Article #76
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Dear Jitterbug:
I'm 55 years old, and am thinking about trading in my stiff steel-shafted irons for new clubs with softer graphite shafts. Any recommendations?
Doc Duffer
Jitterbug Gang Fan
Jitterbug:
It's probably a good idea for most of us older golfers to think about switching to graphite.
For starters, graphite is lighter than steel. To balance out the swing weight manufacturers make graphite-shafted clubs longer. Longer clubs mean greater potential for club speed through impact. And, who doesn't want a little extra speed? Even without the benefit of more club speed, we older golfers might like having slightly longer clubs anyway. After all, bending over to address the ball ain't as easy as it once was.
And, second, there are those who think graphite-shafted clubs are easier on the hands. Supposedly, graphite clubs absorb some of the shock from impact. Excepting a few cold winter mornings, I don't remember too many times when shock absorption was something I was interested in, but that's just me.
If any of that sounds good to you, make the switch. Worse case scenario, you'll know for yourself.
Mr. Vaughn:
If you want to lower your handicap, switching to graphite won't change things too much. That doesn't mean you shouldn't change. Shoot, for some people, the thing they like about golf is trying new stuff, and if that's you then go for it. But, if it's improvement you're looking for, just spend the amount of time it'll take you to buy your new clubs working on your short game; you'll wake up tomorrow a better player. Then again, if you're tired of your old clubs, maybe some new ones will light your practice fire, be all you need to make you want to go out and work on your game.
Lord Berry:
I think the more pressing issue is whether or not you've suitably chosen the correct fourteen clubs for your bag, no matter steel or graphite.
Do you still use a 3-iron, or have you discovered the friendly equivalent in hybrid technology? Do you have a gap wedge, or do you have a hole in your 80 to 110 yard scoring game? Do you use a 9-degree 1-wood, or have you chosen a driver with the appropriate loft to suit your needs?
If none of these considerations mean anything, then by all means, purchase what you'd like others to see in your bag.