I need your advice.

[zeke4155]

You guys are very knowledgable and I'd appreciate your advice.

I've been playing golf for about 3 months now. I am learning to play by using my neighbors' Titleist DCI 981 irons with stiff steel shafts. I go to the range 3 to 4 times a week and hit about 100 balls, not including chipping and putting. By no means am I saying I'm good or average for that matter, but I have a decent swing (according to a couple of pros and some golfing buddies) considering I'm 26 and having only played for 3 months. My problem is that I strike the ball well only a little more than half the time with a straight ball flight or fade. Though, given time, I do continue to improve.

After reading about game improvement irons and how stiff shafts are not good for beginner/regular players, I am thinking on buying different clubs more compatible to my skill level. However, the thread on game improvement irons here concluded that if you want to improve your game to stay away from GI irons because they will mask flaws.

I am totally committed on spending the time and effort to improve, though I don't know on how to proceed. Should I continue playing with my current irons? Get GI irons? Don't get GI irons, but switch to regular flex shafts? Are Titleist DCI 981 irons conducive to learning?

I'll be checking in often if you need more info or have any questions.

Again, I'd really appreciate the advice. Thanks.

[ScottySnapps]

Zeke,
You are likely to get lots of advice on your question. There is a contingent of people on this forum who seem to advocate playing with clubs that make the game harder that it has to be (see the threads re: playing cavity backs, comments regarding wanting to "feel it" when they mishit the ball, etc). Personally, I play golf witht he intent to improve and shoot lower scores - and for me that means taking advantage of whatever legal means of game inprovement are available. Having established that, here is my advice:
(1) Go to a golf store or golf shop and hit several different types of clubs,including some regular flex shafts and stiff flex shafts. The folks at the shop can help you establish which flex osm for you - however, there is no reason to think that a stiff shaft is not appropriate for a beginner.
(2) I think you should expect to play with some form of game improvement clubs for a while. Ive been playing golf for 15 years, and have played 8 different sets of irons (yes, I change a lot). After using "players" clubs for the last 3 years, I recently switched back to clubs with some game improvement characteristics. Since doing that, I have played better than I ever have - breaking 80 twice in the last month (which is a big deal for me, as I am a 9.7 handicap).
(3) Dont be afraid of, or reluctant to use hybrids. I watched practically every pro at teh WGC event this weekend use some form of hybrid - so you know that there is something there worth taking advantage of.
(4) Finally, play whatever clubs allow you to enjoy the game most - and if you define enjoyment as scoring lower, then use the clubs that allow you to do that.

If you are looking to purchase a set to "try out", I highly recommend a used set on ebay. That allows you to try some clubs at a lower price - and if they do not work for you, you can easily resell them for close to what you paid for them.

Good luck,
SS

[Stacey_E]

My advice is you are going to go through several sets of irons in your golfing lifetime. At this point you need to really fall in love with the game. If I were you, I would go the GI route. I think most of the people that advocate players irons (including myself) would recomend them only after you have reached a certain level in the game. In my opinion, just mine, once you get to 85 or so regularly (playing strictest rules) you then have somewhat of a repetitive swing as well as some idea of your games strengths and weaknesses.

For now I would load the bag with GI irons, 2 or 3 good wedges, a hybrid or 2 and a properly fit driver (loft, face angle, shaft flex and shaft profile). Also consider a good fairway wood or maybe 2 but don't be drawn into the 3,5,7 wood design unless you truely hit these clubs to different lengths.

If you really want to put a high quality club in your bag, and one that will fit your skill level for both where you are now and where you are going, then get a quality putter. Now the odds are you will change putters 2 or 20 times before you find the one you love. But you will save more strokes with the putter than any other club. And once you find the one for you, it could be a lifelong love affair. You will use this club more than any other. Trust me when you find the right one, you will know it.

Hope this helps and good luck!

[GaijinGolfer]

Id consider Titleist DCI 981s to be game improvement irons and IMO they would be a good set of clubs to learn with.
Im definetly no pro golfer myself and I find my DCI 981s to be pretty easy to hit though.
Mine have regular flex shafts though, which could make a difference.

[cwcaesar]

I recommend that you get fitted for your irons. A good fitting will ensure that you will have the right irons for your swing. And test out several sets, you will enjoy the process.

[zeke4155]

Thanks all for the advice. I will be looking for a used set of GI irons.

I have a couple of follow-ups:

How important is it to have the clubs fitted? I used Golfsmith's online "smart" system. It said I need a 64 degree lie angle and 1/2 inch longer shaft than standard shafts based on my measurements. Will that make that much of a difference?

Could I please have some suggestions on game improvement irons that are maybe a couple of years old? I'm looking to spend $300 or less on a set. I have researched quite a bit on the newer GI irons, but those are out of my range at this point. I've had a hard time looking for older GI models prior to 2006.

Thanks for the sound advice and pointing me in the right direction guys and gals. Being new to the game, it's overwhelming the information out there which can be contradictory.

[eberryhill7]

I replaced my walmart beginner set with taylormade r7 xd irons and I love them! You could look on ebay, but if you can't find a set for $300 or less then you clould look for callaway x-14s I've heard many good things about them. Good luck!

[zeke4155]

  eberryhill7 said:

I replaced my walmart beginner set with taylormade r7 xd irons and I love them! You could look on ebay, but if you can't find a set for $300 or less then you clould look for callaway x-14s I've heard many good things about them. Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestion. I'll try the r7s on the next trip to Golfsmith. I went looking for the Callaway x-14 tonight on the used rack with no luck. Could anyone from personal experience offer some feedback on the x-14s?

[Stacey_E]

I can offer advice on the X12s which were virtually the same club. They were great clubs and very forgiving. But at address they weren't overly huge and the offset was not overwhelming. The low center of gravity allowed you to hit the ball relatively high on a stop and drop trajectory. I don't think I ever hit a fat shot with the X12s. Now I'm sure I made fat shots, but they have a fairly deep depth to the bounce of the sole and refused to dig into the turf. One other thing I liked about the X12s was I could use up to the 8 iron out of the sand. This would get me a guaruntee out and somewhere on the green out to 30 or 40 yards. And this is one of the toughest shots in golf, the long bunker shot.

These clubs hold their value very well, and will get you much respect from your golfing partners. I know people that play to low single digit handicaps that are still carrying the X12 and X14s. I would highly highly recommend these for a mid to high handicapper. It's funny how Callaway got on the MOI boat some 10 years prior to it being a buzz word.

[zeke4155]

That was awesome Stacey! Thanks.

Based on your feedback along with many other similar comments raving about these x-14s, those are going to be the ones. Wish me luck trying to find these laying on someone's used clubs rack.