Please Help! - Do I need new irons or can this be fixed?

If you just started playing on 6/2/2012 then it is unlikely that you have an equipment problem. Although most golfers do love to blame their equipment for their bad swing results. You have learned this in a short period of time.

There are many excellent articles on TST about ball flight direction. The ball starts in the direction of the clubface and curves based on your swingpath. A single digit handicapper could both draw and fade the ball with your clubs even with the offset.

I would suggest taking a swing lesson from a qualified instructor before you invest any more money in equipment to learn more about your swingpath and clubface control.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2thetee 

If you just started playing on 6/2/2012 then it is unlikely that you have an equipment problem. Although most golfers do love to blame their equipment for their bad swing results. You have learned this in a short period of time.

 

There are many excellent articles on TST about ball flight direction. The ball starts in the direction of the clubface and curves based on your swingpath. A single digit handicapper could both draw and fade the ball with your clubs even with the offset.

 

I would suggest taking a swing lesson from a qualified instructor before you invest any more money in equipment to learn more about your swingpath and clubface control.

Since you just started playing, you should get your clubs fitted for the correct lie and length so that your clubs are NOT an excuse. The offset is not really a problem but ill-fitting clubs could train a bad swing. Just have someone who knows what they are talking about fit you clubs to your body. This is done with a tape measure not by hitting balls. Is your hook a result of a bad swing? Most likely. But if the clubs don't fit your body and INTENDED swing, they how can you be sure.

If your clubs do not fit, you most likely can have the lie bent to fit you. As for length, for now, choke up if they are too long. If they are too short, you may have an issue. But get fitted.

I certainly wasn't saying you were blaming your clubs. My instructors often say you need to have clubs that fit so that you know the clubs are not to blame.

As for bending clubs to reduce offset, I think that is beyond normal club adjusts of lie and loft. If you want less offset, time for new clubs. Change length --yes. Change lie -- yes. Change loft -- yes. Change offset -- I don't think so.

Perhaps there are some more mechanically inclined guys who have changed the offset on irons. I do not recall seeing that as an option at the few places where I have had clubs adjusted.

IMHO, lie, and length matter most.

RRC is suggesting you get what is called a basic static fitting. This fitting checks the length of your shafts, the lie angle, and your grip size. Also, you can get an idea of what shaft flex you need according to your swing speed.

In the early going, you want clubs which won't hurt your game. If the clubs don't match your body size and stance, it will be difficult to make progress.

After you have been playing awhile and your swing stabilizes you might consider more advanced fittings. But for now, static is all you need, because your swing will differ quite a bit from day to day until you find  your groove.

And, you will find your groove a lot faster if you heed 2thetee's advice and take some lessons. I worry you may be ingraining a lot of bad habits in your swing if your efforts so far have been self-taught.

Good luck, and keep us posted!