Return to the game after long layoff- Please Help!

[MC21]

Hello all,

I'm getting back into playing after a 7 year layoff due to my work and travel schedule. My dad is really pushing me to pick it up again so that we can play together before he gets up there in age.

With that said, I'm thinking about picking up a new or used set of irons because I can't imagine myself playing enough to consistently hit what I currently have, plus I imagine they're extremely dated at this point.

Current irons - Titleist 695 CB, +1.00'', True Temper Dynamic Gold SL X100, shafts, unsure on lie adjustments.

I got these irons when I was around 20 years old and playing consistently between a 6-8 handicap. I can't see myself getting back to that level unless I put more time into the game than I'm planning on and am trying to figure out if there's an older model iron set that I should be targeting to buy. I don't want to make a big investment at the moment because I'm not 100% convinced this return will be for good.

I know it's pretty a pretty vague question, but If you could point me in the direction of which models I should be targeting it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

[wkuo3]

Go to the driving range with your current equipment and spend some time there. From there, figuring out which way you should be heading.

Whether you want a softer flex, standard length, more forgiving head design...........

The high road is to get fitted , and the easiest way is to spend sometime on the driving range to figure out for yourself. It all depends on your current physical condition, the size of your wallet and how much time you have to get to the standard you set for yourself.

Newer equipment will help your playing, and you were once a decent golfer, that's like riding a bicycle which you won't forget, just need to get back up on the bike again. However, to get back to where you were when you dropped the game some years ago, needs practice and playing. You can enjoy that journey with your father right now instead of waiting for your game to be back in full force.

Don't wait. Time flies and we don't know what tomorrow will bring. Have a great time with your father.

[MC21]

Thanks, I appreciate it. I know I need to go the fitting route, but I think my ego is getting to me and I don't want to go out there and struggle hitting my irons so I was looking for a quick fix.

What you're suggesting is the smart thing to do. In my head, I'd spend $400-$600 on a used set now, hopefully hit them well enough while I get back into it, and then go for a proper fitting once I have a swing to work with. My ego is looking for immediate gratification so I can play better faster, when I'm probably better off just playing with what I have and putting the $400-$600 towards a new set when I'm ready.

Thanks again!

[DallasSteve]

I'm going to guess that within a range session or two, you will be back to hitting those 695CBs very well. Those are some good sticks and aren't that hard to hit, especially for someone who's been at your prior level. Your chipping may suck for awhile, but I'm betting your iron play will come back very quickly.

[EDT501]

I’m going through a similar process now (6 years off). I’ll reiterate what others have said, stick with the CBs for now. I found that my ball striking came back more quickly than I would have thought. While I still have some inconsistencies to work through, my ball striking and iron choice (I have MP64s & used to play to a +2) isn’t costing me a lot of strokes. Partial wedge shots and touch on/around the green is where I see the biggest gaps. I’d stick with what you have, at least until you get back in the groove and are ready to be re-fit.

[mcounci2]

I went through the same thing, and thought my MP62's were gonna be untouchable for me. For the first couple rounds, they were, but I've since come around to hitting them 90% as well as I used to. They got re-built and are in the BST (shameless plug) and replaced with some MP18 MMC's.

TLDR: hit your 695's for a bit, I bet you'll be fine.

[MC21]

Thanks everyone for the feedback and happy to see others are getting back into the game like myself. Going to the range later today to see what kind of swing I have to work with and then back out on the course with my dad next Friday!