Cobra Fly-Z - Flyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

If you didn't catch the 'flyyyyy' reference in the teaser post a couple of week's back, here's the new addition to the bag. The Cobra -FlyZ driver.

Comes in Blue, Black, Red, Orange and White. I went with the White option (9* - 12*), ditched the stock shaft and paired it with my Graphite Design Tour AD Dj6 shaft.

More info here.

"We put the center of gravity of the Fly-Z™ lower and farther back than ever before, making it our longest, most forgiving driver yet."

 How's that for a tagline? 

The Fly-Z line feature three drivers.

The Fly-Z XL, FLY-Z and FLY-Z+ (which allows the golfer to 'flip' the weight and thereby adjust the centre of gravity - I honestly do not know how these things work).

Picture taken from mygolfspy.

Driving is one aspect of my game that comes and goes, so there's really no need to make my life that much harder on the tee box. 

So from the chart, I passed on the Fly-Z+ and Fly-Z XL (which I tried and I didn't like how huge the club head looked) and decided to go with the Fly Z instead.

I have used it less then 10 times over the last two weeks (missed golf last weekend cause I was under the weather) so I am still dialing it in. First impressions though were good. I like the design and the feel off the face felt good.

More details when I hit the course tomorrow so stay tuned. 

- UPDATE - 6 months in

First up, if you haven't read, the Cobra Fly-Z driver snagged MyGolfSpy's award for the most wanted driver in 2015.

So what do I think of it?
 
After gaming the Fly-Z for about 6 months, I can honestly say that I love it. For starters, it is forgiving and long. In terms of distance, I have picked up about 15-20 meters easy over my old Callaway Razr Fit driver. It's forgiving to hit and I don't lose as much distance on my misses (mostly slices). Plus, I love how it looks and sounds. 

The prices of the Fly z line of drivers, fairway woods and hybrids have been heavily discounted (Fly-Z driver - RM600+, Fairway Woods - RM400+, Hybrids RM300+ for the American Spec.) so if you need a new driver, now's the time to see what the hype is all over. And so what if it's going to be replaced next year? You won't find a better driver at this price. 

Lack of Etiquette

Now this interesting article on Golf Digest caught my eye.

It seems, the Swedish Golf Federation ("SGF") has banned a Swedish Golfer from playing golf, on any course in Sweden for ... 12 months! That's a whole year without golf! 

The reason for the ban? The golfer in question "hit a shot that struck someone's hand in the group in front of him." 

The golfer in appealing his sentence, reasoned that he had waited until the green had cleared before hitting the shot but the SGF upheld the penalty anyway. 

Curious just how far away the injured golfer was from the green, but serves the offender right all the same if you ask me. 

Well, there's always the driving range, simulators or playing abroad I suppose Hyuk hyuk.

Can you imagine though if such a thing happened in Malaysia? Pandemonium would erupt! 

Do you think the ban was too harsh a punishment?

Palm Garden Golf Club - We save the best for last

Palm Garden Golf Club ("PGGC") is touted as one of the best golf courses in Malaysia. But would it live up to its reputation? 

To be honest, I hadn't heard much about PGGC so I didn't have any expectations of what was in store. Although, if the green fees were any indication, we were in for a jolly good time.

In case the print is too small. The rates at PGGC are as follow:

Green fee for 18 holes : RM480.00 (Yowzaaa!)
Buddy twin share - RM110.00
Caddy twin share - RM80.00
Golf Insurance (compulsory) - RM5.00

Rates quoted are inclusive of GST.

Weekday green fees are much cheaper at RM280.00 for 18 holes of golf.

My first impressions were good. The club house looked new and had a modern design. It's when you step into the club house that you get a feel and appreciate the clever use of the space afforded.  

Using tiers and split levels allowed the PGGC to house several amenities including a driving range, swimming pool, cafe, pro shop, sauna, a ballroom and car park with ample parking. I particularly liked how it wasn't too far to walk from one place to the other. 

The reception area was carpeted, air conditioned and classy. It didn't take us long to register and it was off to the rest room next. At the risk of sounding cliche, the rest rooms were impressive. It was modern, spacious, very clean and had keyless lockers.

First time seeing a combination lock at a golf club. At least you don't have to worry about losing the locker key.

We were a 3 ball flight that hot and sunny afternoon and once settled into our buggies we were directed by our male caddies to the golf course. Before teeing off, we were each given a small bottle of mineral water which was nice. 

You could tell the course was well maintained. From the beautiful landscaping to the carefully manicured fairways, we were raring to go. Did I mention that it was 'buggy on course' too?

A water hazard way up in the hills with local feathered residents no less.

I can't say enough about the fairway conditions. It was a joy to hit from and I only wished that I found the fairway more often. 

The greens too were in very good shape. Green, consistently quick and receptive to spins (which was a joy to see for a social golfer). Bunkers too were nice and fluffy.

The course design too was a very good mix of flat / undulating terrain, elevated tee boxes and enough dog-legs and hazards to make it an interesting round of golf. Coupled with the landscaping, golfers were treated to lovely views throughout. 

Photo credit to Kenny, my kaki

It wasn't the most consistent of days (due to fatigue - watching the Maybank open in the early morning, golf in the afternoon etc) and so I blew a couple of holes but managed to redeem myself with a couple of pars in between. 

Perhaps the only bad part of our round was that it ended too soon. I can conclude no better then the last sentence from this excerpt off the PGGC website.

"...The Course is sand-capped and golfers will find there are lot of undulations, mounds and swales. A lot of natural boulders and rocks that were dug up were reused to add to the aesthetics of the design and it was worked out beautifully. When one plays here, they will feel that they are playing in another country."

Admittedly, I haven't played on many international courses (so I usually use Thailand as a benchmark) but I can honestly say, the PGCC is certainly up to par and ranks as a must play course in my books.

A goat shed next to the cafe at the club house, to commemorate the Chinese year of the goat.

And so, we move to the ratings.

Value : 5/5

It was a Saturday afternoon and my mate Kenny, was able to get me in on guest rates, so I paid RM195.00 (excluding caddy tips). Which I thought was crazy good value. 

Although, if I had to pay full rates, I would probably have chosen to play on a week day for starters. 

As mentioned, you do get a bottle of drinking water but for the full weekend green fee, I would expect some extra freebies. Perhaps more water, a face towel that kind of thing. But I am nitpicking really. 

Did I mention that the PGCC is probably the only course in Malaysia to allow a 6-ball flight? 

Staff : 4/5

The reception area was very inviting. The staff were quick and efficient so there was little waiting. I didn't notice any roving marshalls on the course, but traffic wasn't a problem. Our male Indonesian caddy was knowledgeable and hardworking. Didn't speak much english though, which wasn't an issue for us. 

Course Conditions : 5/5

I cannot say enough about the course conditions. The fairways were simply fantastic and the course was very well maintained all round. A kaki-golf first, but the PGCC gets a perfect score for allowing buggies on course. 

Aesthetics : 5/5

Beautiful well maintained landscaping and scenic views. Not much more I need to add.
 

Amenities : 4/5

It has everything a golfer would need. A nice club house, new modern changing rooms, well stocked pro-shop, a driving range and ample parking, just to name a few. Wish I had a chance to try out the food on offer at the drink hut or cafe though. 

Experience : 5/5

I am not getting paid for this review, honest. But it was truly an enjoyable experience playing at the PGCC and I would love to return again someday.

Whilst the weekend green fees may be discouraging, I would still say it's a 'must play at least once' course in my books. 

Total score: 28/30 

Templer Park Country Club

Ranked as one of the most challenging and scenic in the nation, it was time to check out the Templer Park Country Club ("TPCC").

Before our tee off, I tucked if for some lunch at TPCC's restaurant which offers Japanese, Western and local cuisine on its menu. Tried the Japanese Curry Omelet rice with shrimps which was pleasing to the palette. Food and beverage prices were notably pricier but that's to be expected.

I am informed that the TPCC is owned and managed by a Japanese company, which would explain the many Japanese golfers and pro-shop specializing in Japan-market offerings. 

In addition to the restaurant, the 18 hole course also has a driving range, practice putting greens, a golf academy, changing rooms with hot/cold jacuzzi and sauna. Although, I have been told not to use the changing rooms after dusk, don't ask me why.

TPCC is a championship course and features as a venue on the PGM (Professional Golf of Malaysia) Circuit. Current top ranked Malaysian, Danny Chia captured his first win of the 2015 PGM season here earlier in January.

There were plenty of golfers that afternoon so traffic was rather congested on the course.

The buggies at TPCC were in much better condition then Monterez for starters. What stood out though was the of the pin placement print out on the wind shield. Not something I expected to see but a nice touch all the same.

As we made our way to the first tee box, we were greeted by the iconic and majestic lime stone hills. Mother nature at its best.

It was quite cloudy at the time and we were caught in some light rain. But thankfully, the weather improved along the way.

The fairways, bunkers and green were well maintained and in good shape, so playing conditions were very good. In terms of design, there was a nice variety and mix in the course layout. i.e. flat terrain mixed with elevated tee boxes and greens with enough water hazards to make it interesting.

Talk about scenic views. 

The landscaping was beautiful. A very nice blend with the natural green surroundings and there were plenty of resident squirrels and monkeys too. 

Which led to an unpleasant episode with the flight of golfers behind us. But I rather not go into it. Shame it marred our experience some what. 

I have also heard plenty of 'stories' which I rather not get into as well. Suffice to say, better finish your round while there's still light.

Value : 4/5

It was a Friday afternoon and we each paid RM175.00 for green fees, buggy and caddy on twin share. This was excluding caddy tips. Good value imho. 

Staff : 4/5

The reception staff was quick and efficient so there was little waiting. The marshall too was very attentive and was busy directing the heavy traffic. Our female Indonesian caddy was knowledgeable and helpful too.

Course Conditions : 4/5

The course was in very good condition so it was an enjoyable round. 

Aesthetics : 5/5

Lovely landscaping which blended in perfectly with mother nature. The backdrop of the limestone hills and surrounding greenery provided very scenic views.  

Amenities : 3/5

The clubhouse looked a tad old but it was well equipped with a well stocked pro-shop, driving range, practice green and restaurant.There was ample parking as well. Did not check out the restrooms this time.

Experience : 2.5/5

I am nit picking here but it would have been nice if it was less congested. There were several instances where we would advance to the next tee box and the flight in front were either teeing off or waiting to. So there was a fair bit of waiting around. Wasn't expecting such congestion on a Friday afternoon. 

There was also the unpleasant episode with the flight behind us.

But that said, I would definitely play at TPCC again in future. 

Total score: 22.5/30