Should one of these be in your bag?
Spring is in full bloom here in the Midwest but my game is only now rounding into form. There are many reasons for it. I’m in the midst of some swing changes with the help of Golftec, my back has been bothering me at times and there are certain parts of my kit that I’ve been unhappy with – most recently my irons.
My Ping combo set (4-6 Ping Raptures and 7-PW Ping I5s) were doing more harm than good. Like most recreational golfers, I gravitated towards forgiving irons with plenty of offset and wide soles because that is what I was told I should play as a mid-to-high handicap player. But, as I learn more about golf equipment, I’ve come to discover that swing type is almost as important as skill level.
Different Strokes for Different Folks
I’m what you a call a “sweeper”. A player who is a sweeper has a shallow angle of attack and often uses more hand action. As a result, a sweeper will benefit from irons that feature a narrower sole, less bounce and more camber. A player that has this type of swing takes little or no divots with their irons.
Contrast this to a “digger” who has a steeper angle of attack with less hand action and a stronger grip. A digger usually positions the ball back in his or her stance and traps the ball at impact. Diggers play best with irons with wider soles or soles ground to expose more bounce and less camber. Diggers, as the term suggests, take noticeable divots with their irons.
Are diggers better iron players than sweepers? Not necessarily. There have been some very good players on the PGA tour that fall into the sweeper category. Also, sweepers tend to be very good fairway and hybrid players. They also play better off tight lies like those found in Texas and Arizona.
Find the Right Set for Your Game
If you are a sweeper like me, am I suggesting that you run out and buy a set of player’s irons just because they have thin soles and less bounce? Not necessarily. It is best to stay within your skill level. Irons generally fall into three categories – super game improvement, game improvement and players. You should still purchase clubs that are appropriate for your handicap.
The key is within the different categories, manufacturers make sets with different degrees of sole, bounce and camber. My recommendation is when you are trying to decide between a few different models take into account your swing type and pick irons that feature design elements that work for you and not against you.
Not planning to purchase anytime soon? That’s fine but be sure to recognize when your current set may be holding back your game rather that helping it.
J36 Pocket Cavity Iron
Case in point, I eventually opted to replace my Pings with a set of Bridgestone J36 Pocket Cavities. The j36 Pocket Cavity irons are forged from 1020 mild carbon steel and feature a cavity back for added forgiveness and a tapered sole. They also have a slightly thicker top line than most forged irons (similar to the Mizuno MP 57/58’s) which adds confidence at address. They offer the right combination of feel and playability with a touch of forgiveness – entirely appropriate for a mid-handicap player.
Memorial day is a great time to buy golf equipment. If you’re heading out to catch a sale this weekend and looking for a new set of irons or wedges, then hopefully this information will help you invest in the right tools for your game.
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