Senior golfer, 61, damaged goods, needs help.

[DocParty]

I'm 61, been retired since I was 52 and quit playing golf back in 94. Just started it up again about 4 months ago. I have 3 herniated discs in my lumbar region and my right knee is bone to bone. I wear a knee brace called an unloader. Now you know why I said I was damaged goods. Here is my problem(s): Can drive the ball okay. 200 220 down the middle most of the time. Pitching and putting has also come back in a nice way, so my tee shots, chips/pitches and puts are okay and getting better. In fact if this was all I had to do I'd be a remarkable golfer after nearly 19 years off the course. My problem is with not axial rotation in my lower back and my right knee in a brace (it hurts all the time. like someone has been hitting me with a ball peen hammer) I just don't think I'll ever be able to hit an iron above my 6 iron. 6 through putter I'm okay with but my six only gets me about 150. So there are times when I need to be able to hit a higher iron and just can't. So I've gotten my 5 wood out. I can hit it okay if I remember it's only for 150 to 180 yards and never try to clock it. Still there are ranges that I can't hit the ball with any club in my bag so I end up with a longer approach to the green. If it's outside of 150, I'm skaroooed. I have to plan two shots to get on the green.
Any ideas? Instructor said I just have to learn to play with the tools that I can if my disability is getting in the way and that a hybrid to replace my high iron (something equal to a 4 or 5 iron) may be the answer. I don't know anyone that hits hybrids so I have no point of reference. My 5 wood is a good club, nice loft, goes straight but with it averaging 180 on a good hit and 170 on an average hit I'm not certain it's worth getting one to fill the gap or just shut up and play the game with what I have and expect the extra strokes are just going to be there.

Thanks

Stephen

[keeps21]

I'd try some hybrids out. Easier to hit than long irons, higher ball flight and same distance.

[stogiesnbogies]

Are you hitting from the correct tee box?  I too am a senior who hits driver about your distance ...this chart should help you determine which yardage best suits your game ...t'is nice to make a few GIR's per round, yes?   :)    Good Luck

You can google "Tee It Forward" Program for more details...

TEE IT FORWARD

This chart is a guideline to help golfers align their average driving distance with the course length best suited to their abilities.

Driver Distance	Recommended 18-Hole Yardages

Driver Distance	Recommended 18-Hole Yardages
275	6,700-6,900
250	6,200-6,400
225	5,800-6,000
200	5,200-5,400
175	4,400-4,600
150	3,500-3,700
125	2,800-3,000
100	2,100-2,300

[The Recreational Golfer]

Yep. 150 yards with a 6-iron is very good, but if you only have one club between that and 200, the red tees might be your best bet.

[onesome]

Get some hybrids and even can your 6 iron for one, I would if I were you and were willing to make the investment go get fitted for a whole new set that of course included hybrid irons, make the game easier for yourself, Adams is probably one of the best hybrid iron sets without breaking the bank.