Time to upgrade?

[Big Padrigo]

OK, so I know that people ask variations on this question a dozen times a day but here's my current club dilemmma:

I bought my irons about 20 months ago, shortly after moving to the US. At the time I was about a 22 handicap and so went for the forgiveness of the G5. I didn't get fitted for lie at the time so they are standard black dots.

Now my handicap is around 14. I was having a lesson with my pro a couple of weeks ago and I asked him to fit me properly. Turns out that I have need quite an upright lie, a silver dot in Ping terms. Once we had the lie I tried a few clubs and the found that I preferred the i-10s to anything else. I also tried a few shafts and like the Z-Z65 shaft best. I tend to hit the ball quite high and this combination gave me a much better trajectory.

For me this would be a no brainer if I thought I was going to continue playing the same amount of golf as I do now, however, the dilemma is we're expecting our first child in 3 weeks. I know I'll still be able to play occasionally, just not as much as now.

The question is, is it worth upgrading or should I wait?

[PiKapp23]

I'm probably in the minority on this, but I am a big believer in players having the correct clubs for them. Partially this is because a well fit club will yield better, more consistent results, but also because of the mental side of it. If you know your clubs are not a perfect fit then you may not play as well as you could because of this. If you want new clubs and can afford them without selling off bodily organs, then go for it, but make sure you get properly fit.

Of course a new child is going to cut back on your playing time so you'll have to consider that. You could continue to play your current set until you feel you'll be freed up to play more again, but it's also possible that might not happen as soon as you like (if ever, judging from some of my golf mates). New clubs might also be a bit of an incentive to get out there as much as possible.

[TyCobb]

Well, if you are financially able too, even with the baby coming, then get them. I10's are players irons, so you'll be able to use them till you drop down to a 5 or so and even then you can still use them if you prefer a tad more forgiveness over a tad more workability that you'd get with a blade.

[tjy355]

You can always send the clubs to Ping and have them bent upright for a nominal charge.

[lumpuckeroo]

I'm with TyCobb, if you can afford them, get them. What you will find is that even if your rounds are limited, you will still have some "game".

[goblue107501]

I agree with both Pi and Ty. If you can afford them (without sacrificing baby items, which belive me can be costly) then go ahead. It will only help you improve your game when you can play the first few months. Then if/when the time comes and you can get out more, you will already be used to them. It sounds like you have been fitted, so no matter what you decide you know what you want and need so all you have to do is place the order.

[becksfan2185]

tjy is right on as well - you can get them adjusted no problem. You just have to weigh the cost of buying a new set vs. a small charge to get them adjusted. There will always be newer, better clubs out there that feel nicer to hit than what you have. If your clubs are < 2 years old, you may not need to get rid of them yet. But whether you adjust your set or buy new ones, play clubs that fit you

[glebert]

I would get your clubs bent, and then use the "savings" to finance your golf for the next x months. The kid is going to be priority #1, for time and $, but you have to have some "you" time as well.

[Big Padrigo]

You can always send the clubs to Ping and have them bent upright for a nominal charge.

agreed, that is the absolute minimum that will happen.

[flanagan]

You haven't indicated money is an issue, so I'm ignoring that factor.

Get the new irons. I'm pretty sure they are also offset less than the G5s, but you could check that out with your pro or online at PING, and if so, I think you would like that, especially in your shorter irons. When I switched from my i3+ "blades" last year, I hit the i10s and really liked the way they set up, just liked the AP2s a little better.

I know personally having played a couple of different kinds of PINGs over the years, I would much prefer the i10s over the G5s. Getting fit, including the right shaft, is really important.

Don't be so sure just becuase a little one is on the way you'll be playing less (at least until tee ball starts up). I found I scaled back play a bit, because I wanted to be around the little one, but that's when I got serious about taking lessons and spending more time on the range (but less time overall at the course), and improved quite a bit.

[Big Padrigo]

I agree with both Pi and Ty. If you can afford them (without sacrificing baby items, which belive me can be costly) then go ahead. It will only help you improve your game when you can play the first few months. Then if/when the time comes and you can get out more, you will already be used to them. It sounds like you have been fitted, so no matter what you decide you know what you want and need so all you have to do is place the order.

This is kinda where my head is. This isn't a trade-off against baby stuff, most (I hope) of the costlier baby stuff (stroller, glider, crib) has been bought and paid for. It's not really the financial side of the dilemma, it's more will I get to use them enough. I'm planning to take some leave around teh birth, like 6 weeks off. I know I'll mostly be helping momma, but hope to still play a little. Idealy I'd use this time to get used to the new clubs and then when I do play again, I'll be comfortable with them.

[Big Padrigo]

You haven't indicated money is an issue, so I'm ignoring that factor.

I'm hoping this is what happens!!

My wife is an avid golfer as well, in fact she played 9 holes with me last Friday, 36 weeks into the pregnancy (and shot 54!). I'll figure we'll find a way to get out there. Anyone any experience of swinging with a baby strapped to their chest?

[Big Padrigo]

Just wanted to say I went ahead and ordered the I-10s this afternoon, hope to get them in a week or so.

[glebert]

Just wanted to say I went ahead and ordered the I-10s this afternoon, hope to get them in a week or so.

Couldn't see that comin'

[flanagan]

6 weeks off? PLAY GOLF. Help momma? She may appreciate some help, and you will love being around the newborn, but, if you are taking 6 weeks off, you will have plenty of time for the range and the course. Momma will want some time for herself, too, but she will also want you out of there at times, also. What could be better? A baby and a vacation to work on your game, what an opportunity!
You have chosen wisely.

[Big Padrigo]

I do appreciate that I'm very fortunate the ways things are working out for us at the moment. I'm actually changing jobs and we are moving back to Ireland in May. The way things have worked out means I am basically between jobs at the time our baby is coming so I can take the time off without anyone missing me. The great thing is that we have family coming out over Easter, so I'm hoping for a few rounds with my dad and brother.