Podcasts
On Spec: Swing weight is overrated
A deep dive into one of the most talked about but truly misunderstood aspects of club building: swing weight. What it really means, and why it isn’t the end all be all for a set of clubs.
Check out the full podcast on SoundCloud below, or click here to listen on iTunes or here to listen on Spotify.
In this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, we dive into one of the most interesting flatstick releases of the year with a full review of the new TaylorMade SYSTM 2 putters. After spending time on the greens, I break down what makes this design stand out, where it performs, and why it has me completely torn between loving it and fighting it. If you are into feel, alignment, and consistency, this is one you will want to hear about.
We also take a look at some of the putters in play on the PGA Tour last week. From familiar favorites to a few surprising setups, there is always something to learn from what the best players in the world are rolling with under pressure.
To wrap things up, I walk through the process of building a set of JP Golf Prime irons paired with Baddazz Gold Series shafts. From component selection to performance goals, this is a deep dive into what goes into creating a unique custom set and why this combo has been so intriguing.
I break down my first top 10 zero-torque putter rankings for 2026. From the biggest names in the category to a few under-the-radar surprises, I dive into what makes each of these putters stand out and how they performed. I have used every one of these putters on the list, both in practice and on the course.
Talk about feel, consistency, forgiveness, and of course, whether zero-torque technology actually delivers on its promise to help you start more putts on line. If you have been curious about making the switch or just want to know which models are leading the pack this year, this episode has you covered.
Did your favorite putter make the list?
In Episode 49, the boys chat with Johnny Thompson, a longtime Callaway Golf employee. Johnny has worked in some great roles within the company, including years as a Tour Rep for Odyssey and Callaway. He has spent time on the LPGA Tour, Champions Tour, and PGA Tour and is now working as the Tour Content Manager for the company. JT is a fun guy and someone that is very knowledgeable in the clubfitting and Tour worlds.
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Rich
May 22, 2019 at 3:21 am
Swing weight is a huge deal for me. Too low and I find myself coming over the top. Too high and I can’t feel or control the club.
D2 in my irons (4I – GW), D6 in my SW and LW. All are single length (Wishon Sterling). Also D2 in the hybrid. D5 in the driver and 3W.
In the irons I’ve gone as far as D5 in one direction–too heavy and hard to control–to C9–counterweighted with Boccieri Secret grips. Couldn’t feel them at the top. D2 is right for me.
I’m interested in switching to graphite shafts in the irons for both lighter weight and less vibrations, but I’m not going to switch from Wishon Sterlings. I don’t know how they’ll react to getting the swing weight right and I may not be able to do it.
Skip
May 21, 2019 at 12:45 pm
This guy just lost all credibility. Dismissing a feel characteristic in a feel game. smh. It’s not the difference between being able to hit the ball or not, but a club “feeling” better is a big deal.
Mf
May 20, 2019 at 7:25 pm
Anybody who dismisses any part of how anything is measured, ever, should just quit now and go away
Steve
May 20, 2019 at 3:14 pm
Admittedly, I have not listened to the audio, but I do know one thing: my transition from steel iron shafts with 105+ gram weight to graphite with one-third less total gram weight in the shafts is the most difficult (and regrettable) equipment adjustment I have ever made. If that is not what this podcast is about, then I’ll crawl back to my cave. In short, swing and total weight are a big deal and always have been — at least to my knowledge and experience.
Get-outta-here
May 20, 2019 at 2:26 pm
So if golf is a game of feel and swing weight is a measurement of how the club FEELS in your hand, then how is swing weight overrated??? Swing weight also plays a big role in keeping a person in tempo. I agree with Alex above. Prob not even worth wasting the time to listen to this.
Alex
May 20, 2019 at 2:12 pm
Funny thing for me swing weight is the MOST important thing. Especially in woods, on more than one occasion i have gotten drivers in the D6 range and could not hit a ball with it and then changing out the weight to a more manageable D2ish would be night and day difference.
TC
May 20, 2019 at 2:53 pm
I couldn’t agree more with Alex and after spending 40 years fitting, to me swing weight balance is absolutely the most important factor in making good clean contact and I couldn’t disagree more with this editorial it is absolutely wrong. When I fit anyone I warm them up with their clubs and adjust the swing weight balance on their clubs and they always get at least 10 yards more and pure strikes as opposed to they don’t have a clue where their head is at the upper transition and cant close nearly as well. I hate to disagree with Ryaqn Barath but this one we couldn’t be farther apart on and I really think he needs to go back and do some more research because swing weight is the most important aspect in club fitting and I agree 110% with Alex’s comment, swing weight balance is a very personal thing but it must be correct or you are loosing major distance and control
Bruingolf04
May 20, 2019 at 2:05 pm
Would love a “TLDR” or perhaps “TLDL” on these audio posts. Don’t always have time to weed through listening. Interesting subjects, poor execution on keeping people engaged.
Mike
May 20, 2019 at 11:30 am
Because it takes hours (or days) to transcribe audio for you. The ROI isn’t there.
Golf101
May 20, 2019 at 6:43 pm
Days? Phones have a talk to text feature and even if they didn’t it wouldn’t take days lmao.
Rob
May 20, 2019 at 10:50 am
I agree about the transcript
Scratchscorer
May 20, 2019 at 10:22 am
Maybe I am in the minority but I come here to read about golf. If I wanted to watch or merely listen I could go on YouTube or find a podcast. I don’t get why the conversation can’t be transcribed so I can read it at my own pace.