Swallow your pride

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by PhillyMac

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!

Yes, the few times per round that I did get lucky and hit the Burner 1.0's on the screws, they were fantastic.  Don't get me wrong, I'm sure they are great clubs - I just lack the skill to hit them properly.

I lose my swing on one type of club sometime every year (ie driver, woods, putter, wedges, irons) which I'm sure is common for a lot of golfers.  However, it usually comes back to normal in a few weeks or rounds.  But this thing with the irons was never in good shape for about 5 mos.  I just checked my receipt, and it was actually in early June when I purchased the Burner 1.0's.  So I already had a couple months of golfing under my belt for that season, then it was just all downhill from there.  I mean just the week before, and all spring my irons were hitting normal for me.  Then just crashed & burned like a house of cards once I purchased the new clubs.  I mean I was literally sticking maybe one or two greens per 18 holes from 150 yds and in.  And when I missed greens, I was missing them by 20-50 yds one way or another.

I also find it hard to believe that clubs can make such a difference in my shots (good or bad), however, the proof is in the pudding thus far.  Time will tell, and the choice was mine - so I will live with it either way. I certainly could be wrong, but at least now I'm looking forward to playing golf this season.  I was dreading it before I found/hit these Burner Plus clubs.

[WUTiger]

On working the ball: you can hit a basic draw or fade with any set of irons - as long as you know how a golf swing works. The main limit on working the ball with SGIs would be on hitting low-trajectory shots - SGIs have a low Vertical Center of Gravity, which helps get the ball up quicker. This is especially a problem with SGI heads + hi-launch shafts.

The average golfer, however, is probably better off to take more club into the wind rather than to try a knock-down shot. Consistent knockdowns take a  bit of practice.

As for lessons: It depends on the student and instructor, and their relationship. A quality instructor won't make much progress with a student who never practices between lessons. On the other hand, a dedicated student won't make much progress with an instructor who can't teach worth a hang. And, sometimes there's the problem that an instructor and student simply don't get along.

Learning how to select a teaching pro is just like putting - a skill every golfer needs to develop.

[Beachcomber]

Originally Posted by WUTiger

On working the ball: you can hit a basic draw or fade with any set of irons - as long as you know how a golf swing works. The main limit on working the ball with SGIs would be on hitting low-trajectory shots - SGIs have a low Vertical Center of Gravity, which helps get the ball up quicker. This is especially a problem with SGI heads + hi-launch shafts.

The average golfer, however, is probably better off to take more club into the wind rather than to try a knock-down shot. Consistent knockdowns take a  bit of practice.

As for lessons: It depends on the student and instructor, and their relationship. A quality instructor won't make much progress with a student who never practices between lessons. On the other hand, a dedicated student won't make much progress with an instructor who can't teach worth a hang. And, sometimes there's the problem that an instructor and student simply don't get along.

Learning how to select a teaching pro is just like putting - a skill every golfer needs to develop.

Agreed on the lesson part.  The main thing is to remember why you play golf.  Is it to get off the couch and get some fresh air?  For some this is the simple answer and they don't care about having a beautiful swing.  Others want more out of their game and are willing to put the time, money, and energy into getting better.  Just telling a guy that he should've saved his money on the clubs and gone to get lessons is a little narrow.  Especially if the player isn't willing to do some research on instructors (who should he go and get a lesson from), and then put the time in to making the changes after the lesson(s).

[rocky74]

I just want to say thanks for all the humbling advice and good wishes.  Spending more time here will help me down my road to enjoying the game again.

I also bought this: http://www.amazon.com/Five-Lessons-Modern-Fundamentals-Golf/dp/0671612972/ref=sr_1_1_title_0_main?s=books&ie;=UTF8&qid;=1326853374&sr;=1-1 based on another thread I read here, and I'm enjoying it thus far.

[Jmdmbike]

Based on the reviews I've seen on the Burner Plus, seems you've made a solid choice in equipment. Should help with the fade/slice problem. Enjoy them. Anything that helps you enjoy the game more is a good thing. I also have the Hogan 5 lessons - iPad version, it's very good.

[inthehole]

Originally Posted by WUTiger

Learning how to select a teaching pro is just like putting - a skill every golfer needs to develop.

Herein lies exactly the problem - I haven't taken lessons because I don't know anyone locally to recommend a really good instructor - not willing to just jump in blind & have somebody reconstruct my swing, which is coming along pretty well.     Amazing what you can learn by yourself today though  - my swing is a product of this forum, S&T book, golf channel, youtube and my wife who is good at operating a video camera for (self) swing analysis (as a new golfer - its so much easier to learn the game today than in years past due to all the resources we have at our fingertips  - just the instructional series airing this week with Nick Faldo & Johnny Miller is amazing).

I will consider lessons when I need help with a particular problem ... to date, chipping has been by far the most frustrating part of my game - my nemesis - I've read so much on the proper method & spent so much time in the backyard and on teh practice field practicing it, with only moderate success on the course - seems like such a simple shot, but one that I'm afraid I do need professional help with in the spring.

[Gioguy21]

Originally Posted by inthehole

Herein lies exactly the problem - I haven't taken lessons because I don't know anyone locally to recommend a really good instructor - not willing to just jump in blind & have somebody reconstruct my swing, which is coming along pretty well.     Amazing what you can learn by yourself today though  - my swing is a product of the golf channel, youtube and my wife who is good at operating a video camera for (self) swing analysis (as a new golfer - its so much easier to learn the game today than in years past due to all the resources we have at our fingertips  - just the instructional series airing this week with Nick Faldo & Johnny Miller is amazing).

I will consider lessons when I need help with a particular problem ... to date, chipping has been by far the most frustrating part of my game - my nemesis - I've read so much on the proper method & spent so much time in the backyard and on teh practice field practicing it, with only moderate success on the course - seems like such a simple shot, but one that I think I do need professional help with in the spring.

ITH, i know 3 guys personally that i could suggest in the poconos/jersey. shoot me a PM if you're interested. the guy i go to is in Ledgewood, NJ (i work at picatinny and from what i remember you work in parsippany?) let me know.

[inthehole]

Originally Posted by Gioguy21

ITH, i know 3 guys personally that i could suggest in the poconos/jersey. shoot me a PM if you're interested. the guy i go to is in Ledgewood, NJ (i work at picatinny and from what i remember you work in parsippany?) let me know.

Thx man - PM sent

[rocky74]

Originally Posted by inthehole

Herein lies exactly the problem - I haven't taken lessons because I don't know anyone locally to recommend a really good instructor - not willing to just jump in blind & have somebody reconstruct my swing, which is coming along pretty well.     Amazing what you can learn by yourself today though  - my swing is a product of this forum, S&T book, golf channel, youtube and my wife who is good at operating a video camera for (self) swing analysis (as a new golfer - its so much easier to learn the game today than in years past due to all the resources we have at our fingertips  - just the instructional series airing this week with Nick Faldo & Johnny Miller is amazing).

I will consider lessons when I need help with a particular problem ... to date, chipping has been by far the most frustrating part of my game - my nemesis - I've read so much on the proper method & spent so much time in the backyard and on teh practice field practicing it, with only moderate success on the course - seems like such a simple shot, but one that I'm afraid I do need professional help with in the spring.

I understand where you are coming from here.  My fear is ending up with an instructor who tries to change my swing too much. I mean everyone deserves to be a little different, and every swing IS different.  So do most good instructors watch you hit a bucket, and then tweak your style to make it work better for you?  OR do they try to tell you "the right way" to swing the club (or "their" way)?

Obviously I've never had a lesson, but I have been researching instructors in the Detroit Metro area.  Trying to find some word of mouth reccomendations though ...

[JBird]

In my opinion golf clubs like any other piece of sporting equipment should be bought for the current skill level and not above it. If SGI irons increase your enjoyment in the game and your confidence you will improve more rapidly then if you used the clubs your less confident  in.

[sean_miller]

Originally Posted by JBird

In my opinion golf clubs like any other piece of sporting equipment should be bought for the current skill level and not above it. If SGI irons increase your enjoyment in the game and your confidence you will improve more rapidly then if you used the clubs your less confident  in.

I buy what looks good. The club must look striking on its own while in my hand, at address, in the bag with its friends, and in a mirror while swinging slowly to an exaggerated finish position with imaginary fans cheering.

[lumpuckeroo]

Originally Posted by moparman426

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

I would totally agree.