Hey golfers,

I currently shoot around 90. I get off the tee fairly well and I'm good around the green but I almost never hit the green.

My natural shot off the tee is a draw and I have an in to out swing.

My cousin (three handicap) told me that my irons are too offset for me and that I should consider changing my irons.

Currently using 5 year old King Cobra's with graphite shaft. I can't remember the last time I sliced an iron shot.

So my choices now are:

1. find a cast club with little offset
(eg. ping I3, titleist 990?)

2. find a forged club with little offset but more forgiveness than a blade
(hogan apex edge? apex plus?)

3. stick with my irons and work on my game :)

Great clubs but their a little different than forged clubs. They have a Tungsten insert that balances the club well and give great power. In the moderate price range they are unequaled in value, IMO. If there is a local Golfsmith store near you go and hit them against the Callaway and Pin I2. The swing is very similar to the Callaway but not quite. The price for the MTW's is $500 cheaper over the Ping's or Callaway's. Really great clubs but their not for everyone.

Sean

Okay, you'll get more "feedback from your shots".
You'll know when you hit it right, and when you're off center with blades. But they are definitely harder to hit. Your game will suffer at first. Why not try it. You obviously have a good swing if you're hitting a draw, good mechanics....

For me a big offset is a distraction. The biggest factor of my setup over the ball is how the club looks to me. I used to play with Ping eyes, but after a while I couldn't get comfortable with the appearance of the offset, and it became harder to line up to my swing path. I use older Taylor Made LCG's, no offset, very visually pleasing to me. They have a traditional look, but a smallish cavity back. I love the look of the blades, but don't feel my current clubs are holding me back from improving....That's still between the ears for me.....

Apex. You know when you hit the ball well.

Get rid of the sissy graphite shafts as well, unless you are like 60 or something, in which case keep em.

Clubs will help a bit, but you'll be better off taking a few lessons each year to improve your game.
I agree (IMO) with steel shafted irons (again, accuracy over an extra yard or so.

If you don't like your current irons - by all means get a new set. I think there is something to be said for having equipment that you are happy with. Just try lots of sets and go with the one that feels best rather than anothers recommendation. Getting fitted by a pro is something I highly recommend as well.

I have Big Bertha X-12 steel shafted irons, cleveland wedges, Odyssey white hot putter, Cleveland Quadpro driver, 3-wood, Steelhead 5 wood. Love my setup.
I shoot in the high 80s-low 90s

Most improvements came from lessons and focused imaginative practice (rather than blasting ball after ball at the range).

If you're looking to just shave a few strokes from your game, get lessons and work on your short game.
If you're unhappy with the feeling from your clubs, the look of them, or just can't get used to them, then by all means look for a new set. Any set really should help your game, if you've dissatisfied with your current set.
I'd recommend a club that feels good when you hit, and something you like. If it's forged, then so be it. Buy something you'll enjoy learning with.

I've been playing golf 20+ years, and have never used a cast cavity back club. I'm now using my forged Hogan Directors for about 14 years and love 'em.

Find a set of clubs you're comfortable with, and stick with 'em. Learn to swing the club first.

I would suggest going to a steel shaft though. Unless you have a slow swing speed, steel shafted irons usually give more consistent results. Greg Norman may argue this fact but it's a generally accepted fact that steel shafts are the way to go.

Most will say that forged clubs will give you a better feel due to the softer metal and cast clubs are usually more forgiving.

Best way to shave strokes off your game: short game without a doubt.

If you're shooting in the 90's now, you probably still have those 2 or 3 'killer' holes of double bogey or worse. A good short game will prevent that most of the time.

As far as clubs go, if you're looking at the Hogan Apex Series, try the Mizuno T-Zoid Pro. I've had them for 3 years and I actually prefer them over the Hogans. Plus, they're cheaper now and discontinued (Pro II's have replaced them). You can probably get a steel set at under $400.

-B