I’m never sure how relevant this is to our audience, but after all the reviews we write and opinions we provide, I figure our audience may be somewhat interested in what changes get made in the bag. Let’s be totally honest, most of the changes don’t HAVE to be made, but it’s just fun to have the new stuff. In some cases, however, I made some changes for performance improvement. Anyway, let me walk you through my bag to start the 2019 Golf Season.
New Driver!
When I reviewed the Callaway Epic Flash Sub Zero driver, I saw a lot of potential but needed more time with it. As time went on and I did more tinkering, I started to see some pretty serious performance. Now let’s be clear – there are some great drivers out there this year. I would argue this slot in my bag is the most susceptible to change as the year goes on. For now, I’ve settled into the Epic Flash Sub Zero pretty well and will see if it remains permanent.
VA Shafts Raijin Black
This one really surprised me. Not so much because I didn’t think it would be a great shaft, but because of how much I’ve loved the VA Drago in drivers for the past year. Following my testing, I spent a little extra time with the VA Raijin Black in my driver and started to see some pretty big shots. There’s a catch though. The Drago is a little more forgiving and I feel like I can’t really have an off day with the Raijin Black. With the Raijin Black, if I’m not swinging well or with enough speed on a given day, it’s going to be a battle. That said, if I’m ok, I’m getting some big distance numbers with tons of control unlike anything I’ve had in a long time. So far, I just need to figure out a good “miss” for days I don’t have it. Worst case, my trusty Drago is just a quick garage project away!
Tour Edge Exotics CBX 119 Hybrid
Prior to this season, I had never had a Tour Edge golf club in my bag. I’d hit enough before, but nothing ever stuck with me. I love what the brand is doing, and considered myself a big supporter (especially being local), but I just wasn’t bagging their clubs. Until now. It took two strikes of the golf ball with the CBX 119 hybrid out on the course to know I found the best hybrid ever. I love it for its strength, control, and lack of shot bias. I’m all in on this hybrid and think others should be too.
New 3 Wood!
I had been pretty happy with a two-year old fairway wood from another brand for awhile. Even with a few chances to try and knock it out of the bag, I always ended up right back with that old fairway wood. Well, given the success of the CBX 119 hybrid, I thought the Tour Edge Exotics CBX 119 fairway wood seemed worth trying. Initial testing went well, but I wasn’t getting the “mmph” I was looking for in a 3 wood. Again, given how well things were going with the CBX 119 hybrid, I knew there had to be more there. So I threw an ole faithful VA Drago in the CBX 119 fairway wood and we were in business. What I’ve enjoyed about this so far is that there is a ton of shot versatility and a lot of control. I can hit draws and fades, low and high, long and short. Most importantly, I can be accurate. This has been a great safety club with tons of versatility. Stay tuned, I may be adding a 5 wood as well.
Miura CB57 Irons
Yep, Miura makes the best irons in golf, blah, blah, blah. That’s not why I’m playing the Miura CB57 to start the season. I took a shot on these after some discussions with Chip Usher of Usher Golf where I explained I’m not the player I quite used to be and generally feel better over a nice compact muscle back, but also feel like I could use some help given the amount of golf I play (or don’t play for that matter). He suggested these irons based on a little forgiveness while still having a blade profile and tremendous feel. So far, I’d say he’s right, but there’s a lot of season left.
Miura Tour Wedge
The Miura Tour Wedge wasn’t in the plans for this season, but after reviewing it earlier in the year, I found it to be a little more user friendly for me and my ongoing wedge yips. We’ll see if it lasts, but so far I really like the sole grind and feel of this wedge when I’m hitting it well. I dropped a KBS 610 wedge shaft in it, and so far, I like what I’m getting out of it.
Scott Readman Concepts IKB2 Putter
This isn’t so much a change, but an affirmation. I had just put this putter in my bag VERY late last season and it remained to be seen if it would kick out my trusty SRC SWC blade. Well I wouldn’t say the SWC is kicked out, per se, but the IKB2 is firmly in place for now and I have a deep love affair with it. That, and I’m putting pretty damn well with it right now.
Sun Mountain 2019 4.5 LS Stand Bag
I didn’t see this one coming. The bag decision was made for this season, and my old Sun Mountain 2.5 wasn’t going anywhere, but then the ’19 4.5 LS came along and changed things. There’s excellent storage, durable components, and the weight is just right. So far I’ve been able to walk, push, or ride with this bag with no problems at all. Totally empty, the weight is fairly light so everything is good for carrying as long as you don’t obnoxiously load it down. I’m also all in on cactus green and orange.
A Backup Bag?!?!
Contrary to popular belief, I’m not the “backup bag” type. Many would disagree based on the sheer quantity of clubs laying around my house. Well, the competition for the gamer spot is tough this year so I’ve kept a few clubs quickly ready to go should I fall out with anything currently in play.
Backup Driver
So far, I REALLY like the Cobra KING F9 Speedback driver and have hit some of my biggest drives with it. The only thing lacking has been consistency, but it hasn’t been so bad that this driver is ruled out. Maybe a little more time and commitment to it and we’ll be good to go.
Backup Irons
While I’m currently playing the Miuras, the Cobra King Forged CB/MB will be nipping at their heels almost constantly this season, trust me. I REALLY like these irons a lot but so far the Miuras have played a little more forgiving for me. If they start acting up though, the Cobras are ready to strike. (Couldn’t help myself with that pun.)
Backup Putter(s)
Listen, if you’re a putter in my bag, you’re never safe. The two pictured above (Black BL-2 Prototype & SRC SWC) are two faithful warriors, but depending on what’s wrong with my putting, one of many could slip into this backup spot. Fortunately, I have developed a strong portfolio to refer to which leaves me rarely searching for something new.
2019 Golf Season
So there you have it. This is the gear I’m trying to stick with and hopefully shoot a few decent rounds with this season. Worst case, I’ll just have a bunch of blow ups and get that handicap up. Either way, it’s all good stuff and I’m pretty excited about having it in my bag. See you on the driving range…
