I was searching for something else--can't even remember what it was, now--and came across this place. From what I've seen so far, it was a happy accident.

I live in Pensacola, Florida, where hurricane Ivan ravaged the countryside, including half the golf courses. I'm approaching 50, started playing at 10, and have played, off and on, ever since. Was an assistant pro for a couple of years in the early 90s, was lucky enough to help put together a couple of 9-hole layouts in Montana in the mid-90s, got out of the business for the last 8 or 9 years, and came to sunny Florida looking to get back in to it.

Self-taught, my handicap was at one time 1, rose to about 4, and I'm in the process of bringing it back down at the moment. BTW, unless you have the time and inclination of someone like Vijay, it's my opinion that the best way to learn is professional instruction. If I had sought help instead of stubbornly going at it myself, well . . . .

I play with a set of Callaway S2H2 irons (circa 1988) because they seem to work about as well as anything else I've tried. My woods are components from Golfworks, who I think offer tremendous value on quality stuff.

Anyway, I'm glad I found this place and I look forward to discussing this amazing game with all of you.