When to make a swing change?

My "old" swing: I developed my swing on my own without lessons, but did significant research online (forums lile this one and youtube, etc.). Since I picked up golf at a later age (29) I realized I was not flexible enough to make the full hip turn/shoulder turn and remain coordinated enough to strike the ball consistently. Instead, I adopted a predominantly "arms only" swing with a short backswing. My hips and shoulders turn only slightly and even then, only in response to my arms going back. The result is that I became very accurate with my wedges and short irons, hitting virtually every green from within 130 yds. My mid and long irons, however were extremely difficult to hit with this swing and as a result horribly inconsistent. Plus, in order to accomodate my lack of hip/shoulder turn I was forced to hit my long irons from an almost upright position. As a result of my inability to consistently hit my long irons, I undertook a conscious effort to change my swing and incorporate more of a hip turn and shoulder turn. Despite diligent practice the past month, i am now hitting the ball worse than or just as bad as when I first started. I have, however, had a few shining moments which were far and few in between. I am now seeking advice on the following: should I continue and try to master a more "traditional" backswing that might allow me to one day be consistent with all my clubs? Or should I just go back to my old swing and try to tweak a few thing that might allow me to hit more consistent long and mid irons? Mostly I feel that I am too old to really ever be able to master a traditional swing with lots of power and turning.

Have you considered using more hybrids or short woods (e.g. 7 woods, 5 woods) with your old swing? They tend to be more forgiving than long irons and drivers, so you may be able to hit shots you find acceptable with them.

My answer to your questions above is neither. Find a swing that your body can do correctly and go for it. Something that allows you to do it correctly.

I do not have a conventional swing because I decided to try something new at age 40 because I stunk and was not getting better. Got my index down to a low of 18.0 after lots of work. So I tossed everything out the window and learned the Moe Norman -- single axis -- swing. (You set up on the same axis in which you make contact.) I have back issues since High School and this swing is easier on my back and allows me to practice for hours and hours without pain. Contrary to what many think, it is not an arm swing.  Any swing needs hip and shoulder rotation. Moe's swing has less hip rotation to impact because you stand farther from the ball and don't need to clear your hips. It puts less stress on your knees but you still need ... I could go on and on but I don't want to hijack this thread.

BTW, last year my index got below 7. With less play this year, I am still under 9. I break 80 more than I ever broke 90. I wish I'd started my new swing when I was 30 instead of 40.

[INDENT][/INDENT] Thanks for the feedback, I really appreciate it. How long did it take you to feel comfortable with the moe Norman swing after years of making a different swing?

The good news was that my old swing was in such bad shape that everything needed to radically change including my grip. So the new grip felt OK fast because it was nothing like my old grip. I think little changes in grip can take a long time to become a comfortable part of any swing.

I got comfortable during one season of single axis. After two seasons, it became my swing instead of the "new" swing. I couldn't set up and grip the club with my old swing if I had too. Then I discovered Graves Golf and the true Moe Norman swing. I took a 5-day golf school "camp" and was on my way. Those changes became comfortable by the end of the 5-days. Several years in, I got more committed to practice and to practice of more than just full swing -- short game and putting. That's when my scores became consistently better. For example, I had a rough day yesterday playing 36 holes and shot an 83 and then an 87 moving back one set of tees. Not to long ago, a rough day might have been high 90's.

Check out Graves Golf (in my signature) to learn more. Or PM me. I am very evangelical about this swing.

Mostly I feel that I am too old to really ever be able to master a traditional swing with lots of power and turning

How old are you am am 59 and trying to develop a traditional swing.