Do I need more distance?

Looking for some advice  - this is my first post on here, but I've read a lot over the years and it's be really helpful.

I hit all of my irons quite short (reference: strong 7 iron will go 130-135), but I hit them to that distance extremely consistently and always straight. It's probably not an issue of strength as I am 6'3, 25 y/o and pretty athletic. From reading on this site I'm sure I'm probably flipping or opening the club-face, or any other sort of tendencies that could cause this. My question is: should I care? I've been constantly improving my handicap each year and I hope to get it to 7 by the end of the year. Honestly, the biggest weakness in my game is putting, where I lose several strokes each round on missed 6-10 footers.

If I had to guess I'd say my iron distance loses me about 2 strokes a round on average. For example, a 150 pin for me is an easy 5 iron or a strong 6 depending on lie and conditions. I can get on the green, but I can see the advantage of being able to attack the pin more with the loft of an 8i - I'd say that situation may save me a couple over a round.

Anyways, is it really worth going through the pain of a swing change to get more iron distance? Or should I just stick with whats working for me. Will it be worth it for me in the long run? My ultimate goal is to play scratch golf, and if it means getting there I'm open to a swing change, but I've tried it before and it wrecked my game for a whole year.

Appreciate any input.

I play Callaway X16 pro irons with uniflex shafts. Truth be told, I don't always play the same ball type. I know I should, but I play what's on sale usually. Last few months its been Callaway Warbird plus balls. As for a pic or video - I don't have any but I can try to get one next time I'm at the range.

Are your clubs lengthened at all? At 6' 2" I added 1" to my (off the shelf) club lengths and it made quite a difference IMO. I now play my 7-iron mostly at about 175 yards but it is at 31° which for some sets may be the equivalent of the loft on a 6-iron. My previous set my 7-iron I played at 155 yards.

Hmm that's interesting. No I've never lengthened or even had them fitted. Unfortunately, my golf budget isn't what I'd like it to be..maybe I'll look into that. At least then I'll know my true distances.

If you have any decent golf store in your area they should be able to tell you if you can add length without any cost or the need to buy clubs. Just tell them you are thinking of buying new clubs in the near future and wonder if you could add some length. They should have some way to measure you for how much you can add. Then when you need to get the clubs re-gripped in the future you can have them add the length on then.

Could you elaborate a bit more on this point?  Just curious because I don't typically feel all that disadvantaged when on the course given my distance, is it just based on the ability to attack pins? At 130 yds my playing buddies might pull a PW and send it 15 yards right/left of the green, while my 7i gets me usually 10-20 ft from the hole. I'd love to be able to hit those within 10ft, so if using a wedge can do that than that's a huge advantage, but I'm not really sure loft is the biggest factor in being THAT accurate.. What are your thoughts?

40 yards just from a new set? That's nuts...

Last course I played had an average par 4 distance of 367.5 yards. I'd say my average drive distance is 225-240 , but it's not my strongest club, so I emphasize keeping it center fairway over bombing it. My long iron play (3 and 4 irons) is probably what I'm best at so I feel comfortable not trying to crush it off the tee.

Thanks for your input. I know everyone is right,  longer is better.. Was kinda hoping people would share some 'swing change' horror stories that persuaded me to not tinker with something that's working. More I think about it, hitting 9i and PWs into greens is going to make my birdie/par putts easier than hitting 7 and 6 irons. Next step is finding out how to get there with the least amount of change...

Well then, let me share a little. I actually play pretty well. Injuries have taken a toll on me so I must play smart and strategic golf. I hit to spots fairly accurately and have worked hard on the 400+ par 4s and long par 5s also that are reachable. I like 200 yard par 3's too. But the fun of the game is flagging the short irons and wedges inside 140 yards for a shot at birdie. To do so, thousands of balls, lessons, round after round, shaft changes, adjustments, mis hits, changes, wedge shaft changes, driver shaft changes. Just a constant ongoing process including putter fit to my new leg height. But I hit farther now...and straighter.

If you can hit your average 130yd shot 10-20 feet from the hole, you'd be leading the PGA Tour in that category ! To compare - Henrik Stenson is ranked top 10 in the OWGR and he's tied for 10th in that stat at an average of 19'10" from 125-150 yards. I think you're not being totally realistic with your accuracy. Maybe I'm wrong.

To get to scratch, you will need more distance. A 420 yard Par 4 at your length would take a perfect drive and 3 wood at max distance if you drive it 230-240. Longer par 4s leave you no room for error. If you start playing the back tees, they might become 3-shot holes before you get on the green. You can never go for Par 5's in 2 at your distance, and longer ones would be need 3 excellent shots.

It would be interesting to see your swing to make a suggestion. I would gander that you make smart 3/4 swings and have a very good, relaxed tempo. Those are great qualities. Some simple improvements if you are athletic enough will add an easy 20 yards to your irons and 30 yards to your drives.

Well, yeah my comment is assuming good lie and good conditions. At 130 yards, assuming both of those, I think I can land it within 20ft maybe 60-70% of the time. But I don't keep track of those stats so I could way off. Maybe I just have a selective memory :P

But anyways, yes you're right 400+ yard par 4s are par/bogey holes for me as I do not typically land on the green in 2 (usually fringe or a short pitch away). A good pitch will save par, a bad one will drop a shot, which is okay for me. I score well on par 5s actually, but never, ever get there in 2. But how many 9 handicappers are reaching greens in 2 on par 5s? Is that common?

Next time I'm at the range I'll snap a video to post. I have a 3/4 backswing, but I'd say from there I'm swinging 85% power.