Guess Which Shaft Company is at McGolf

ACCRA Golf is who!.

ACCRA has a full line of shafts that can fit just about any golfer. In the picture from right to left you see the ISeries of shafts. This shaft comes in multiple weights and flexes and is rapidly becoming the standard shaft for our builds.

Next is the FX Series- I am very excited about this line of shafts. Not only is it brilliant in the color schemes but each color is for a particular flight. Blue is lighter to standard weight with higher ball flight, the Red is middle ball flight and the yellow is for the stronger golfer looking for lower flights. One of the best attributes to the FX SERIES and the ISERIES shafts is the ability to match a fairway wood shaft and a hybrid shaft to the driver. The people at ACCRA have dynamically matched the shafts to produce the proper feel and performance. No more wondering if the right shaft is in the supporting cast to the driver.

Finally is the newest the line and an upgrade to the tourZ shafts (currently in my driver) is the TOURZX, an upgraded version of the tourZ for tighter dispersion closer tolerances and performance.

We are in the process of changing out the shafts in our demo FWs and hybrids to the ACCRA line. In a day or two you will be able to feel what the best are playing on tour and on the local courses.

New Putting Area for McGolf

In an attempt to improve the short game for golfers we have gone to our friends at Putters Edge, the same folks who installed our outdoor green, for a new indoor green. For those that have not been here before the original putting green was not wide enough to stand on with a level footing. The ball rolled well it just wasn't enough.

After a successful PGA show we contacted Putters Edge for a new piece at least 5 Ft wide this time. The PE folks delivered with a new indoor model that can be any size. It also comes with a foam like underlisting. The turf cam in a laid down as if it has been here for years. Straight and true right off the bat. We are certainly excited about the possibilities.

 

Second Guy Golf/ Second Girl Golf get some new McORKA sticks

ORKA, a supplier of ours located in England, asked if I could build some clubs for their friends at Second Guy Golf/ Second Girl Golf or 2GG Apparel.

Since this company gives its profits to charity I said “No Problem” let’s do this thing. Alex from Orka Golf preceded to hand me a box of three sets of RS5 club heads. These are special club heads in that they are coated in black and have the 2GG logo engraved not painted in the cavity. The RS5 is a forged clubhead with a “middle of the road” sized cavity, muscle strategically located and players look.

Only one problem, we were in Orlando and these things were heavy as a box of 27 club heads.  Fortunately, we had a bit a space remaining in the luggage and split the heads evenly in the different cases. The airport skycap was amazed at how every bag weighed the same??.  Hmmmmm.

Like any good custom build, the sets would all be different lengths, flexes, grip sizes and lie angles. So, off to work we go,,,,

 

First we need the rest of the supplies to make the clubs, you know, the shafts and grips. After what I am sure the guys at 2GG and ORKA considered a bunch of hounding on my part I had the specifications needed to build the sets. Then to the order, we ordered the parts for the build only to find out when the receipt arrived via email that no grips made it onto the order. The goal was to get the clubs shipped by Monday. To make that happen Robin and I along with the dogs, jumped in the car and made our way to Golfworks and picked up the grips and some additional supplies for the other orders. Back to McGolf we head for the start of the build, if you look at the You Tube videos you can see where the first part is done during the day and the second is at night. That’s when we got back.

We installed a set of Nippon tour Modus3 X flex, a set of KBS tour 105 S flex and one set of KBBS tour 105 X flex for Russ, Lj and Logan. These shafts fit the quick tempo, fast hands, and added lengths to produce the flights and control desired. They were frequency matched, spine found and aligned and cut to the proper lengths. Then we installed a batch of PURE grips. This is a 100% rubber grip in white midsized wrap, Standard velvet like and one midsize wrap both in black.

Finally, a loft and lie adjustment, sticker placement (including the McGolf Bling) and a wax job completed the irons making them ready for the box. Using some of our McGolf towels as padding and sending the spec sheet ahead the clubs were packaged and shipped to Arizona.

This shows that golf is truly international in that two companies thousands of miles apart on different continents can come together with a small club guy in Ohio with the end result of some really cool clubs. Check out both 2nd guy golf and ORKA golf for more info on their outstanding products.

Thanks ORKA and 2GG for the build.

2016 PGA show DAY 4: finalize the list

After a long night visiting and finishing the last article Robin, Dad and I started the day off proper with a Denny’s Breakfast. Make a note to self. If there is a choice between IHOP and the Denny’s 50 yds further down the road. TAKE DENNY’S!

We went over the list of the remaining vendors on the list. Piretti is last on the list but first on the pictures. The line of milled in the USA putters is not changing much. A few slow moving putters will be eliminated and others will be offered in a new black coating stronger and more rust resistant than the previous PVD finish. The ever popular Cottonwood wood II and Teramo will be the staple of the company and the extraordinary putters such as one off putters, special one of a kind putters and Tour Only putters.

We stopped by the flightscope booth to see friends and ask some technical questions to increase the performance of the flightscope and our sessions of fittings. After the Tech AJ helped me, he then proceeded to explain a headband that monitors brain wave activity. Why do we need this you ask? Well, it monitors your concentration before and during the swing.  It is proven that you need to be focused and “in the Zone” to play the best golf possible. That’s how the Pros do it weather they recognize it or not.  This unit helps train you to get into that state of mind to play better golf.

See Henri Johnson the owner and designer as well as Mrs. M. Nell VP of Sale.

I was asked to see what the colors of grips would be this year. Well the best place to go for this was PURE grips. This is 100% rubber grip and comes in three different styles and a rainbow of colors. The PURE is a very long lasting grip and the people there are great. I didnt photo bombed but got some really good pictures and got to know the folks there better.

The second guy golf clothing line started in the ICG room and has experience some great success in the past year. The styles are not over the top and top boring. They are also a non prfit group that gives money to multiple charities such as the wound warrior and housing for children in South America. The Owner is Russ Ortiz a Pitcher for the SF Giants. All the folks at 2GG are friendly and willing to help. Check out the 2GGappareal.com site and get a great shirt and help others in the process.

Superstroke was on the list of vendors to see. We visited the area and found new regular grips available. In addition to the regular grips the putter line change to a counter core technology. Meaning they are offering the standard putter grips with the back weight. We are placing an order tomorrow to get the latest in grips in for you. Primarily the slim grip model and flatso models.

I also stumble onto some new tech in the show but must research a little further before I announce anymore.

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2016 PGA show DAY3 :pt II

Bridgestone is aggressively taking back its market share of the golf ball line with the new Line of B330 golf balls. The new cores and new wear resistant cover makes for a new and improved golf ball that will last just about till you lose it (get that play on the situation). The line of Bridgestone gloves is impressive to say the least with a variety of styles, prices and fit. There was even a camo glove.  Most surprising to me was the support an display space the actual golf clubs received.  Check out the pictures. The Driver is strong and looks very modern, the Irons have always been solid now there is a more player friendly model and the wedges are always very nice AND they make lefty stuff!!!! This is a company to keep an eye on again.

Speaking of new eyes, HAPPY PUTTER is a new vendor this year with a fully adjustable club that receive Golf Digest award of GOLD. Very soft and very handy and with a new sight line mod to just about any line alignment available.

Jumbo Max has redone the line with better textures and colors and simpler sizing. The Putter grips has a great feel too and we should be seeing plenty of this company due to a certain Amateur player doing very well in the professional tour right now. Congrats guys.

Golf Pride introduced the new putter grips and the lead for the year. In addition to the new putter grips, a smaller size was added to the already popular CP lie. This grip is the softer grip with an amazing tack. The MCC 4Plus was a top seller and will remain in the dual decade family.

Tomorrow we will complete our list of places to see and vendors to meet. Please let me know soon if there is another item you would like to see.

2016 PGA show trip day 3: The Show opens with a Storm

2016 PGA show DAY 3: the show opens with a Storm PT 1            

This is not the first day to have rain at the 2016 PGA Merchandise Show but it is the first for us to have rain on the first day ALL DAY. The day opened to a slow breakfast and a fast walk to the main floor doors. We arrived about 3 minutes after the opening ceremonies concluded and remained in a state of limbo for another 3 minutes until word arrived to the security people to allow us safe passage to the land of golf and well, golf.

The first day is the first chance to make an impression to potential customers, get reacquainted with old friends and get the show on the road to meet the vendors we listed prior to leaving Ohio. Today was top of my list of days ever. I met with Bettinardi Putters and met the owner and designer Bob Bettinardi. He and his staff are wonderful and the designs are just as nice and functional. The Kutcher model is the number one seller and for a good reason. The wide sole and extra weight makes for a stable putter and the lines are very clean. If you are looking for an alternative to the belly putter, the arm lock models will get you there and putting is a breeze.

We met with the people from H2. This company has seen many transitions from a component line to an accessories line that carries the trionZ bracelets and now copper compression wear, Reebok sunglasses,  Henry Taylor Wedges and the typical tees and cleats. The TrionZ has been a staple in our shop since the beginning always changing with the times and styles. The new compression wear seems to be what golfers will need. We are still looking that over. The Reebok sunglasses have a great fit even for my big head and are UVA and UVB protective. The Henry Taylor Wedge is a nice with a spread the word deal that is hard to beat.

Callaway was a great visit in that we will be one of only a select number of shops in Ohio to have a Callaway fitting cart. This is a great opportunity to get fit to a proper driver and irons. Spending money wisely and getting great clubs in the process. I had the massive pleasure to meet Roger Cleveland and get schooled on the bounce of the PM wedges. PERFECT!! The Callaway line is strong again with the XR and XR pro models, The Alpha is geared for the better player however I suspect a boogey golfer could easily wield this driver.  The APEX got a little smaller to fit the better players eye and the wedges come with various groove dimensions to help with spin. A great line up through the company.

This is the first of a 2 part article, there was too much stuff to cover.

2016 PGA show trip day 2: Demo Day

2016 PGA show trip DAY2: The Demo Day

Our day started at 0500, what’s the o stand for? OH My God it’s early, to steal a phrase.  Robin and I volunteered to help set up the ICG tent for the organization I belong too. The ICG is truly an international organization of clubfitters that span the globe. The group is made up of industry professionals, professional clubmakers and club fitters, swing professionals and suppliers. An eclectic group to be sure.  The best part about the time spent was watching the range wake up with activity and the sun come over the far side of the Orange county National range. This range is over 400 yds in diameter and in tip top shape for the event. Seeing the exhibitors coming in to finish setup, start setup up and just be organized is a treat to see. This let us know that we weren’t the only one feeling our way through the event.

I will throw in some pictures of the range as it wakes up and the people arrive. It will make for good start to the day.

After we got our time in, Robin and I set out to walk the "Ring of Golf" and see if there was something earth shattering and investigate claims of equipment propaganda. You will see pictures not of the big OEMs because their budget is large enough to ensure you see all things golf from their company.

1) Right out of the box, Wilson has hit a home run with the C200 irons. Without going over the marketing story, these irons are forgiving, look great and will surprise even the better golfer. The lofts are stronger but the flight is higher resulting in added length. The Recoil shaft, a favorite of mine, helps with a smooth feel and great launch. The M5 series is for the average better player to the better player. The forged irons have vibration dampeners placed in strategic locations. The head has smooth lines and appears to be getting favor on tour for the taller irons. The M5 driver is another big surprise. The clean modern look (for a change) and very nice shaft installment makes for a silent upstart in the field of drivers. The M5 line continues through the fairways and hybrids and nothing disappoints. Finishing the Wilson surprise is the wedge line. Various finishes, lofts and grinds makes for a large selection to get the best turf interaction and spin possible.

Another pleasant surprise was Bridgestone. This company finally released left handed golf clubs! Not all the models mind you but at least a good line that most golfers could handle. The new model drivers were getting plenty of praise on the tee line and the new irons were sailing the ball to targets selected by most golfers. Follow this up with their wedges and you can have a complete line of high performing irons, hybrids and drivers. Keep an eye out the JGR and J815 and the J15F models. They only problem with the Bridgestone products is that Bridgestone itself spends a majority of the money on their golf ball and little to no money on the equipment which could stand shoulder to shoulder with the competition.

The veteran’s golfers association was in the Wilson booth area. After talking to the leader of the group, I received a challenge coin. It was a great honor to be given this in my opinion. I hope to be helping out in the future.

The Cobra hitting area was jumping as always and you can see the type of environment surrounding the booth by the video I have below. Cobra has a large line to compete in the market. I like the variety and the daring designs. However it didn’t fit my eye or performance. That is not to say that most golfers hit the snot out of the balls. I hit them fine, I justliked the other brands before. I like the attitude, the design but I would recommend hitting them first.

While walking around the Ring of Golf I couldn’t but notice the abundance of skateboard like trolleys for getting around the course. Battery operated very large skateboards that carries a golfer, golf clubs and some even have a seat. I think these are very cool, but may be cost prohibitive. Mountain range golf courses and you know who you are, will not do well with these however, mild terrain to large moguls will be fun and give some add exercise to the round.

Golf Pride is adding to their very successful CP2 line with an undersized model and a new softer putter grip. Normally Golf Pride struggles with putter grips but this one is sure to satisfy. More will come later in the week.

Among the golf equipment were accessories. One that caught our eye was the skin screen products. After my skin cancer issue I have become a bit sensitive to the issue. The product from SKIN screen golf is a SPF30 cream that is not greasy and stays with you. Individual packets are perfect for the golfer on the go. They don’t take up space in the bag and cover you in one packet.

We also found Sketchers golf shoes. The look is more traditional than you would think and if it has the sole of the original brand it might be just want we are looking for men and women. Robin liked them because they looked soft and comfy (her words).

One of the ICG sponsors, Veylik golf is introducing a wedge with conforming and non-conforming grooves. The Anthem wedge comes in right and left handed models although more right handed models than left handed, which is to be expected. The modified K grind on the sole make the wedge easy to hit out of the rough and well as hard pan. The non-conforming groove model will rip the cover off the ball.  The regular model is the same shape and size with a less aggressive face. Modifications by a professional to make it look good to the golfer will be easy if needed. check out the picture of the wedge faces you can SEE the difference.

I finally returned the photo bomb to our friends at Pure Grips. It is in the picture list.

There will be plenty of pictures, take your time look at them and let me know if there is anything you like or don’t like, want to see more of or don’t.

Now on to the most important part of the day. Supper! There are some other pictures not described in this article. The first one to find it and ask about it will get a Wilson C200 hat.

2016 PGA show trip, Day one ACCRA demo day

Thus it begins, The 2016 PGA show trip, Day one the ACCRA Demo Day.

Although not affiliated with the PGA show, other companies like to show off products to the folks who will use them properly. The Accra golf shaft company is a premiere golf shaft company producing high quality shafts only for professional club fitters. This company does not pay to have its product played on tour unlike most other OEMs and still finds a way to record wins and usage on the various professional tours and the Ryder cup. Some very GOOD golfers are playing this product. Come into the shop and find out who.

Today marks our 5th anniversary to this gathering and I have played with professional and award winning club fitters from England, South Africa, Canada, Germany, Spain and even Ohio. I have also played with tour reps and met outstanding media people such and Mike Stachura and Jim Auchenbach of Golf Digest and Golfweek respectively.  This year GolfWRX and multiple Canadian publications covered the event.

This year will be a year of change and positive progression, ACCRA announced its business dealings with KBS has come to an end however, a very interesting and energetic association has come to light with True Temper. This compilation looks to be a jump start to the season for both ACCRA and True Temper. The PFC (Professional Fitting Center) will see upgrades and other shafts that I personally like will be available to professional club fitters only. So, lots to take in and even more to investigate to see what we will bring you for the best golf and lower scores. This doesn’t mean KBS is out of business or we are stopping  usage of the product. All it means it change is in the air and it looks to be good for everyone.

ACCRA itself has expanded the irons shaft offerings for those looking for lower ball flight with great feel in the ISERIES TOUR shafts and has a lower launch high spin wedge shaft. Yes, I said low launch high spin. Closing out the iron shafts is the NEW ICWT shafts available in 85, 95 and 105g. Constant weight shafts for particular flight control.  The driver shafts are just as important and I found out the Fx series (my personal favorite) was the bestselling shaft of the year and will continue this year.  Another great feature of the shaft is personalization. You can get you name, a companies catch phrase, etc. etched into the shaft. The Tour Z saw a facelift with the TourZx. The Tour Zx is made in two models, one is a lower launch and lower spin where the second model is a high launching lower spin shaft. I was able to hit both the new Tour Zx and the concept series driver shafts. I have to say there are some real winners coming from Canada in the form of ACCRA shafts.

Look to see more of ACCRA at McGolf and look for your golf to get better and feel good.  

Nick gets some McTaylormades with the help of ACCRA and Lamkin

Remember Nick? He is the very strong golfer that I made some McTitliest blades with KBS C tapers and when frequency matched and bent to the right lie angle they replaced his gamers.

Now on an educated guess we went with the ACCRA FX 300 series shafts. These shafts are the culmination of all things good that ACCRA does. Dynamic matching, frequency matching on the different models of the same flex and S3 certification. Nick's swing is very aggressive however combined with a slight over the top move the flex can more to the swing speed and less to the actions of the swing.

We put the ACCRA M5 300 series in the Taylormade now McTaylormade driver fairway wood and the hybrid. I am sure he is hitting in his barn right now due to the snow storm descending on the area right now.  Lamkin crossline with a one wrap build up on the lower hand was the perfect call for comfort and control.

Thanks Nick for the vote of confidence. For the rest of you take a look and the new sticks for a very good golfer

2016 PGA Merchandise show

Its that time of the year when Robin and I make the annual journey to Orlando to walk ten miles of isles daily to see what the golf industry has to offer you the golfer and us the custom fitter and driving range operator. I hope we make it through the new snow fall coming out way. Last Year we had the pleasure of escorting Pat and Carlie to help scratch something off the bucket list.

We are also fortunate enough to attend the ACCRA demo day the day prior to the PGA spectacle. So keep in touch with the CLUBMAKER BLOG on www.mcgolf.net OR go to our youtube channel "mcgolfcustomclubs”. There will be plenty of both video and pictures.

If there is something special you want more info on just send an email to clubmaker@mcgolf.netor the youtube channel or answer this blog post. There is plenty to see and do while here for four days. Stay tuned.

 

Piretti TOUR ONLY putter at McGolf

Anniversary meets McGolf. For our anniversary Mrs McGolf decided to surprise me with another Piretti putter milled from a single billet of steel. However this time the Billet is German Stainless Steel and the putter is a model or should I style I have wanting for sometime. That is a center shafted blade like head with little offset and a regular midsized grip.

On the door step was found that very thing in a TOUR ONLY Piretti Putter and in the exact colors I go for. To commemorate the occasion I stamped my initials and our anniversary for 2015.

Thank You Mrs McGolf and I love You.

A Wishon Driver and Piretti Putter for another friend from W.V.

The father and son from West Virginia have had some great golf scores since receiving their new custom built golf clubs.

There is another son and he is quite the golfer too. Sporting a 120+ mph club head speed, a 2 handicap and a fantastic mental attitude. this young man will be a success at whatever he sets his mind too I am sure.

He hit the ball a country mile however in the wrong direction. Dad needed a better scramble partner than that LOL!. Turns out the current driver was a bit too long and much too stiff. Ryan has a very smooth transition with a late release but,,, he was aimed in the wrong direction when he took the club back.

Once we figured that out and made the driver shorter by 1/2 inch and installed the proper shaft the drives went to the direction needed with the quality if hit I wanted. 

Ryan is a tall young man and putts with a vertical stance. His unusually long putter worked but did not suit his eye. A center shaft blade like putter is the ideal set up for him and Piretti has just the model. The Ferrar was the ticket. cut to the proper length and bent to the proper lie with the very cool longer grip balances this putter to a tee. check out the pictures.

The Wishon driver with the UST VTS tourspx shaft and golf pride grip are sure to Ryan, The Piretti putter is made in the USA and the craftsman ship is hard to beat anywhere.

A Christmas Note from McGolf

T’was the night before Christmas and all about the Store.

All clubs are built and shipped, we have no more.

The fittings were done by the flightscope with care

In the hopes of better golf would soon be there.

 

All the golfers and the clubs snuggled up in their bags and beds

Dreams of lower scores and longer drives dancing their heads.

Robin with deli salads and me with smoked meats,

We had dinners to share that couldn’t be beat.

 

Then on our YouTube channel we rose such a chatter

Hoping followers from the Facebook page would look to see what’s the matter

Golfers found with either Wishon, Callaway or Piretti fit at McGolf their score did lower

While the attitudes of the golfing partners were very sour.

 

But what to wondering recommendations should appear

But the need for custom building for the new golf gear.

The swing and the equipment need to work together.

To make golfing memories for you to remember.

 

When golf club repair is the thing at the top of your list

Bring it to this jolly old elf so your next golf date won’t be missed.

 If a golf trip is in the plans and you most desire.

Stop by McGolf for golf balls, golf gloves and accessories for you to acquire.

 

The rest of the story is of the McCleery’s and a McGolf is a year in review

Hopefully from the rest of the reading you won’t think a bunch of Ballou.

 

The year started off great at the PGA show with Charlie and Pat.

Visiting with these two we love too chat.

A friendlier and caring pair you will not meet.

Then we had visitors from all over West Virginia to us is quite a feat.

  

We had golfers from between Charleston and the Greenbrier

They helped spread the word of McGolf a custom equipment higher and higher.

Ryan, Michael and Jace is the latest family that drove that far

After a little more practice it sounds like Jace will be shooting PAR.

 

We visited San Francisco to see Travis Watson and Cate.

Leaving was the only thing we hate. That family has a lot on their plate.

Shane is in Columbus with Bekah in a new domicile.

It is very nice and the two are a cute couple but the neighborhood is not my style.

 

Robin and I are proud parents of both couples that can be seen

We would like to see them more often if I had to come clean.

Nick and Erin act like a brother and sister and make great four legged greeting pair.

But when they steal my seat, on my patience they tend to wear.

 

McGolf was awarded the top 100 clubfitter for the third time in a row.

To me this award is for the work Robin and I both Sow.

This year our customers came from 3 hours away from places like Cleveland

But even more came Texas, Kentucky and West Virginia to give the best customer service is our plan.

 

To all of our friends that visited McGolf, asked questions on the clubmaker blog from site, liked our YouTube channel and follows us through the Facebook page.

May you have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year as we plan even more people to engage.

We hope nothing but the best for you and your family.

 

Jim and Robin

 

 

P.S.

I didn’t know where it would fit in the words above.

When the facetime ring tone sounds and Watson says NANA, is the time Robin most loves.

 

Removing the Right side of the Fairway for Bill

Bill is a great level headed golfer looking for a little something from his irons. During the iron fitting we found his current irons were 2 entire flexes more flexible and too long causing control and consistency problems.

Bill responded well to the RECOIL shaft and the Wishon 771 heads and the Winn Jumbo grips We added the Winns to absorb some shock, made the flexes stronger and the club length a bit more short than the original set.

After a swing correction and clubs that were the proper length in 3/8" increments not 1/2" increments, the proper lie angle, flex and so on, Bill has eliminated the right side of the fairway.

Thanks Bill