Smash Factory Indoor Classic # 1 ** Results **

[Ryan Hart]

It was a great event today, everyone had a great time.  We ran two events on the About Golf simulators.  We had the simulators set up as close to real conditions as possible, roughly 2 yards per mph ball speed if hit with optimal spin and launch angle.  Any drives that were over 2400 rpm did not have a chance.  Also there is a glitch on the About simulators, that a ball hit with less than 6 deg launch has un-realistic distance, we re-hit any balls with less than 6 deg launch to keep it fair.

Event 1

1st-   Glen Hutch           390 yds
2nd-  Shawn Robinson    389 yds
3rd-   Ryan Hart            372 yds
* Took a 382 yds+ to make the finals

Event 2

1st- Shawn Robinson     387 yds
2nd- Ryan Hart             374 yds
3rd- Mike Tymco           355 yds
* Tough event, took 391+ yds to make the finals, Glen and Greg missed out by less than a yard.

Look for Smash Factory Indoor Classic # 2 in March 2010, will probably be $20 a head, and a non cash event.


Ryan

[Ryan Hart]

Also a big thanks to Glenn, Shawn, Greg & Mike who all travelled from out of town (on icy roads, that were not recommended for Travel).

There was a small issue with the simulator not picking up some balls. Next time we'll get on a different one that has been more reliable for me in the past.

Ryan

[Idareya]

it was tough...i was seeded last in the second event with 385...

but it was great to hit again with all you guys....hoping for some better weather next time....would like to see more guys come out

[Ryan Hart]

it was tough...i was seeded last in the second event with 385...

but it was great to hit again with all you guys....hoping for some better weather next time....would like to see more guys come out

I noticed everyone had qualifying drive of 195+ mph too.  And on a machine that some say reads a little low, thats not bad at all.

[stirups99]

Jesse, Ryan, thanks for your efforts in putting this event together.  I've hit on virtual machines at several facilities, and this is by far, the best set up I've seen.  The event was a huge learning experience in terms of the importance of having strong launch numbers.  After the first event, after being about 40 yards behind, I was ready to pack up the clubs, and leave Robinson there with his winnings to find his own ride home.  Once I figured out how to manipulate my numbers a touch, I felt much more competitive.  I also learned that while I'm improving, I need some serious work on my ball striking.    

My highlight of the event has to be my BS record of 219 mph.  What's crazy is that this was extremely accurate.  When guys like Robinson, Hutch, Ryan, Jesse, and Mike, are only mustering 200 or so, hitting 219 was very rewarding.  

I'll definitely be making my way back to Red Deer for future events.  I really agree with the somewhat last minute decision to reduce the entry fee to $50.00 per event, and would support this moving forward, especially if we were able to fill the field.  I do however recognize that not everyone is in a position to drop $100.00 on an afternoon of hitting.

Congrats to all the winners.  You earned your cash.

Alright, I was going to leave the BS statement as is, but I realize I would quickly become Incepta Trash.  Obviously an error, but makes for a good story.


Thanks Boys.

Greg - Calgary  

[Beowulf]

And the ball speeds read pretty low so i don't think hitting it constantly over 200MPH is going to be a big concern. Only way to really hit it long on those is with a boring ball flight. Spin it and your dead.
  Kevin Blenkhorn

Hit the nail on the head Kevin!  The only way to fly it 380 (and, yes that is what it took to win each event), was to launch it at 12 degrees or less with 195 BS, and spin it less than 2000rpm.  Spin and launch is what this machine really looked at.  At this point, 390.0 yards was the max for the day, and no one saw anyone to be able to hit more than that.  4 bills was not going to be a reality.  I had a trouble with the machine picking up my balls that I crushed!  It sucked, but I did get a re-hit.  I still don't know what the deciding factor was.  I know once I moved the tee over, it did help (but then I hit the wall with my backswing).  But, I did not get ONE of my balls that I absolutely killed to register.  That was definitely disappointing.  I know I've heard from a few sources that >200MPH BS does this, but we did see 3 or 4 >200MPH+ BS's that day.  So, not sure.  Maybe 205+ is the problem??  Tough to say, since most of mine were ~190-199..........But, again, those were not pured, just hit well.

The 1st competition was the best, b/c we were all just trying to kill it.  Then, during the 1st part of the 2nd event, Mike hit a hard LOW shot that registered a 2.3 deg launch, this produced a VERY weird result.  403 yards!  I was up next during the qualifying.  So, I thought I'd try to hit a REALLY low shot just to see if it "worked".  Sure enough.......4.5 deg launch, 203 BS and 401.  So, I tried it again.......same thing.  400.5 yards and didn't even hit it good.

So, we made a rule after that, that during the finals, no one could hit it under a 6 degree launch for the win.  That helped quite a bit, but you could tell everyone (me included), was trying to hit it "just" low enough so that it got you a good result, but not too low to break our rule.  LOL.  It was tough though, b/c not everyone could manipulate their ball flight like that.  So, I have to say the second event was not as fun as the 1st event.

I had a great time and would definitely do it again.  But, I still don't know about taking it down to $20 for the day.  Ask my wife.............if I am going to leave her for the day with both kids, I better come back with some spending cash for her, LOL.  After my entry fee for both events ($50X2=$100), then getting 2nd and 1st, I came away with $180-$100 entry = $80.  Minus food, drinks, gas (if I had to pay for it....thanks Greg!), then I came home with $20 in my pocket.  Not complaining by any means, but going all the way up there for the day just to hang out and hit balls...............I love it!  But, my wife does not, LOL.  Gotta have something to show for it................if I win.  It's like playing on-line poker for fun.............people just go all in a don't try.

How many other people (name names) would come if it were just for a day of fun with $20 per event.  Would we get 10??  Was money the deciding factor for everyone that did not show?  I remember a few years ago, we had 50+ people for district's...............where are all the people??  I can see how 100 per event might be a factor for people, but $50-$75 I don't think should be a factor.   

Shawn Robinson

[Hutch]

First off let me say thank you to Jesse and Ryan for putting on a great event.  Good guys to hit with and a great facility to hit in.  Somehow the wronghanders managed to do some damage in 12 ft simulators that i could park 2 trucks in. 

I agree with shawn that the first comp was the funnest, not just because I won it (only by half a yard I think), but because it was the fairest.  I was one of the guys that couldn't manipulate my ball flight to anything lower than 9 degrees so getting over 391 was not possible.  I bet that Blankenstein would have killed everyone with his simulator expertise.

As far as a $20 fun event it seems a little far to go for a fun hitting day.  If I had business to do in Red Deer then maybe but realistically the costs just don't add up.

I'm still not convinced of the accuracy of these sims even on good hits but the event was fun and if the rule was nothing lower than 9 or 10 degrees (none of this 219 bs off 2 degree launch angle stuff that I can't seem to produce) I would hit in a cash event again.

All in all good times and I look forward to the next event.

Hutch

[stirups99]

Hutch, interesting you indicated your preference for a minimum of 9 or 10 deg.  Of course we had to make a quick decision in setting an arbitrary 6 deg min, it worked out well for this event.  In my opinion, we need to consider the realistic minimum launch angle, under neutral conditions, that will produce a 400 yard drive, for example.

In other words, under neutral conditions, can a 6 deg launch angle produce a 400 yard drive?  How about 7, 8, 9 deg?  If it's not realistic to hit a ball 400 yards with a 6 deg launch angle, again under neutral conditions, the min needs to be moved up, as per Hutch.

Thoughts?
Greg

[Beowulf]

I don't think it needs to be moved up that much.  During the 1st event, I hit many normal shots that only had 9.1, 9.5, i9.XX trajectory.  Maybe 8 and above??  I know the ones I hit at 9.XX were in no way intended to hit low.  The 1st event was great, b/c no one knew the caramilk secret.  I still think most of my best balls were missed by the sim.  I never pured one that was read by the sim, and that was VERY frustrating.  Maybe moving the ball back some more would've helped, but I ran out of experimenting time.

I think we could just use one sim, and not use a warm-up sim at all.  Or, just book the wam-up sim for 1 hour??

Shawn

[Ryan Hart]

Hutch, interesting you indicated your preference for a minimum of 9 or 10 deg.  Of course we had to make a quick decision in setting an arbitrary 6 deg min, it worked out well for this event.  In my opinion, we need to consider the realistic minimum launch angle, under neutral conditions, that will produce a 400 yard drive, for example.

In other words, under neutral conditions, can a 6 deg launch angle produce a 400 yard drive?  How about 7, 8, 9 deg?  If it's not realistic to hit a ball 400 yards with a 6 deg launch angle, again under neutral conditions, the min needs to be moved up, as per Hutch.

Thoughts?
Greg

I think I'm going to make the next one 8 deg launch minimum.  I just didn't see that many balls hit under 10 deg launch.

As far as money, we will have to see.  I will probably start a new thread with a a poll in March.  And let everyone respond.

The Choices could be:

1- I would attend the Event only at $20 fee.
2- I would attend the Event only at $50 to $100 fee.
3- I would attend the Event either way.
4- Glenn and Shawn win too much, I will not attend.


Ryan

[Beowulf]

I'll take # 2 and #4 

I agree, 8 is probably a nice # that no one can complain about.  Heck I had one ball that read a launch of 17 degrees, 1900 spin, 19X BS and it stopped 38X.  So, we do not have to launch it under 10 to get great results.  Most of Hucth's best balls were hit at 12 degree launch from what I remember.

Shawn

[Ryan Hart]

I'll take # 2 and #4 

I agree, 8 is probably a nice # that no one can complain about.  Heck I had one ball that read a launch of 17 degrees, 1900 spin, 19X BS and it stopped 38X.  So, we do not have to launch it under 10 to get great results.  Most of Hucth's best balls were hit at 12 degree launch from what I remember.

Shawn

My best were 10 -14 deg, its all about spin.   I was hitting it high on sunday, and so was Hutch, the sim might have missed one ball between us.  I do think the sim struggles with balls less than 10 launch, I noticed it missed alot of Mikes and yours, myabe a lower launch angle?

[cantputt]

   How about $1000 per ball but nobody tells Jamie about it!!!  Or how about a KP event as well  for a few bucks that way no one can say they ahve no chance of winning. Or do a small combo event. Hit a drive then a KP to 100 yards. You may hit it 400 but if you miss the green and the other guy stiffs it you lose. Just a few thoughts.
KB
 P.S.  And yes Hutch I would have destroyed you in the first event until you figured the machine out....lol!!   By the way Brenda and I will prob go for a drive your way over xmas to pick up my clubs let me know youe schedule.

[Beowulf]

I'll take # 2 and #4 

I agree, 8 is probably a nice # that no one can complain about.  Heck I had one ball that read a launch of 17 degrees, 1900 spin, 19X BS and it stopped 38X.  So, we do not have to launch it under 10 to get great results.  Most of Hucth's best balls were hit at 12 degree launch from what I remember.

Shawn

My best were 10 -14 deg, its all about spin.   I was hitting it high on sunday, and so was Hutch, the sim might have missed one ball between us.  I do think the sim struggles with balls less than 10 launch, I noticed it missed alot of Mikes and yours, myabe a lower launch angle?

Funny thing is, I am Launching it high these days.  I dunno.

But, man, am I EVER SORE today!  Thats what not hitting for 3 months does to a person, eh?  LOL

[Beowulf]

Maybe the settings I get from Neil @ phoenixgolfworks will work better??  Ben Witter and AG worked on these settings for Ben's machine.  Carl Wolter was on their and had no problems.  So, maybe just a few more tweaks??  Maybe teeing up 6-12 inches back might help the camera pick the ball up?

Shawn

[Hutch]

I'm certainly not one to complain.....openly....lol.  I'm fine with around 8 degrees, I just struggled to hit it as low as 10 degrees so I figured I would say what works best for me.

Just from the experience on the weekend I just don't think I could have hit it 400 yards.  389 seemed to be the magic number and I don't know how I got that ball to go 390 in the finals.  I'm not sold on the accuracy of the ball speed on simulator but I just can't imagine that for the number of balls that we hit with 190 - 204 mph ball speed with over 8 degrees of launch that stopped at 385-389. 

The 400's were all hit on extremely low launch, maybe some tweaking will help out.

Either way I had fun and would hit in another event, and I would choose option #4 but edit my misspelled name out because I didn't even make the finals in the second event, I think we either need to make Shawn practice more so we can beat him or make him hit in a smaller sim.

Kev I'll email you my sched for the holidays so you can get your gear.

Later dudes,
Hutch

[mtymk076]

I just want to say thanks for letting me participate with you guys on sunday, it was alot of fun! I really appreciate all the advice you guys gave me and Ryan you did a great job putting it all together. and ya that 403 yard drive that I registered was a lil odd I admit as well lol, I think a 8 degree launch angle would be good, the ones I didn't sky or shank seemed to be above that.

and Hutch thanks for letting me borrow that driver of yours, I hope I didn't damage the top of it with some of those sky balls I laced out.

The only issue I really had was teeing up the ball at comfortable heights on the mat, it was kinda a pain in the ass but o well.

Hopefully I can pick up some LD drivers and find some that suite me and I can hit well with so I can bring the heat next time haha I just bought a used Geek driver so we'll see how I swing with that. I'm just glad I didnt totally embarrass myself and I'll be glad to give my money away to Glen and Shawn again some other time haha.


Mike

[Ryan Hart]

I'm certainly not one to complain.....openly....lol.  I'm fine with around 8 degrees, I just struggled to hit it as low as 10 degrees so I figured I would say what works best for me.

Just from the experience on the weekend I just don't think I could have hit it 400 yards.  389 seemed to be the magic number and I don't know how I got that ball to go 390 in the finals.  I'm not sold on the accuracy of the ball speed on simulator but I just can't imagine that for the number of balls that we hit with 190 - 204 mph ball speed with over 8 degrees of launch that stopped at 385-389.  

The 400's were all hit on extremely low launch, maybe some tweaking will help out.

Either way I had fun and would hit in another event, and I would choose option #4 but edit my misspelled name out because I didn't even make the finals in the second event, I think we either need to make Shawn practice more so we can beat him or make him hit in a smaller sim.

Kev I'll email you my sched for the holidays so you can get your gear.

Later dudes,
Hutch

Ignoring the sub 3 deg launch hits, the top 6 drives for the day were:

390.2
390.0
389.9
389.4
389.4
389.4

Less than 1 yard, not sure if that was pure luck, or the sim.  But Glen your right about 390 being the magic number.  I believe they were all hit with 199mph+ BS, but at that speed I bet the sim can't pick up spin, so it uses a default number (2200 ish), thus making all 6 of those hits very close.  Next time I will try those cheap marked balls that are meant for the sim.


Ryan

[Riou]

And the ball speeds read pretty low so i don't think hitting it constantly over 200MPH is going to be a big concern. Only way to really hit it long on those is with a boring ball flight. Spin it and your dead.
  Kevin Blenkhorn

Hit the nail on the head Kevin!  The only way to fly it 380 (and, yes that is what it took to win each event), was to launch it at 12 degrees or less with 195 BS, and spin it less than 2000rpm.  Spin and launch is what this machine really looked at.  At this point, 390.0 yards was the max for the day, and no one saw anyone to be able to hit more than that.  4 bills was not going to be a reality.  I had a trouble with the machine picking up my balls that I crushed!  It sucked, but I did get a re-hit.  I still don't know what the deciding factor was.  I know once I moved the tee over, it did help (but then I hit the wall with my backswing).  But, I did not get ONE of my balls that I absolutely killed to register.  That was definitely disappointing.  I know I've heard from a few sources that >200MPH BS does this, but we did see 3 or 4 >200MPH+ BS's that day.  So, not sure.  Maybe 205+ is the problem??  Tough to say, since most of mine were ~190-199..........But, again, those were not pured, just hit well.

The 1st competition was the best, b/c we were all just trying to kill it.  Then, during the 1st part of the 2nd event, Mike hit a hard LOW shot that registered a 2.3 deg launch, this produced a VERY weird result.  403 yards!  I was up next during the qualifying.  So, I thought I'd try to hit a REALLY low shot just to see if it "worked".  Sure enough.......4.5 deg launch, 203 BS and 401.  So, I tried it again.......same thing.  400.5 yards and didn't even hit it good.

So, we made a rule after that, that during the finals, no one could hit it under a 6 degree launch for the win.  That helped quite a bit, but you could tell everyone (me included), was trying to hit it "just" low enough so that it got you a good result, but not too low to break our rule.  LOL.  It was tough though, b/c not everyone could manipulate their ball flight like that.  So, I have to say the second event was not as fun as the 1st event.

I had a great time and would definitely do it again.  But, I still don't know about taking it down to $20 for the day.  Ask my wife.............if I am going to leave her for the day with both kids, I better come back with some spending cash for her, LOL.  After my entry fee for both events ($50X2=$100), then getting 2nd and 1st, I came away with $180-$100 entry = $80.  Minus food, drinks, gas (if I had to pay for it....thanks Greg!), then I came home with $20 in my pocket.  Not complaining by any means, but going all the way up there for the day just to hang out and hit balls...............I love it!  But, my wife does not, LOL.  Gotta have something to show for it................if I win.  It's like playing on-line poker for fun.............people just go all in a don't try.

How many other people (name names) would come if it were just for a day of fun with $20 per event.  Would we get 10??  Was money the deciding factor for everyone that did not show?  I remember a few years ago, we had 50+ people for district's...............where are all the people??  I can see how 100 per event might be a factor for people, but $50-$75 I don't think should be a factor.   

Shawn Robinson

For me failure to attend was strictly due to timing and I will be in for March provided it is planned early enough and a date is provided so that people can adjust their schedules.  Before it is booked next time it might be worth finding out what dates in March don't work for people and then pick the best date from that.  For me I can say right now that March 6/7 weekend I am out, the rest of month is open.

As far as the $$$ thing, I agree that $20 is not enough to justify the distance or perhaps more importantly it may not be enough to get everyone's competitive juices flowing!  However $100 seems little high when there are debates around machine accuracy and manipulated launch angles.  $50/event may be a little more palatable if someone was to lose due to wonky results??