Returning to Golf. Need advice

[Beretta_Shooter]

Hello,

In March of 2006 I had a fairly bad accident and ripped most of the ligaments in my left shoulder. At the time I was a .5 handicap and hit balls every day and played twice per week. I have not played golf or hit a golf ball since.

After years of rehab I finally can swing a golf club again and I went to the range late last week and hit 100 balls. Man did it feel good to hit balls again. I have lost all of my power and sprayed most of my shots, but it still felt good.

When I stopped playing in early '06 I used MP-14s. For the next year or so while I repair my game I am going to need to use a more forgiving club. I have been out of the loop for so long that I have no idea what is out there and what has been going on in the industry.

Would someone please recommend to me a set of irons that are:

1) Forged or a really soft feeling cast
2) Progressive cavity back
3) Have a traditional look (like the MP-14)
4) Have zero or extremely little offset. This is an absolute.

Thanks!!

[PiKapp23]

Maybe the closest to your requirements would be the Mizuno MX-200 or the MP-52. The 52's are a little more traditional, but the 200's are more forgiving. The MP-62 might also be a consiideration - they are less forgiving than 52's , but probably more forgiving than your old 14's.

I had one of the fitters at golf store also say that before I buy the Mizuno's I should really look at the Adams Pro or Pro Gold. They are forged and are designed to be somewhat forgiving, but not at expense of playablity or with the oversized non-traditional look of game improvement clubs. You might also like the Titleist AP2, but it's a little bulkier than the others.

[RocktimusPryme]

I would recomend Mizunos as well if you want forged and just look at several from that line see what you like the best

[Beretta_Shooter]

Thanks for the tips. I was actually reading a review on the Adams Pro Gold when you posted. They look promising. I will have to check them out.

[Dub]

I've been drooling over the MP52's as well. They seem to offer the blend of forgiveness yet shotmaking agility and sheer good looks.

[Laxplayer201092]

Sir, i would say that you coming from a .5, you proboboly still "have it" to a certain point... So i would say you should look into a set of MP-60's. Sweet feel, As little offset as i think your gonna find, and they wont be a huge huge jump from your old mizzys..

[jonjones]

Good luck to you in your come back.

I had a grade 3 shoulder separation in 10/07. I had a Weaver Dunn procedure in 1/08. Long story short, I started swinging a club again late 9/08.

I had played with the X-18 Pro's before my injury. Went to the Titleist 990's, and recently switched to my current clubs. It didn't cross my mind to go back to a cavity back. I prefer the blades. I feel like they make me a better ball striker. Seeing how you were a .5 before, it won't take long for you to get back into it.

I am not trying to make this a CB vs Blade discussion. I just wanted to share my experience. Again, good luck. PM me and we can share war stories.

[Beretta_Shooter]

I hope to get it back within a year. Things just don't feel right on the range. My swing feels really restricted and I spray everything. Hopefully I just play well enough to make it fun.

[jcrob902]

I would try the Mizuno mx 25's a great forged club with alot of forgivness but also the feedback to let you know that you missed, easy to set up and look good at address give them a try. and good luck in your search finding the right irons is a confusing mess!

[Beretta_Shooter]

Thanks JCR. It has been confusing so far. For some reason I can never get a feel for how iron feel when I hit them off of a mat. It makes it hard to shop for sticks at an retailer.

[DaveLeeNC]

If custom/components is a viable option for you, a mixed set of Wishon 555M/555C (possibly 560MC in the longer irons) is exactly what you described.

dave

[ScruffyScraper]

First and most importantly, Beretta, best wishes on your continuing recovery.

(Pistols or shotguns?)

Whatever irons you choose, unless they're custom ground or bent, they will have stronger lofts than your MP-14s did. That was the last regular production major OEM offering with the old school traditional lofts. At best, you'll find MP-29 lofts.

As for offset, you may now need just a little to square up with the longer irons only, which is how most "players'" cavity back sets come.

I hear great things about the Nike Victory Red split cavity. Forged, nice looking, and a little bit of cachet.

If you decide to go all out, California Golf Technologies will make you whatever you want. You'll have your choice of pure blades, progressive offset cavity backs (like mine), or no offset cavity backs.

[Beretta_Shooter]

Hi Scruffy,

I actually own an M9 pistol and two Beretta shotguns. I love to shoot! I really got into it while I could not play golf since I would have the shotgun anchored into my right (uninjured) shoulder. When I shoot steel plates or any type of pistol competition I use my Glock but if anyone breaks into my house late at night they will be staring at my M9. When I shoot sporting clays or skeet I use Beretta's exclusively.

Went down to the club today and hit balls for the third time. It really felt good and my swing is not that far away from what it once was. My short game is a different story. The club has recently acquired three different computerized fitting systems. One from Nike, Cleveland and Callaway. I will try heads from each and if one catches my eye, I will build a set around it.

This brings up a new question: If I were to go with hybrids instead of a 3I and 4I, should I use the same shaft as I would in my LW-5I? What do you guys do?

[jcrob902]

  Beretta_Shooter said:

Hi Scruffy,

Mizuno has a hybrid fitting system to match your lofts in your hybrids to those in your irons to fill the yardage gaps correctly I think adams does to,not sure though.

[DaveLeeNC]

  Beretta_Shooter said:

Hi Scruffy,

If your current 3i "works" for you, then I would shaft a 3i (and 4i) hybrid similarly. I always liked long irons but found that (particularly) my 3i hit the ball too low with too little carry (vs. my other irons). I tried shafting a 3i hybrid just like a 3i (39" steel shaft) and had a similar problem.

I changed it to a 40.25" graphite shaft and it was like a brand new golf club and I really like it. On my 4i hybrid it is also now a graphite shaft but only 1/2" "over standard" (compared with my steel shafted irons. dave

[jmoc]

Glad to hear you are recovering well and are ready to get back in the game. I know you are getting a ton of advice and I have never hit any mizuno stuff, but here are some others to look at.

Adams Pro (already mentioned)
Nike CCi Forged or VR Split Cavity Forged
Ping i10
Bridgestone GC Mid (you can snag these with Stiff Graphite for around $130 on Ebay)

What ever you chose, happy hunting. BTW, I'm currently relying on a 96D Centurion for off course encounters ..... jmoc

[Beretta_Shooter]

  None said:

If your current 3i "works" for you, then I would shaft a 3i (and 4i) hybrid similarly. I always liked long irons but found that (particularly) my 3i hit the ball too low with too little carry (vs. my other irons). I tried shafting a 3i hybrid just like a 3i (39" steel shaft) and had a similar problem.

You make a good point. I have always hit my 3 and 4 lower with less carry and lower. I will make a point to address this with whomever fits me.

  None said:

I'm currently relying on a 96D Centurion for off course encounters ..... jmoc

Awesome gun. .40 cal in the 92fs/M9 frame. Probably the single most reliable .40 ever made.

[ks8829]

Combo set of Mp33 and Mp30 irons set sound perfect for you. Welcome back