*****Official HORT Golf General Discussion Thread*****

[SoDakHawk]

Really is.

Plus they are horrible in promoting their stars. There should be golf equivalent shows of Hard Knocks and Inside the NBA.

And they suck with TV coverage - spread over 5 networks - and apps - compare the PGA Tour app to the Masters app.

They are amateur hour compared to the major leagues.

Let me unpack this.

You mean promote their players with a series like Full Swing on Netflix? Or how about 24/7 programming on the Golf Channel? When the Golf Channel is not showing actual golf there are shows like Golf Today, Golf Central, PGA Tour/The Cut, and host of golf tutorial shows that feature PGA Tour players providing tips and insight.

Yes, I preferred when the TV coverage was limited to Saturday and Sunday afternoon watching the back 9 of a tournament. Not really. It's kind of great that first thing Thursday morning I can fire up ESPN+ and have golf on all day until coverage switches over at 1PM to the Golf Channel. Repeat for Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the same except flip over to CBS or NBC, whichever has the main coverage that weekend.

So let's compare them to the Major Leagues. How many different places do I have to go to watch MLB? Fox, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, local RSN, Apple+, MLB.tv, and MLB Network. Then when I do find the game, I need to hope it is not blacked out. I've never had a golf tournament blacked out. NFL, I have to switch between Fox, CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and NFL Network. NBA & NHL it's ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, and the NHL and NBA Networks. Hell, even the Big Ten is spread out between Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, and BTN.

It's been very popular as of late to shit on the PGA Tour. One cannot complain about lack of opportunity to watch golf or coverage as you can basically watch content 24/7/365.

 

[SoDakHawk]

I need this:

View embedded media

So, this is what having "Frick You" money looks like.

 

[St. Louis Hawk]

Let me unpack this.

You mean promote their players with a series like Full Swing on Netflix? Or how about 24/7 programming on the Golf Channel? When the Golf Channel is not showing actual golf there are shows like Golf Today, Golf Central, PGA Tour/The Cut, and host of golf tutorial shows.

Yes, I preferred when the TV coverage was limited to Saturday and Sunday afternoon watching the back 9 of a tournament. Not really. It's kind of great that first thing Thursday morning I can fire up ESPN+ and have golf on all day until coverage switches over at 1PM to the Golf Channel. Repeat for Friday. On Saturday and Sunday, the same except flip over to CBS or NBC, whichever has the main coverage that weekend.

So let's compare them to the Major Leagues. How many different places do I have to go to watch MLB? Fox, FS1, ESPN, ESPN2, local RSN, Apple+, MLB.tv, and MLB Network. Then when I do find the game, I need to hope it is not blacked out. I've never had a golf tournament blacked out. NFL, I have to switch between Fox, CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and NFL Network. NBA & NHL it's ABC, ESPN, ESPN+, TNT, and the NHL and NBA Networks. Hell, even the Big Ten is spread out between Fox, NBC, CBS, FS1, and BTN.

It's been very popular as of late to shit on the PGA Tour. One cannot complain about lack of opportunity to watch golf or coverage as you can basically watch content 24/7/365.

Good points.

But they just started Full Swing in spring of 2023. It’s pretty popular.

Hard Knocks has been around since 2001, so just two decades behind the curve.

And you can watch almost every NFL game on basic cable. Fox. CBS. ESPN.
Wasn’t until very recently that you had to stream to see a NFL game and then only a handful. And people went apeshit about having to buy the KC playoff game.

To watch the Tour I need at least basic cable for CBS, NBC, ESPN, plus Golf Channel, plus Peacock, plus ESPN+.

You don’t mention the Tour App - that is horrible in comparison to the Masters app.

Then there is the coverage itself. Usually far too much talking, too many shots of popular players not in contention, and far too few of players in contention.

I agree that people are shitting on the Tour - in part I think because of how they handled LIV. They need to resolve this now.

If they aren’t careful, it will be like when CART and IRL split - which probably still hasn’t been fully repaired

 

[Funky Bunch]

This one's for @Greenway4Prez

 

[Greenway4Prez]

This one's for @Greenway4Prez

 

[SeaPA]

My caddy can beat your caddy...

MSN

 

[hawkirugged17]

 

[joelbc1]

I am, as of today, 4/25/24….Sick and phuquin’ tired of windy, cool days on the golf course! I’m an old man…and I honestly cannot recall a nastier, shittier, windier Spring for golf in Iowa in my life! I’m SICK of it! It can warm up and calm down any time now!

 

[HROT]

Probably sucked when there were like 3-4 super days in February to give everybody the itch. Move to a gold community down south. Where you don’t have the put the clubs up half of the year

 

[Hawkman98]

I am, as of today, 4/25/24….Sick and phuquin’ tired of windy, cool days on the golf course! I’m an old man…and I honestly cannot recall a nastier, shittier, windier Spring for golf in Iowa in my life! I’m SICK of it! It can warm up and calm down any time now!

I golf 90% of the time when the sun first comes up. I get the course to myself and can play 9 holes anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes. I've only been out 4 times this spring. Yesterday morning I went when the windchill was 34. It sucks!! It feels like you're hitting a rock most of the time.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

I am, as of today, 4/25/24….Sick and phuquin’ tired of windy, cool days on the golf course! I’m an old man…and I honestly cannot recall a nastier, shittier, windier Spring for golf in Iowa in my life! I’m SICK of it! It can warm up and calm down any time now!

Actually I rather enjoy 55-60 degree days with a little wind because it keeps the large groups of golfers off the course. I’d rather get my round in quick, rather than fighting around groups of 6/7 golfers on a hole.

Thats the rub, the trade off, we get as 9 hole course members. Sometimes we can get a ton of golf in, quickly and efficiently in a small amount of time, other times when it’s perfect out, the course is packed and personally I’d rather go fishing.

 

[joelbc1]

Actually I rather enjoy 55-60 degree days with a little wind because it keeps the large groups of golfers off the course. I’d rather get my round in quick, rather than fighting around groups of 6/7 golfers on a hole.

Thats the rub, the trade off, we get as 9 hole course members. Sometimes we can get a ton of golf in, quickly and efficiently in a small amount of time, other times when it’s perfect out, the course is packed and personally I’d rather go fishing.

15-20 mph winds (out of the north) with gusts of 30 mph and more, with cloudy over cast skies ain’t what you described! It’s been a shitty Spring for golf…and the golf courses here in DSM (Waveland and Jester Park, primarily) gave been much more busy than not…I understand Spring golf in Iowa better than most…thus has been a bad year to date…

 

[HawkMachine]

SOB my son’s driver, Stealth Plus just broke.

The carbon face has peeled off a bunch. 100% useless. Warranty??

It’s currently Saturday afternoon and he has a Conference meet on Monday.

Not sure what to f’n do.

Try to find the same exact head this weekend or try to find a new driver?

Season is wrapping up and I need him to not worry about getting used to new equipment.

I’m in the CR area. Thoughts?????

 

[hawkirugged17]

 

[JWolf74]

You guys remember when I said I somehow broke the crown off my driver? And then Callaway offered the newest one for $350. I got it in about a week and a half ago.

The same damn thing happened on my third round with it. Yes, I was topping some drives, but wasn't exactly plugging it in the ground. I hit some really nice drives with it too.

Hopefully the replacement head will be awaiting me when I return home.


Would probably benefit from another lesson or two.

 

[St. Louis Hawk]

Rory is enjoying this win.

 

[hawkirugged17]

Rory is enjoying this win.

View embedded media

 

[JWolf74]

Rory is enjoying this win.

View embedded media

I hit them mid round at +100 so I enjoyed it too.

 

[NoleinATL]

The perfect GiaHORT golf ball doesnt ex

 

[Finance85]

Tiger is playing the US Open on a special exemption this year, for the first time in his career. I think it's completely appropriate this year. After this year? I'd judge that by how much he plays and how well he does.

 

[JWolf74]

After one of the worst rounds of my life a few days ago, in a year where I'm just above dog shit, I'vewatched about 69,420 golf videos since then. Did pretty well on the sim yesterday. Turned it around today with some new swing thoughts and shaved 20 strokes off the last few rounds. Woo, back in double digits.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

After one of the worst rounds of my life a few days ago, in a year where I'm just above dog shit, I'vewatched about 69,420 golf videos since then. Did pretty well on the sim yesterday. Turned it around today with some new swing thoughts and shaved 20 strokes off the last few rounds. Woo, back in double digits.

So .. I’m bitching here on HORT about golf. Saturday, shot a 41/36 for a 77. Feeling like finally, the game is getting easy and fun.

Sunday, go out, playing with someone I don’t particularly enjoy playing with and sure enough, my mood or whatever, my old swing came back, it was slow paced golf, I couldn’t drive, couldn’t hit long irons, I could putt, that was about the it. It’s like all the progress made, it’s back to my old golf ways. Same thing yestersday. I can still putt, (knock on wood).

Screw this game.

Until about 3pm this afternoon when I have my league match.

 

[HawkMachine]

I've watched about 69,420 golf videos since then.

Don't take this the wrong way, but this can't be helping your game.

Find a good coach, then stay away from youtube.

 

[HawkMachine]

Anyone use yardage books?

If so, what company do you recommend?

 

[fivecardstud14]

Tiger is playing the US Open on a special exemption this year, for the first time in his career. I think it's completely appropriate this year. After this year? I'd judge that by how much he plays and how well he does.

Let’s hear your thoughts on Nicklaus getting seven exemptions, Palmer getting five, & Watson getting five. Were any of those “appropriate” after the first one?

 

[JWolf74]

Anyone use yardage books?

If so, what company do you recommend?

This is how you subtle brag. Well done.


For me it's more like this.

 

[JWolf74]

Don't take this the wrong way, but this can't be helping your game.

Find a good coach, then stay away from youtube.

I did find a few drills I liked that helped with starting the downswing properly. I should get some more lessons, been several years.

 

[hawkeyez]

SOB my son’s driver, Stealth Plus just broke.

The carbon face has peeled off a bunch. 100% useless. Warranty??

It’s currently Saturday afternoon and he has a Conference meet on Monday.

Not sure what to f’n do.

Try to find the same exact head this weekend or try to find a new driver?

Season is wrapping up and I need him to not worry about getting used to new equipment.

I’m in the CR area. Thoughts?????

Reach out to Taylormade customer service. I bet they'll fix it or replace it for free.

 

[HawkMachine]

This is how you subtle brag. Well done.


For me it's more like this.

LOL.

Hell I don't even play this stupid sport anymore. Was my passion but walked away as I took it too serious and at the end of the day was never happy.

All I do is coach my son.

 

[HawkMachine]

I did find a few drills I liked that helped with starting the downswing properly. I should get some more lessons, been several years.

YouTube is an amazing source for tips.

However, if you are like the majority of golfers out there, it's easy to try a new great tip every week. Constant tinkering normally gets you nowhere for the average golfer.

 

[NLHawkeye88]

8 dudes doing golf trip in DSM in August.
Most coming from Iowa City area. Likely playing 4 rounds over 3 days…. Current setup:

Thursday: Bos Landen on way to DSM
Friday: Cooper Creek
Saturday: TCI and Otter Creek

30 minute radius or so from downtown DSM would be good.

Most have never played any of the DSM courses

Thoughts? Would you swap any courses?

 

[WisestIowan]

My index was between 0.8-5.2 from 2008-2019. During that time I shot 65 (Okoboji View), multiple 66's, 67's, 68's, etc. (sadly I have never shot 69). In 2017 I changed jobs. My new job did not come with a country club membership like my prior job had. At my prior job I was playing 3x per week. Then COVID. Then I got married. Then we had a kid.

I have lost well over $1,000 to my buddies at my old club where I still play most of my ~15 rounds per year now. My index had swelled to a paltry 8.8 and there was a 0.00% chance that was enough.

Since 2021 I had broken 80 five or six times (including one 71, -1). Until two Sunday's ago I hadn't broken 83 since August 2023 (75). I had been thinking about shaft lean (that's what she said) all week before I sent out. I had gotten too far inside and I started flipping at it but I couldn't fix it. Then... boom.

Shot 77 with 3 birdies and nothing worse than bogey. Won $111 from my boys and I AM F*CKING BACK BABY.

 

[WisestIowan]

8 dudes doing golf trip in DSM in August.
Most coming from Iowa City area. Likely playing 4 rounds over 3 days…. Current setup:

Thursday: Bos Landen on way to DSM
Friday: Cooper Creek
Saturday: TCI and Otter Creek

30 minute radius or so from downtown DSM would be good.

Most have never played any of the DSM courses

Thoughts? Would you swap any courses?

I would swap Otter Creek out. Personally, I think that course is boring, generally very slow and the worst 'nicer' courses in the DSM area. Waveland, while more than likely not in as good of shape as Otter, is a much more fun and enjoyable course. Legacy in Norwalk is nice too. The greens can get a little silly at times with a decent amount of slope but it's a good track.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

8 dudes doing golf trip in DSM in August.
Most coming from Iowa City area. Likely playing 4 rounds over 3 days…. Current setup:

Thursday: Bos Landen on way to DSM
Friday: Cooper Creek
Saturday: TCI and Otter Creek

30 minute radius or so from downtown DSM would be good.

Most have never played any of the DSM courses

Thoughts? Would you swap any courses?

Interesting.. if I had to play 3 courses in Des Moines area (from about five years ago), for public courses:

*TCI … tough track
*Legacy in Norwalk .. beautiful and challenging
*All 27 holes at Beaver Creek (the far back 9 is wild and has an island green)

Other courses I would consider:

Otter creek & AH Blank

For a more scorable round, Grandview Golf has a bunch of short par 4s.

 

[fivecardstud14]

I would swap Otter Creek out. Personally, I think that course is boring, generally very slow and the worst 'nicer' courses in the DSM area. Waveland, while more than likely not in as good of shape as Otter, is a much more fun and enjoyable course. Legacy in Norwalk is nice too. The greens can get a little silly at times with a decent amount of slope but it's a good track.

Waveland is currently in great shape. Not sure that’ll be the case in August. They do allow fivesomes, which I hate with a passion.

 

[St. Louis Hawk]

Waveland is currently in great shape. Not sure that’ll be the case in August. They do allow fivesomes, which I hate with a passion.

When I hit the lottery, I’m buying Waveland, upgrading it, and bringing in a U.S. Open.l to Des Moines.

I love that course

 

[Bank of Hawk]

I would swap Otter Creek out. Personally, I think that course is boring, generally very slow and the worst 'nicer' courses in the DSM area. Waveland, while more than likely not in as good of shape as Otter, is a much more fun and enjoyable course. Legacy in Norwalk is nice too. The greens can get a little silly at times with a decent amount of slope but it's a good track.

What are your thoughts on Copper Creek? I only played it once about 10 years ago, it was pretty wet and soggy at the time, so I didn’t have a great experience.

 

[Bank of Hawk]

When I hit the lottery, I’m buying Waveland, upgrading it, and bringing in a U.S. Open.l to Des Moines.

I love that course

Ya know; I was partial to that course as well, but my golf group guys didn’t like it much, so only played it a handful of times. Fun clubhouse too.

 

[thewop]

I sucked at golf yesterday. Shot 46 in my nine hole league. Only had 3 dots, so needless to say the match wasn't close.

I didn't start drinking until mid-way through the first hole. I think that has to change next week...

 

[Bank of Hawk]

I sucked at golf yesterday. Shot 46 in my nine hole league. Only had 3 dots, so needless to say the match wasn't close.

I didn't start drinking until mid-way through the first hole. I think that has to change next week...

46 for a par 36? That isn’t too bad for vast majority of golfers.