Hey you "experienced" golfers...

[wtodd]

I knew that would get some of y'all's attention :).

My Papa is 78 and I'm looking at setting him up with a brand new set. What's the best clubs, drivers irons etc, out there for seniors today?

[stevemcgee99]

I can tell you that the 1956 Wilson Dynapowered irons are actually pretty 'game improving' compared to my Hogan PC blades. I have a slower swing speed, and have never broken 100. But I can launch the 2 iron 170+ yards. They feel GREAT.

Also, I find that the smaller head, and shorter shaft, of the 'wood' woods I'm using now are easier to control. When my tempo is good, which might also be a faster swing, I get the ball past 250 yards. Usually I am happy with 200 yards. Slices don't go too far off track, comparatively.

In other words, I recommend clubs that worked just fine 60 years ago. My opinion is that the new, lightweight stuff is too big, too long, and too light, and you can't feel what's happening.

I fully admit that performance blades are harder to hit, and can be pretty harsh. But these Dynapowereds of mine are not.

[rex235]

wtodd-

Your realize your profile shows nothing but Titleist equipment, so it seems strange you're uncomfortable with that brand.

Treat him to a dynamic fitting.

A recent golf magazine noted the 5 best fitting locations in each state.

Try before you buy, and buy what works.

Remember, you are not him, and vice versa.

[BIG STU]

[quote name='rex235' timestamp='1429944285' post='11438077']
wtodd-

Your realize your profile shows nothing but Titleist equipment, so it seems strange you're uncomfortable with that brand.

Treat him to a dynamic fitting.

A recent golf magazine noted the 5 best fitting locations in each state.

Try before you buy, and buy what works.

Remember, you are not him, and vice versa.
[/quote]Good sound advice there Rex I was going to tell him the same thing

[scomac2002]

I'm younger than your father, but I play with a lot of seniors around his age. Most of the guys I know play with older clubs. It's what they're comfortable with; a bit like what steve was saying upthread. I've seen them get new clubs; struggle with them for a while and then end up giving them away to their sons or grandsons. Before you do anything, make sure [b]he wants new clubs[/b]. Don't go the big box store route as all the sales people there will want to do is sell him something that is too light, too long and too flexible because the marketing material says he should be playing that type of club. Go to some outdoor demo days and hit a bunch of different drivers and irons to see what works best for him and then get them fit. Doing it any other way and chances are that his old reliable clubs will be back in the bag before you know it!

[wtodd]

I've took him to demo clubs. He fell in love with 3 sets. I told him I didn't have the $$ to buy them all three lol.
To be honest, he'd be happy with whatever. Last I counted he owns 7 sets. Even has a set of original ping eye 2 1-sw that are already willed to me. I'm tempted to take one of those sets he already has and just reshaft them. But my gut says I need to get him in the 21st century technology.

[quote name='rex235' timestamp='1429944285' post='11438077']wtodd-

Your realize your profile shows nothing but Titleist equipment, so it seems strange you're uncomfortable with that brand.

Treat him to a dynamic fitting.

A recent golf magazine noted the 5 best fitting locations in each state.

Try before you buy, and buy what works.

Remember, you are not him, and vice versa.[/quote]

He has my old set of 710 AP1s now

[stevemcgee99]

Sounds like he doesn't need clubs. Take him to Pebble Beach instead.

[scomac2002]

[quote name='stevemcgee99' timestamp='1430031083' post='11443705']
Sounds like he doesn't need clubs. Take him to Pebble Beach instead.
[/quote]

Ain't that the truth!

[oldschoolrocker]

OP,
Us "experienced" golfers, I think your father included, if he already has a harem of sticks, may just be in need of some new grips, or different shafts, not another phillie to add to the stable.
Now, a trip to an exotic golf locale...

[HoganApexBlades]

[quote name='oldschoolrocker' timestamp='1430053067' post='11444257']
OP,
Us "experienced" golfers, I think your father included, if he already has a harem of sticks, may just be in need of some new grips, or different shafts, not another phillie to add to the stable.
Now, a trip to an exotic golf locale...
[/quote]

...PRICELESS!!!

[NRJyzr]

[quote name='stevemcgee99' timestamp='1430031083' post='11443705']
Sounds like he doesn't need clubs. Take him to Pebble Beach instead.
[/quote]

Bandon instead. Maybe the Pinehurst courses.
Pebble is overrated

[HoganApexBlades]

[quote name='NRJyzr' timestamp='1430055177' post='11444383']
[quote name='stevemcgee99' timestamp='1430031083' post='11443705']
Sounds like he doesn't need clubs. Take him to Pebble Beach instead.
[/quote]

Bandon instead. Maybe the Pinehurst courses.
Pebble is overrated
[/quote]

Pebble is OVERPRICED. When I went there in 1976, it was $35 to play when we stayed at The Lodge. Spyglass Hill was an incredible course. I would play it again in a heartbeat.

[wtodd]

He's played the Augusta National 5 times so he doesn't get excited about any other golf courses....

[oldschoolrocker]

WT,
Keep us informed on the quest, and let us know, when "Papas got a bad new bag."
And, good form on not leading with "He's played Augusta..."

[wtodd]

[quote name='oldschoolrocker' timestamp='1430136654' post='11449665']WT,
Keep us informed on the quest, and let us know, when "Papas got a bad new bag."
And, good form on not leading with "He's played Augusta..."[/quote]
Thanks. Not everyone is lucky enough to play it so there's no need to rub it in. I've thought about a golf trip to Kiawah or Pinehurst for us. Hopefully he'll remember it (he's in early stages of dementia) but even if he doesn't me, my dad(his son), and cousins will. He's been to every major except The Open Championship. We worked hard to get him out there this year but unfortunately it fell through.

[oldschoolrocker]

WT,
The SC Lowcountry summers can be brutal, heat and humidity, so if the choice is Kiawah, even with the ocean breeze, autumn may be your best option. If you do decide on Kiawah, message me and I'll give you a run down on some must eateries in the area.

[bullrambler]

[i]This suggestion is onIy partially vintage and the thoughts I am sharing are what might work best for him.[/i]

[i]If your going to go vintage in the irons I would suggest that you consider a women's set (Hogan, MacGregor, Wilson, Spalding) as they will have a steel shaft in them and it will be a softer shaft then a men's set. So he will get the kick from the softer shafts. You can bend them for lie if needed. Also, you can add an extension if he requires something a bit longer, and new grips. The 3,4, and possibly the 5 irons could be set aside and replaced with utilities. [/i]

For a driver I would suggest a Taylormade or Ping women's driver at 12*,13* or 14*. Next would be a 5 or 7 wood or both.

Next would be some utility clubs. graphite shafts with sufficient loft.

Then a couple of wedges - consider the loft of the PW in the set to space the wedge lofts accordingly.

Putter - anything he is comfortable with.

[wtodd]

[quote name='oldschoolrocker' timestamp='1430217195' post='11456747']WT,
The SC Lowcountry summers can be brutal, heat and humidity, so if the choice is Kiawah, even with the ocean breeze, autumn may be your best option. If you do decide on Kiawah, message me and I'll give you a run down on some must eateries in the area.[/quote]

I live in Aiken so I know all to well about our wonderful SC summers lol.

[birly-shirly]

Just a thought... sounds like your papa already has a decent choice of modern clubs, scored his bucket list courses, and done the tournament visits.

No idea if this would float his boat or not, but if you want to get him something unique, how about a set of hickories?

[wtodd]

[quote name='birly-shirly' timestamp='1430257088' post='11461047']Just a thought... sounds like your papa already has a decent choice of modern clubs, scored his bucket list courses, and done the tournament visits.

No idea if this would float his boat or not, but if you want to get him something unique, how about a set of hickories?[/quote]

Now that would be interesting. How does one go about getting their hands on a set?

[birly-shirly]

Look at Louisville golf or Tad Moore Hickories for beautiful modern reproduction sets. If you 're interested, ask questions on the hickory subforum, where the guys really know their stuff and will keep you right.