A fitting way to improve your golf game

In last week’s column I described how Mizuno’s 3D Shaft Analyzer device helped Rehoboth Beach golfer Jayne Tamburello select a new set of irons to replace a 1998-era collection during the May 4 Demo Day at Rookery South.

I tested three of my own swings on the analyzer a few days later with the help of Rookery South club pro Chris Osberg. I used the Mizuno 6-iron with its attached measuring device, and the data uploaded to a Rookery iPad. The analyzer provides six reports that suggest the golf shaft and lie angle that will help create the best launch conditions for the way you swing.

Some of what we learned was a bit surprising.

The data showed that my 6-iron swing is more than 76 mph, not bad for a senior golfer. The next measurement was for tempo – how quickly a golfer transitions from the backswing to the downswing. My number was 5.67, faster than average. That suggests using a heavier and/or stiffer shaft to assist in timing.

Shaft Toe Down measures how much the club shaft bows down during the downswing. Mine was 6.33, again a bit more than average. Shaft Kick Angle measures how much the shaft bends forward during the downswing, and my 8.00 is also high.

The Release Factor measures how and when the club shaft releases its stored energy during the downswing. An early release suggests using a softer shaft tip, while a late release suggests using a firmer shaft tip above the club head. My number was 2.67, on the late-release side.

The analyzer data also suggested my shaft lie angle should be 1 degree upright compared to the stock option, but at Mizuno’s standard club length.

The combined data led to several shaft recommendations. The first was the Project X LZ 5.0 shaft, which weighs 110 grams. The second suggestion was for the C-Taper Light S shaft, which weighs 100 grams.  

Both shafts are steel, but I have used graphite shafts for years. The first graphite model to appear on the Mizuno list was in 12th place, the UST Recoil 95 R, whose weights vary from 90 to 96 grams in the club set. I currently use UST’s Recoil 660 F3s, which weigh 71 grams.

Mizuno stresses that its recommendations are just that – the next step is to test the various options and see how they feel and perform.

Summer FlingGolf League

The American Classic Golf Club is offering a new league for Cape Region golfers, using the new Swarm Flingstick to hurl golf balls from tee to hole (www.flinggolf.com).

League play began June 3 and runs every Monday through Sept. 16 at 7 p.m.; playing fees are $13 per week ($10 if you own your own FlingStick).

For more information, contact Britt Morrison at 302-703-6662.

Associa Cares seeks sponsors 

Associa is a community association and property management company that operates in the Cape Region and Ocean City, Md. area. It also runs a charity called Associa Cares, which provides disaster relief for families and communities.

The ninth annual Fore! Associa Cares Golf Tournament will take place Thursday, Sept. 12, at Bayside near Selbyville, and the company is actively seeking sponsors. Support levels are available in a wide variety of options, from a Wrap Party Food Sponsorship for $3,000 down to a placement of your business card in the event booklet for $100.

For more information, contact Chris Sites at csites@legumnorman.com, Lisa Meck at lmeck@legumnorman.com, or call 410-524-5577.

Cape Henlopen Senior Center Fundraiser

The annual Cape Henlopen Senior Center Fundraiser tournament will take place Monday, Sept. 23, at the Rookery South course in Milton.

The $100 player’s fee covers golf, cart, breakfast, a hot lunch, goodie bag and prizes.

The center is also seeking sponsors and auction items for the event, which supports the long-running senior service facility.

For more information, contact the center at 302-227-2055 and ask for Linda or Bobbie, or stop by 11 Christian St. in Rehoboth Beach.

Local club competition results

The Kings Creek CC Ladies 18-Hole group played a one best ball of four game May 30.

Donna Deely, Melanie Pereira, Susan Underwood and Francie Young won first place, followed by Gale DiBona, Tricia Ritthaler, Barbara Hines and Beth Cohen in second. Jean Chlastawa, Ruth Lauver, Karen Wilkens and Susan Griesemer finished third.

Ladies Day May 29 at Rehoboth Beach Country Club used a Team Stableford Quota Point format.

Elise Coar, Barbara Collins, Beth Forbes and Reagan Roberts won first-place net, with JoJo Barrows, Ann Cunningham, Pris DeSena and Sharon Emerson taking second.

Daisey Hudson, Carole Medd, Kim Stockson and Gayle Truitt won first-place gross. Hudson won closest to the pin on the fifth hole, and Pauline Porter won closest on the 15th.

The Kings Creek CC Ladies 9-Hole League played one best ball of threesome May 29, with pairings based on ABCD rankings.

Kathy Nave, Sue Eisenbrey and Tina Brown won first place. Sandy Neverett, Rita Musi and Mary Beth Morella (blind draw) took second. Lesley Corydon, Bernie Reid and Sue Eisenbrey (blind draw) finished third.

The Mulligan’s Pointe Ladies played a Throw Out game June 4, where the worst three scores are tossed from the total.