New game improvement irons needed ASAP!

[Lepatrique]

My father just retired and had his bag stolen out of the back seat of his car. Needless to say, he needs new sticks ASAP now that he actually has the time to use them!

 

I'm a scratch golfer and not too familiar with some of the different game improvement options out there, but I've made sure he's getting a proper fitting. Was hoping to get some advice from y'all beforehand.

 

Here's a quick overview -

 

Age: 67

Swing speed: driver around 95mph and hits it 240 (carries driver ~225 when he hits it solid, I believe). He hit it 30 yards farther 10 years ago, but a couple of shoulder surgeries have slowed his swing. Thus, he would probably benefit from a bit more distance.

Handicap: plays to 18, should be closer to 10-14 as he plays more. Better ball striker than he gives himself credit for.

Other: chronic arthritis/aches; I suggested he ask the fitter about midsize grips and maybe a graphite shaft for the irons as I understand both can be helpful as one gets older.

 

I recommended a few irons and drivers, but any other suggestions or advice would be greatly appreciated. Here's what I suggested he look at:

 

Irons: Ping g700, Titleist AP1, Mizuno JPX900 Hot Metal (his stolen set was the hot metal model from 6-7 years ago), Mizuno MP-18 MMC (maybe too much of a players' club), Taylormade P790 (also maybe too much players club but supposedly forgiving and long), Callaway rogue + Epic

 

Drivers: Ping G400, callaway rogue, taylormade m4, mizuno 180

 

Fairway woods: suggested a high-loft 3w or a 4w since standard 3w can be so tough for most golfers to hit off deck

[doctorjedi]

I hear good things about the g400 max driver.

[Badmeat]

Why not go back to the JPX HM irons? He could probably get a deal on some closeout 900 series.

[Bowlorgolf]

If he goes the Callaway route check out CPO for their like new clubs. They can be customized when you order. Being almost 63 now I moved to the Steelhead XRs and have hit some of my best iron shots this season.

[Johnny_Fairway]

I haven't hit them, but the Cleveland Launcher HB irons get good reviews with respect to ease of use.

[duffer18]

I'm just about your Dad's age, play to 13-14. Have a slightly slower swing speed than his--bad knees have slowed me down over the last two years. Working on my swing to make some changes as a result. Here are my thoughts:

 

Graphite shafts have made my life better--easier on the elbows. And while my hands aren't that big, Medium Large gloves, mid-size grips have definitely help control the clubs better.

 

Have tried a series of irons over the last few years and have been fitted, trying many of the major game improvement clubs. G700s have made my golf better. Markedly longer and more accurate. Graphite shafts, regular. I'm hitting more greens. Much better, for me, than G400s. And the regular shafts are pretty good. Not cheap, but not close to some of the high end clubs. Also G400 hybrids are a pleasure--maybe not the longest or the prettiest, but a great combination of length and accuracy.

 

Demoed a number of drivers. TMs and PIngs are very good, but for me, standard Rogue was the best--but with the caveate that with my attempt at a swing change will mean I'll be demoing again in the next six months. I have a regular shaft. Also have a Rogue 4 wood--great club. In my case, the Evenflow shafts worked best, slightly heavier shaft than the Synergy, I believe. But the truth is, the woods from all the OEMs are good. Some work a bit better than others for specific swings, but there aren't any real dogs out there.

 

One other suggestion for your dad. Cleveland CBX wedges--wonderful clubs for guys like us. I have the 50 and 54, with a Callaway Sure-Out sand wedge. Old man equipment, for sure, but makes life much easier.

 

Good luck, nice thing you are doing.

[1Mordrid1]

I have the G700's and my "iron game" is the best it has ever been. My old X-22's may have been close in the 8-Gw range, but the G700's are solid all the way through the set. In fact the longer irons have even taken the hybrids in my bag out of play.

[tobiasjd]

I would go with g400 irons, or even i series, especially if he uses hybrids anyway. My dad is 70 and he plays i20 irons. Anytime I mention equipment he says "It's just a hunk o metal on a stick!"

[NoTalentLefty]

I’d go with the G700s though I play AP1s, which I love but may not have as much forgiveness as the G400s and G700s.

[BrendanH]

Assuming he is getting a good club fitting as you suggest, then he should just let the fitter guide the process. Introducing preferences gleaned from a forum thread will potentially derail the fitting process and could put him in the wrong setup. Just be sure the fitter you have chosen really knows their stuff and he will be fine.

 

Sorry to hear his clubs were stolen. That sucks.

[RodC]

Irons: M4 or M3 from TM.

Drivers: Ping G400

Wedges: CBX Cleveland

 

Woods, better go with 4-5

and some hybrids to replace 4i