New clubs, or just more practice?

[Cool Breeze]

Hey guys,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here.

I'm a low 90s golfer who one a good day when all the planets line up and I can actually putt that day can get into the high 80s.

My irons are old and outdated.  They are Taylor Made Burner LCGs.  I bought them used probably 12 years ago and have been playing with them ever since.

My other clubs are fine.  Taylor made R5 driver with a Proforce V2 shaft (not new but I hit it so well I don't want to change), Titliest Vokey wedges, old but good Scotty Cameron Newport putter.  But the irons are ancient.

The thing is, I still have that 2-3 shots a round where I top the ball or hit the ground slightly behind it causing the fat shot to go 50 yds shorter than it should.

Should I be worried about new irons at this point?  Or just put in more work with what I have until I work the kinks out a little more?

I know that technology has improved dramatically in that many years.  I'm just trying to decide if it is time.

Thanks.

[Patch]

A new set of clubs probably won't help fat, and topped shots as most of time those are more swing issues than equipment issues. Now it possible there is a swing weight issue with the clubs, but I am just guessing either way.

I am going to assume you were not fitted to your LCGs. With that in mind, a new set of irons, that are fitted to your swing would be a big help.

Yeah, after 12 years, I would say it is probably time for a change. At least with your irons since you say you other clubs are fine.

[Mr. Desmond]

Depends on the condition of your irons -- worn grooves?

If you can find an instructor whom is professional, up to date (knowledgeable) with whom you communicate well, and will use video, then I'd put my first money in ridding yourself of inconsistencies. Knowing and using the 5 simple keys will only help...

[Dave40]

If the old irons feel too heavy , then try a set with graphite shafts. Also if your old irons have old grips then that can cause swing problems.

[dbuck]

I will echo a few of the above statements.

New grips will make old irons feel a lot better. The most forgiving irons made won't help fat or topped after the fact; if it is only occasional, a fitting might help if the fat problem is really improper lie disguised as fat. Topped is usually swing related, maybe just a wobbly noggin.

I am not a good one to ask; my NEWEST set is probably 12 years old and the ones in my sig are 35 years old. The actual tech has change some in 12 years in addition to hotter lofts (which isn't really a tech change), so you wouldn't really be wasting money by upgrading, but do avail yourself of some instruction and fitting to get the most from the investment.

[Lihu]

Hey guys,

I'm in a bit of a dilemma here.

I'm a low 90s golfer who one a good day when all the planets line up and I can actually putt that day can get into the high 80s.

My irons are old and outdated.  They are Taylor Made Burner LCGs.  I bought them used probably 12 years ago and have been playing with them ever since.

My other clubs are fine.  Taylor made R5 driver with a Proforce V2 shaft (not new but I hit it so well I don't want to change), Titliest Vokey wedges, old but good Scotty Cameron Newport putter.  But the irons are ancient.

The thing is, I still have that 2-3 shots a round where I top the ball or hit the ground slightly behind it causing the fat shot to go 50 yds shorter than it should.

Should I be worried about new irons at this point?  Or just put in more work with what I have until I work the kinks out a little more?

I know that technology has improved dramatically in that many years.  I'm just trying to decide if it is time.

Thanks.

That depends what you feel is missing from your game. If distance and shot height are not enough, maybe new clubs will help.

If you have "enough" distance, just remember this "Better is the enemy of the good".

We shoot about the same, and I've been improving my game. I'm using the MP-32 clubs that came out in 2005. Not sure if the newer clubs will help me at this point. Maybe later, when it gets down to hitting and sticking greens better or something like that.

[Cool Breeze]

Well, distance and height are fine.

I'm just wondering if I would shave a few strokes off my game with an iron that's a little more forgiving.  I don't know if my LCGs are considered a game improvement iron or not (I think I'm just looking for an excuse to buy clubs to tell you the truth).

Like I said, the tops and chunks only happen a few times a round.

I think what I may do is, as has been suggested, re-grip them.  The current grips have been on there the entire 12 years I've had them and I would bet they came on the clubs.  I'm sure that would make a big difference in the feel.

[Lihu]

Well, distance and height are fine.

I'm just wondering if I would shave a few strokes off my game with an iron that's a little more forgiving.  I don't know if my LCGs are considered a game improvement iron or not (I think I'm just looking for an excuse to buy clubs to tell you the truth).

Like I said, the tops and chunks only happen a few times a round.

I think what I may do is, as has been suggested, re-grip them.  The current grips have been on there the entire 12 years I've had them and I would bet they came on the clubs.  I'm sure that would make a big difference in the feel.

Even the cheapest grips out there will be better than what you have. 12 year old grips? They must be cracking too.