Hello,
I'm currently planning to upgrade from some 1994 King Snake (King Cobra knock-offs) Oversize irons with graphite shafts and would like to know what to expect with newer irons. These were my Grandpa's and the only irons I've ever used. I assume they're senior flex as he was in his 70s when he got them. I believe these clubs are 1/2"-1" too short for me as well. From what I've gathered online, generally speaking, I should be looking at stiff flex steel shafts and game improvement irons - and I should get fitted.
A little bit about my self/game first:
I'm 29, athletic, and trying to get back into golf with more consistent play.
Baseball background with what I think is high swing speed and a wicked slice with the driver most of the time. I've started using my 3 iron off the tee for this reason.
People usually tell me to slow my swing down
I've been playing off and on for probably about 15 years, but generally 0-6 times a year, so not enough to generate any kind of consistent improvement.
Unofficial handicap is around 23-24.
Never taken lessons, but I intend to and think I can significantly reduce my handicap through lessons/clubs/playing smarter (maybe I'm being overconfident though)
I'd say I hit my irons inconsistently. I can hit all of them well but my 3 iron will slice sometimes (especially towards the end of a round) and I will occasionally pull or push my shorter irons. I'm always good for a couple toppers and fat shots every round as well. Distance isn't really an issue for me when compared with swing consistency.
I intend to buy used (1-2 models old) irons and I don't intend to upgrade often unless I really get into golf and improve my handicap a lot
Questions:
With the improvements in technology since 1994, I'm unsure of what category to place my King Snakes - game improvement?
If so, would all modern game improvement irons be a distinct upgrade besides just increased distance?
I guess I still don't really understand what is meant by forgiveness. If I hit the ball with an open club face to my path, I expect it to slice. If I hit it fat it shouldn't go far and if I top it, it should roll? How does forgiveness in modern irons help those errors? Does forgiveness actually make up for swing errors?
How much of an effect do you think moving to correct length/flex steel shafts and modern heads have for me?
I came into some Titleist 714 AP2s, but will sell them if needed. My understanding is that these are for low to mid handicaps. Do you think it would be beneficial for me to try to "play into" these clubs assuming they are fitted correctly or just go and find some game improvements (JPX Hot Metals or similar)?
Even though the AP2s are not game improvement, would they have more forgiveness (due to modern technology) than my King Snakes?
Sorry for all the questions.
Thanks, Will