Adjustments for my new irons...

[chigolf07]

I am about to spend some cash on new irons for this year. I took up golf last year and it has become a great obsession for me now. Upgraded my driver and hybrid (3) last year, which set me back about $400 (Taylormade R7 460 and Rescue Mid 3 hybrid).

I've spent the past few weeks deciding between Nike Slingshot 4D or Callaway Big Bertha (new 08 version), and decided on the Big Bertha, because I like the new i-brid design.

About myself: 6 foot-2 inches tall, about 230 pounds, 38.75 inches from wrist to ground, and 7.75 inch hand size. My average driver carry is about 210-220 yards with an average swing speed. I ran my dimensions through some online golf fitting things and SmartFit (Golfsmith's online utility) said the following:

Club Length + 3/4 inch
Lie Angle + 4* Upright (this was my question)

Had someone at the local driving range look me over and try some irons (don't carry Callaway) and they said just a length adjustment would be fine. What should I do about the lie angle? Callaway can shift it up to 3 degrees upright.

Hopefully some of you golf pros and/or enthusiasts can help me out. Sorry for the long message!

[MasterOfTheBogey]

Not much of a club altering expert, but I dont think bending it an extra degree will hurt it.

I think Ive seen on here past examples where people have bent a club or two. If you dont feel comfortable with it, I am sure someone at a local pro shop could do them for you.

And if you dont mind me saying, you seem to be a fairly large fella. We need to get that Driver distance up. Im about the same size man. We'll save you.

And welcome. Callaways are a good choice. That was my first club set. I had the 02' version. Very forgiving.

[chigolf07]

  MasterOfTheBogey said:

Not much of a club altering expert, but I dont think bending it an extra degree will hurt it.

Thanks for the fast reply. I'm still actively improving my game, been going to the driving range in 20 degree weather. And, if you know Chicago weather along with the wind, that can be bad. My driver distance does seem low, but it seems that the roll adds about 20 yards each time, as I can get it to be a low trajectory. I started last year in September with about a 30 handicap working it at the local 9-hole, and last time in November think I did about 16 above and it should be much better after all this practice I've been getting in. (and possibly from the new clubs!) I've seen great improvement, but am looking for more iron forgiveness than the box-set Wilsons I am using. That is why I'm springing for some new Callaways.

[MasterOfTheBogey]

  chigolf07 said:

Thanks for the fast reply.

You wont be dissappointed with the Callaways. It was hard for me to part with them, but I needed something to where I could shape my shots with.

And to add another point, that last degree might not be that big of a deal. Unless you swing the club and there is a vast improvement between the 3up and 4up I wouldnt worry about it. My TaylorMades were supposed to be 1/2 up, but I couldnt stand to wait three weeks shipment time for that minor of a problem. Have had no adverse effects.

[chigolf07]

  MasterOfTheBogey said:

You wont be dissappointed with the Callaways. It was hard for me to part with them, but I needed something to where I could shape my shots with.

Ok, thanks for your help.

It looks like Callaway only does it up to 3* up, so I'll just do 2 through the manufacturer and then if I need to adjust them, take them over to my local shop to have them do it.

[MasterOfTheBogey]

Id wait till the more knowledgable posters comment upon your page.
Id check back tomorrow and you will have a definite answer.

But my guess is that it wouldnt be a problem. But if I am right, I'll take full credit for solving your question.

Good Luck

[Big_M]

  MasterOfTheBogey said:

Not much of a club altering expert, but I dont think bending it an extra degree will hurt it.

you are just little fellas... I'm 6' 4" and about 285 (some muscle, some fat). You do need to get that driver distance up a bit... it's always expected that the big guy hit a BIG ball.

as for lie angle... I'm 2* upright, plus 3/4". You'll have to hit on a lie board to know for sure... but if you order then at 3* they can always be bent when you get them some more, or less.

[kris0708]

I just got fitted to some r7 irons yesterday and when you got the stats about yourself they were exactly like mine. I am 6' 2", 230, have 37" wrist to floor. I went to get fitted and i need +1" to my shafts and 2 degrees upright. I was supposed to be 2.25 degrees upright but when you get a shaft extension, the clubs lie angle also changes. A longer shaft increases lie angle and a shorter one decreases. The 1" added to the shafts equated to about .25 degrees of lie angle increase. I went with the 6.0 Project X shafts.

[chigolf07]

Excellent. So I think my specs should be right.

I am ordering them tonight (can't wait!) with True Temper Dynamic Gold steel shafts per the recommendation of someone at the local pro shop.

Thanks for all your help!

[r7 425]

All the best wishes on your new irons. I think you have a passion for golf that will take you far

[chigolf07]

Thanks to everyone's help here!

I did order the Callaway Big Berthas in the end of March and they have been working GREAT so far this season!