rejoining the ranks after an 8yr layoff

[-dustin]

8yrs ago, I was a sophomore in high school playing to a 3 handicap. I was rather full of myself, too. Grand visions going through my head, indeed. Then I burned out. I was playing/ practicing at least 2hrs a day, 7 days a week (always serious). If I wasn't playing/ practicing, I was working at the course...kept working at the GC, but no longer played seriously, if at all.

 

Last week I picked up my clubs for the first time in 7yrs.

 

What's in the bag:

Driver - Titleist 976R, Proforce Gold X-stiff

FW - Callaway 12* Big Bertha, MT shaft

Irons - Titleist 962s, custom (1/2" long, 4* upright, DG S-300), 3 - PW

Wedges - Cleveland 488 SW, Titleist Acushnet something

Putter - Snake Eyes half-mallet

 

Going to the range has been frustrating as hell. Around the green, fine; woods, fine. Everything else, horrible. My bad habit as a junior was...well, I don't know what it was..."outside to in", I suppose. That is still my habit, only now, it's exagerated. I cannot get beyond a half-swing without shanking, or being well off of the heel. I don't know what changes from my woods and chipping/ pitching/ <50yrd shots, but whatever is changing, it's killing me.

 

Maybe it's mental, I don't know, but knowing that my lie is 4* upright, I feel as though I am subconsciously crowding the ball.

 

2 things I'm considering:

1) Having the lie of my irons adjusted to something less (1* strong, as opposed to 4*)

2) Having a stiff shaft put in my 976R (bought the club from a friend...the shaft was always to stiff for me, but I love the head)

3) Getting a lesson, or 2

 

2 and 3 seem to be my best bet.

 

I purchased a net for the house so that I can work on ball contact. I wish there was a training aid that I trusted enough.

 

Thoughts in general, ideas?

[Diesel]

if the clubs are severly upright, you will be pulling shots left alot...

 

not sure if a too upright club will cause the shanks (hosel rockets)...

 

the lessons are your best bet... considering you have a solid background as a 3, you should not have an issue getting back to form... and you're what, 24, 25...?

[wkuo3]

Welcome back to the best game on earth.

 

I know a kid moved here from Minn. whom used to shank his irons often. Finally he had his irons fitted by a club fitter, and found out that his irons not only were inconsistant on flex but also were to up-right for him.

He ended up had the set flattened 3*-8* between all the irons. He plays to a solid 2 now.

 

Incorrect lie could cause alot of the swing problems as you try to compensate for the lie. Have your clubs fitted by a certified club fitter is probably what I'd do first thing if I were you.

 

Enjoy the game, you wouldn't know how much you'd missed.

[-dustin]

25, yes.

 

Clubfitting is something I was considering, if for nothing else but to see what should be done. Can places like Golfsmith be trusted with that sort of deal? I'm new to this area (Dallas, TX metroplex), and don't know much of what's going on here.

[wkuo3]

Never been to TX, and we don't have a GolfSmith here in the State.

Someone in TX on this board could point yo to the right direction.

If no response for awhile, repost the question, asking for suggestion for a reputable club fitter in your neighborhood.

[mohacker]

don't feel like the Lone Ranger on this. I picked up my clubs after a 33 year layoff. I remeber needing a 6 iron, driver and putter. I now need every club in my bag. Lessons helped get me back in the "swing" of things quickly. Now playing a 7 handicap and loving it!!!

[wkuo3]

25, yes.

 

Clubfitting is something I was considering, if for nothing else but to see what should be done. Can places like Golfsmith be trusted with that sort of deal? I'm new to this area (Dallas, TX metroplex), and don't know much of what's going on here.

 

got this from the web, no personal experience with any of them but one looks like come with alot of awards.

http://www.clubfitter.org/html/mid_south.html