Just Wondering...

RunOfTheDill · February 7, 2008

Is It Possible To Be Effective With A 3 Iron If You Play Regular Flex?

Just wondering. If Im hitting my irons well, which I never do, I can hit the 3 iron about 185 with not a lot of height. Any thoughts?

KDMullins · February 7, 2008

If you're hitting your 3 iron 185, you should probably replace it with a hybrid because you club speed isn't high enough to generate enough spin to get the ball up in the air. Either that, or you just aren't hitting it solidly, in which case, still get the hybrid. It's just a matter of getting the right clubs in your bag to help you score better.

RunOfTheDill · February 7, 2008

I understand I suck. LOL. Well, I guess to get to the point is, what kind of swing speed do you need to have a 3 iron in the bag. I was just relating it to flex of irons. From what I have read about everywhere, if you dont have a 105 plus driver swing speed, you have no business with a 3 iron. I keep it cause its not a matter of scoring, its a matter of becoming a better player and being able to hit a 3 iron effectively to me will make me a better iron player all together. Im stupid though.

GOLF FTW · February 7, 2008

I understand I suck. LOL. Well, I guess to get to the point is, what kind of swing speed do you need to have a 3 iron in the bag. I was just relating it to flex of irons. From what I have read about everywhere, if you dont have a 105 plus driver swing speed, you have no business with a 3 iron. I keep it cause its not a matter of scoring, its a matter of becoming a better player and being able to hit a 3 iron effectively to me will make me a better iron player all together. Im stupid though.

i have a 100 swingspeed. And i hit my 3 irons very solid (most of the time ), and i carry it on a normal shot about 220. Personally, i think its about where you strike it on the face. It makes a huge difference.

LucF · February 8, 2008

Im stupid though.

I'm stupid too. Still have a 3 iron in my bag most of the time. On some courses, I'll play a 5-wood instead.

I play regular flex, but with shafts spined to use the stiffest part. My SS on driver is 95-110, depending on the swing I make and how loose I am. As you can see, my swing is far from being consistent, however I don't suffer from the "long irons are hard to hit" trauma and carry my 3 200-215 (notice the inconsistency again).

There are 2 interestingly conflicting philosophies brought forward in this thread. On one hand, some people (like you and me) want to play clubs that are more difficult to hit but allow you to learn about mishits because of the better feel you get for them when you miss the sweet spot. The idea being that we can first improve our swing and that our game will then naturally improve as a consequence.

On the other hand, you have the people for whom the bottom line is the scorecard. These people want to play the most forgiving club there is because it will produce the best immediate result.

The first group wants to improve their swing, the second group wants to improve their game. The choice we make depends on how we approach the game.

RunOfTheDill · February 8, 2008

Im stupid though.

I'm stupid too. Still have a 3 iron in my bag most of the time. On some courses, I'll play a 5-wood instead.

I play regular flex, but with shafts spined to use the stiffest part. My SS on driver is 95-110, depending on the swing I make and how loose I am. As you can see, my swing is far from being consistent, however I don't suffer from the "long irons are hard to hit" trauma and carry my 3 200-215 (notice the inconsistency again).

There are 2 interestingly conflicting philosophies brought forward in this thread. On one hand, some people (like you and me) want to play clubs that are more difficult to hit but allow you to learn about mishits because of the better feel you get for them when you miss the sweet spot. The idea being that we can first improve our swing and that our game will then naturally improve as a consequence.

On the other hand, you have the people for whom the bottom line is the scorecard. These people want to play the most forgiving club there is because it will produce the best immediate result.

The first group wants to improve their swing, the second group wants to improve their game. The choice we make depends on how we approach the game.

Yes, I agree. I also play players irons although I have only been playing for about a year. I want to get better even if it means higher scores for a year or two. I want to become a better striker of the ball.