==================================================== Newsletter - Issue 128 Date 02/18/10 ==================================================== ==================================================== Equipment - Books - DVD's - Instruction ==================================================== I recently called Scott Zeida of Launcher Tees - www.launchertee.com and asked him for some of his tees for my indoor junior college golf team practice. One of the problems with indoor practice off mats with high swing speed driver swings is broken tees, so I wanted to put his launcher tees to the test. They passed with flying colors. I got a variety of his tees as well as some Dura Launcher tees, and I feel that they are impossible to break. I also buy onto their other main claim - that they allow for a longer ball flight due to their design, there's less friction to get into the way and it makes perfect sense to me. I can't wait to get outside and use them! I give Launcher Tees my two thumbs up recommendation - for function as well as value. If you don't lose them, you'll have them for a long time! Enjoy, Tom ==================================================== TCT Quick Tips - Hand Stamp Your Clubs ==================================================== I saw this article on stamping your clubs for identification, and I wanted to pass it on to all of you....it looks so easy I think that even I can do it: How To Hand Stamp Your Own Clubs http://www.mygolfspy.com/how-to-hand-stamp-golf-clubs/ Enjoy, Tom ==================================================== Golf Tip: Should You Upgrade Old Irons For Distance? ==================================================== "Should I upgrade my irons to get more distance"? One of the reasons for a decrease in distance has nothing to do with your set of clubs, but rather a change in your swing and a decrease in head speed which most often is a result of a decrease in your range of motion. Studies have shown that a three-month regimen of stretching -- after a good warm-up -- has allowed golfers to gain about 5 mph in head speed. This will increase the distance of your drives by approximately 10 to 13 yards assuming you are in the 85 mph head speed range and launching the ball at about 14 degrees and with 3,500 rpm ­ close to optimum for this head speed. The distance you will get out of your irons, with this increased range of motion will be a little more than half this amount (i.e. about 6 yards). Six yards for your irons and ten yards on your drives is a lot more than you will get out of a new set of irons or a new driver ­ assuming you have been reasonably well fitted in the first place for your existing set. So don't expect to be able to buy more distance. However......if your irons are over ten years old, you are probably in line for an upgrade. What has happened in the last five years, is that long irons have been replaced with hybrids. The mid-irons ( 5 through the 9) have become a little more forgiving because of the increased MOI, lowering the c.g. (center of gravity) and moving this farther back away from the face ­ especially in the most forgiving club category. In combination with the wider and heavier sole the ball will be launched a little higher. As a result of this higher trajectory, some manufacturers have decreased the loft for the same length club to get a lower trajectory and this will increase the distance when compared to the same numbered club in your ten-year old set. A newly configured set, with a few hybrids and some stretching exercises may allow you to enjoy your game a little more and get a few extra yards. I have been doing some in depth research on developing more swing speed lately, stay tuned for more information on that. I'll be setting up some swing speed improvement clinics in the near future. Enjoy, Tom