New irons, club fitting, or both?

[ryanf]

Couple of questions. I've been considering getting new irons for a while now. I've hit some at the PGA Tour Superstore here and there over the past month or two but I'm not really in the best place to be testing out equipment (I've been sick for over a year, getting better now but I'm down almost 20% in weight (and I'm thin to begin with) and certainly have lost muscle and stamina along the way).

I've hit a wide variety (AP1's, Ping G10's, Mizuno MP-57's & MX-300's, Nike VR splits, etc.) and haven't had an "oh wow" moment with any of them yet. It could have been because I'm out of practice and energy, could have just been the clubs. I'm currently using Titleist 822 OS irons and have had them for about 3 years. Great clubs! Went from a 25 handicap down to about a 13.5 last spring, running about a 14-15 now.

I think I'm half stuck between being able to use more of a players iron and standard game improvement irons. I can't decide if I should concentrate on finding new irons that will help me take my game to the next level OR get professionally fit for my current irons (cost??) or get new equipment and fit at the same time.

One of my 2010 goals is to get back to a healthy weight and increase my strength, as well as take my best shot at getting to an 11 or below handicap. In the late summer/fall I Was playing pretty well but just not getting things quite right for a break through. Improved my FIR, GIR, putting hovered about the same. GIR's might have increased but they weren't getting closer enough to the pin to be productive in dropping my score. My short game has improved tremendously and feel confident sticking short chips close, holing out once every couple of rounds and giving the hole a serious scare most of the time.

One thing I really battled this last year were the "lefts" -- I would hit streaks of hitting the ball left. Not slices - I rarely slice. Straight shots just going 10-15 yards left of the target. I'm fairly aware of my swing and can self correct well. I worked it out pretty much (I think I was just developing a habit of getting lazy with my hands at the top of the swing) but I'm wondering if I've just covered an equipment problem with a swing change. That maybe getting fit and lie angle adjustments would work best. The "lefts" still creep back here and there for a shot or two, very frustrating.

I'm also very interested in exploring graphite shafts as a way to reduce club weight (since I'm down on strength) and fatigue. But are graphite shafts really any lighter than steel shafts these days? I know there have been advancements in both. I truly don't care what I hit as long its going to work best for me. Just not sure which way to go - sink money in new clubs, club fitting, or both??

Just looking for direction.

Ryan

[shades9323]

My suggestion would be to play with your current clubsfor now. Get healthy and strong. Then go ge some new sticks. That way you get clubs fit to your normal fitness level, not your weakend state. Kind of as a reward from coming back from your sickness.

[Danattherock]

In order of priority...

Focus on your health, fitness, stamina, etc..

Take a few lessons from a good teaching pro in your area. Perhaps once every 2-3 weeks.

Get fitted by a certified fitter. Your teaching pro should be able to suggest someone.

In the spring, re-evaluate your equipment.

Forget the term "players irons". Seriously, let it go. Use equipment that will make the game easier, not harder. Find a middle ground at a minimum in club head design.

[WUTiger]

My suggestion would be to play with your current clubsfor now. Get healthy and strong. Then go ge some new sticks. That way you get clubs fit to your normal fitness level, not your weakend state. Kind of as a reward from coming back from your sickness.

Sorry to hear that you have been ailing. Once you get better, change clubs then.

You might consider an evaluation session with a Titleist Performance Institute certified trainer. Such a person could give you a conditioning regimen, and could check to see if you have any mobility restrictions on your swing after your down year.

[chassers0812]

I would definitely concentrate on regaining your health. After that I would go to a club maker and get properly fitted. I would also avoid off-the-shelf clubs. Good luck!

[Quinn07]

All the responses here echo my feelings as well. Get your health back up to where it should be, take some lessons then get fitted for the perfect irons for your game.

Good Luck and I hope you get better soon!