Iron or Driver Fitting?

[shamus]

Which do you feel is more important? I received a coupon to get a free iron or driver fitting ($150 value) from a reputable local club maker and I'm trying to decide which one I should get. I realize that making this decision probably has more to do with the individual player, but I'm pretty comfortable with my irons (which aren't fitted too me). I've also gotten a lot better with my driver this winter, but I've always struggled with distance and accuracy off the tee and I've had the same driver for 4+ years. What do you think?

[MiniBlueDragon]

I'd say irons personally for several reasons:

- Most of the shots you play will be using irons/wedges therefore getting fitted for the main club type would be more beneficial than a club you use every few holes at most.

- Being fitted for irons will make sure you're playing the correct shaft and head for your swing. If you're not then you're likely making some compensations in your swing to make your irons work for you which means it won't be the best swing you can make and it'll take longer for you to get better.

- Drivers can be tried out at a local facility for free and it will be far easier to determine the correct driver flex once you're fitted for irons as it will likely be similar. You can then just try different drivers of your required flex until you hit one solidly and well.

A lot of places make you pay for a fitting but then give you back the fitting price off any clubs you buy so another possibility here is to find out ahead of time whether they will take any fitting costs off a full purchase and if so book the fitting. If during the fitting it looks like you'll need to buy irons then the fitting would be free once you buy anyway and you'll still have your voucher for a driver fitting afterward.

[shamus]

All good points, thanks for the advice.

Thing is, I'm not really in the market for new irons right now, but I'm assuming they could adjust my existing set, right? I've had the same irons since 2005 Cleveland CG 4.

[shamus]

So, I've decided to go with the iron fitting.

My only worry is that I've recently taken a lesson and I'm making some adjustments to my swing. Should I wait to get the fitting since I haven't quite grooved this swing yet? The changes are relatively minor. I haven't changed my setup or address it's more due to my position at the top/plane on my backswing. I was taking the club back flat on the backswing, but somehow managed to get back on plane in the downswing.

[MiniBlueDragon]

Hold off for a short while until you're sure your changed won't affect the swing. You don't want to get fit for a reg shaft and find that the swing change speeds you up and you'd be better with stiff. Likewise you don't want to be fit for stiff and find out that the swing change makes your swing smoother and you don't get enough bend in the shaft to create the power.