As reported, I ordered new fitted clubs at the end of July, 2022, and they arrived in mid-August. A new set of clubs after almost 20 years with my current set-up was unnerving for me. I decided to introduce the new guys a few at a time.  Initially, the 3-wood and 19-degree hybrid joined the family.

These were easy changes. The old 3-wood had “only” been in the bag for 7-8 years. I had purchased it from a golf buddy for $20. It had a stiff shaft and my present swing was not a good match to get the best performance from the club. Also, my results over the past year or so had been erratic at best.

My Callaway Steelhead 7-wood and Hogan 3-Hybrid also got the heave ho for the new Ping hybrid. I think the 7-wood dated back to 1998. I have no idea when the Hogan joined the team. Both clubs had seen a lot of time-outs over the past couple years.

The Callaway Rogue 3-wood immediately made its mark. I was considerably longer (180 + carry) and it was a key element in my playoff win at the City of Livonia Championship. I also found the new hybrid to be especially useful when laying up on par 5’s and with long approaches to par 4’s. My results with both clubs have been much more consistent.

Next came the Callaway Rogue driver and King Cobra/Cleveland wedges. The driver has been a huge addition. Prior to the change, a very solid drive for me might measure 220 yards (carry & roll). I have probably picked up 10-20 yards on average. The dry conditions of late have really exaggerated the roll out so my 250+ yard drives are mainly the result of increase roll. The wedges have performed well. The most noticeable difference is the new “spin & bite” verses the old worn grooves’ “hit & release.”

At the end of tournament season in mid-September, the irons joined the golf family. My iron play has always been a bit erratic and I can’t say the new clubs have eliminated my swing faults. When I make good swings, the ball flight is higher and longer. I have the correct weapons; I now need to work on the shooter.

The thought has occurred to me that, with my penchant for hanging on to things for long periods of time, this might be my last set of golf clubs. I hope not. My intention is to stay healthy and continue to play golf. Down the road, of course, I will need to make a change to a whippy “senior shaft” driver so I can continue to hit those long 280-yard par 4’s in regulation.