This is the typical 20+ handicapper I see at my club as well (at least when the player isn't +60 age). Very decent iron player, plenty of distance, but short game and putting lacking severely :P I'm 8.2 35 years old and you hit it as far as me. Work on your short game, gate drill and speed control with putter and if you can hit your driver in play most of the time (it's hard I know) you'd drop very quickly :D For short game, I'd highly recommend Dan Grieve. Helped me SO much.
Maltby TS4 blades are actually super game improvement forgiving, you should give those a look. I'm a15 hcp give or take, and I use them for 9-PW, and then CB TE+ 4-8i.
Blades are great. It prioritizes ball striking and forces the golfer to focus on the quality of strike instead of swinging as hard as they can… give any golfer that regularly plays a set of blades for a year, at the end of that year, they will have become better ball strikers.
There's not a lot wrong with your iron game and that's a lovely swing - I can imagine your handicap tumbling in the coming year or so! Especially as your judgement improves and you invest more time into your short game.
I started a year ago with some old-ish set of game improvement TM M2, and they were all right, I was hitting it far, but then they started to break on me as the shafts were a bit rusty, I had these till HCP about 28 (now 18). I randomly bought a set of Mizuno MP-20s, not knowing really what a blade was, and I instantly realised how badly I was hitting those M2s and it was just the forgiveness that got me anywhere... Anyway I never looked back, it is a steep learning curve I guess, but in golf I'm eager to learn. And obviously we did not pick golf because it's easy, right? :D
It’s absolute cobblers about high hcp can’t use blades. Started as 28 hcp with Wilson staff fg51s back in 90’s.. now off +3 .. so never harm hobby player as me. Put time in, get some sound technique, and rest takes care itself. Stop using oversize shovels because advised so.
I second this. I learnt to play with set of Spalding blades in the 80’s as kid, then onto Wilson, Mizuno and Titleist. A wise old pro told me back then that if i could play with the Spalding I could play with anything. I was about technique not power. I still can’t pick a bulky headed club up and feel right over the ball.
I started over 30 handicap then decided to get a set of taylormade p730s, 6 months later started from scratch im now a 12..and improving, and there isnt a driving range where im at im a autodidact you tube golfer lol.
I'm around the same handicap as you & have used blades for 5 years. I switched to cavity backs at one point but the distances were all over the place and there really was no difference in 'forgiveness'. I love blades because i know exactly what they're going to do & how far they will go, even on mis-hits. Imo, it's a total myth that you need to be a low handicapper to play blades, but you do need the right shafts & to have reasonably good ball striking.
Buddy. The shot tracers on this round were laser beams. The sound of those clubs was solid. I would have a hard time giving them back too. I also blame the motorcycle man putter. Lol That thing just looks funny over the ball.
Well done Dennis! Another great round. Your swing with irons and approaches have improved a tonne! Next step is putting and trying to hit something a bit longer from the tee (I can't recall if you've had a 3 hybrid before?)!
Blade irons are awesome for practice. I always practice with mp 221 blades though i play mp 223 etc while on course. They give instant feedback during practice, hit low on face stay down slight longer. Hit on toe side and club twisted, keep it closer to body. Etc. helps improve faster, though needs a growth mindset and determination as many shots go bad and you need to not give up. Gland to see you trying them.
As a Whittington member, I'm delighted you enjoyed your round and welcome back again. Whenever you're swinging by, I'd be delighted to play with you mate.
I’ve played it twice now and I can’t wait o be back. Such a fun course, but those greens kill me every time! I’m sure I’ll be back in the winter sometime
