[WITB 2024] The Tweaks That Got Me To a PLUS Handicap!

[@dustingariepy2056]

Huge fan of these videos

[@upbeatgolfer]

Awesome! Glad you like them, and thanks for telling me! 😃

[@Austin-pq8xy]

great video, love your positivity. Probably the reason why you've been able to improve so rapidly.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks dude! I definitely think the positivity is THE key (hence being an Upbeat Golfer) -- I used to spend too much time on focusing on what was wrong instead of what I wanted and how to get there. Now I focus on being accurate (not too negative or positive) with what's actually happening, giving myself credit for what I HAVE accomplished, and having faith that I will figure out whatever's next and enjoy the process (even when it's frustrating). It's working! Thanks again for noticing and for commenting, it means a lot! And great having you here!

[@bigberthapapi]

Quickly becoming one of my favorite golf KZbin channels. So much insightful content and great production quality on the videos. Keep it up!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thank you! This made my day, really glad you liked it! 😃

[@johnsaundersorsam]

Another great vid, well done keep em coming

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks! Glad you liked it (and will do)! 😃

[@Buldoz]

ur channel is about to blow up. love the video

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks! Really appreciate it, and great to have you here! 😃

[@swimp15]

100% correct! Great bag, setup, and mindset!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thank you! Glad you liked it! 😃

[@DanMyers-o9f]

Missed fan chime at 18:53. Apart from that I really enjoyed the video, thanks 👍

[@upbeatgolfer]

Haha eagle eyes/ears you got there. One day I will get them all (maybe). Glad you liked it! 😃

[@tat3998]

First time viewer. Automatic sub. I’ve added a couple accessories to my bat caddy. I’m a second hand golfer (mostly). I found the cart at “play it again sports” I mounted a pvc pipe big enough to hold my three legged chair. Also added a rail attachment to hold my phone as I don’t use a yardage book. I use an app on my phone. I’m digging your setup. Also have the blue shaft cut down 1” on my three wood and driver. I’m due for some new wedges, your video has inspired me to buy a couple for the bag.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Love it! I'm a huge fan of making your own adjustments to the setup - love the ones you listed!

[@tat3998]

@@upbeatgolfer totally agree with you on strutting. Absolutely love my remote control cart. Couldn’t strut without it (as I cannot afford a caddy). Swaggiest strut on tour has to belong to Rory. That guy walks with swag

[@drewvan19]

Awesome video! Have been looking forward to this one

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks! Glad you liked it! I wanted to make it for a while but needed to wait for the headcover to come in (which also gave me time to buy more stuff) 😅

[@Tripledoublebogey]

Great video! Glad you brought up what shafts you’re using and the weights. I feel like a lot of content creators don’t bring up the importance of shafts like you did. Its made a huge difference in my game going from shafts that were way too light to something much heavier.

[@upbeatgolfer]

100% agree, shafts are so important! I wish I'd figured that out for my long game shafts earlier as well - my 3W is so much more playable now that I have the right shaft on it. Thanks for the kind words, and glad you liked it!

[@mattscheurman1616]

Manu! Got my Upbeat Golfer headcover ordered! One additional hack for you...I also keep airtags in my golf bags, but have done the speaker removal mod on them so it makes it just a touch harder for anyone to detect where the airtag is if they do steal it. Keep up the great videos my man!

[@upbeatgolfer]

That is a great idea Matt! I will look into that. And a huge THANKS for the support with the headcover! Lmk if it helps with your game! 😃

[@liamwhata6484]

Just found your channel bro. Very cool content and love to see another kiwi doing great in the world!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks mate! I was actually playing a tournament when I saw your comment and it made my day! Great to have you here - where do you usually play?

[@tddlw1]

Fun vid. Thanks for sharing!

[@upbeatgolfer]

You got it, glad you liked it dude!

[@mikeslimjimlim]

Yesssssssss!!!!! Give the people what they want haha!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Hahaha the people get what the people want! Thanks for the support! 😃

[@samupalonen]

I was expecting the “big fan” ding at 14:13 😂

[@samupalonen]

One of few channels where I think I’ve seen every video. Keep up the great work!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Arrghh missed that one - great spotting! Thanks for the compliment - glad you like the videos. So great to have you here! 😃

[@douglasmoore8770]

A search for meaning, that supports sticking a tee-peg into the earth on the first tee, and lifting a ball out of the hole on the 18th green has my vote. A huge antidote to the mindless content reaching epidemic proportions that promises two-steps forwards, and gives 1 step backwards. You will be relieved to know that I don't agree with everything, but I am your age + 20 years, and have created my own preferences, and will continue to do so. Dou

[@upbeatgolfer]

Funny how much meaning we give to golf, but it also gives back! Thanks for being here!

[@donkee9]

Congrats on the +hc

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thank you! It was an awesome feeling to finally get there. Next stop, a whole digit plus hc! 😅

[@njbwong]

Looks like your cart is at Chuck Corica. Hope to run into you there or another course one day! Love the detail and thoughtfulness in your witb vid compared to others.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Great eye! I took that video before the Alameda Commuters last year. Would be great to run into you -- and thanks for the kind words, glad you liked the video 😃

[@SteelTiiTan]

Good point on the Nippon shafts, I went from Project X 6.5s to Modus3 X flex and they felt way more flexible than the 6.5s. I find Modus3 X more similar to Dynamic Gold S300 than anything If you ever want a new premium ball to try I highly recommend Srixon Z-stars (diamond or XV too based on how spinny you want), I cant justify buying tour balls but Srixon at least twice a year puts their balls on 50% or buy 1 get 1 free and you can stock up. I used to play Kirlands or TP5x but the durability is better with Z-stars than each of those in my experience.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks for that - I'll definitely give them a go. I've found a few on the course and have them in my practice bag, but not tried them for whole rounds. Appreciate the rec! And it's interesting on the shaft flexes right? You'd think there would be some sort of standard measurement...

[@Boilerup05]

I always thought the grip/head feel was related to the weight of the midsize vs the weight of the standard grips? Which is often why many people decide to add more tape below the grip to offset the swing weight change from going from standard to midsize.

[@upbeatgolfer]

I hadn't heard of the tape additions for changing the swing weight, that's interesting. There definitely is a difference between the weights of the different-sized grips (I'm guessing because thicker grips = more rubber) which affects the overall swing weight feel, but IMO there is also a difference in how far from the shaft axis you're holding the club, but I could be wrong. I'll look into this in more detail. Thanks!

[@herenow2424]

Also was fitted to a velocore shaft. Felt just way more stable than any other shaft. Made a lot more difference than the new head

[@upbeatgolfer]

Right?! I was so surprised at how stable it felt but in a similar flex to what I had previously. I'm constantly amazed at the distance I'm getting. How are your results?

[@herenow2424]

@@upbeatgolfer Great results, i finally play my Driver, because i am not afraid hitting it 😃

[@upbeatgolfer]

Love it! Just makes everything else so much better when you're hitting long drives into the fairway.

[@cavanlyons9537]

Great video! Any update on an aim point video?

[@upbeatgolfer]

Soon! I'm planning to film some putting ones this coming week so it shouldn't be too long!

[@brandoncoe4179]

Where is the tye dye towel from?

[@upbeatgolfer]

I got it from Lake Merced GC, but it's from a company called Detroit Dye House. Doesn't look like they make them for the public, but lmk if you're interested and I can look into getting some (maybe some Upbeat Golfer swag?!). There are also a bunch of other options available for tie dye towels from various other outlets, but I haven't tried any of those.

[@upanddownfor5961]

Would you please start a side business that specializes in consulting for other KZbinrs in the golf segment. From there, hopefully you can teach all of them how to speak as clearly and succinctly as you without saying "Ummmmmmmm" at every pause. It's such a pleasure to watch and listen to your vids.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Hahaha I understand their struggle! Let's just say I'm very grateful to have editing software 😅 Glad you like the videos though! And thanks for the kind words!

[@TheEdiaz91]

The Taylormade wedges are underrated. The weight is the best

[@upbeatgolfer]

Right?! I also learned something more about them recently - I was listening to Phil play with Grant Horvat and he mentioned something about the trailing side bounce on his wedges (the old Callaway PM Grind) vs. the TM Tiger grind, and how you have to swing more shallow with the latter when you're in bunkers otherwise they dig. That was really interesting (I have the PM Grind too - got them a while ago before I got fitted) and those comments lined up with my experience -- when I try going steep with the Tiger wedges it doesn't work as well so a) I'm going back to my normal shallow bunker shots, and b) might need to do some more reading on trailing side bounce. Anyway, thanks for coming to my Ted talk 😃

[@TheEdiaz91]

@@upbeatgolfer absolutely. I went to get fitted and got fitted for vokeys... I couldn't buy them after testing the MGs so i got 2 MGs and 1 Vokey... went back after 2 weeks to exchange it for an MG.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Ha I did the same thing (only I didn't get fitted for the Vokeys, I just got bored). Got a new Vokey and took it back 2 days later. The Tiger grinds are just so much better.

[@mikewilliams1479]

Underrated? Not sure on that but - but the weight is amazing paired up the right shafts they feel amazing.

[@williamgarry2635]

Can you do a video on getting fit on your journey to lower your handicap? I’m interested in how fitting has impacted your game. I’m also wondering about how to get my clubs adjusted to best match my game but I have no idea what to look for in a good club fitter that isn’t just trying to sell me a new set.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Sure - I'll think on that one to see what it would include. In the meantime, a few thoughts that might be helpful: - I got fit because a) I wanted to, and b) my clubs were old enough that I knew there were going to be technology benefits (there has been a lot of emphasis on forgiveness in club design recently, which is v helpful for us amateurs) - It made a big difference for me in basically all parts of my game, mostly from finding the right shafts for me - For you, I would ask a) how old are your clubs, b) how repeatable is your swing, and c) what are your main weaknesses? --- In general, I think most people would benefit from a driver fitting, but you also don't need to get a whole new driver. I had a relatively new head at the time of my fitting (Callaway Maverik) so I asked to test that head with various shafts, and they were happy to oblige. - Re: what to look for in a fitter, ideally paying for the fitting itself will line up incentives. You could also try the PGA Superstore if there's one near you. Downside is you can't try exotic shafts for free, but you can do some head and stock shaft testing for free and AFAIK the staff isn't commission-based so they're pretty good with telling you what's going on. - And finally, all fitters do want to sell us new sets (that's how the business works!) but they go about it in different ways. I think chatting with the fitter about what you're looking for and what your budget is is a great idea, and then trusting what you get. At our level, you can't really get perfect because we're all over the place 😅 Hope this helps! Lmk if more questions!

[@MahawarProductions]

I gotta be honest I bought the groove cleaners you recommended on Amazon and thought they were pretty low quality. The brush didn’t lock into place it was really hard to use-also the sharp tool slipped out and poked me a few times. Love your vibe and energy but leaving this comment to dissuade others from buying those.

[@upbeatgolfer]

Sorry to hear that dude and thanks for letting me know. Fwiw I've bought them a couple times and not had any issues. I'll buy some more to double check the ones in the link I listed to make sure they haven't changed quality or something.

[@BStrooo]

Love the channel! Dude, where is that towel from? Looks greats 👍🏾

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks dude! I got the towel from Lake Merced GC - it's from a company called Detroit Dye House. I couldn't find any on their site but they do have some bulk options -- lmk if you're interested and I can look into getting some (maybe some Upbeat Golfer swag?!).

[@CraigalFun]

Iron specs, swingweight etc. Whats your 7 iron swing speed?

[@upbeatgolfer]

My irons are basically stock except being 1deg flat. I don't know the exact swingweight, but it should be ~D3. And I don't measure my iron swing speeds much, but at the fitting my 6i was 88mph. If it helps, I hit my 7i 160-165y on a full shot.

[@MarkHolley-cw4wy]

Where did you I get a New Zealand flag head cover? Ive never seen one and Im a Kiwi. Great Channel. Very relatable for me and my golf journey.

[@MarkHolley-cw4wy]

lol I should have watched the whole video

[@MarkHolley-cw4wy]

Cant believe I didnt pick up the accent. Cant stand listing to kiwi accents, or sepo's either, but put them together and it works. US ladies def love the kiwi twang aye :)

[@upbeatgolfer]

Haha I don't actually have the full twang but some words sneak in sometimes! My wife definitely notices the changes when we go back 😃 And yeah I'm amazed no one makes a good NZ flag head cover! Did you end up checking out the MoR golf page?

[@henrikvester7171]

Lesson #1. There is no excuse for not upgrading your wedges )) 👍

[@upbeatgolfer]

1000%. When in doubt get new clubs 😅

[@brianmann7035]

What’s your best place for used clubs?

[@upbeatgolfer]

I really like Callaway Pre-Owned for great prices on basically new clubs from 1-2 generations ago. 2nd Swing and some of the other stores are a little expensive IMO, so I would generally prefer looking for clubs on FB marketplace or EBay unless you needed something specific.

[@yeboyavante766]

How did shortening the driver shaft affect swing weight? Looks like there’s no lead tape on the head.

[@upbeatgolfer]

With my current driver, it didn't change very much because I only removed 1/2". It actually feels great right now and I'm hitting it pretty far. With my old R15 that I cut 2" off of(!)...it made it feel a LOT lighter which was kind of fun for making really fast swings.

[@equalid]

MUST BE CHRISTMAS. NEW WEDGES!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Definitely feels like Xmas when they arrive!!!

[@kirklamble7291]

Hey man, Will you ever make a video on how your editing your videos? I'm curious what software you use? Adobe Premiere?

[@upbeatgolfer]

Ha I'm not sure you want to see me editing, there'd be a lot of "what are you doing?!!" reactions 😅 But happy to share if you're really interested. I use Final Cut Pro as my editing software, and have a few plugins for zooms + shapes etc. Lmk if you'd like to know more or have specific questions!

[@atamagashock]

When you say 44.5 is that playing length? Cause that’s what most shafts are stock and the play at 45.75 Also I agree the tour 120 x flex is probably the best shaft I’ve used. I actually have graphite mmt now, but I had picked up a 4 iron to match my set and it had that shaft in it. Feels absolutely amazing and definitely responsive And one last thing… I’m the same with wedges. High bounce is a killer, but I have the tw56 in the mg4 and it’s magical. I did get the lbv grind in my 60 with 7 degrees and that is also amazing. Ditched all my vokeys, so my entire bag is now all TM except my Cameron

[@upbeatgolfer]

Yup 44.5 is the playing length. (It's way below stock though I hear some companies are starting to go a little shorter, maybe 45.5 now?) Re: the tour 120 x-flex -- seriously! It just feels so awesome, especially when I swing it right it just feels like the ball just takes off. And re: wedges - that TW grind is so good I can't believe more people don't use it. Is your 60 just a straight up low bounce grind, or something special? I replaced a Vokey 60 L-grind with 4deg of bounce with the TW 60 and it actually works better for me because it's so versatile from all the lies (even though it's listed as having 11deg of bounce - the leading edge grind lets me pick the ball clean from tighter lies.

[@atamagashock]

@@upbeatgolfer my qi10 is 45.75, but I’m getting an inch cut off when I get the proper weight for the head. As for my 60, is the lbv grind has 7 degrees of bounce. I guess it’s similar to the vokey v grind they had offered in the past, but not positive. It’s a really awesome grind for us shallow players. In regards to the tw grind as you know it’s 12 degrees of bounce, but doesn’t really play like a normal 12 degree wedge cause of the grind

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks for the heads up! I just looked up the new TM grinds and that LBV looks amazing. Gonna go check it out asap (though I did just get a new 60 😅). Lmk when you cut down your Qi10. Would be great to hear if you kept (or even gained!) distance + control.

[@Njliving22]

Are those midsize grips? Any wraps underneath ?

[@upbeatgolfer]

Yup midsize. No wraps. I experimented with MANY different grips and with/without wraps, but I like just the straight up Lamkin Crossline Midsize. The wraps made the grip feel a little stiffer which I didn't like. I think it's the same reason people like the Winn DriTac grips (squishy) but I found they wear out too quickly for me.

[@ashleyknight29_]

Do you use midsize grips on wedges too? I use midsize for every club besides them at the moment unsure if it will reduce my feel with greenside shots

[@upbeatgolfer]

Yup I use midsize on everything. I tried going thinner and thicker and midsize were the best. I see your point about reducing feel with greenside shots as the thinner grips make the clubhead feel slightly heavier, but I also find that thicker grips (because of the lighter head weight feel) make me feel like I have more control over the club face. What do you think about experimenting with one for a bit?

[@ashleyknight29_]

@@upbeatgolfer thanks for the reply man! Yeah I will definitely get one of my wedges put to midsize to try and see how it goes😁

[@upbeatgolfer]

Awesome - I'd love to hear how it goes if you don't mind dropping me another comment here!

[@ashleyknight29_]

@@upbeatgolfer of course! Trying to get through your content currently and some of it definitely resonates with my problems (other than lack of skill as a 20hcp🤣) such as rushing shots, lack of routine and negative enforcements! Thanks for the great content its so valuable🫶🏼

[@upbeatgolfer]

I prefer to think of it not as "lack of skill", but more as "I have a life and don't spend all my time at the course with an instructor watching my every move" 😃

[@nicpaolo7940]

I think you are mixing swing weights when you are talking about wedges. Swinging consistent swing weights could really be a big difference between why you should buy custom clubs vs ordering online. Might be why you just can’t get along with some you order, just too light or too heavy balance point on the swingweight

[@upbeatgolfer]

Hmm that's a really good point. I'll get those checked out. I did do a wedge fitting some time ago but the rec was to pick whichever head felt right and put it on my Nippon shaft. It's worked well but might be time to check out swing weights in more detail. One thing I haven't figured out yet is why my buddies can hit their wedges so much farther than mine (my irons are weaker so that's fine, but the wedge lofts are the same). Probably some technique, and maybe because I sweep wedges (from all my range time on mats), but might also have to do with swing weights. Thanks for the rec!

[@nicpaolo7940]

@@upbeatgolfer just like you warrantied that Callaway driver head! They can’t make each head weigh the exact same, and I think 2 grams is all it takes to go up one point. Either way, love all this content man!! Keep it coming!

[@upbeatgolfer]

Thanks dude! I really appreciate it. I will definitely get those wedges looked at soon!

[@lb2369]

dod king match?

[@upbeatgolfer]

That would be fun! I'll look into it, unless you know him personally?