Swallow your pride

[rocky74]

I just need to get something off my chest, and see if I'm looney or resourceful.

Last year I purchased Taylormade Burner 1.0 irons which are game improvement irons (as you most likely know).  I purchased them because I lost the 7iron of my previous set (Nike Pro Combo OS), and they were a great deal ($380).  Plus I figured that since I was hitting the Pro Combo's so well, that I could benefit from more of a players iron.  I did not hit the Burners well at the range, but also did not hit JPX 800's or any others that well in the game improvement category of clubs.  I figured the Taylormades were the best price by far - so I was fitted for them and out the door.

ALL SEASON LONG I struggled with these clubs.  Was never comfortable with a 4 to a 7iron in my hand.  My handicap really suffered because of this.  Guys in my golf league were saying "Eh, it takes awhile to get used to new irons."  Everything was pushed to the right, and if I did hit one straight, it was a pop up with a major loss of distance.  Very frustrating.  Also, I was hitting all my other clubs just fine.

Winter came and I went to the local range numerous times to try and zero in on what the hell I needed to change.  I figured on taking some lessons this spring, howwever, I also wanted to demo some SUPER game improvement clubs against my current ones.  First thing I grabbed were the Taylormade Burner Plus irons.  3 to 4 demo sessions later, I was happy again.  Not happy that I had to shell out another $270 on new sticks, but happy that I could hit actual GOLF SHOTS again - and consistently.  I need the offset, larger sole/cavity, weighty club head, etc. - I still need the training wheels.

Sure, I could work on improving my swing by spending lots of time and money that I don't really have.  However, I'd rather have the chunkier club and make better golf shots.  The bottom line is that I thought I was a better golfer than I actually was, and now that I've realized my limitations, I think I can start having fun again.

Am I doing the right thing?  It's all about having fun right? Super game improvement clubs are made for hacks like myself who struggle to break 100 - so why not reap the benefits?  OR am I cheating myself?

[moparman426]

Use whatever is necessary to keep you playing, and playing happy.

[Gioguy21]

Originally Posted by rocky74

I just need to get something off my chest, and see if I'm looney or resourceful.

Last year I purchased Taylormade Burner 1.0 irons which are game improvement irons (as you most likely know).  I purchased them because I lost the 7iron of my previous set (Nike Pro Combo OS), and they were a great deal ($380).  Plus I figured that since I was hitting the Pro Combo's so well, that I could benefit from more of a players iron.  I did not hit the Burners well at the range, but also did not hit JPX 800's or any others that well in the game improvement category of clubs.  I figured the Taylormades were the best price by far - so I was fitted for them and out the door.

ALL SEASON LONG I struggled with these clubs.  Was never comfortable with a 4 to a 7iron in my hand.  My handicap really suffered because of this.  Guys in my golf league were saying "Eh, it takes awhile to get used to new irons."  Everything was pushed to the right, and if I did hit one straight, it was a pop up with a major loss of distance.  Very frustrating.  Also, I was hitting all my other clubs just fine.

Winter came and I went to the local range numerous times to try and zero in on what the hell I needed to change.  I figured on taking some lessons this spring, howwever, I also wanted to demo some SUPER game improvement clubs against my current ones.  First thing I grabbed were the Taylormade Burner Plus irons.  3 to 4 demo sessions later, I was happy again.  Not happy that I had to shell out another $270 on new sticks, but happy that I could hit actual GOLF SHOTS again - and consistently.  I need the offset, larger sole/cavity, weighty club head, etc. - I still need the training wheels.

Sure, I could work on improving my swing by spending lots of time and money that I don't really have.  However, I'd rather have the chunkier club and make better golf shots.  The bottom line is that I thought I was a better golfer than I actually was, and now that I've realized my limitations, I think I can start having fun again.

Am I doing the right thing?  It's all about having fun right?  Super game improvement clubs are made for hacks like myself who struggle to break 100 - so why not reap the benefits?  OR am I cheating myself?

you spent over $500 on clubs. you're a 24 handicap. you should've spent $250-$300 and put the rest on lessons. you could get a ferrari but if you can't drive stick you're just wasting your money. (and for those who say you could get it in auto, hold your opinion, it's a disgrace to own a ferrari or any sports car in an auto)

i'm just saying, get LESSONS, not CLUBS

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by Gioguy21

you spent over $500 on clubs. you're a 24 handicap. you should've spent $250-$300 and put the rest on lessons. you could get a ferrari but if you can't drive stick you're just wasting your money. (and for those who say you could get it in auto, hold your opinion, it's a disgrace to own a ferrari or any sports car in an auto)

i'm just saying, get LESSONS, not CLUBS

I totally understand what you are saying here, I really do.  I just figure that if the new clubs can get me back to where I was (at least hitting it fair 50%-75% of the time), then why not make that purchase, and ALSO take lessons.  Sorry I forgot to mention that in the OP.  I still plan on taking lessons because I definitely need them.

EDIT:  So yes, in actuality, NOW I'm doing exactly what you suggested.  Of course, in hindsight, and at the loss of $380.  But hey, some of us have to learn the hard way.

[Gioguy21]

Originally Posted by rocky74

I totally understand what you are saying here, I really do.  I just figure that if the new clubs can get me back to where I was (at least hitting it fair 50%-75% of the time), then why not make that purchase, and ALSO take lessons.  Sorry I forgot to mention that in the OP.  I still plan on taking lessons because I definitely need them.

ok i gotchu now. we're talking about what should come first right now, chicken or the egg. while i agree that clubs can make a difference for you, i believe that establishing a swing that you can replicate and have confidence in (ie coming through taking lessons) is much more important than new equipment right now. if you buy equipment now, sure you're fitted for em, but who's to say when you go through lessons you won't be more upright? more bent over? much more lag in your swing? much steeper/shallower swing plane? all of these things could have an impact on your club specs. just food for thought.

[WUTiger]

Quote:

...  Not happy that I had to shell out another $270 on new sticks, but happy that I could hit actual GOLF SHOTS again - and consistently.  I need the offset, larger sole/cavity, weighty club head, etc. - I still need the training wheels.

Sure, I could work on improving my swing by spending lots of time and money that I don't really have.  However, I'd rather have the chunkier club and make better golf shots.

As you have noticed, we only have so much time to devote to our golf games. We need to match our clubs to what kind of game we can maintain. I played in a scramble with a former small-college golfer who had a scratch HDCP in his scholarship days. But, he now has a wife and kids and a full-time job, and plays to about an 8. He switched from blades to GI irons because he couldn't maintain a "blade-quality" swing.

In golf, you go with what works (within the rules, of course). If you have SGI irons and hit the ball well with them, go with it.

For the future: Remember that the head is only half the club - the shaft, "the engine of the club" is of equal importance.

[newtogolf]

You left out some key points that makes it difficult to respond properly.  Did you get fitted for any of the clubs you purchased?  When you tested the new Burner Plus irons, did you try them on a course and grass or just the range or simulator?  As I'm sure you know, clubs will seem better off a mat than grass so if you haven't tried them on grass you may not see the same results.

Utlimately it's your money and what makes you feel most confident when you play is going to help your score.  We're all different, I personally didn't like the thicknes of the top line and sole nor the offset of SGI clubs, but others do.  If you were fitted, tried them on grass and are happy with them, go enjoy them and don't look back.  If you weren't fitted or haven't tried them on grass you may want to do that first.

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by newtogolf

You left out some key points that makes it difficult to respond properly.  Did you get fitted for any of the clubs you purchased?  When you tested the new Burner Plus irons, did you try them on a course and grass or just the range or simulator?  As I'm sure you know, clubs will seem better off a mat than grass so if you haven't tried them on grass you may not see the same results.

Utlimately it's your money and what makes you feel most confident when you play is going to help your score.  We're all different, I personally didn't like the thicknes of the top line and sole nor the offset of SGI clubs, but others do.  If you were fitted, tried them on grass and are happy with them, go enjoy them and don't look back.  If you weren't fitted or haven't tried them on grass you may want to do that first.

Yes, I was fitted for both.  Also, I hate mats and always prefer grass.  When I purchased the Burner 1.0's, I tested on grass on a few different occasions this spring.  When I purchased the Burner Plus, I tested on mats because the grass isn't open in the winter (but I snuck a few grass hits in here and there).  It's unfortunate that I could not try the Burner Plus on grass, however, mats or grass - its still the same medium when comparing two sets of clubs.  Thus, what was super evident is that I could crack the SGI clubs really good 3 out of 4 swings, and they felt more comfortable ... more like what I had with my Pro Combo OS irons.  They were just easier to hit.  The Burner 1.0's were still all over the damn place, which just gets worse as my confidence in them decreases with every shot.  Even the decent shots with the 1.0's would push 10-20 yds to the right, whereas the Plus would be dead straight with a typical trajectory.

EDIT:  I compared the two sets of clubs on 4 seperate occasions for good measure.

[Gresh24]

You gotta play with what gives you the most confidence and best performance.  Some people get too worked up in what kind of clubs you have to have to do that.  I personally like the "bulky" SGI irons.  To each their own.  I wouldn't say you have to "swallow your pride" to play a certain golf club...

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by Gresh24

You gotta play with what gives you the most confidence and best performance.  Some people get too worked up in what kind of clubs you have to have to do that.  I personally like the "bulky" SGI irons.  To each their own.  I wouldn't say you have to "swallow your pride" to play a certain golf club...

I guess that's not really what I'm saying.  Swallowing my pride was realizing that I was not as good as I thought.  I figured since I was pretty damn consistent with my old offset clubs, that I could step up to more of a players iron ... boy was I wrong.  Both sets of clubs are great looking in my opinion, and whats most important is how your shots look.  I was just wrong in thinking I was "above" an SGI type club - I don't care what other people think about my gear.

[Gresh24]

Just curious, why did you think you were ready to step up to a player iron?  Were you unable to "work" shots with your old clubs?  What was your handicap when you were "pretty damn consistent"?

[newtogolf]

You definitely should not care what other people think of your gear.  If you score lower with SGI irons it would be foolish to use something else for appearance sakes.  I really wanted to like my Diablo Edges but having started out with X-12's I couldn't get used to the offset and thickness.  If I scored better with the Edges I would have kept them in my bag regardless of the type of club they are.

Originally Posted by rocky74

I guess that's not really what I'm saying.  Swallowing my pride was realizing that I was not as good as I thought.  I figured since I was pretty damn consistent with my old offset clubs, that I could step up to more of a players iron ... boy was I wrong.  Both sets of clubs are great looking in my opinion, and whats most important is how your shots look.  I was just wrong in thinking I was "above" an SGI type club - I don't care what other people think about my gear.

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by Gresh24

Just curious, why did you think you were ready to step up to a player iron?  Were you unable to "work" shots with your old clubs?  What was your handicap when you were "pretty damn consistent"?

I don't have an official handicap for 18, but my handicap in my league for 9 holes was down to 12 two seasons ago.  After switching irons, it shot up to 18 last season.

When I was comfortable with my irons, I would shoot between 97 - 108 for 18 on a consistent basis.  My problems then were short game and errant drives.  My irons/approach shots were my strong suit back then.  Not saying that I could work them or anything like that, just that when they were off, it was just by a bit (aim, a bit thin or fat here and there).  Otherwise, my iron striking was getting pretty good.

Once I was in the market for new irons, I tested a bunch of clubs in the GI category, and skipped the SGI category.  I did this because I thought that it was time to try and work on my swing and learn to hit the GI clubs because it would create more distance for me.  I was just misinformed on my own ability, and my club selection - I made a poor choice.

[inthehole]

I love my Burner Plus irons - the mid & long irons are loooooong by any standard.     Nothing wrong with them for guys in our skill level.

[Gresh24]

Originally Posted by rocky74

I don't have an official handicap for 18, but my handicap in my league for 9 holes was down to 12 two seasons ago.  After switching irons, it shot up to 18 last season.

When I was comfortable with my irons, I would shoot between 97 - 108 for 18 on a consistent basis.  My problems then were short game and errant drives.  My irons/approach shots were my strong suit back then.  Not saying that I could work them or anything like that, just that when they were off, it was just by a bit (aim, a bit thin or fat here and there).  Otherwise, my iron striking was getting pretty good.

Once I was in the market for new irons, I tested a bunch of clubs in the GI category, and skipped the SGI category.  I did this because I thought that it was time to try and work on my swing and learn to hit the GI clubs because it would create more distance for me.  I was just misinformed on my own ability, and my club selection - I made a poor choice.

I see where you're coming from.  I have never subscribed to the notion that you need to get 'harder to hit irons' when you hit SGI's more consistent.  I play with a lot of pretty good golfers that swing various SGI clubs.  I understand the advantages of better player irons, but they don't apply to many average amateur golfers, IMO.  I guess that's the lesson learned here...

[Beachcomber]

Personally, I think you are too worried about what category of iron you're playing.  Hit the club that feels the best to you - and gives you the confidence you need on the course.  Guys that are bugging out on you about buying another set of clubs and not getting lessons in my mind are being a little harsh.

You said you really couldn't afford it... I'd rather see you get a set of clubs you enjoy playing golf with, rather than going to an instructor that may or may not work out for you in the end (bad instructor, you don't have the time or money to keep practicing what they teach you, etc. etc..).  At the end of the day, Hank Haney couldn't help Charles Barkley.  And Charles has unlimited resources to make his game better.  So just saying you should go to an instructor and spend money on that isn't necessarily the right answer.

Get the clubs you like (sounds like you found those - congrats).  And go have fun on the golf course playing the game you enjoy.  If you find yourself wanting to get better after playing more golf with your new irons, and you can afford a lesson.  Then go do that.  But getting a lesson hitting clubs you don't like... I think that is just silly.

[PhillyMac]

Originally Posted by rocky74

Last year I purchased Taylormade Burner 1.0 irons which are game improvement irons (as you most likely know).  I purchased them because I lost the 7iron of my previous set (Nike Pro Combo OS), and they were a great deal ($380).  Plus I figured that since I was hitting the Pro Combo's so well, that I could benefit from more of a players iron.  I did not hit the Burners well at the range, but also did not hit JPX 800's or any others that well in the game improvement category of clubs.  I figured the Taylormades were the best price by far - so I was fitted for them and out the door.

ALL SEASON LONG I struggled with these clubs.  Was never comfortable with a 4 to a 7iron in my hand.  My handicap really suffered because of this.  Guys in my golf league were saying "Eh, it takes awhile to get used to new irons."  Everything was pushed to the right, and if I did hit one straight, it was a pop up with a major loss of distance.  Very frustrating.  Also, I was hitting all my other clubs just fine.

Rocky, I bought some 1.0's last June as well. I was previously playing Clevelan TA3's. I took a few years off from the game and knew my swing wasn't what it was prior to leaving the game. Anyhow, I purchased the 1.0's and my game was improving all summer long. I was swinging them longer and higher than the TA3's. My mishits would tend to go left. Right now, I am in the same boat as you, I lost my swing. I can't seem to hit my 4-7 irons either, they are just all over the place as well. I know better than to blame it on the clubs. Its my swing! Because I was hitting them well during the summer months. My first goal for 2012 is to get some lessons and get a more consistent swing. Then go from there. IMO, I would get some lessons then decide if you need new irons or not. I have to admit, when hit pure are so solid. Good luck!

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by Beachcomber

Personally, I think you are too worried about what category of iron you're playing.  Hit the club that feels the best to you - and gives you the confidence you need on the course.  Guys that are bugging out on you about buying another set of clubs and not getting lessons in my mind are being a little harsh.

You said you really couldn't afford it... I'd rather see you get a set of clubs you enjoy playing golf with, rather than going to an instructor that may or may not work out for you in the end (bad instructor, you don't have the time or money to keep practicing what they teach you, etc. etc..).  At the end of the day, Hank Haney couldn't help Charles Barkley.  And Charles has unlimited resources to make his game better.  So just saying you should go to an instructor and spend money on that isn't necessarily the right answer.

Get the clubs you like (sounds like you found those - congrats).  And go have fun on the golf course playing the game you enjoy.  If you find yourself wanting to get better after playing more golf with your new irons, and you can afford a lesson.  Then go do that.  But getting a lesson hitting clubs you don't like... I think that is just silly.

I was thinking the same here.  I mean I've heard mixed reviews of lessons - some good, some bad.  It depends on the student, and the teacher.  At any rate, there are some variables there.  Not to mention spending money to learn to hit clubs that you have zero confidence in, when I had confidence before.
.

I mean with the way I was hitting with the 1.0's, I was like a baby.  I just felt "golf stupid."  Now. with the way I have been hitting these, I feel like lesson are more worthwhile.  Just returned from another demo comparison session with them, and had the same results.  I'm gonna continue to do this until I actually unbox them.  Hopefully this spring I will have a few successful lessons and be on my way to lower scores and better days.