Tim W

Please test some of the putting aids. specifically ones that can be used on practice greens. I see pros using the mirrored ones. What about the mirror and gate? Are using tees on the practice green just as effective?

This seems to be a great test. Do not want to give up the blade look, but distance is becoming an issue. Have been gaming the P790s for about 3 years. They are very solid from the middle of the club. Off-center hits do not fare as well. Very satisfied about the feel and consistency of the P790s. That said, it sounds like you like the added distance of the stealth irons. You will be a winner with either choice. Taylormade irons are solid.

Test outside for sure. Critical to see the ball flight with launch monitors outside. Compare shafts as well as driver heads. Test my existing shaft with different heads if possible. I want to test recommended shafts and heads against my gamer. Test balls after a decision on the driver. Test balls on my home course with irons and driver. Make sure you do a second test on your new driver. It should match or exceed your first test with the club.

I was fitted the first time over 30 years ago. The fitter was recommended to me by a friend that worked in a golf complex in Florida. The fitter traveled around the tour stops before the Manufacturers had tour trucks. We only worked on irons outdoors. We spent 6 hours over 3 days. My goal was to get my misses the width of a green rather than my existing pattern. He worked with me on shafts for most of the first day. The second day was to fine tune the shafts - weight, bend factors, and the tip flexes. We were able to see that my 3 and 4 irons needed a softer tip and my wedges shafts needed a firmer tip. We worked on carry distances. The third day I hit the shafts that he replaced in my irons. Wow what a difference! Over the next year I went from a 12 handicap to a 5. Not once did we work on my swing. Several times he mentioned on the importance of ball flight and the reasons he fitted me with different shafts. I would not try to change my swing to fit existing clubs.

The fitters are working for you and should be paid. That said, it is up to you to know what you want in the fitting. I would opt for an outside fitting if possible to see the ground connection and the ball flight. In my opinion, you should direct the fitting-- what is your expectation-- longer distance, better ball flight, better accuracy, etc. Define the rules. Will you buy club(s) for 10 yards distance improvement or a % closer to the pin? Discuss the process. Take breaks if necessary. The best fitters will look out for your needs. If you are not satisfied discuss the options with the fitter or request another fitter. You do not have to buy anything from the fitting.

I look at the problem with being short or long. I will choose the best miss. I like to hit my clubs at 80% effort, so I like to take the longer club if all is equal.

I stopped playing for 5 years - terrible knees. Retired moved to Mexico. Found an Acupuncturist and can play again. Bought recycled clubs sight unseen. No real way to buy used clubs in Baja. Have had them fitted in the US. Putting in the work on golf and strength exercises. Now am 30 to 50 yards shorter. Still in fairway mostly. Not scoring well. Putting is better. Short game is worse. Went from 5 handicap to 12. 10 shots per round look like the old me. Driving accuracy remains. Love the game. Hate my game at times. Expectations may be too high. Do not want to give in to an old man's swing and game!

Do you have a good club fitter in your area? I would recommend purchasing the irons that are close to your requirements. After hitting the clubs for a few times in play and outside on the practice range to judge your full club distance, If needed, I would get your fitter to do an outside session and bend the wedges to your desirable distances. I have not found very many sets that fit exactly the way you want. I would use the same fitter to check your loft and lies twice per year. Most irons will change through practice and play.