Should I use old clubs?

[Rochester]

I'm getting back into golf after a VERY long absence. I used to be pretty good, way back when... A close friend has been after me to give it a try again, and I finally gave in. I've only played a couple of rounds, but really enjoyed getting back out on the course. However, my golf clubs are from the late 60s, MacGregor MT Tourneys.

Without doing a lot of research, I knew my persimmon woods were REALLY out of date. I found some really good deals on 2008 MacGregor woods, on-line. I bought a 1, 3 and 5. I also bought 2008 MacGregor 4, 5, and 6 hybrids, because I read that they are much easier to hit than the longer irons, and the prices on them were very good too.

I figured that irons are irons, and planned to just use my vintage 6-SW, thinking my 6 iron would cover the distance gap between the 6 hybrid and 7 iron, if there is one. My buddy told me that irons have been updated radically since mine were made, and he let me try a 10 year old set of his that have the cavity backs and bigger heads. However, truth be told, I've hit my old ones better than his.

My questions are, first, do these old MT Tourneys of mine have any collector value that I would destroy by using them? (They're in pretty good shape yet.)

Second, am I fooling myself? Should I just make a switch to more modern irons before I develop some bad habits? (Whatever they might be...) Or do you think I could what until next summer, and maybe buy some different irons then, once I've improved my play a little more, and know better what I might want? or maybe even just decide to stick with my old MT Tourneys.

Thanks for any feedback... Rochester

[Danattherock]

My thought, play with what you have now. If you get back into things full speed, treat yourself to a full set of modern clubs next year. New woods, irons, wedges, and putter. No doubt technology has changed in the last few decades. Spend time playing and on the practice range to be sure you are going to be playing regularly, then break out the wallet and buy a new set next year.

[moadhia]

I have a friend who plays with his dad's 10 year old clubs and his handicap is 9. I guess that pretty much answers your question :)

[Danattherock]

I have a friend who plays with his dad's 10 year old clubs and his handicap is 9. I guess that pretty much answers your question :)

Keep in mind the OP said 1960's Heck, I have 1994 Big Bertha Gold irons. I love them, but 15 years old and 40 years old is a big difference. Not saying he should run out and buy the latest and the greatest, but dang, 1960's.

[billm408]

Hand forged carbon steel Tourneys? Re-grip 'em and stick with 'em. IMHO, irons were better made back then and they likely have little collectable value. As long as they're not rusted- although I'd suggest having loft & lie checked at some point.

[Beantown Beancounter]

I agree with the previous comments that you should use what you have now, and then reassess your need for new clubs based on the enjoyment you are having and what you are trying to accomplish. I have been gaming hand me downs from my father for the past year and a half and finally have just completed putting my very own set together this season as I am now really looking into focusing on the game and improving my performance each and every day.

[David in FL]

Wow......that brings back some memories. I had a set of old VIP's way back in the day.

I don't think there's any real collector value there, so no worries about playing them. The real issue is how much you're going to play. If it's more than a couple of times a year, I'd really recommend getting some new irons. You absolutely won't believe the difference modern cavity back irons will make in your game from those old blades. You'll have more fun and won't be fighting your equipment........and let's face it, it's all about having a good time for most of us.