We’re back and operational

We’re happy to say that we picked up where we left off and promptly got busier. And we have a set of retro-fitted Srixon Irons and a TaylorMade Driver with some new Accra Shafts as well as some Yonex CB301 and N1 Wedges with the premium Oban Tour Reserve 108 shafts. When these are officially ready to leave, we’ll see if we can get a picture of them before they go.

We had just one question, but it’s from a new reader!

"Tommy, I’m sitting here in quarantine and I’ve read probably 20 or so newsletters and I thought I would reach out and ask a question. I took up the game last fall and have a set of hand me down clubs a neighbor sold me from an estate sale. I couldn’t even tell you what they were, but I don’t hit them well and they’re small and thin. I do love to play and am anxious to get out when things calm down a bit. Give me your opinion of the top 3 things that you recommend a new golfer should do." – W.

Well thank you for finding us! I’m guessing that you aren’t in the Metroplex, but we’d be happy to help fit you into a bag somehow. But my opinion may not mean much. Ask my wife; she’ll let you know it might not mean much. But I’m going to give you five, because I like to help people. But here goes:

1. Find a qualified instructor and fitter.
Many instructors are not fitters and vice versa. That is what sets Tim and The Golf Station apart from many in the area. He does both and is Golfing Machine and Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Certified. But, if you can find a fitter that instructs, then see if you mesh with that person. That instructor will begin to know your tendencies and make recommendations to you.

If this person doesn’t fit, ask them who they might recommend and they can relay what you’re working on before you go. You have to build a relationship with them so you can feel comfortable with them.

Remember, it’s your time and money. Make sure you’re getting the most out of both. But, for your instructor, make sure you can understand what they’re telling you and be honest with them about your game and your physical limitations. Golf shouldn’t make you feel worse than when you started.

2. Play what works.
Many think that you need to play to what you aspire to be. I say play where you are and go from there. Long time readers know my thoughts here. Golf is hard. Don’t play something that is going to make you struggle unnecessarily. By the sound of your bag, you’re using some pretty dated equipment. Here’s a newsflash. You don’t need to buy a brand-new bag. Getting one that’s maybe two or three seasons old will be like trading in your old Volkswagen for an Audi. Everything will be relatively current.

But again, get in touch with a fitter to see if they can make a recommendation. But, if you have the funds, by all means, get a shiny new bag of your own.

3. Remember, it’s YOUR bag.
People will probably give you grief if you don’t play something that’s “accepted.” There are no pictures of how you parred a hole. If you need help getting out of a bunker and you’re not getting what your instructor is telling you, put that big soled wedge in the bag with 15 degrees of bounce in the bag to help you. Can’t chip to save your life? Don’t struggle and get a chipper. Remember, golf is supposed to be fun. Don’t make it harder than it has to be. Again, my opinion, but if a chipper can save you 5 or more shots a round, who am I to argue? Companies make draw weighted drivers, right? You’ll hear me say this a lot: “It’s your money.”

4. Play the right ball and stick to it.
Many of us play whatever is cheapest ball, and there is nothing wrong with that. But, the one thing you MUST do is to play the right ball and STICK TO IT! Changing golf balls to me is a cardinal sin. Once you decide on a ball, you need to know how that ball reacts in all phases of your game. You need to know what that ball is going to do. Whether it flies high or low, or stops quickly or runs out on a green, get to know it well.

Now on occasion, you might want to see if another ball may fit your game and you give it a couple of rounds to see what you can do with it. What I’m talking about it reaching in the bag and grabbing anything you find. Or my personal favorite, playing a “water ball.” Just play your ball. I hear a lot of you now: “This ball cost $4! No way, dude!” Listen, if you’re afraid to hit your ProV1, TP5 or whatever, it is over water, you might need to find a cheaper alternative.

Don’t be afraid to lose your gamer. Have confidence in your abilities and don’t let the price of your ball affect your game. You’re playing defense every time you tee it up and you start the round already mentally in trouble.

5. Make and have goals.
Make sure they are attainable, realistic and put in the work to accomplish them. Make sure you put in the effort and tell your instructor what you’re looking for. It can be something like, stopping three-putting or driving the ball straighter? Or something more substantial like getting more flexible and stronger to improve your quality of life. A TPI Certified fitness specialist like our own Adam Masler can help improve not only your game, but your body and work through some issues.

Good luck to you and please stay safe. Get back into the game as soon as you can, and reach out anytime to ask a question. Remember, my address is tommyb@thegolfstationfit.com.

Thank you everyone who supported us during our modified operations. We’re still getting back up to speed, but we’re rolling and ready to schedule fittings and lessons. If you have any questions, please give us a call at 817.595.4653.