Rediscovering My Golf Game: A Path to Better Performance in 2025

As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of golf, I find myself at a crossroads. At 48, with a demanding career as a sports reporter and the responsibilities of fatherhood, my golf game has seen a dramatic decline. Despite my experience, I struggle to find time to play, averaging only about 20 rounds a year. The reality is that my job often takes precedence over practice and play, leading to a game that feels like a train wreck. But rather than resigning myself to this fate, I’ve decided to embark on a journey to rebuild my game and redefine my golf experience in 2025.

The Challenges of Time and Skill

With a travel schedule that keeps me away from the course more often than not, I must confront the skills I once possessed. The last six years have been a tough journey, characterized by declining ball-striking abilities and speed. I’ve developed bad habits that only serve to compound my struggles, reminding me of one crucial truth: golf is hard. However, there’s a glimmer of hope I cling to—every now and then, my skills resurface, and I find joy in my game again.

A New Direction: Brand-Agnostic Choices

In crafting the ideal golf bag for 2025, I made a conscious decision to step away from my previous affiliation with Callaway. As the director of gear for Golf, it’s essential for me to analyze equipment objectively. The first big takeaway from my journey is to embrace change. This year, I explored clubs and equipment without bias, focusing on what would truly align with my personal gameplay. Each choice aims to enhance my experience on the course, making golf more accessible and enjoyable, even amid life’s unpredictability.

Adapting to My Game with Wisdom

Age and experience have taught me valuable lessons that directly impact my game. Although my handicap sits at 0.8, I no longer have the same capacity to play to that level consistently. Realizing this, I’ve adapted my equipment choices to better suit my current capabilities. Once a strong long-iron player, I’ve transitioned to hybrids and more forgiving drivers to ensure I can still compete effectively. This acknowledgment of my current skills has been liberating, allowing me to make smarter equipment choices.

Embracing Loft for Consistency

One of the more surprising revelations from my journey has been the importance of loft in achieving consistency. I’ve learned to favor clubs that prioritize control over distance. A fitting session with Lucas Bro at the Titleist Performance Institute taught me that leeching into loft can provide a more reliable strike and better shot shape. As I crafted my new set, I made sure to favor clubs that provided more manageable lofts, reminiscent of specifications from nearly three decades ago.

Speed and Equipment Changes

With age comes inevitable physical changes, including a decrease in swing speed. Although I was never a long-driving powerhouse, my average has significantly dropped. Recently, I turned to the Titleist GT2 driver, which provides a delightful combination of speed and forgiveness. Its neutral center of gravity and advanced face design promise to help me reclaim some of that lost power while maintaining control—a crucial balance for anyone looking to elevate their performance.

The Ball That Changed Everything

Among my many discoveries, the Titleist Pro V1x ball emerged as a standout. Despite a longstanding loyalty to another brand, testing the Pro V1x made me recognize its unparalleled feel—a critical component for short game performances. The response from my wedges with this ball is unique, reminiscent of the exhilarating control I experienced with balata balls during my early days. It’s an unexpected revelation that signifies the importance of choosing the right golf ball for enhancing overall play.

Building a Comprehensive Bag

In reconstructing my golf bag, each selection aims to improve not just my scores but also my overall enjoyment of the game. From clubs to grips, my goal is to create a tailored experience that elevates my performance. Here’s what I’m sporting in my bag for 2025:

• Ball: Titleist Pro V1x 2025.
• Driver: Titleist GT2, 9° at 8.25 (D1 setting).
• 3-Wood: Callaway Ai-Smoke TD at 14°.
• 5-Wood: TaylorMade Qi35 at 18°.
• Hybrids: Ping G440 4H and 5H.
• Irons: Titleist T150 (6) and T100 (7-PW).
• Wedges: Vokey SM10 50/12F, 54/08M, 60A+.
• Putter: Odyssey JailBird DBL.

Each piece of equipment has been thoughtfully chosen to suit my current skills, fostering a sense of confidence on the course.

The Journey Ahead

Looking ahead, I aim to take this new bag of goodies and rebuild my game step by step. My goal is to play the best golf of my life in my 50s, which hinges on both physical preparation and mental acceptance of my limitations. I want to increase my baseline performance so that even my worst rounds remain enjoyable and rewarding. This focus will serve to enhance my love for golf and lead to both spirited competition and camaraderie on the course.

Conclusion: Ready for the Challenge

At present, I’ve already played 12 rounds in 2025, achieving a mix of scores that reflect the ups and downs of a golfer rediscovering their stride. From the highs of 71 to the lows of 83, I embrace every moment on the course, knowing that each round is a step toward improvement. Golf is an unpredictable journey, and while luck certainly plays a role, it’s also a testament to the patience and determination that every golfer must cultivate. Here’s to the struggle, the laughter, and the eventual triumph on the greens!