Giving up shot shape for forgiveness

[Devilball12]

I've taken about a 5 year hiatus from the game, but in my return to playing I've noticed that my ball-striking isn't up to par with the forgiveness level of my irons. This has led to a lot of frustration because good swings are becoming flyers and I'm missing greens even when making quality contact. However, every once in a while I'll get a hold of one cleanly and it's a beautiful thing.

I've been playing custom-fit Mizuno MP-60's for the past 9 years and this set was never known for it's forgiveness to off center ball striking. I used to play competitively while growing up but now I don't have the time to practice as often and don't want to be punished because of it.

Will I be able to achieve more forgiveness, while not sacrificing all shot shaping, with a more current technology iron? I know preference is different to everyone, but are there any clubs that you'd suggest?

I appreciate the help! Thanks!

[WUTiger]

Originally Posted by Devilball12

I've been playing custom-fit Mizuno MP-60's for the past 9 years and this set was never known for it's forgiveness to off center ball striking. I used to play competitively while growing up but now I don't have the time to practice as often and don't want to be punished because of it. ...

You are thinking about doing what a former scramble partner of mine did a few years ago. He was a scratch Div. II golfer in college, when he played blades. But, once he had a job and a family, he didn't have nearly as much practice and playing time. So, he went to a more GI type of club - cavity with low offset. He could shape the ball well enough for most situations, but decided to not try the heroic type shots he once hit.

Look in Golf Digest's spring Hot List edition - check out the irons marked "Game Improvement." Take it from there. Also, more variety in shafts than 9 years ago.

[clearwaterms]

I am curious, how much workability do good golf clubs really give somebody?  I play Ping G25's, known for being a GI club, supposedly not very workable.

on any given attempt, I can hit one of 6 shots.

they are:

Pure and past the intended target

Skull

fat

baby slice (a fade is when you intend to do it)

normal slice

low hook

big high hook

The problem is I never know which one it will be until after I have swung.

[David in FL]

I've taken about a 5 year hiatus from the game, but in my return to playing I've noticed that my ball-striking isn't up to par with the forgiveness level of my irons. This has led to a lot of frustration because good swings are becoming flyers and I'm missing greens even when making quality contact. However, every once in a while I'll get a hold of one cleanly and it's a beautiful thing.  I've been playing custom-fit Mizuno MP-60's for the past 9 years and this set was never known for it's forgiveness to off center ball striking. I used to play competitively while growing up but now I don't have the time to practice as often and don't want to be punished because of it. Will I be able to achieve more forgiveness, while not sacrificing all shot shaping, with a more current technology iron? I know preference is different to everyone, but are there any clubs that you'd suggest? I appreciate the help! Thanks!

Welcome to the forum! Heck, a lot of tour pros don't play blades any more. Plenty of options. The first 2 that come to mind are Titleist AP-2's and Mizuno MP-63's....but there are plenty of others. I play older (5 years) Tirleist 695's that have a little cavity. They're very easy to work with very little offset, but still have a good amount of forgiveness. Again, just a couple of examples. You can absolutely find what you're looking for!

[cipher]

Originally Posted by Devilball12

Will I be able to achieve more forgiveness, while not sacrificing all shot shaping, with a more current technology iron? I know preference is different to everyone, but are there any clubs that you'd suggest?

Welcome to TST.  Yes, you will not sacrifice shot shaping, except you could have  a higher ball flight.  Shaping has little to do with the make of the iron.  Personally I recommend my i20 irons...of course!  For me they are the ultimate blend of forgiveness(on off center hits) and looks.

[cooke119]

I play G15s, which of course are a game inprovement irons, and I don't have any trouble shaping the ball. You are still hitting a round ball with a flat surface, cavity back or not.

[NM Golf]

I have said it before and I will say it again, people are WAY too in love with trying to work the ball. You should be hitting your stock shot a large majority of the time.

[RANT ]90+% of all golfers should concern themselves with just trying to make solid contact. A 12 handicap has absolutely no business standing behind a shot trying to figure out whether they want to draw or fade the ball into a hole location. Are you kidding me?! Chances are you're gonna fat it short or thin it over the green either way![END RANT]

So to answer the OP's question, play the clubs that allow you to make the most consistent contact and leave the shot shaping to the big boys. (Heck even they hit their stock shot 90% of the time)

[Golfingdad]

Originally Posted by NM Golf

I have said it before and I will say it again, people are WAY too in love with trying to work the ball. You should be hitting your stock shot a large majority of the time.

[RANT ]90+% of all golfers should concern themselves with just trying to make solid contact. A 12 handicap has absolutely no business standing behind a shot trying to figure out whether they want to draw or fade the ball into a hole location. Are you kidding me?! Chances are you're gonna fat it short or thin it over the green either way![END RANT]

So to answer the OP's question, play the clubs that allow you to make the most consistent contact and leave the shot shaping to to big boys. (Heck even they hit their stock shot 90% of the time)

Exactly, what more needs to be said?  Dozens upon dozens of PGA Tour players (read: the best 0.000001% of golfers in the universe) play something other than blades, and several of them even play GI irons.  If they are willing to "sacrifice workability" for extra forgiveness, then why would any of us need to consider anything else?