==================================================== Newsletter - Issue 121 Date 12/11/09 ==================================================== ==================================================== Equipment - Books - DVD's - Instruction ==================================================== I recently tried out the latest jumbo grip from Tiger Shark, the Jumbo SuperStroke Lite Fatso model, and I loved it. Several pros are using it on tour now. http://www.tigersharkgolf.com/oct7.html I tested it with the Ontic putter I reviewed two newsletters back, and here's why I liked the grip so much. I have been using the SuperStroke Pro grip for several years now, I like the thickness because my fault when putting is active hands. The thick grip all but eliminates that problem. The problem with the older models was the weight - they weighed in at around 280 g, which is about 210 g heavier than most grips. This means that you have to do some major tweaking to your clubhead to get the swingweight right. The new Jumbo SuperStroke Lite Fatso model only weighs 85 g, so there's not much swingweight adjustment necessary, if any at all. PLUS the grip is tackier than the old model, it feels great in your hands. If you have a handsy, wristy putting stroke give this grip a try, you'll be cured. 2 thumbs up on this product! Enjoy, Tom ==================================================== TCT Quick Tips - 12 Minute Medicine Ball Workout ==================================================== Last newsletter I told you how to make your own "El Cheapo" medicine ball, this issue I'll tell you how to use it. I have been researching team oriented workouts for my GCC Golf Team, and I developed the following routine that's modeled after what the UNC Tarheels Basketball team does in their program. I took the liberty of changing it slightly for golf. Our golf team will be doing this 4 days per week at our 6 am practices commencing January 12th, 2010, try it you'll like it - the "GCC 200". It takes around 12 minutes, and I'm almost embarrassed to say how much it's kicking my butt using only a 6 lb medicine ball! Enjoy this: http://www.wnygolflessons.com/GCC200.pdf Tom ==================================================== Golf Tip: New Groove Rule for 2010 ==================================================== In August 2008, the USGA added regulations on conforming grooves for clubs with 25 degrees or more of loft. This pretty much covers 5 irons through wedges. This was done to limit spin by pros hitting balls out of the rough, unfortunately it will affect all of us eventually. The new restrictions are on groove cross-sectional area (smaller width and depth) and groove edge sharpness (rounder than U grooves). Restrictions take effect for Touring Pros on January 1st, 2010, for high level amateurs on January 1st, 2014, and on January 1st, 2024 for casual players. I couldn't find the exact USGA definition of a "high level amateur", so I'm guessing that it means amateurs competing in important tournaments like the US Open, and maybe other high level amateur events. But what if I'm a high level amateur with a casual attitude - just kidding. Here's how it affects all of us now. Starting in 2010, companies must only make clubs with the "new" grooves, but they can sell an existing stock model until it's out of stock. If you like the spin your current older wedge generates, jump on Ebay and stock up. Look for ball manufacturers to develop balls with more "layers" to counteract the new groove rule effect, so that the ball will spin more out of the rough. Some are doing it for 2010, keep your eyes peeled. Then that will probably make the USGA feel obliged to change the conforming ball specs. WHY DIDN'T THEY JUST LEAVE IT ALONE???????? Enjoy, Tom