Callaway Kings of Distance.
- Thread starter Imurg
- Start date
dufferman
Journeyman Pro
Our team captain / leader Nicola told us they'd be uploaded in the coming days - I assume on the Callaway Europe YouTube account, unless it's the Golf Monthly one... I'll keep an eye out!
chrisd
Major Champion
Having played with you a while back ................ I don't even think 4 years at drama school could have pulled that one off!
sounds a great day!:clap:
So guys, seems about 99% of you had gains, some massive, with the Big Bertha.
Just out of interest what was the process? i.e you hit your own first then a big bertha lofted up? shaft change etc?
was it into a nett or open range?
Curious to see how the rest of us can potentially seek these improvements with a BB as I've always liked Callaway woods and a new driver is on the cards.
So guys, seems about 99% of you had gains, some massive, with the Big Bertha.
Just out of interest what was the process? i.e you hit your own first then a big bertha lofted up? shaft change etc?
was it into a nett or open range?
Curious to see how the rest of us can potentially seek these improvements with a BB as I've always liked Callaway woods and a new driver is on the cards.
chrisd
Major Champion
We had a warm up area and hit some wedges and irons before smashing our own drivers. We then moved across to the main driver bays, each with Trackman and a Callaway fitter.
We were hitting out doors down a driving range and we had 5 or so hits with our own drivers to establish a distance and type of shots we play, I hit an average 248 with my Ping G15 with a fairly tight dispersion. The fitter then mocked up a similar Big Bertha for me and I hit a few shots, it was obviously a bit longer and just as straight. He then gave me a X2 Hot driver with a stiff blue9* shaft, slight draw bias and I hit as much as 286 but my average was 278 yards and that's what he put down as my best spec with the SR2 ball which is designed for swing speed under 100mph (mine was 97mph) I like the feel of both clubs though and would be hard pressed to pick the favourite.
All done in about 20 minutes and I averaged 30 yards extra with the Callaway
We were hitting out doors down a driving range and we had 5 or so hits with our own drivers to establish a distance and type of shots we play, I hit an average 248 with my Ping G15 with a fairly tight dispersion. The fitter then mocked up a similar Big Bertha for me and I hit a few shots, it was obviously a bit longer and just as straight. He then gave me a X2 Hot driver with a stiff blue9* shaft, slight draw bias and I hit as much as 286 but my average was 278 yards and that's what he put down as my best spec with the SR2 ball which is designed for swing speed under 100mph (mine was 97mph) I like the feel of both clubs though and would be hard pressed to pick the favourite.
All done in about 20 minutes and I averaged 30 yards extra with the Callaway
G
guest100718
Guest
thats impressive. I might have to give the BB a try.
chrisd
Major Champion
Try the X2 Hot irons Paddy - they are monster!
286yds and average 278yds with SS under 100mph, now thats worth looking at these days- hitting an 8 iron over a 5 iron into greens is well worth it.
what was the loft on your driver and what you finished with?
chrisd
Major Champion
With the X2 irons I'm often two club less than I was with my AP2's and I've got the 85g True Temper shafts so I haven't to swing too hard with them.
I'm not certain what he set the loft at as he didn't write it on the sheet but I know they both were the 9* model - when I get mine I will sort that at the range. To be fair, my Ping G15 was purchased, and stayed in the bag, because it was very easy to hit and tended to stay on the short stuff much more often than any other driver I've owned not because it was ultra long.
Foxholer
Blackballed
That was indeed the process, though with differing changes and results.
I ended up gaining 20yds with a lighter, softer shaft (that still felt stable) and a lower loft (9.5 -1) with a change of bias. Numbers changed to 17.5* and 1690 spin, so pretty much optimum! Certainly made a difference, as going back to my own produced a huge block even though the swing speed was up to the same level (90). Also 'confirms' my lack of commitment is costing me 15+ yards too!
Swinger
Journeyman Pro
Great day out!! Can't wait to see all the photos and videos from the day.
I even managed to tweet a bit during the day! Not sure how I found time for it.
Was nice to back up my partner for the Kings of Distance shootout and get the team drivers, was a little bit of tension in the air for that! Not bad for an old, falling apart duffer anyway.
The highlight for me was Rob Lee, great entertainment and just a really lucky guy who wasn't too good at golf!!
Really wasn't sure about the pink trousers but I guess he didn't have to hit a golf ball!
Learned a fair bit on the day and had some interesting info from the trackman and Joe Miller.
Nice to check out Stoke Park and had a couple of beers in the bar afterwards to cool down.
Many thanks to GM, Callaway and Stoke Park for a great day out.
I even managed to tweet a bit during the day! Not sure how I found time for it.
Was nice to back up my partner for the Kings of Distance shootout and get the team drivers, was a little bit of tension in the air for that! Not bad for an old, falling apart duffer anyway.
The highlight for me was Rob Lee, great entertainment and just a really lucky guy who wasn't too good at golf!!
Really wasn't sure about the pink trousers but I guess he didn't have to hit a golf ball!
Learned a fair bit on the day and had some interesting info from the trackman and Joe Miller.
Nice to check out Stoke Park and had a couple of beers in the bar afterwards to cool down.
Many thanks to GM, Callaway and Stoke Park for a great day out.
JackieD
Assistant Pro
Sounded like a great day! Turns out the email I sent to apply for this didnt even send! Doh!
Big-Dog
Assistant Pro
Gents and Ladies,
Firstly BIG THANKS to Sam and Steve for winning the drivers for us I was on the grey team THANK YOU. Yet again a fantastic day to be part of with all the tips especially out of the bunker with the Hybrid (it will follow) being really helpful. Callaway staff and players were great and although we are always grateful for being able to try new clubs etc it felt like they really wanted you their and they were glad you where. A really really great day out worth the 4.5 hrs each way brilliant and thanks to everyone.
I have only seen Joe on SKY previously but to see it in the RAW is un believable and when I showed a clip or two to my son this morning who is 8 he said firstly OH MY GOD followed by 'you always tell me to swing the club back slow' all to be a father!!! Thanks to everyone again especially GM for picking my name out amazing especially to our team capt Tim (Callaway) and Frazer(GM Hope I have spelt it right) and also nice to meet mike and catch up with Nick and Kevin.
Now Hybrid from the bunker which obviously depends on how much lip there is on the bunker, but set up with club as normal but when setting your feet in sand set at an angle so your inside of your foot is further in the sand at and angle as though you are trying to be knocked kneed. This promotes a better stance with your weight about 55-60% on your left side (for RH). When setting the club do not put behind the ball but put the club as though you are sitting the club ON TOP of the ball then take your strike. It was amazing how blocking the ball out with the club felt as though it was easier to swing at it, then take the sand after the ball, although if you hit sand first you will be amazed how well it goes as the hybrid cuts through the sand. Worth trying guys HONEST.
I cannot wait for the media centre stuff to come out although I made a real mess of it the craic with Sam being interviewed (keeping hitting it like you did you will make the cut) and also Nicolas Coulthart You know who you are (although I am not sure some of the things you said are not liable) will be good viewing.
Thanks to all for a great day again I cannot thank you enough.
Hit em Straight ....ish
Firstly BIG THANKS to Sam and Steve for winning the drivers for us I was on the grey team THANK YOU. Yet again a fantastic day to be part of with all the tips especially out of the bunker with the Hybrid (it will follow) being really helpful. Callaway staff and players were great and although we are always grateful for being able to try new clubs etc it felt like they really wanted you their and they were glad you where. A really really great day out worth the 4.5 hrs each way brilliant and thanks to everyone.
I have only seen Joe on SKY previously but to see it in the RAW is un believable and when I showed a clip or two to my son this morning who is 8 he said firstly OH MY GOD followed by 'you always tell me to swing the club back slow' all to be a father!!! Thanks to everyone again especially GM for picking my name out amazing especially to our team capt Tim (Callaway) and Frazer(GM Hope I have spelt it right) and also nice to meet mike and catch up with Nick and Kevin.
Now Hybrid from the bunker which obviously depends on how much lip there is on the bunker, but set up with club as normal but when setting your feet in sand set at an angle so your inside of your foot is further in the sand at and angle as though you are trying to be knocked kneed. This promotes a better stance with your weight about 55-60% on your left side (for RH). When setting the club do not put behind the ball but put the club as though you are sitting the club ON TOP of the ball then take your strike. It was amazing how blocking the ball out with the club felt as though it was easier to swing at it, then take the sand after the ball, although if you hit sand first you will be amazed how well it goes as the hybrid cuts through the sand. Worth trying guys HONEST.
I cannot wait for the media centre stuff to come out although I made a real mess of it the craic with Sam being interviewed (keeping hitting it like you did you will make the cut) and also Nicolas Coulthart You know who you are (although I am not sure some of the things you said are not liable) will be good viewing.
Thanks to all for a great day again I cannot thank you enough.
Hit em Straight ....ish
mashleyR7
Journeyman Pro
My driving really went missing yesterday, even with my current driver I only averaged 213 on the trackman and Chris will tell you im longer than that, as long as him, with the BB this went up to 256 but even those shots were all pulled/draws where as my usual shot it a fade.
I then got picked out of the team to be in with a shout to hit the longest drive. I knew I'd never beat to 310yards that had already been set but I hoped to get closer. Two drives later and the best I could manage was 283! I am a more consistent driver of the ball so I really felt like Id let myself down and wasted the opportunity to benefit from the driver aspect of the day.
On the flip side, it was great that my dad could come along, he's just only really getting into golf now so days like this will help him pick up tips to improve his game, he's a 28hcp and prob wont ever be much lower but if this helps his enjoyment of the game then I'll be pleased.
The sessions on the short game and putting were good as they both confirmed what I'm doing is correct, I just need to practice it more.
It was nice to meet the celebs too and see Joe Miller even using a left handed club, right handed and upside down, he out drove me!
Gutted Chris won the driver, I'm NEVER going to hear the end of it!
I then got picked out of the team to be in with a shout to hit the longest drive. I knew I'd never beat to 310yards that had already been set but I hoped to get closer. Two drives later and the best I could manage was 283! I am a more consistent driver of the ball so I really felt like Id let myself down and wasted the opportunity to benefit from the driver aspect of the day.
On the flip side, it was great that my dad could come along, he's just only really getting into golf now so days like this will help him pick up tips to improve his game, he's a 28hcp and prob wont ever be much lower but if this helps his enjoyment of the game then I'll be pleased.
The sessions on the short game and putting were good as they both confirmed what I'm doing is correct, I just need to practice it more.
It was nice to meet the celebs too and see Joe Miller even using a left handed club, right handed and upside down, he out drove me!
Gutted Chris won the driver, I'm NEVER going to hear the end of it!
dufferman
Journeyman Pro
I added 37 yards to my drives with a BB at .5degree lower... less slicey too!
dufferman
Journeyman Pro
Having played with you a while back ................ I don't even think 4 years at drama school could have pulled that one off!
I managed to tell Rob Lee, in front of a rolling camera, that Lee Westwood & I played a round together and he was intimidated by my driving distance.
That's drama school for ya'!
C
c1973
Guest
I'm really looking forward to the write up in the mag, I trust there will be one.
It sounds as though there was some good distance gains by some, 60 yds was mentioned (Imurg ?) and dufferman gained 37 yds. That's impressive by any standard. Could the BB outperform TMs drivers at the moment?
I'll probably be in the market for a new driver soon and I might just have a wee look at Callaway now.........although it probably will end up G25........but you just never know. It's given me food for thought anyway.
It sounds as though there was some good distance gains by some, 60 yds was mentioned (Imurg ?) and dufferman gained 37 yds. That's impressive by any standard. Could the BB outperform TMs drivers at the moment?
I'll probably be in the market for a new driver soon and I might just have a wee look at Callaway now.........although it probably will end up G25........but you just never know. It's given me food for thought anyway.
Didn't you get a driver fitting though GM and TM?, so 37 yards on to of the much vaunted SDLer is impressive.
mashleyR7
Journeyman Pro
My gain was 33 yards but as mentioned that was a 33 on a very poor 213 to begin with. One chap in my group was hitting his ancient Nike Sq drive with a horrid hook 207 yards on average and with both the Callaway drivers gained 47 yards.
dufferman
Journeyman Pro
At the moment, the SLDR is on the naughty step, it is going anywhere but straight. In fact, it's not going anywhere, it's just sending the ball bobbling along the floor and stopping no more than 100yards ahead of me. I took my old Nike Dymo one, which I can actually get up in the air!
However, my buddy bought an SLDR after he had a go on mine after my fitting, and he gained 39 yards on his drive. Reason? Well, they fitted him with an X-Stiff shaft on a BB Alpha, with some low spin setting. His SLDR has a mere stiff shaft in it, which could very well be the reason. He bought a 9deg SLDR, and the BB Alpha he was fitted with was also 9deg, so no change there, but with a slightly different head technology (no sliding thing on the BB Alpha) it could have given him a bit more too!
