Jump to content
IGNORED

Players Irons?


Note: This thread is 6176 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Recommended Posts

Ok, so I'm not here to debate forged vs cast, blade vs cavity or what everyone should play. I understand low handicap players wanting workability along with feedback, feel, etc. But I'm not a low handicap player, what I want to know is for the mid handicappers out there has switching to a "players" iron actually improved your ball striking and your game? I'm thinking about getting a new set of irons an am considering more of a players iron (not a blade) but everything I read says I should not be playing those. My scores this year are 86, 88, 82 and 85. Last year I shot in the 80's every single round except for 1 round in the low 90's but I didn't break 80 once. So I'm kind of stuck in the mid 80's. The year before that (I played a lot more that year) I was a 10.4 index (didn't keep my handy last year). By no means do I consider myself a good ball striker. Some good, some bad, some great, some ugly. A mixture of the 4 usually ends up in the mid 80's for me.

Sorry for the long winded post... in short, I want to get better and am really curious if a players iron would actually help me. I realize I have some swing flaws and my swing isn't as consistant as I want it to be. Reason I really ask is I saw a set of Cleveland CG2's on closeout at our local shop. Real nice price so I decided to hit a few. I pured every single 7 iron I hit, felt great. I couldn't believe how solid I hit those. Then decided to try a long iron so I pulled a 4 iron. Ugly, ugly ugly. Good thing the guy walked away because I would have been embarassed. I hit two bleeders to the right, sh***ed one, and hit another pull hook trying to over compensate. Probably only hit two decent one's in the mix.

Part of me wants to get them so I have something I can really play into, part of me says to get a game improvement iron because I'm not quite at that level and the other part (lol, yeah 3 parts) says to just stick with what I have because it wouldn't make much difference. I'm not an idiot... I do know that a consistant swing and good short game is the best way to get my scores down but as I already said I've been stuck at the same level for a while now and am wondering if I have gone as far as I can with the TA 5's.

Damn... really sorry for the long post. Feel free to skip to the important parts Any comments would really be appreciated. I just hear so many varying opinions on what a player of my level should play.

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


This is only my opinion and I'm sure someone will argue. But I do think "players irons" have made me a better ball stiker. I've been playing since I was 5 but just got serious about the game 3 years ago. I first bought a set of Nike Slingshot "game improvement" irons. I could never tell what I was doing wrong and my distances were not consistant. I could also swing 110% at every iron because they were so forgiving.

Last season, I bought some Nike Forged Blades. I know I'm not good enough for these clubs (9 handicap). But they have made me a better iron player. The first month was aweful. I was mishitting everying and my hands would sting after a round!! But I learned that in order to hit them well, I had to cut my swing back to about 85-90% and get more consistant. Last season (with the new irons) my league handicap dropped from a 15 to a 9. Now my irons are the most consistant part of my game. But I have had to practice A LOT with them. On the other hand, my dad plays once a month, at most. I gave him my old slingshots and they improved his game a ton. But he never practices, has no idea how far he hits each club, and just wants his misses to be better.

Sorry, that was a long reply. To sum it up, yes I fell as though the players irons have made me a better ball striker.

In The Bag

Driver R7 SuperQuad 8.5 Xstiff
5 Wd SQ X stiff steel
3-PW RAC LT X stiff 52 dg RAC TP Satin56 dg RAC TP Satin60 dg Vokey Oil CanPutter Cameron Studio Newport

Link to comment
Share on other sites


You sound like you may want to look at a combo set. Try the Nike's or the Titleist 735cm

http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/ir...5cm.asp?bhcp=1

In fact I think there is a review of these clubs on the sand trap.

I hit these and man they are nice...in the end i felt they were just outside of my index.....but they may be within your range....what a purdy club too

What's in the bag

Driver: Speed LD F Driver 9.5°
5 wood: 909F2 18.5°
Hybrid: EDGE CFT 21°Irons: i5 - 4-pwWedges: CG10 52°, 56°, & 60° degreePutter: Udrainium Doc 15Ball: DT SoLoHome Courses: Spring Lakes Golf Club, Stouffville, ON & Ocean Ridge Plantation Golf, Sunset...
Link to comment
Share on other sites


ya this is the same post i made like 2 days ago. i think playing better irons will give you better feedback..will it make you strike the ball better, possibly.

Nike SQ 9.5 w/ ProLaunch Red
Titliest 906F2 15
Miura 202 3-5 Irons
Miura Blade 6-PW Irons
Mizuno MP 51 & 56Yes! Tracy IINike One Black

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Cleveland Gunmetal - interesting question for me. I played TA5 Gunmetals through most of last year. I also shot in the mid 80's normally with an occasional low 80's. I purchased a set of Titleist 735CM's at the end of the season and continued to play in the mid 80's. I am impressed/happiest with the short irons. I was never able to hit a green with the TA5's and have the ball stop very quickly. Now with the 735's I am only getting a small amount of roll. I have experienced your same problem with the long irons and I might just carry my TA5 3 and 4 irons, we'll see. If you are a dedicated Cleveland man you might want to wait and see what the new CG Red or CG Gold's look like. The Reds, per some rumor page I found, are a replacement for the CG2/CG4 Tours and the Gold's will replace the CG4's. I am still happy with my purchase if that helps you make up your mind to give players irons a try.
Link to comment
Share on other sites


Cleveland Gunmetal - interesting question for me. I played TA5 Gunmetals through most of last year. I also shot in the mid 80's normally with an occasional low 80's. I purchased a set of Titleist 735CM's at the end of the season and continued to play in the mid 80's. I am impressed/happiest with the short irons. I was never able to hit a green with the TA5's and have the ball stop very quickly. Now with the 735's I am only getting a small amount of roll. I have experienced your same problem with the long irons and I might just carry my TA5 3 and 4 irons, we'll see. If you are a dedicated Cleveland man you might want to wait and see what the new CG Red or CG Gold's look like. The Reds, per some rumor page I found, are a replacement for the CG2/CG4 Tours and the Gold's will replace the CG4's. I am still happy with my purchase if that helps you make up your mind to give players irons a try.

Interesting. Did you hear when the Gold's and Red's are going to come out? I had heard something regarding them but there isn't much info out there yet.

Part of the appeal of these CG 2's is the price, $399.99 (they have the right shaft in them and can be fitted). I just want to be able to hit them. I also might consider the CG4, Titleist 775 CB or Mixuno MX-25 (or MX-23 if I can find them). I know they are 'game improvement' sets but they seem to be less in your face than the other game improvements plus I've always liked those three companies. I want to become a better ball striker and want a set at least a little closer to a players club even if technically still a game improvement iron.

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
I understand low handicap players wanting workability along with feedback, feel, etc. But I'm not a low handicap player, what I want to know is for the mid handicappers out there has switching to a "players" iron actually improved your ball striking and your game?

I started golf with muscleback, forged clubs, and I believe they were incredibly instrumental in becoming a single-digit handicap within two years of first playing golf.

I think they are good IF you intend to practice. There has to be intent to get better, or they can just be frustrating. If you just want to score your best with whatever swing you've got, get the forgiving ones. A combo set like the 735.CM is a good way to go, too. They're still forgiving, but they still provide feedback and the scoring irons behave really nicely (a good, flat trajectory off even the pitching wedge). So again, I think "tougher" clubs CAN help you IF you're committed to improving.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I'm thinking about getting a new set of irons an am considering more of a players iron (not a blade) but everything I read says I should not be playing those.

I'm a pretty darned high handicapper and I do not get to practice much because of my many commitments but for me there is no question what kind of club I want to play. I want a more players club and I've played them all. I've played pure blades and shovels on a stick. I am not the ball striker that I could be and still don't play up to my enormous potential (ha, ha) but I want a blade.

My first choice is a cavity back blade like the ones I've got in my bag right now (Titleist 690.CB). There are a few companies that make that kind of club and I love them. WHY? Because they require me to concentrate. I seem to respond better to the requirement for precision. Because they feel so sweet. I don't care what anyone says there is something so nice about a forged cavity back. I can actually feel mis-hits and love the feeling of nutted shots. No comparison. The pros outweigh the cons here. They look better. Yup. I just like they way they look. Slimmer topline, more compact... they just look like an iron should. And for that they are worth playing. I think I've played better golf (which may not be saying a whole lot) since picking up a set like this. I certainly understand my swing a whole lot better. I can correct things that are going wrong mid-round instead of swinging and hoping. If you want the players club get them and know that you'll enjoy the feedback they give you, you'll love the way they look at address, and ultimately they may be a set that you just enjoy more. And that's good enough reason for me to play them. Remember that hybrids are good three- and four-iron replacements too.

Jeff

10.5° Callaway FT-iZ Tour

18°, 20°, 23° Adams Idea Pro Prototype Hybrid

4-9 Titleist 690.CB
48° Titleist Vokey Tour Nickel
54°, 58° Titleist Vokey Tour Oil Can

Scotty Cameron NP2, 33"

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Interesting. Did you hear when the Gold's and Red's are going to come out? I had heard something regarding them but there isn't much info out there yet.

On the page where I read about the Red's & Golds they mentioned late May as a release date. I keep checking the Cleveland site but have seen nothing there.

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Good posts, very helpful. If I do move into the players category I certainly would want a forgiving players club. I do want to get better and I don't mind working at it (when time allows). I am married but we don't have any kids yet so it might be now or never

To the guys familiar with the Titleist line, are the 735 CM supposed to be more forgiving or less forgiving than the 755? I know you are Titleist guys ( I love them too) but have you ever hit the CG2? If so how did it compare to the before mentioned Titleist irons?

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
To the guys familiar with the Titleist line, are the 735 CM supposed to be more forgiving or less forgiving than the 755? I know you are Titleist guys ( I love them too) but have you ever hit the CG2? If so how did it compare to the before mentioned Titleist irons?

The 735 throughout the set is a little less forgiving, but if you want to get to mid-single digits, I think you want the more muscleback feel of the shorter irons. The 755s are one step below the "easiest" irons Titleist makes (the 775s). You couldn't go wrong with either the 735 or the 755s, though.

Haven't hit the CG2s.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

I get new sticks all the time and try everything out there. The set I play right now are Mizuno MP-33 with regular shafts. I've always played stiff. Get on a swing analizer and find out what shaft fits your swing best and then it won't matter that much what head is on them. Except for your head of course you have to love the look. Get over the macho part and find the shaft fits and works for you.

In My Bag: This week
Driver: Titleist 905T Graphic design
3-Wood: Titleist 906F2, 13*, UST ProForce V2
7 & 9 wood Cleveland launcher, yes I'm old and the hybrids are ugly
Irons: Mizuno MP-33 Dynamic Glold Light
Wedges: Gauge Design GAS II 52* and 58*
Putter: Cameron......The model depends on which way the winds blowing
Ball: Nike One Platinum
Home Course: I'm a vagabond, no place to call home

In My Bag: This week
Driver: Nike square Sumo 10.5
4-Wood: Nike square Sumo 14.5
7 wood Cleveland launcher,
5 utility 19* clevelandIrons: 4-7 Titleist 690mb 8-pw Mizuno MP 33Wedges: Gauge Design GAS II 52* and 58* Putter: Scotty Cameron TE 10 2.5TP Mills or Cameron's or Bettinardi's. let me...

Link to comment
Share on other sites


what is the main difference between the 695 cb and 735? i know the 735 is a split set, is the 695 cb?

Nike SQ 9.5 w/ ProLaunch Red
Titliest 906F2 15
Miura 202 3-5 Irons
Miura Blade 6-PW Irons
Mizuno MP 51 & 56Yes! Tracy IINike One Black

Link to comment
Share on other sites


  • Administrator
what is the main difference between the 695 cb and 735? i know the 735 is a split set, is the 695 cb?

So let me get this straight: rather than go to titleist.com to find the answer for yourself, you ask us? C'mon man, I'm all for helping people, but not when they can help themselves first.

If you're really that lazy, here's your answer: no.

Erik J. Barzeski —  I knock a ball. It goes in a gopher hole. 🏌🏼‍♂️
Director of Instruction Golf Evolution • Owner, The Sand Trap .com • AuthorLowest Score Wins
Golf Digest "Best Young Teachers in America" 2016-17 & "Best in State" 2017-20 • WNY Section PGA Teacher of the Year 2019 :edel: :true_linkswear:

Check Out: New Topics | TST Blog | Golf Terms | Instructional Content | Analyzr | LSW | Instructional Droplets

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Awards, Achievements, and Accolades

Here's link for the feature comparison

http://www.titleist.com/golfclubs/ir...ure#Comparison
What's in the bag

Driver: Speed LD F Driver 9.5°
5 wood: 909F2 18.5°
Hybrid: EDGE CFT 21°Irons: i5 - 4-pwWedges: CG10 52°, 56°, & 60° degreePutter: Udrainium Doc 15Ball: DT SoLoHome Courses: Spring Lakes Golf Club, Stouffville, ON & Ocean Ridge Plantation Golf, Sunset...
Link to comment
Share on other sites


The 735 throughout the set is a little less forgiving, but if you want to get to mid-single digits, I think you want the more muscleback feel of the shorter irons. The 755s are one step below the "easiest" irons Titleist makes (the 775s). You couldn't go wrong with either the 735 or the 755s, though.

I was checking out their website and see there are quite a few options. I imagine the long irons in the 755 and 735 would play similar with the muscle back irons in the 735. I don't think the blade short irons would be my problem. I could be wrong though. I plan on making the transition sometime this year but I want to be able to test them all out and get the one that fits me. Thanks again for the info.

I get new sticks all the time and try everything out there. The set I play right now are Mizuno MP-33 with regular shafts. I've always played stiff. Get on a swing analizer and find out what shaft fits your swing best and then it won't matter that much what head is on them. Except for your head of course you have to love the look. Get over the macho part and find the shaft fits and works for you.

Funny you say that because I saw a set of MP-33 traded in recently, good shape and a steal of a price. Has the regular shaft in them too (That's what I use too and I prefer a regular because I want to have a smooth swing). I just think that may be pushing it for me.

I am still curious if anyone has hit the CLeveland CG2 and how they would compare it to other "player's clubs" like the before mentioned Titleist, or how it compares to the Mizuno MP-60 (which is a sweet looking iron).

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Though i'm a high handicaper I strike the ball solid, and the short game is where most of my strokes are(>32 puts per round). I went from TA5's to CG4 tours last year and I have to say after a ton of rounds with the CG4's I love them. Great feedback, workability. I'd imagine if they are getting phased out you could get a good deal on a set of them. I have been thinking about ordering the 2i.

What's In The Bag
Driver: TM Burner stiff
3i Cleveland Hibore Hybrid
3-6: MX-23
7-PW: MP-60 Project X 5.5SW: Golden Bear hybridLW/GW Cleveland 60* and Tour Edge 50*Putter: two bar rifle malletBall: NXT TourHome Course: Raintree CC 70.7/126 North 71/130 Southhttp://stink.net

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Though i'm a high handicaper I strike the ball solid, and the short game is where most of my strokes are(>32 puts per round). I went from TA5's to CG4 tours last year and I have to say after a ton of rounds with the CG4's I love them. Great feedback, workability. I'd imagine if they are getting phased out you could get a good deal on a set of them. I have been thinking about ordering the 2i.

Yeah the CG4 Tour is one I am going to consider. How do they play compared to your old TA5's? I did hit the Tour at our local demo day but unfortunately I only hit 3 or 4 balls so that's hardly enough but they did feel very nice (very soft). They may have enough players/game improvement blend that I'm looking for. Who knows... so many damn choices. I do like the Titleist and Mizuno lines a lot too.

Driver: 09 Launcher 10.5
4 Wood: 09 Launcher Steel 17
Hybrid: Baffler DWS 20 Aldila Reg
Irons: AP1 4-GW Steel
Wedges: 588 Gunmetal 56 & 60Putter: Studio Style Newport 2Ball: NXT Tour

Link to comment
Share on other sites


Note: This thread is 6176 days old. We appreciate that you found this thread instead of starting a new one, but if you plan to post here please make sure it's still relevant. If not, please start a new topic. Thank you!

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now


  • Want to join this community?

    We'd love to have you!

    Sign Up
  • TST Partners

    TourStriker PlaneMate
    Golfer's Journal
    ShotScope
    The Stack System
    FlightScope Mevo
    Direct: Mevo, Mevo+, and Pro Package.

    Coupon Codes (save 10-15%): "IACAS" for Mevo/Stack, "IACASPLUS" for Mevo+/Pro Package, and "THESANDTRAP" for ShotScope.
  • Posts

    • I agree with @klineka & @DaveP043 above.  When a new member first joins the club they cold be told that they are not eligible for tournaments until they have an established HCP.  As you said, it only takes a few rounds.  If they do not to post HCP that was their choice and choices have consequences.  If playing in the tournament is important to them then they should step up and establish an HCP.  Maybe they miss the 1st tournament, is that a real big deal?  And if it is a "Big Deal" to them then they had the opportunity to establish the HCP. As for not knowing how to report for HCP I assume your club has a pro and they should be able to assist in getting the scores reported and I suspect out of state courses may also have staff that can assist if asked.
    • Wordle 1,013 2/6 🟨⬜⬜🟨🟨 🟩🟩🟩🟩🟩 Thought I was gonna be a big shot today...  🙂    Nice Job!
    • Cool here's my tweak, "If a player’s ball lies in the general area and there is interference from exposed tree roots or exposed rocks that are in the fairway or 1 club length from the fairway the tree roots and exposed rocks are treated as ground under repair. The player may take free relief under Rule 16.1b.[But relief is not allowed if the tree roots only interfere with the player’s stance.]
    • I would never do the extended warranty on the $50 slow cooker.  I also routinely reject the extended service plans on those toys we buy for the grand-kids.  I do consider them on higher cost items and will be more likely to get one if the product has a lot of "Electronic Tech" that is often the problem longer-term.  I also consider my intended length of ownership & usage.  If my thought is it would get replaced in 2-3 years then why bother but if I hope to use it for 10 years then more likely to get the extension. I did buy out a lease about a year ago.  Just prior to the lease end date the tablet locked up and would not function.  I got it repaired under the initial warranty and would not have bought it out if they had not been able to fix it since IMO once electronic issues start in a car they can be hard to track down & fix.  They did fix it but when I bought out the lease I paid up for the extended warranty the would cover electronic failures because my intent is to keep that car for another 8-10 years and I just do not trust the electronics to last.  Last week the touch screen went black and was unresponsive.  It reset on the 2nd time I restarted the car but that is exactly how the last malfunction started.  I fully expect to have a claim on that on repair under the extended warranty.  I do not recall the exact cost to fix last time since I did not pay it but I think it was @ $700-$800 and I suspect that will be higher next time.
    • Have you looked at Model Local Rule F-9 Relief from Tree Roots in or Close to Fairway?  You could extend this to cover exposed rocks.  The rule is recommended to be used only for areas relatively near the fairway, a player who hits a shot 20 yards in the woods doesn't really deserve relief.   Players can always take Unplayable Ball relief, they're not required to play it from a rock or a root.  Of course, they hate to take the penalty stroke too.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Welcome to TST! Signing up is free, and you'll see fewer ads and can talk with fellow golf enthusiasts! By using TST, you agree to our Terms of Use, our Privacy Policy, and our Guidelines.

The popup will be closed in 10 seconds...