finding the sweet spot on older clubs

[Hacker James]

It's all subjective, and most likely temporary, but recently I have adopted a method of finding the sweet spot more consistently on an older set of Hogan Edge irons (circa 1988). What I do is to line the heel end of the score lines with the edge of the ball nearest my stance. From the dimple pattern on the club, I am fairly consistent in hitting nearly dead center but slightly lower and tiny bit towards the heel. This is sort of confirmed by the "feel" at impact, which is to say, very little feeling at all.  Now, I realize that this may only be something very short lived and would depend on my swing for the day. If it continues to bear itself out, then perhaps I am on to something.  If not....well...Golf is much like Lady Luck!   I have read however, that on the older, forged, irons, the tiny sweet spot was most often found at the heel (or at least on Hogan's famous  1 iron.)

[natureboy]

I had thought that sweet spot was dead center of the scoring lines horizontally and a bit below center vertically. However, a number of pics I found indicate that for at least some irons it's closer to the heel (perhaps when accounting for the shaft). Some clubs seem to center the scoring lines on the face while some have them closer to the hosel (and more likely centered on the CoG).

I found an image of a Hogan club of about the same era of yours and it indicates CoG closer to the heel.

 

[Hacker James]

@natureboy Yes, that is more or less where my best hits seem to be and judging by the "feel" (non-feel). I can usually see the dimple marks, but they would be even more visible if sprayed with Doc Schols (sp) foot powder. (or impact tape).  The half cup face construction would also help to raise the C.O.R. (if such exists on irons as it does on metal woods).  I think the max allowed is .83 if I am not mistaken.  I remember some older TM irons that had a flex face insert and this was years ago. They may have since been designated as non-conforming, but again, I am not certain.

Edited October 8, 2016 by Hacker James

[Buckeyebowman]

When I bought my first set of "good" clubs, I noticed that I hit my best shots a little close to the hosel. I remember reading an article that said that that's where you SHOULD hit your better shots. Closer to the hosel is closer to the shaft, and the shaft is what you're swinging! Ah, who knows?

[mvmac]

Yeah the older clubs tended to have longer hosels so the "center" was closer to the heel.

[phillyk]

I like to bounce a ball on the face, not just wedges but old 3 irons and such.  It is pretty easy to feel the sweet spot.