Help Me Select the Right Clubs. Getting back into the game after a long layoff

[Lukester1980]

I am 53 and am getting back into the game after many,  many years on no play. I want to buy newer clubs and could use the advice and wise sage of the experts out there. I played on the golf team in H.S. and one year of college. At my best back then I shot upper 70s. The clubs I currently own are Ping Eye 2 Black Dot.  I went to the local golf shop and got fitted. They say I should look for Standard + 1/2 inch in length and 2.0 upright lie. That equates to Yellow or Green dot in Pings. I also tested Callaway, Mizuno and Taylor-Made. I liked them all but am a bit more partial to the Pings. My swing speed was 100+. I don't have any major physical issues, though I definitely am not as limber as I once was.

So, my questions: First, Regular or Stiff shaft? I am thinking even though I am still 100+ on swing speed, I'm not getting any younger. The fitter recommended Regular shaft irons, but said I might consider Stiff in the driver. Thoughts?

Second, I definitely want a cavity back iron and am going to buy used to save some money. It seems standard length clubs are in the majority. If I find a nice set of standard length clubs, and put inserts in to lengthen them, how will that affect the upright lie? What should I consider regarding length and lie while shopping? I used to regrip my own clubs back in the day, but I have never done inserts. Is this something I can do myself or should I leave it up to the pros? Third, any other manufacturers I should consider besides those I already mentioned? Thanks!

[Old1964]

  Lukester1980 said:

Originally Posted by Lukester1980

I am 53 and am getting back into the game after many,  many years on no play. I want to buy newer clubs and could use the advice and wise sage of the experts out there. I played on the golf team in H.S. and one year of college. At my best back then I shot upper 70s. The clubs I currently own are Ping Eye 2 Black Dot.  I went to the local golf shop and got fitted. They say I should look for Standard + 1/2 inch in length and 2.0 upright lie. That equates to Yellow or Green dot in Pings. I also tested Callaway, Mizuno and Taylor-Made. I liked them all but am a bit more partial to the Pings. My swing speed was 100+. I don't have any major physical issues, though I definitely am not as limber as I once was.

So, my questions: First, Regular or Stiff shaft? I am thinking even though I am still 100+ on swing speed, I'm not getting any younger. The fitter recommended Regular shaft irons, but said I might consider Stiff in the driver. Thoughts?

Second, I definitely want a cavity back iron and am going to buy used to save some money. It seems standard length clubs are in the majority. If I find a nice set of standard length clubs, and put inserts in to lengthen them, how will that affect the upright lie? What should I consider regarding length and lie while shopping? I used to regrip my own clubs back in the day, but I have never done inserts. Is this something I can do myself or should I leave it up to the pros? Third, any other manufacturers I should consider besides those I already mentioned? Thanks!

I am definitely not an expert, but I did have a couple recent fittings and will share a few thoughts that you can take or leave. First, before I dropped the cash on new clubs, I would hit the Ping-Eye 2's at the range quite a bit so that your swing is grooved in if you didn't do that already. Getting back to that feel of a solid swing may make a discernable difference on where the club is making impact on the impact board (when they put tape on the bottom of the iron).  Plus, you will get more feedback after you decide whether or not you are standing too close to the ball, or too far away, or just right.

Second, I would wonder if you used a computer assisted shaft analyzer in your fitting. The idea that you can just choose regular or stiff shafts and get the same result across the board is a non sequitar. For me, the gs95 shafts are stiff, but give me a very different ball flight from a stiff project x shaft.  After hitting into the computer screen and going ourside, that was very evident! So, I would do the computer-assisted shaft analyzer (at Golf Galaxy and big box golf stores) and then go to a shop where you can trust them and hit the ball outside watching the real flight. With your swing speed, I would be surprised if a regular shaft worked for you, it seems that the right type of shafts in the proper flex will be key. I swing about 90 on average irons with stiff gs95's and am delighted by the results.

Third, I play 2 degrees upright with 1 inch added. If you get a quality club, the 2 degree adjustment shouldn't be an issue for the fitter. The Mizuno JPX 800s are great clubs. They are quite forgiving, cavity backs, with great playablility. One of my friends is a one handicap and just bought a set of them last season replacing a set of Pings and loves them.

Fourth, your Ping Eye 2's are considered by some golfers to be the best irons ever made ("some").  There is a good market for them if you want to part with them, since the lie angle may not be well-suited to your position at impact. I sold a set last winter for around $200 without the sand wedges. Sold them individually later.  Hence, I sprung for the Mizuno mp-58's which aren't as forgiving, but have allowed me to really know when I am hitting good shots without punishing the slightly off-centered shots too much.

Fifth, regripping and inserts are not a trouble. Just trim the inserts (available at Golfsmith) to your desired length - glue them in place - let them set a few hours (I think) and then put your grips on with tape like before.  You shouldn't have  difficulty with that if you are the least bit able to use a vice and a hack saw (or Dremel in my case).

Finally, I would suggest you look at the Winn Lite grips - a little pricey, but they feel "excellent", wear well, and allow you to feel a little more weight in the club face. Just an aside.

Enjoy shopping and looking for deals! Let us know how it works out for you.

[Lukester1980]

Thank you for your response old1964. I am having fun getting re-educated at all the new technology. I did not get a computerized swing analysis. The fitter used tape on the bottom of the club to dial in the lie angle. He used the standard height and wrist to ground measurement to come up with the standard + 1/2 inch measurement.  I wish I could remember the Mizuno model I tried. I liked it. I will have to go back and see. I'll keep my eyes open for the JPX-800s as well. Now I am more confused on Regular vs Stiff shafts. I will definitely ask more questions and hit more balls first. I just assumed that at my age I should just move on to the Regular shafts.

[1puttit]

Old1964 has given you some excellent advice. If it was me I would dust off those Pings and get my swing back in shape before doing anything else.  You might find the Pings are fine. Definitely put in a couple of range sessions with the Pings and see how your ball flight and distance is. If you do need to go more upright you can send them back to Ping and they will bend them and redo the color code.

Shaft stiffness is all about clubhead speed, not age. If your driver speed is 100+ then you are probably ok for stiff shafts in your irons.