’s nice to see that I’m motivating someone, but I wouldn’t put me on a pedestal, I’m sure you can aim higher.
Be careful that in a couple of years it won’t be posts like: (quote) “I COULDA BIN A CONTENDA…” (unquote).

I’ll reiterate it again, another thread hi-jacked.