I've Been Bitten By ...

... the golf bug. After much discussion over the past week of my debut performance at last Saturday's outing, I've been convinced by a committee of my peers (who perhaps see skins money in the making) that I should take up the game. Even my mother-in-law has gotten into the act, herself having been an avid golfer (and I've seen her trophies to attest).

I've received numerous tips from Darrell at work (who shot a 76 last Saturday, so I guess that makes him the resident "pro"), the most valuable being to go to Golfer's Warehouse here in Hartford. I did just that, last night, thinking I would just take a look at what they have.

Without further ado, I present to you, my fellow readers, my new golf clubs - the Tiger Shark TS 960 set. It's a entry-level set we got for $200 (early Christmas present), which made a great deal of sense to me. As the club consultant at Golfer's Warehouse said (either wisely, or knowing he might make future sales), there are two ways I could go ... either with a "set" like this, or go up in price for better clubs that who knows if I would ever get an ROI on.

However, I like the descriptions of the clubs (to which I've added a few notes):

Woods -

• Forged 420cc oversized driver with deep face and huge sweetspot (this may be like the Shroud of Turin - I've yet to see a "face" on this club)
• Lightweight graphite shafts for increased distance (I'm hoping this is "increased distance" for when I hit the ball, not throw the clubs in dismay)
• Oversized fairway woods with lower center of gravity for easy launch and solid contact (sounds suspiciously like technology used for the Space Shuttle)
• 1-3-5 woods with matching headcovers (it's very important that your headcovers match, I guess)

Hybrid -

• Easy-to-hit (this is a plus) hybrid technology
• Replaces #4 iron for smoother transition from woods to irons (I think this is what sparked the Industrial Revolution!)
• Lower center of gravity gets the ball airborne quickly (I hate when the ball just kind of floats up into the air) for maximum carry
• Tour quality steel shaft (I'll need that when I go on tour)
• Also includes matching headcover (I haven't actually found that in the box yet)

Irons -

• 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 irons, sand wedge, pitching wedge (batting helmet not included)
  
• Deep cavity design for maximum perimeter weighting effect and incredible forgiveness (I suppose that means these clubs will accept my apology for wrapping them around a tree?)
• Tour quality steel shafts for consistency from club to club (once again, watch for me on tour ... I'll probably be a caddy)
• Wide sole technology assures solid contact from any lie (I wonder if this covers lies about one's score?)

Putter -

• Expanded perimeter weighting for solid feel and contact (in case you mistake it for a driver, I guess)
• Putter alignment system for easy setup (I haven't found any way yet to setup the putter - it seems already put together)
• Steel shaft for positive feedback (I'm presuming it will give me compliments if I hit a nice putt)
• High-tech rubber grip (always a nice thing, since it would probably be uncomfortable with a low-tech steel grip, or one made from the outer skin of a cactus)

Package Also Includes -

• Lightweight stand bag with dual-sling strap for easy carry and transport (also a nice thing to have, so you don't have to just carry all the clubs around by themselves)

What the Tiger Shark Golf Company didn't advertise was that the box makes a very handy tunnel for cats to play in. This has been one of the most entertaining things about it, so far.

I think with clubs like these, I'll be out there like that guy Tiger Palmer in no time!