Off Course is back this week with a fantastic show and this is episode 245. Hosted by Dan Edwards, each Friday he gives you a deep look into the world of golf and equipment in a way unlike any other podcast has done before. Today, THP Legend Michael Vrska from Callaway Golf joins the show to discuss fitting and adjustability.
It wouldn’t be Off Course without some tangents, but Dan and Michael dive into many topics including the clear trend in putters and putter fitting along with managing knowledgable golfers while being fit. This show has a lot going on and is one you will not want to miss as Michael Vrska goes Off Course.

Episode 245 is here and Dan and Michael discuss the following topics.
Walking Through the Bag
The Trend in Putters and Putter Fitting
Finding the Right Blend at the Top
The Adjustability of Elyte Hybrids
Managing the Golfer that has Knowledge
And so much more
You can listen to the show right here, Apple Podcasts or anywhere you do your listening and downloading from. Search for the Hackers Paradise and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode. After listening, come back over and drop us a note below on what you agree and/or disagree with from the episode. If you get a chance, drop us a review wherever you listen from and let others know what you think of the show and/or channel.
Off course is now available in video as well. Tune into the THPGolf YouTube Channel and jump into the video and watch the interaction rather than just listen between Dan and his guests each week.
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[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 13026890, member: 56094″]
I am a first year hybrid convert this year specifically because of the new adapter. It’s been eye opening. 4i has (and was after the first swing) been kicked out of the bag
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what setting are you in?
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 13026885, member: 56094″]
[USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] I am absolutely shocked you don’t have TiFs in your bag yet!!
[/QUOTE]
Honestly, I’m shocked and disappointed in myself. But…
[IMG alt=”Ghost Im Busy GIF by Power Book IV: Force”]https://media3.giphy.com/media/v1.Y2lkPWJjY2ZjNTNjeWl3YnUwNjgzbWsxdzJ2NjBhemdyY3AzdmFkdW1vbzA3ZGJ5eGRjMCZlcD12MV9naWZzX3NlYXJjaCZjdD1n/gZBmZXVWMIGlFN0sTs/200.gif[/IMG]
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 13026890, member: 56094″]
I am a first year hybrid convert this year specifically because of the new adapter. It’s been eye opening. 4i has (and was after the first swing) been kicked out of the bag
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Fighting the good fight.
[QUOTE=”Hawk, post: 13026906, member: 1193″]
Fighting the good fight.
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I was dead set on 4 irons for years. This year, I’m one happy camper so far
[QUOTE=”Muchmore, post: 13026917, member: 56094″]
I was dead set on 4 irons for years. This year, I’m one happy camper so far
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I know your point of reference is smaller, but you picked the right one based on what you’ve said about your miss and needs in that spot. The combo of high flying and the rejection of the pull/hook miss is real.
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 13026658, member: 65357″]
D____________7, 8, 9, PW, GW then fill in the blanks.
Interesting……?
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This is the way. I feel like my shitty golf brought me to the forefront of bag building early.
I’m still kinda hung up on fitting, not that I don’t believe it. There just seems to only be a few steaks in a world of hamburgers.
Just got done listening and man I always like hearing [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talk golf and club fitting. Love the talk about talking to the fitter about what you need from a golf club and how you use them vs. worry about the number or loft of the club.
Also love the talk about putter fitting and how it’s harder to say it’s going to help because even if you get fit into the right putter you may not make more putts due to bad reads or bad speed. I have been working on start line hitting at home on my putting Matt hitting between two candles a foot in front of me. I need to figure out some more practice I can do on the putting green, feel kinda lost when I go out there and just putt around, not sure if I’m getting better or just wasting time (I have downloaded to Tour Putt app and am reviewing thier training stuff to try to get some ideas).
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 13027156, member: 65357″]
I’m still kinda hung up on fitting, not that I don’t believe it. There just seems to only be a few steaks in a world of hamburgers.
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I’d love for you to expand on this. It’s weirdly relatable in a lot of ways, but maybe not in the same ways.
What has happened to make you arrive at this conclusion?
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 13027220, member: 2320″]
I’d love for you to expand on this. It’s weirdly relatable in a lot of ways, but maybe not in the same ways.
What has happened to make you arrive at this conclusion?
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Well, I guess like in a lot of things with golf, there’s no “standard”. So compare an experience at ECPC to Dick’s Sporting goods. Apples and oranges, but both are fruit.
I was out of golf for a while so it’s gone from tape and boards to radar. Huge difference, same salesmen.
Hearing some experiences makes me wonder how much is left on the table. In other words, how much control does the OEM have? Is the guy at Club Champion as thorough as a Callaway rep or is he just trying to hit a number on the screen to make a sale? Could the Callaway guy have put him in the perfect set up but it was missed because CC guy just didn’t know enough about the Callaway equipment?
I don’t understand a lot of it and am way too analytical and probably why I’ll never be really good at golf. But I can get your greens a 12 if you like. ?
Maybe it’s just not that complicated.
I’d pay good money for a full analysis of my bag . Here’s what you’ve got, here’s what it’s doing, here’s why, here’s some options that could help. And the putter stuff, I’d be in there for days.
[QUOTE=”Bosco…, post: 13027425, member: 65357″]
Well, I guess like in a lot of things with golf, there’s no “standard”. So compare an experience at ECPC to Dick’s Sporting goods. Apples and oranges, but both are fruit.
I was out of golf for a while so it’s gone from tape and boards to radar. Huge difference, same salesmen.
Hearing some experiences makes me wonder how much is left on the table. In other words, how much control does the OEM have? Is the guy at Club Champion as thorough as a Callaway rep or is he just trying to hit a number on the screen to make a sale? Could the Callaway guy have put him in the perfect set up but it was missed because CC guy just didn’t know enough about the Callaway equipment?
I don’t understand a lot of it and am way too analytical and probably why I’ll never be really good at golf. But I can get your greens a 12 if you like. ?
Maybe it’s just not that complicated.
I’d pay good money for a full analysis of my bag . Here’s what you’ve got, here’s what it’s doing, here’s why, here’s some options that could help. And the putter stuff, I’d be in there for days.
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I completely understand where you’re coming from.
What I’ve gathered over the last couple decades is that there isn’t necessarily “the” product but “a” product out there for everyone. And it requires being married to a shaft that suits your swing timing and tendencies to land you in a good window.
Without a shadow of a doubt, a quality fitting WILL shave strokes, and make golf easier for pretty much every golfer. Finding that fitting shouldn’t be as hard as it is sometimes (based on what I had to listen to last night anyways), but the chase is what should drive us all to at least try.
Always an incredible listen. The talk on the differences between GC Quad and Trakman was the best breakdown I have heard. I’ve always noticed my clubhead speed a little lower on the Trakman vs the GC so that made perfect sense.
The putter talk was really interesting. I was rolling the S2S well but seem to be struggling with distance control there. It helped with my right miss. I just added the Ai Versa 90 CH, hoping some toe hang could help with that miss but give me the distance control I want and have seen from a different model of the Jailbird.
[QUOTE=”Canadan, post: 13027452, member: 2320″]
I completely understand where you’re coming from.
What I’ve gathered over the last couple decades is that there isn’t necessarily “the” product but “a” product out there for everyone. And it requires being married to a shaft that suits your swing timing and tendencies to land you in a good window.
Without a shadow of a doubt, a quality fitting WILL shave strokes, and make golf easier for pretty much every golfer. Finding that fitting shouldn’t be as hard as it is sometimes (based on what I had to listen to last night anyways), but the chase is what should drive us all to at least try.
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Don’t disagree with that at all, and it’s certainly proven here. I need to get there for sure. Just got back from the course and feeling good about a couple of putters so we’ll call that a win for the day.
Odyssey 7’s, of course ?
Just finished this up. Super interesting to hear that he thinks the future of fittings is much more a la carte rather than sets. Makes sense to me, there are so many options now that no one really needs to bag a club they don’t get along with. You can get the distances you need in several different ways.
About half way through and really good so far. Had to hop in to say I appreciate the side Seinfeld reference when he was talking about his driver (it’s real and it’s spectacular).
[QUOTE=”Misike, post: 13028200, member: 19212″]
About half way through and really good so far. Had to hop in to say I appreciate the side Seinfeld reference when he was talking about his driver (it’s real and it’s spectacular).
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I’m glad I wasn’t the only one laughing!
??
Great episode. Loved the insight on fitting, and can’t wait to hit the Elyte fairways.
I listened this morning.
Then followed [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] listening.
And i have this strange curiosity to see if 5 strikes can happen
I thought it was a good listen. Once I get my new irons and figure out that 5i distance and trajectory, I am going to revisit that space between irons and driver. I am ok there off the tee, but don’t think I have a club I can hit that would carry and Hold a green from 200+
I really enjoyed the discussion regarding the Elyte Hybrids and adjustability. I know more about this than I did this morning. That’s a good thing for me today. Increase overall knowledge about golf equipment by spending some time listening to Off Course today.
[QUOTE=”JB, post: 13028298, member: 3″]
I listened this morning.
Then followed [USER=1193]@Hawk[/USER] listening.
And i have this strange curiosity to see if 5 strikes can happen
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I feel like at some point we have to find out.
Such a good listen. Love all the fitting talk.
Was a fantastic listen. I’ve only hit the Elyte hybird once so far but I’m very much liking what I’m seeing. I’m excited to spend some time dialing it in this season, and then hopefully getting to pick [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER]’s brain come December.
Great episode. I loved the hybrid talk. After trying random hybrids for years, these Elyte ones are the first that I seem to become able to hit. I may abandon the 5 and 6 irons this year if this continues, and roll with hybrids.
and [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER], your presence on the forum helping us out with advice and info if very appreciated!
Got this one downloaded for the plane ride to Briggs!
Fantastic listen gents! Thanks for taking the time for us [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] [USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] !!
Finally got a chance to listen to this one today. Great listen and great information. I think I will dig out my old 2 iron and give it another go just for fun.
Finally got some time to listen to this after the kids are asleep and man this was a GREAT episode that covered a lot. Really enjoyed the hybrid discussion having had the chance to experience the hybrids myself this year. Between the optifit 4 and moveable heel/toe weights, you can really get to the flight and shot shape you want so anyone who’s been hesitant to go hybrid, the Elyte is the one to take the plunge.
So finally getting to listen and I couldn’t help but laugh when [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] said the 5W is kicking his UW out of the bag and that’s exactly what happened with me yesterday. He mentioned he hasn’t had a 5W in quite sometime and this will be my first ever. Too funny.
I’ve had the same wondering thoughts. With the Elyte fairways so easy to hit, I don’t think this is a bad move. I hit the UW fine but tend to leak it a little more fade-y than I prefer at times.
[QUOTE=”jdtox, post: 13026163, member: 5944″]
I feel like [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] is speaking directly into my soul
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Same. He chimed in for a quick chat about putting and then some of my recent posts about fitting experiences hit pretty close to home on this podcast. The preconceptions about hybrids hooking and the need for an open mind was another thing. The hook is always rattling around somewhere in my head. I might need to listen to this a few more times so it sinks in.
This was a good listen. I especially enjoyed the segment on fitting and going in ‘knowledgeable’. That was a timely thing for me to hear.
I’ve had a couple of iron fittings the last month. I really try to ‘go along for the ride’ with the fitter. I don’t want to let my preconceived notions drive the session. But I’m learning the hard way that it’s a balance. Ultimately, it’s my money. You have to speak up about what’s important to you or ask the questions you want to ask.
In the first fitting, I was pushed towards the Ai200 and Ai300 as the fitter assumed I wanted to stay with a forged club like my ZX5s. I really wanted to try the Elytes…but didn’t speak up about it.
We used the Mizuno Shaft Optimzer at the beginning of the session – but never hit two of the shafts that were in the top 3…I really would have liked to try them.
I also think while Trackman numbers are great…..I could have spoke up more about what I know about my game. I’m a high ball hitter who doesn’t generate a lot of spin with my irons. It works for me because my decent angle can hold the Bermuda greens we play here. Well meaning fitters have chased down options that provide more spin. I realize I need to speak up and let them know I’m not as worried about that.
It was also spot on about the batting cage approach. I’m bad at ‘chasing numbers’. As I said in another thread, this is dangerous for me and irons. How it hit irons off grass is completely different than what shows up in a Trackman off a mat. I’ve bought two sets of irons the last three years because the numbers in a fitting bay were optimal….and they were nowhere close to it on grass.
[QUOTE=”e1iterate, post: 13028749, member: 21958″]
So finally getting to listen and I couldn’t help but laugh when [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] said the 5W is kicking his UW out of the bag and that’s exactly what happened with me yesterday. He mentioned he hasn’t had a 5W in quite sometime and this will be my first ever. Too funny.
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[QUOTE=”JTinMO, post: 13028932, member: 68067″]
I’ve had the same wondering thoughts. With the Elyte fairways so easy to hit, I don’t think this is a bad move. I hit the UW fine but tend to leak it a little more fade-y than I prefer at times.
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I’ll have them in hand in a couple of weeks they said so I’ll get some time to tinker and test em out. But yesterday on the range for my fitting they were stupid easy to hit.
Was able to catch up on this episode driving home yesterday, it was a great listen.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] & [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talking about bag make up was so good. Identifying an issue, then looking for clubs to solve that issue is a great way of looking at it.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13042470, member: 22002″]
Was able to catch up on this episode driving home yesterday, it was a great listen.
[USER=2320]@Canadan[/USER] & [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] talking about bag make up was so good. Identifying an issue, then looking for clubs to solve that issue is a great way of looking at it.
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If there is ever someone I would trust to blindly build me a bag or clubs it would be [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER]
[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 13042493, member: 52381″]
If there is ever someone I would trust to blindly build me a bag or clubs it would be [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER]
[/QUOTE]
Thanks!
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[QUOTE=”baylrballa, post: 13042493, member: 52381″]
If there is ever someone I would trust to blindly build me a bag or clubs it would be [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER]
[/QUOTE]
I have a Elyte 4h that I put in the bag to replace an Apex 21 4H, and just set it up the same setting on the adaptor, but now after listening to this I want to tinker with the lie angle. I have also acquired a Paradym 6 Hybid to see it it would be a better fit for me than the Apex Ai300 5 iron. I would also let [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] blind fit me too.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13042587, member: 22002″]
I have also acquired a Paradym 6 Hybid
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[QUOTE=”PiratePenguin, post: 13042678, member: 2635″]
[IMG alt=”Jason Sudeikis Yes GIF by Apple TV+”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/3WCNY2RhcmnwGbKbCi/200.gif[/IMG]
[/QUOTE]
Can’t beat them join them….
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13042587, member: 22002″]
I have a Elyte 4h that I put in the bag to replace an Apex 21 4H, and just set it up the same setting on the adaptor, but now after listening to this I want to tinker with the lie angle. I have also acquired a Paradym 6 Hybid to see it it would be a better fit for me than the Apex Ai300 5 iron. I would also let [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] blind fit me too.
[/QUOTE]
As soon as I got done watching this one, I went to my bag and adjusted my hybrid based off the convo. Tee time for the weekend is set and I hope to put it through its paces.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13042699, member: 22002″]
Can’t beat them join them….
[/QUOTE]
6 hybrids…
[IMG alt=”Lifechanging GIF by The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”]https://media2.giphy.com/media/lv9z9OT5UN2sEA9Jvb/200.gif[/IMG]
After hearing @vgolfman say, “What is the first iron in your bag that you are comfortable hitting?”
The answer for me is 6 iron, but I’ve been carrying a 5 iron, so I got to thinking, let’s listen to him.
I’m pulling the plug on my 5 iron and putting this 6 hybrid in the bag, now I might have to tinker with shaft length and /or loft. But let’s start this experiment.
If I now have more Headcovers in my bag than an LPGA player, so be it.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13043279, member: 22002″]
After hearing [USER=24739]@vgolfman[/USER] say, “What is the first iron in your bag that you are comfortable hitting?”
The answer for me is 6 iron, but I’ve been carrying a 5 iron, so I got to thinking, let’s listen to him.
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I’m pulling the plug on my 5 iron and putting this 6 hybrid in the bag, now I might have to tinker with shaft length and /or loft. But let’s start this experiment.
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If I now have more Headcovers in my bag than an LPGA player, so be it.
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What’s the static loft on the Apex 6?
[QUOTE=”PiratePenguin, post: 13043295, member: 2635″]
What’s the static loft on the Apex 6?
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This?
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13043309, member: 22002″]
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This?
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Yeah. The TiF 7 is 30.5* and then I go to the 6h at 27*, super hybrid at 24*. Don’t have enough speed anymore for much more than that.
[QUOTE=”PiratePenguin, post: 13043321, member: 2635″]
Yeah. The TiF 7 is 30.5* and then I go to the 6h at 27*, super hybrid at 24*. Don’t have enough speed anymore for much more than that.
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I hope this gaps correctly with my 6 iron.
After hearing @vgolfman say, “What is the first iron in your bag that you are comfortable hitting?”
Love it! Keep me posted. Happy to help. And think about how cool you bag setup will be with all those headcovers!!
[QUOTE=”vgolfman, post: 13044439, member: 24739″]
L
Love it! Keep me posted. Happy to help. And think about how cool you bag setup will be with all those headcovers!!
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If it solves a problem then it doesn’t matter if I have a bunch of headcovers, my line in the sand is the ocho hybrid I’m not going there.
[QUOTE=”JDax, post: 13044468, member: 22002″]
If it solves a problem then it doesn’t matter if I have a bunch of headcovers, my line in the sand is the ocho hybrid I’m not going there.
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