New Irons

What makes golf fun and why are we so obsessed with this game? Do you love competition or just enjoy a day with friends and family? Do you plan your Sunday’s so you’re home to watch the pro’s? Maybe it’s time for you, a sort-of self care day.

I’m trying to figure out why I love this game so much. I think it’s all the reasons above and maybe more. How about the days that just don’t go your way and you threaten to quit forever. Then the next hole you get a birdie and vow to come back as soon as possible. This game we call golf is so frustrating! Do you hook, or dare I say shank, and every swear word runs through your mind? You know you had that shot and why did you lift your head. The perfect swing is in you so why can’t we do it every time, like the pros?

What brings you back? You’re probably not a professional golfer on the tour but maybe you’re a really low handicap. Maybe you have a high handicap and you want to be better, more consistent. I strive to lower my handicap. And what a great feeling when you play well on your way to lowering it. I do have that horrible shot and doubt myself whether or not this game is for me. But then there’s the 110 yd 8-iron I hit last year early in the season. I put it next to the pin on one of the hardest holes at my home course. Proceeded to make the putt for birdie! Keeps you coming back right?

Why are we so obsessed with this game?

A real turning point for me was two years ago when I decided to get new irons. (After some research I found out my irons were 16 years old). I realized I needed to get my handicap down and be a more consistent golfer. Meaning I wanted to shoot in the low 90’s on a more consistent basis. One of the pros at my club suggested I get new irons. He figured this would help me get that much needed extra yardage and play more consistently. He explained how technology has really changed (since 2008) and new irons would greatly improve my game. 

So the research started and I decided to try three companies; Titleist, Callaway, and TaylorMade. Thankfully the club I belong to offers free fittings and has these companies come to our simulator with a professional golf fitter. He/she brings a ton of samples of shafts, heads and grips. You then swing about 100 times while he adjusts the club to fit you. (More on fittings in a later blog).

When I swung the Titleist clubs I knew I found the perfect irons for me. The fitting specialist told me these irons were not very forgiving but when hit correctly could really make a difference in my game. I have to say it was really scary to not only spend that kind of money but to also give up my old irons that had been good to me. How long would it take for me to get used to these new ones? What about confidence? We all know golf is all about confidence. Could I trust in myself and these new clubs? Well the answer is YES. There was a learning curve but I LOVE these new irons. Not only do I get that extra ten yards but when I hit them correctly they feel like butter! Now do I still have bad shots, of course I do. But the good ones are so good. It’s definitely been a learning curve. I have to take the bad shots with a grain of salt and give myself grace. There’s another shot coming and I have to tell myself I can do it. I have more low 90’s rounds now, two years later, then low 100 rounds. I belong to a club that has a very difficult golf course for women, and men. It’s very long and I need those extra 10 yards!

My point is this….

If the reason for loving this game we call golf is because you’re obsessed with getting better, then I highly recommend you look into getting new clubs. Especially if yours are ancient like mine were. If you do go down this path please get fitted. Most golf clubs have these companies come to their course for free fittings, they want to sell their clubs! Stores like PGA Tour Superstore have fittings by appointment. These people are professionals and make adjustments and tweaks so you get the best club that fits you. Be sure to try multiple companies. Believe it or not there are tons of differences. Be sure to check with your local club, whether it be public or private, and see when their fittings are scheduled. Make the appointment! You don’t have to buy anything. These fittings are usually free so all you’re using is your time. And remember, you’re obsessed with this game, so why not try it? You’ve got nothing to lose. And you can all be more obsessed with getting better like me.