LIVE UPDATE THREAD 2019 The Grandaddy with Callaway Golf

[mikeg_74]

It’s something that’s taken for granted, but fitting day is/was huge for these guys. That’s arguably imo when the nerves or anticipation are pretty high and can wreak havoc on swings. Each year I noticed guys struggling on fitting day because nerves didn’t allow them to have their best swing so they spent a lot of time trying to find their swing at the detriment of getting fit. This costs the guys valuable time and it was one thing I guarded them against prior to the event. I told them you cannot get to fitting day trying to find a swing. You’ll get frustrated, lose time, but most importantly you’ll settle on equipment bc the fitter has to fit to what they are seeing to help you play golf the next two days.

I’m beyond happy to report all 12 of the guys had amazing fitting sessions. There were some bad swings, but each guy brought their gameday swings and got fit for exactly what works for their games. No one settled, let me repeat that, No One Settled when it came to the equipment they have and that is huge for an event like this.

the best fitting I saw, and this isn’t taking away from anyone else, was the fitting for @NoShanks Bc he was dialed in pretty early and made the fitters job really easy. He was hitting it so good that the fitter moved him out of the pro model irons into the Apex MB’s.....Yes Apex MB’s!

I don’t think I had a bigger smile on my face than at the end of fitting day. All the guys got exactly what they wanted bc they brought their best swing that day & were rewarded for it

 

[ArmyGolf]

It’s something that’s taken for granted, but fitting day is/was huge for these guys. That’s arguably imo when the nerves or anticipation are pretty high and can wreak havoc on swings. Each year I noticed guys struggling on fitting day because nerves didn’t allow them to have their best swing so they spent a lot of time trying to find their swing at the detriment of getting fit. This costs the guys valuable time and it was one thing I guarded them against prior to the event. I told them you cannot get to fitting day trying to find a swing. You’ll get frustrated, lose time, but most importantly you’ll settle on equipment bc the fitter has to fit to what they are seeing to help you play golf the next two days.

I’m beyond happy to report all 12 of the guys had amazing fitting sessions. There were some bad swings, but each guy brought their gameday swings and got fit for exactly what works for their games. No one settled, let me repeat that, No One Settled when it came to the equipment they have and that is huge for an event like this.

the best fitting I saw, and this isn’t taking away from anyone else, was the fitting for @NoShanks Bc he was dialed in pretty early and made the fitters job really easy. He was hitting it so good that the fitter moved him out of the pro model irons into the Apex MB’s.....Yes Apex MB’s!

I don’t think I had a bigger smile on my face than at the end of fitting day. All the guys got exactly what they wanted bc they brought their best swing that day & were rewarded for it

I love this!

 

[mikeg_74]

I didn't have my best swing during the fitting. By a long shot. We spent the majority of time on iron shafts. Jumping back and forth. I managed to make decent enough shots to the point where my typical shot showed up and we realized that we had to find something that would allow me to lower launch with a shaft that is stiff enough for me, but not rear.

I'm not going to lie, I thought I'd walk out of there with Apex Pro's. Just launched them too high with too much spin. The new irons I have lowered my launch and saw a more consistent launch window. They are great. I'll have to see what kind of numbers I get when I'm out there in my own element. I suspect that when I'm swinging free and not nervous, the clubs will be longer. If that's the case, I may buy a set AW and just shift the bag makeup from 4-pw to 5-AW. Just need to cover my yard gaps after all.

read my post, I was there for a big chunk of your swings, when you settled down, you hit the numbers you needed and had a great fitting. you didn’t struggle as much as you think. Once you settled in you made some great swings dude.

 

[Qwkz51]

Thousands of THP members followed the Grandaddy proceedings from afar, and a few of us decided to take up a collection so that we may contribute something to the 2020 event. We now have a 2 figure R&D budget which is growing , and expect to contract with a third part engineering firm which will use the latest AI, advanced materials, and manufacturing processes to develop the world's first tech-loaded-game-changing-iron-covers.
Sorry I am not able to show you our early prototype drawings. Not even JB has access to the small group working way behind the scenes at THP

 

[Phil75070]

Did everyone get the clubs they were fit into? Tomcat mentioned some clubs as "subs" for 2020 product that wasn't available. Any shaft changes from what you were fit into, different shaft, weight or flex?

 

[TRyan]

Not much green on that board

 

[Snickerdog]

So I slept pretty good last night, went to the dining room and there was no huge warmer full of sliders waiting for me. none of my brothers looking like they had been thru the ringer from the nest all hungover. I miss that already.

 

[Misike]

I am loving these hole recaps by @LaQuintaLooper. What a memory! And it adds a whole new dimension to things. Outstanding.

 

[TRyan]

So I slept pretty good last night, went to the dining room and there was no huge warmer full of sliders waiting for me. none of my brothers looking like they had been thru the ringer from the nest all hungover. I miss that already.

The hangover is so real

 

[NoShanks]

You had another great par 5 birdie on the 13th. Long bunker down left off tee. Water from about 200 all the way to green on the right. Hit a big drive, only about 230 left to that back right flag. You thin hooked what looked like a 4 iron barely over those bunkers that are short left of the green and we found it pin high in the left rough inches from the cart path. You had 48 yards downhill, bunker and water passed the pin. Cut the legs off a great wedge shot, landed way softer than Lars and I expected and crawled to about 13 feet short of hole. We both agreed it was left edge and you had already triple tracked the ball for left edge before I even got there, so I knew it was going in. Perfect downhill speed center cut. Skillful shots under pressure of a tight match. Match went all the way to the 17th green. Took that high soft draw iron from 180 that Tyler hit off 17th tee to about 18 feet pin high right and his nice putt that slid by the left edge to finally close you out. Might have been 6 iron Tyler hit. Or he hits a high 5. Great finish to a fun match. ??View attachment 8917954

oh yeah I remember that shot! I hit my 5 iron from about 215 and over turned it bc I was nervous about the water. I knew I didn’t have much green to work with on the 3rd shot so I opened the face to flop high to land softly. I credit the help to the jaws wedge and the ball

that putt was perfect.

it was a hard fought And fun battle between @TylerSheanCG and me. I was 2 up at one point and it’s been up and down. I loved watching Tyler hit the ball, that guy can smash it. I tried to keep up with him and the new driver definitely helped me ??

 

[HarryPotter]

So I slept pretty good last night, went to the dining room and there was no huge warmer full of sliders waiting for me. none of my brothers looking like they had been thru the ringer from the nest all hungover. I miss that already.

The sliders exceeded the hype. Craving one or seven right now

 

[mikeg_74]

Did everyone get the clubs they were fit into? Tomcat mentioned some clubs as "subs" for 2020 product that wasn't available. Any shaft changes from what you were fit into, different shaft, weight or flex?

As you know some of the supply for new equipment is low right now during the fittings. So while the guys who were fit for the 2020 product will get them, but some had “substitutes” for the two days.

we have to remember these clubs are not launched yet and these guys are truly some of the first people in the world to hit these clubs let alone have them in their bags.

 

[zbeekner4]

Recap: Day 1 (Travel Day 1/2)

So I need to first give a HUGE shoutout to Penny and Carol. We had plans to fly out Monday morning but they recognized the nightmare of the impending snow storm coming towards New England and a possible delay or cancellation. So on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, these 2 made sure @clarkgriswold and I got out a day earlier on Sunday to avoid any issues. They even comped an extra room at the hotel since we flew direct to San Diego. This just absolutely blew me away!

So we both got to the airport with some time to kill, had some dinner in order to catch up, and waited for our flight. Jay is an awesome guy and I enjoyed getting to know him. Cool part is knowing how close he is to me. We will certainly be getting some rounds in together in the coming year! We arrived late into San Diego Sunday night but not to fear, our driver picked us up in style, and of course we made a stop at In-N-Out on the way to the hotel. At that point, I was just relieved we had made it out of the snow and into sunny Southern California.








Day 2 (Travel Day for everyone else)

Being on East coast time, I woke up at 430 almost every morning. Plus it’s the grandaddy, there’s no time for sleep! We can sleep when we get home! @clarkgriswold and I killed some time going to a local golf shop to hit balls and pick up a few items from CVS that we needed. As we got back to the hotel, the rest of the guys started to arrive and it was like seeing old friends, despite never having met anyone prior! Once everyone arrived (minus @radiman, although he was with us in spirit), we all went to grab some California burritos at Filibertos (same as a regular burrito but has fries inside) recommended by none other than Luke Williams. Burritos were delicious and close to the water in Encinitas so we got a chance to walk down to the cliffs and check it out before the grandaddy festivities begun later that afternoon.




After getting back to the hotel, we boarded our shuttle to go to Callaway HQ where we had to sign non-disclosure agreements. Many know this part well but for those who don’t, we get a full access pass to pre-release equipment and gear but until the clubs are officially released, we are bound to secrecy. Very soon after signing, Mr. Jason Finley came out to welcome us and escort us to one of the Callaway film sets where we would spend about 2 hours listening to presentations of everything Callaway has coming in 2020. As we walked into the studio, there were 13 OGIO backpacks with each of our name badges attached. Badges were to not only identify our bag full of goodies but also for us to wear on-site for the next day or so.




Packed into the bag was Callaway and Travis Mathew apparel scripting for the next 3 days, 2 gloves, a “G” logo tumbler, a Callaway waffle towel, and a Jaws wedges t shirt.



Now I wish I could tell you guys all about the presentation but you’ll have to wait till next year for all that. I can say that what we did hear is going to be a huge hit this coming year. Yes I understand that sounds like a marketing campaign and it’s easy for me to say that since I just got all new clubs from them but what Callaway is doing with Artificial Intelligence is going to continue to revolutionize the golf industry for years. Trust me when I say this: if it’s not the best or not going to beat out what’s available or the competition, Callaway won’t sell it. It’s that simple. There’s SO much coming down the pipeline and after getting fit and playing these clubs for 2 days, I can say the new stuff is legit. Back to the fun...

After the presentations, Penny Muetzel (Callaway employee who also started her own candle business) came in to tell us that she made custom handmade “Hideaway” candles that were scented blueberry and lemonade just for us. Such a unique surprise and something I’m very excited to use to take me back to the desert and sipping on those perfectly made drinks. Finley also revealed that we’d all be getting 2 dozen limited batch Grandaddy logo golf balls in addition to 2 dozen other balls to put in play the next 2 days. He also mentioned that if these weren’t enough for 2 rounds, then maybe you should just go home. ? As if that wasn’t enough, we were also given the choice of any Smathers & Branson “Flash” needlepoint belts. I grabbed a navy one!





To finish the night, we went and had BBQ and some beers in the Callaway cafeteria and got a chance to mingle with all of Callaways staff.

Getting access like this doesn’t happen anywhere else folks. Dinner ended and after all of us got back to the hotel, we sat in the lobby and played catch up with everyone. It was one of my favorite parts of the day - the camaraderie built between my fellow THP team members and Callaway.

 

[TRyan]

As you know some of the supply for new equipment is low right now during the fittings. So while the guys who were fit for the 2020 product will get them, but some had “substitutes” for the two days.

we have to remember these clubs are not launched yet and these guys are truly some of the first people in the world to hit these clubs let alone have them in their bags.

It really is crazy... I remember back at the OG Grandaddy, before the clubs even got delivered to the course, the only Apex Iron they had in LH was one they used for a Promo Shoot with Phil Mickelson.

That was the iron I hit during my fitting hahaha

 

[McLovin]

Did everyone get the clubs they were fit into? Tomcat mentioned some clubs as "subs" for 2020 product that wasn't available. Any shaft changes from what you were fit into, different shaft, weight or flex?

there were several audibles due to availability. @TylerSheanCG is compiling a list to get people their fitted clubs/components. some guys are going to end up with two different sets of irons! callaway goes so far above and beyond it’s ridiculous.

 

[NoShanks]

The sliders exceeded the hype. Craving one or seven right now

for sure! I looked in to see how they made it so I can try to make it at home. I know it’ll never taste the same but damn I am going to be craving them all the time!

 

[DG_1234]

Recap: Day 1 (Travel Day 1/2)

So I need to first give a HUGE shoutout to Penny and Carol. We had plans to fly out Monday morning but they recognized the nightmare of the impending snow storm coming towards New England and a possible delay or cancellation. So on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, these 2 made sure @clarkgriswold and I got out a day earlier on Sunday to avoid any issues. They even comped an extra room at the hotel since we flew direct to San Diego. This just absolutely blew me away!

So we both got to the airport with some time to kill, had some dinner in order to catch up, and waited for our flight. Jay is an awesome guy and I enjoyed getting to know him. Cool part is knowing how close he is to me. We will certainly be getting some rounds in together in the coming year! We arrived late into San Diego Sunday night but not to fear, our driver picked us up in style, and of course we made a stop at In-N-Out on the way to the hotel. At that point, I was just relieved we had made it out of the snow and into sunny Southern California.

View attachment 8917964

View attachment 8917965

View attachment 8917967


Day 2 (Travel Day for everyone else)

Being on East coast time, I woke up at 430 almost every morning. Plus it’s the grandaddy, there’s no time for sleep! We can sleep when we get home! @clarkgriswold and I killed some time going to a local golf shop to hit balls and pick up a few items from CVS that we needed. As we got back to the hotel, the rest of the guys started to arrive and it was like seeing old friends, despite never having met anyone prior! Once everyone arrived (minus @radiman, although he was with us in spirit), we all went to grab some California burritos at Filibertos (same as a regular burrito but has fries inside) recommended by none other than Luke Williams. Burritos were delicious and close to the water in Encinitas so we got a chance to walk down to the cliffs and check it out before the grandaddy festivities begun later that afternoon.

View attachment 8917969

View attachment 8917980
After getting back to the hotel, we boarded our shuttle to go to Callaway HQ where we had to sign non-disclosure agreements. Many know this part well but for those who don’t, we get a full access pass to pre-release equipment and gear but until the clubs are officially released, we are bound to secrecy. Very soon after signing, Mr. Jason Finley came out to welcome us and escort us to one of the Callaway film sets where we would spend about 2 hours listening to presentations of everything Callaway has coming in 2020. As we walked into the studio, there were 13 OGIO backpacks with each of our name badges attached. Badges were to not only identify our bag full of goodies but also for us to wear on-site for the next day or so.


View attachment 8917972

Packed into the bag was Callaway and Travis Mathew apparel scripting for the next 3 days, 2 gloves, a “G” logo tumbler, a Callaway waffle towel, and a Jaws wedges t shirt.

View attachment 8917973

Now I wish I could tell you guys all about the presentation but you’ll have to wait till next year for all that. I can say that what we did hear is going to be a huge hit this coming year. Yes I understand that sounds like a marketing campaign and it’s easy for me to say that since I just got all new clubs from them but what Callaway is doing with Artificial Intelligence is going to continue to revolutionize the golf industry for years. Trust me when I say this: if it’s not the best or not going to beat out what’s available or the competition, Callaway won’t sell it. It’s that simple. There’s SO much coming down the pipeline and after getting fit and playing these clubs for 2 days, I can say the new stuff is legit. Back to the fun...

After the presentations, Penny Muetzel (Callaway employee who also started her own candle business) came in to tell us that she made custom handmade “Hideaway” candles that were scented blueberry and lemonade just for us. Such a unique surprise and something I’m very excited to use to take me back to the desert and sipping on those perfectly made drinks. Finley also revealed that we’d all be getting 2 dozen limited batch Grandaddy logo golf balls in addition to 2 dozen other balls to put in play the next 2 days. He also mentioned that if these weren’t enough for 2 rounds, then maybe you should just go home. ? As if that wasn’t enough, we were also given the choice of any Smathers & Branson “Flash” needlepoint belts. I grabbed a navy one!

View attachment 8917977
View attachment 8917978
View attachment 8917979

To finish the night, we went and had BBQ and some beers in the Callaway cafeteria and got a chance to mingle with all of Callaways staff.

Getting access like this doesn’t happen anywhere else folks. Dinner ended and after all of us got back to the hotel, we sat in the lobby and played catch up with everyone. It was one of my favorite parts of the day - the camaraderie built between my fellow THP team members and Callaway.

Well written including great detail, thank you

 

[Dartgod]

and we were insanely happy to learn of its return! so, who wants to get in?

 

[DG_1234]

Perfect response ! That meme gave me a flashback to my high school days........ when trying to talk to girls I saw that look often

 

[Phil75070]

That's terrific! The fact that Callaway would do that does not surprise me in the least!

 

[TRyan]

for sure! I looked in to see how they made it so I can try to make it at home. I know it’ll never taste the same but damn I am going to be craving them all the time!

I tried a few times, unfortunately they have some magic over there.. Plus the company adds to it haha

 

[mikeg_74]

Morning coffee to relive this thread.

A

 

[j_sizzle9]

Having iced coffee and thinking Grandaddy memories!

I can’t believe this is over, but time to start reviewing the gear that I can and get my reviews ready for the rest when the time comes.

 

[2BFAST]

I love when I sign in the next day and get into this thread and its 15 pages of catching up. So fun

 

[Golf Ghost]

Recap: Day 1 (Travel Day 1/2)

So I need to first give a HUGE shoutout to Penny and Carol. We had plans to fly out Monday morning but they recognized the nightmare of the impending snow storm coming towards New England and a possible delay or cancellation. So on the Sunday of Thanksgiving weekend, these 2 made sure @clarkgriswold and I got out a day earlier on Sunday to avoid any issues. They even comped an extra room at the hotel since we flew direct to San Diego. This just absolutely blew me away!

So we both got to the airport with some time to kill, had some dinner in order to catch up, and waited for our flight. Jay is an awesome guy and I enjoyed getting to know him. Cool part is knowing how close he is to me. We will certainly be getting some rounds in together in the coming year! We arrived late into San Diego Sunday night but not to fear, our driver picked us up in style, and of course we made a stop at In-N-Out on the way to the hotel. At that point, I was just relieved we had made it out of the snow and into sunny Southern California.

View attachment 8917964

View attachment 8917965

View attachment 8917967


Day 2 (Travel Day for everyone else)

Being on East coast time, I woke up at 430 almost every morning. Plus it’s the grandaddy, there’s no time for sleep! We can sleep when we get home! @clarkgriswold and I killed some time going to a local golf shop to hit balls and pick up a few items from CVS that we needed. As we got back to the hotel, the rest of the guys started to arrive and it was like seeing old friends, despite never having met anyone prior! Once everyone arrived (minus @radiman, although he was with us in spirit), we all went to grab some California burritos at Filibertos (same as a regular burrito but has fries inside) recommended by none other than Luke Williams. Burritos were delicious and close to the water in Encinitas so we got a chance to walk down to the cliffs and check it out before the grandaddy festivities begun later that afternoon.

View attachment 8917969

View attachment 8917980
After getting back to the hotel, we boarded our shuttle to go to Callaway HQ where we had to sign non-disclosure agreements. Many know this part well but for those who don’t, we get a full access pass to pre-release equipment and gear but until the clubs are officially released, we are bound to secrecy. Very soon after signing, Mr. Jason Finley came out to welcome us and escort us to one of the Callaway film sets where we would spend about 2 hours listening to presentations of everything Callaway has coming in 2020. As we walked into the studio, there were 13 OGIO backpacks with each of our name badges attached. Badges were to not only identify our bag full of goodies but also for us to wear on-site for the next day or so.


View attachment 8917972

Packed into the bag was Callaway and Travis Mathew apparel scripting for the next 3 days, 2 gloves, a “G” logo tumbler, a Callaway waffle towel, and a Jaws wedges t shirt.

View attachment 8917973

Now I wish I could tell you guys all about the presentation but you’ll have to wait till next year for all that. I can say that what we did hear is going to be a huge hit this coming year. Yes I understand that sounds like a marketing campaign and it’s easy for me to say that since I just got all new clubs from them but what Callaway is doing with Artificial Intelligence is going to continue to revolutionize the golf industry for years. Trust me when I say this: if it’s not the best or not going to beat out what’s available or the competition, Callaway won’t sell it. It’s that simple. There’s SO much coming down the pipeline and after getting fit and playing these clubs for 2 days, I can say the new stuff is legit. Back to the fun...

After the presentations, Penny Muetzel (Callaway employee who also started her own candle business) came in to tell us that she made custom handmade “Hideaway” candles that were scented blueberry and lemonade just for us. Such a unique surprise and something I’m very excited to use to take me back to the desert and sipping on those perfectly made drinks. Finley also revealed that we’d all be getting 2 dozen limited batch Grandaddy logo golf balls in addition to 2 dozen other balls to put in play the next 2 days. He also mentioned that if these weren’t enough for 2 rounds, then maybe you should just go home. As if that wasn’t enough, we were also given the choice of any Smathers & Branson “Flash” needlepoint belts. I grabbed a navy one!

View attachment 8917977
View attachment 8917978
View attachment 8917979

To finish the night, we went and had BBQ and some beers in the Callaway cafeteria and got a chance to mingle with all of Callaways staff.

Getting access like this doesn’t happen anywhere else folks. Dinner ended and after all of us got back to the hotel, we sat in the lobby and played catch up with everyone. It was one of my favorite parts of the day - the camaraderie built between my fellow THP team members and Callaway.

Wow. Amazing recap of the travel and day 1. Perfect sum of all of the post while it was happening.

Keep it coming!!