Golf Club Suggestions

[ChiShankCity]

I've tried to pick up the game the last couple years. I'm definitely a hack... But curious what equipment other golfers use. My clubs were given to me maybe 10 years back and I've been told they're "players clubs" and I should look into getting equipment that's more suitable for my skill level/potential. But I've also been told that it's the player, not the equipment (which I more believe).

Regardless, if I were to search for new clubs, is there something I should be looking for?

I'm currently using Hogan Apex Grind Irons. Really thin blades, think they were made in the early 90's. Feels great when I hit it sweet, but if I really shouldn't be playing with them, then that's a problem.

 

[WhatTheHeel?]

If you get some with brightly colored shafts, they'll be easier to find in the trees or water after you throw them.

 

[ChiShankCity]

Ditch the blades. In addition to being more difficult for the average player to control, the ball has changed so much that blades from early 90s are very different than blades today in terms of center of gravity, etc.

Depends on how serious you are about improving or if you're just looking to have more fun but I recommend getting fitted for game improvement irons and woods. Move into more advanced clubs as you improve. Taylormade, Titleist, Callaway, Mizuno all offer larger-face, more-forgiving clubs. A buddy of mine that is starting to get into low 80s just bought some Mizuno forged 900s and says they're really helping improve his game.

I play a lot. My 4 handicap has gone up to 6 after jacking around and changing my release a couple of months ago but starting to come back. I'm playing Taylormade M2 Driver and 3 wood, Titleist hybrid, Titleist AP2 4-6 irons, Titleist CB 7-PW irons, Vokey 50,54,58 wedges, Scotty Cameron 009 putter.

Also, if you really want to get better, start spending a lot more time practicing chips and pitches. You'll find a sharp short game will really free up your long game.

I'd like to get solid. I kind of started late compared to many of my peers. But I've had major back surgery in the past so my mobility is probably a bit limited.

It seems like getting custom fitted is the way to go.

Any recommendations on what to look for in a lesson?

 

[TarHeelNation11]

Any recommendations on what to look for in a lesson?

Boobs.

 

[coryfly]

I play the following...

Callaway Great Big Bertha Driver (Project X 6.5 shaft)
Callaway Diablo Octane 14* 3 wood
Callaway Big Bertha 3 Hybrid (play it to 18*)
Callaway 4-PW Apex CF 16 irons
Titleist Vokey SM5 Wedges (60 and 52)
Oddysey White Ice 2 Ball Putter

I'm decent but not great. I play to a 10.4 right now but expect that to get into single digits as the swing changes I've been working on for about a year have really started to set in.

I would suggest something with interchangeable shafts as a driver if you don't get fitted. You can get shafts relatively cheap. I just went to a extra stiff shaft in mine last week and it made a huge difference. I played Saturday and went from hitting about 40% of fairways to hitting 10 out of 13. I think the shaft is crucial in a driver.

For irons, I would get something in the game improvement but not super game improvement category. I have been playing the Mizuno MX 300 irons for years until I just got these Callaways. My Mizuno irons had regular flex shafts though and I really increased my swing speed over the last year. You can find a set like that relatively cheap. I actually just sold them on Ebay for around $140 and paid 800 when I had them fitted a few years back. (I'm actually having an issue with the guy who bought them because he bought them and thought they had the Dynalite shafts on them when they had the Dynamic Gold R300. I was clear in my listing that I only remembered they were regular flex. Anyway, he is trying to get Ebay to make me pay for him to send them back and give him a refund, which is complete BS. I've talked to Ebay on the phone and don't think there will be an issue (at least according to the person I spoke to that looked at the sell). However, if I do have to give him a refund I'll have a hell of a set you can buy pretty cheap and know are legit if you want them. The plan was to just put them back on Ebay anyway if I get them back.)

Regardless, for irons I would really advise against going with something in the super game improvement category. The technology is so good now there are game improvement irons that have all the distance you need but still play like a players iron unless you are just a really good golfer who needs a true players club. Like jco said, get rid of the blades, haha.

For wedges, just get something good. I've playing Mizunos and Cleveland and Titleist and have liked them all. Love these Vokeys though.

I would go somewhere and just hit putters. I was dead set on these particular Oddysey putters and actually liked this White Ice one better (and it was cheaper) so went with it. I do think it is important to figure out whether or not you put in an arc or straight back and through and get a toe balance or face balanced putter accordingly. You can google that or ask ITT if you don't know and we can tell you. Maybe others will disagree and not think it is important though.


As for improving....

Jcolucci is dead on IMO with pitches and chips. When I was at my best I was around a 6 HC and the reason was I spent a ton of my range time just dailing in distance from 100 and below. I would work on hand position on the grip (choking down) and opening the face for different distances. It helped tremendously. I'm a big high ball floppy wedge player though so opening the face is a big thing for me, which is why I only have to wedges. Many people don't think this is best way to go though.

I also am a big fan of continually looking at different pieces of advice online and incorporating it into my swing. Basically thinking about your own swing, making notes of things to try and spending time at the range doing it. It has taken time but got me to a place where I am really comfortable and my swing is taking off in a big way right now. Lessons are obviously great if you can swing it. I would suggest asking around for a pro that works with principle based teaching more than a guy who teaches one specific swing though. I think video taping your swing is the best thing to do outside of a teacher though, which is super easy with today's technology.

Anyway, I love talking golf so let's get this thread going. There are other better players (jcolucci is one who already has) who will chip in here as well hopefully.

 

[coryfly]

Yeah, golfwrx is great. Often when I google some idea I'm thinking of the threads it brings up are from there and the discussion is really good. www.thehackersparadise.com is another good one for that.

 

[ChiShankCity]

I'm pretty happy with my improvement. I had a massive slice last year, but if anything now I hook the ball a little to much... So I can tell my path is improving, but any remote bit of consistency has gone away. I was a big hip swayer and that's been the hardest thing to control while getting the shoulder rotation.

I think part of the issues with my clubs is mentally, I don't have a ton of confidence in them so I never go into a shot expecting to catch it flush.

But at the same time, it will be a big hit to my ego if I invest in a good set of clubs and don't really see any improvement, which is what I think will happen because I'm guessing my poor play is me 98%, the equipment 2%.

Anyway, I enjoy playing golf and talking about it... Still getting around to watching it, but I'm one of those people where the players need to be interesting for me to watch so it's rough without Tiger... But this would be a cool place to come with ideas, stories, suggestions.

 

[coryfly]

Regardless of what advice you get you have to just stay with it and practice. There will ups and downs. Sometimes some pretty terrible lows. It is an extremely difficult game. The most difficult game to play in terms of just being decent and consistent at whatever level you are at.

You may get frustrated with new clubs as they aren't going to solve anything but they will help. Unless you are a low single digit HC you shouldn't be hitting blades IMO. Not just for consistency but you won't get the distance out of them unless you are hitting them just right. You just won't realize it until you hit something else. I bought some blades back when I got to around a 6. Sold them quick.

 

[grillheel]

I am not as good a golfer as these guys; I'm more of a bogey golfer. I played old Callaway S2H2 irons for about 20 years until my wife gave me new irons for Christmas this past year. I am playing Callaway XR irons now that are more forgiving I think, but it has taken me awhile to get used to them. My driver is Callaway Great Big Bertha and my fairway metals are old Callaway Warbirds.
Sand Wedge is an old Callaway Big Bertha too and my putter is an old Taylormade TPA. As you can probably tell, I don't change clubs much; I've always been in the "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian" school of thought. However, I am considering changing out my sand wedge and fairway metals within the next year. @SJung851 , you may consider going somewhere like Dick's or another big golf dealer to hit different clubs before you buy.

 

[coryfly]

I am not as good a golfer as these guys; I'm more of a bogey golfer. I played old Callaway S2H2 irons for about 20 years until my wife gave me new irons for Christmas this past year. I am playing Callaway XR irons now that are more forgiving I think, but it has taken me awhile to get used to them. My driver is Callaway Great Big Bertha and my fairway metals are old Callaway Warbirds.
Sand Wedge is an old Callaway Big Bertha too and my putter is an old Taylormade TPA. As you can probably tell, I don't change clubs much; I've always been in the "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian" school of thought. However, I am considering changing out my sand wedge and fairway metals within the next year. @SJung851 , you may consider going somewhere like Dick's or another big golf dealer to hit different clubs before you buy.

I had Mizuno MP wedges and loved them but they were illegal for competition as of this year (or last, can't remember) so had to get new ones. Most wedges that are more than a few years old but not ancient fall into this 'illegal' category I think. I just ordered an XR 3 wood and am excited about trying it out. I've heard the XR line is great.

 

[jbradsh1]

I love Callaway products! Have an EPIC driver and 3wood in the bag. Titleist 915 2 hybrid, Callaway 2016 XR 4 hybrid. Irons are the Callaway Apex 16 CF with Titleist vokey M grinds as my wedges. Putter is last year's Odyssey two ball (can't remember the name). Had my handicap down to a 5, but doing some swing rebuilding now so at a 9 and working my way back down.

 

[coryfly]

I love Callaway products! Have an EPIC driver and 3wood in the bag. Titleist 915 2 hybrid, Callaway 2016 XR 4 hybrid. Irons are the Callaway Apex 16 CF with Titleist vokey M grinds as my wedges. Putter is last year's Odyssey two ball (can't remember the name). Had my handicap down to a 5, but doing some swing rebuilding now so at a 9 and working my way back down.

Do you like the Epic? I bought a Fusion and hated it but always wanted to try the GBB and am glad I sold the Fusion and went with it. I love it.

 

[jbradsh1]

Love the EPIC...may even like the 3wood just a little better than the driver! Definitely helps with those shots that you don't hit pure. I'm intrigued by the EPIC irons, but close to $2k for those...freaking crazy!

 

[grillheel]

I love Callaway products! Have an EPIC driver and 3wood in the bag. Titleist 915 2 hybrid, Callaway 2016 XR 4 hybrid. Irons are the Callaway Apex 16 CF with Titleist vokey M grinds as my wedges. Putter is last year's Odyssey two ball (can't remember the name). Had my handicap down to a 5, but doing some swing rebuilding now so at a 9 and working my way back down.

My brother went to a club fitting at a local course that had representatives from Calloway and Taylormade there. He hit the Epic and, according to Trackman, was hitting it 20 to 40 yards farther than his regular driver. Of course, he hasn't shelled out $500 for it yet, but is considering it.

 

[grillheel]

Has anyone played the M1 or M2 irons/driver/fairway metals from TaylorMade? They look interesting.

 

[UNC71-00]

My brother went to a club fitting at a local course that had representatives from Calloway and Taylormade there. He hit the Epic and, according to Trackman, was hitting it 20 to 40 yards farther than his regular driver. Of course, he hasn't shelled out $500 for it yet, but is considering it.

I got the Epic earlier this season. Ball jumps off the face like it's a trampoline.

 

[jbradsh1]

My best friend just went from a set of titleist AP2s to the M1 irons and is crushing them. Doesn't lose much yardage if any with slight misses.

 

[jbradsh1]

Also have a couple of friends that went to the new Club Champion fitting in Charlotte when they were running for half price (full bag fitting for $175 vs $350) and one guy went the Srixon irons (think Z75 or something) and said they are the hottest irons he's ever hit. And this guy is a lifelong Taylormade guy

 

[gteeitup]

if you can still find big bertha irons, do it.

i have like four sets, those still rival any i've hit, even eye 2(which i have).

 

[jbradsh1]

Actually got an email from Callaway today saying if I purchased the new Epic irons they would give me a 30 day money back guarantee on them...so tempting!

 

[coryfly]

if you can still find big bertha irons, do it.

i have like four sets, those still rival any i've hit, even eye 2(which i have).

The new Epic irons look a lot like them. I would bet they are just a souped of version.

 

[coryfly]

Traded the JPX 900 for these beauties!!! Heading to NC to visit folks next week and playing Cape Fear CC, Eagle Point GC, Pinehurst #2. Then up to NY for meetings and...wait for it....Pine Valley! and Bethpage Black!

Those are awesome looking irons. Mizuno has the best looking irons out there.

I finally got me an Epic and had a pured Paderson shaft put in it. Hate to admit I don't love it. I switched to a Speeder shaft I pulled out of my GBB and like it better but still not more than the GBB I have. I'm getting a new grip put on the Paderson today (the one on it is a No1 and has really weird fat butt end) and will give it one more try.

 

[nctransplant]

Those are awesome looking irons. Mizuno has the best looking irons out there.

I finally got me an Epic and had a pured Paderson shaft put in it. Hate to admit I don't love it. I switched to a Speeder shaft I pulled out of my GBB and like it better but still not more than the GBB I have. I'm getting a new grip put on the Paderson today (the one on it is a No1 and has really weird fat butt end) and will give it one more try.

I have hit the Epic twice and loved it. I'm going to get on the machine when I get home and look at the numbers. I feel like I am crushing my XHot pro driver but the distance is not what I want. I have not lost any iron distance in the last couple of years but the driver I have. I'm thinking the big 50 is the issue and not the equipment.
Did play in a tournament this weekend and won with a 69!

 

[coryfly]

I have hit the Epic twice and loved it. I'm going to get on the machine when I get home and look at the numbers. I feel like I am crushing my XHot pro driver but the distance is not what I want. I have not lost any iron distance in the last couple of years but the driver I have. I'm thinking the big 50 is the issue and not the equipment.
Did play in a tournament this weekend and won with a 69!

I've giving it one more chance. Going to hit balls for a while Saturday before I play and use it and see what happens. If not, I'm selling it though. I can get a decent amount for it considering I have two different shafts to go along with it.

 

[cletusnow]

 

[uncboy10]

I've never hit any irons I like as much as my eye2's. They were fitted for my dad way back in the day, and I'm pretty much the same size he was, so they're a good fit and have about as much sentimental value as a set of golf clubs could ever have.

Now I'm gonna have to go to the range tomorrow.

 

[Heelswin]

Used to play a lot ..... played v. some of the best. R. Floyd had to call 17th on me to tie match.

Just posting this to tell you that the best tip l ever got was from Larry Nelson, PGA Champion. He said to keep your right knee at the same flex or angle as at your address throughout your entire swing.

I was over swinging badly and this little adjustment stopped all that.


Can't play a ymore since a rear end car wreck left me with permanent nerve injury injury in my lumbar spine with both legs peralyzed. But l loved my golf when l used to play!

 

[Heelswin]

One more thing. I have a set of McGregor VIP by Nicklaus irons, 1-10.

Anybody think they are worth anything?

 

[nctransplant]

Anyone tried the Volvik golf ball? I'm a Pro V1x and Callaway Chrome soft X guy but some of the pros out here are pushing it.

 

[coryfly]

One of my buddies plays a Volvik. He likes it but he isn't really that good so not sure it means much.

 

[nctransplant]

I've not hit a Volvik and haven't played with anyone playing it either. Don't really know anything about it other than Bubba started playing it and quickly dropped out of top 50 and the long drive contest guys seem to like it.

I've just started playing the Bridgestone B330 S. Like it a lot better than the new Pro V1x's I've been playing. Very predictable ball flight and spin. I've been working on the bounce-bounce-stop pitch and the Bridgestone seems to perform better at least for me.

My son plays the Bridgestone. I really like the Chrome soft when it's cooler and the X when it gets hot.

 

[heelmanwilm]

Sell em

 

[toophly1124]

One of my buddies plays a Volvik. He likes it but he isn't really that good so not sure it means much.

Lol you made a funny.

 

[ChiShankCity]

Sorry to bring this back again, but had another question for the golfers here. Yesterday, I tried out some modern irons for the first time ever (TaylorMade p790 and M CGB). It was eye opening. I gained at least 20-25 yards and my mis-hits went higher and further than my flush hits with my current old blades. Ball went a lot higher as well.

the CGB's were graphite shafts. The P790's were steel stiff. Does the shaft really matter? Personally, I felt I could hit the graphite shafts farther, but distance probably isn't my game.

Also, factoring in the price... Is there really any difference between a set of irons that will cost $1,200 compared to a set that cost maybe half that? If you can hit one, can you basically hit the other and get the same out of it?

 

[coryfly]

I don't think shafts matter as much on irons for most players but they do matter (they matter a great deal on woods). If you are going to play a lot and really take it seriously I would at least roll with stiff shafts on irons though. Graphite shafts in irons have come a long way and they don't give you the crazy distance variations they used to. I would say there isn't a huge different in a 1200 or 700 set for what you are going for considering you are coming from blades.

 

[uncboy10]

This isn’t golf specific advice, but do you think you’re going to want to eventually go for the 1200 dollar set? If you think you’ll eventually want them, then you’re better off not spending your money twice. I learned this the hard way buying music gear. Always get what you really want the first time.

Have you tried any golf forums? If you google your question and add “golf forum” you can probably find some gear heads in that sport that know more than all of us combined.

 

[coryfly]

I mean, $1200 for a set of irons is a crapload. Almost all of the big brands have pre-owned branches where you can get clubs as good as new for not close to new prices. Unless you are getting fitted with the stipulation you buy from them I would go that route.

 

[jbradsh1]

Get some steel fiber shafts. Put some of those in a set of AP3s and geez. My boss put them in the Taylormade P790s and is absolutely crushing them

 

[jcolucci]

I had steelfiber i95 in a set of Titleist CBs. they were too light for me.

Shafts make a huge difference in irons. especially trajectory.

go to Club Champion and spend the money. You'll be glad you did.

 

[UNC71-00]

It is about time for me to get some new irons. I’m thinking Mizuno JPX 900 forged but open to suggestions.

Been playing Callaway x-18 pro series for about 12 years with 6.0 rifle shafts. Before that I had Mizuno Pro 2.