How strong are steel shaft irons?

[newbiegolfer]

So after I learned that I have the tendency to scoop the ball due to practicing too much on the soft driving range mats, I started trying to strike down on the ball on real grass (hitting the ball first and then taking a divot).

I understand that some gravel underneath the grass may be harder or softer throughout the course, I am just wondering how strong the steel shafts are. I see people beside me just striking their irons into the hard ground, taking a divot, I am just wondering if it is possible for a steel shaft to be bent as a result.

I am afraid to strike down on the ball as sometimes the gravel is harder and I am afraid to bend my clubs when I have a mis-hit (hitting the ground an inch behind the ball =S).

Can anyone provide me with the right mentality when striking a ball?

Thanks =)

[Where's the Cart Girl?]

I've never heard of a shaft being damaged by this sort of thing. In fact, it takes a pretty strong impact with a tree to break a shaft. If you watch a slow motion video of a professional's swing, swinging much faster than you or I, the shaft actually undergoes a significant amount of flexion and then rebound through the zone. It "springs back" from any bend and I suspect actually adds to the penetrating nature of their ball flight.

If anything, see if you can get a look at a video of that and use it as a swing thought of your own. Stand over the shot and see that shaft bending as you compress the sh*t out of that ball. The last thing you want creeping in your head is - Oh man, I hope I don't break my club. because thats just inviting a decelerating, unaggressive swing.

The club has no reason to fear, only the ball does.

[opie]

[pshizz]

you will not be able to bend your shaft, unless you smack it against a tree on purpose. Don't worry about it!

[Dub]

They are designed to stike the ground.

Don't worry....you can't hurt the club. If you do then an steel shaft can be replaced for very minimal $$$. Of all the golf related stuff you can worry about....let this be your last concern.

Beat that ball into the ground and have some fun doing it.

[newbiegolfer]

Thanks to all the feedbacks =) Absolutely solved my concern!

[newbiegolfer]

Hmm, can't seem to figure out how to edit my previous post.

I just have another question regarding striking down on the ball. If I continue to practice on the driving range mats (the grass tee range is 30minute of drive away), should I still strike as if I am going to take a divot (even though I actually can't).

Now I understand that the iron won't bend, but wouldn't this be bad to my body/arm?

Is this not a big concern? I see a lot of people hitting off mats.

[brgolf]

A descending blow is always required for your irons, there is no other way to hit a shot properly.

Injuries off range mats have never been a concern in my experience.

To encourage a downward blow lean your club 2 inches ahead of the ball at address.

[DriverTees]

Anyway, steel shafts are even tougher than graphite.

[nick1998bunker]

Bumping this so I don't have to start a new thread, my 9 iron cracked under the grip and Im not sure how. I've had my irons for 3 years and so I could have just fatigued. How would I go about replacing it? And do I have any hope of getting it replaced for free? also I am considering getting all my irons cut down an inch so they are 2 inches shorter if I have to get it replaced, would that be a problem? I am 5'3" .

[grubby98]

Def brought up an old thread.  I just recently had my 9 iron snap in the middle of the grip while hitting a ball during a tournament.  Chipped in for birdie!!   But it cost me 50 bucks to have a KBS tour 90 stiff steal shaft installed with a new grip.  Most clubs have a year or 2 of warranty.  So you could just contact the company of your club.  But I'm sure the hassle wont be worth it.  Plus they would probably make you pay shipping both ways if they did fix it.  Just take it to a local pro shop that changes out shafts and they will have you fixed overnight or within a few days if they have to order the shaft.