[One length clubs? Experience-thoughts?]

Dave Tutelman wrote a great article about one length and traditional length irons (https://www.tutelman.com/golf/clubs/singleLength1.php). He improved my understanding of the difference since the data and mathematical modeling was more reliable than golf forum speculation. I also read Tom Wishon's perspective on designing single length irons and hybrids as a progressive set. This helped me during the fitting of my current single length iron-hybrid set. The equipment manufacturers have different perspective of single length set design, thus, it is significant to get fit.

I tested one length irons 5 years ago when I was playing regularly (practice and playing 2-3 days a week, 3 HCP). I found no significant benefit over my traditional irons. In the last few years, I am lucky to play 4 times per month so one length clubs have become my regular irons. Practicing with one iron in the set accounts for hitting all the irons in the set. Instead of adjusting setup and finding the low point for multiple traditional irons, I can focus on solid contact, trajectory control, and shot shaping. Furthermore I have been able to break 80 again.

Tried five years ago: Wishon Sterling, Edel SL01

Current iron-hybrid setup: Cobra Speedzone One 4 hybrid [21*], Cobra Forged Tec One [6i/25*, 7i/30*, 8i/35*, 9i/40*, and PW/45*]

[Distances for 7 iron]

https://www.longleafteesystem.com/#driver-carry-distance-formula

[I know sound and feel is intensely personal so maybe it's me...]

The golf trend is more carbon in driver/fairway/hybrid heads plus more hollow body irons with hybrid-like performance. I liken this technology transition: persimmon woods/driver to stainless steel woods/drivers and the transition from stainless steel to titanium. Sound has changed with technology, and it seems most golfers have adapted their preferences due to the performance gains each throughout the years.

[How do I convince my golf buddies it's time to change tee boxes?]

There is good data to support tee box selection based on launch monitor data, golf course data, and handicap/skill. Unfortunately, ego, or more accurately male ego, creates faulty decision-making.

https://www.longleafteesystem.com/

https://shotscope.com/us/golf-improvement/

[What are you working on?]

Rebuilding a set to pass the time while waiting for new 2022 clubs and snow on the golf courses to melt.

• KZG Tri-Tour wedges [50*, 54*, & 58*] with Nippon 1150GH Tour,
• Wishon 4i - Aw with Nippon 1150GH Tour,
• grindworks GW400 driver with Fujikura Motore X F1 6s,
• grindworks GW300 5 fairway [17*] with Fujikura Motore F1 7s,
• grindworks GW200 3 hybrid [20*] with Fujikura Atmos Black TS 9s.
• The Grip Master Roo grips on all clubs,
• Swing Right Pumpkin Spice ferrules installed on the irons and wedges.

[Fuji MCI Practice]

I have been using the MCI training shaft in a 7 iron and 52* wedge for 3 months. I use them to warm up during practice days. They help me smooth out my transitions: take away and change of direction [back swing to forward swing].  I hit 5 to 10 balls with each and my tempo seems to last throughout my practice session.  I tee the ball up (very low) and focus on solid contact and a balanced finish. I just started to use the wedge for a short game warm up so I do not have much experience with the shaft in this area. The shaft seems to promote more feel than technique, so I like it.

[Can we feature YOU???]

In 1995 to 1997, I was drawn to the game because Tiger's rise, friends invitations to play, and a job where fellow employees played regularly on Monday mornings.  Fortunately, many of my friends were accomplished golfers (former collegiate golfer and PGA club professionals), so they guided me how to use my athletic background to build some golf specific skills.  In 2001, my friends managing a new golf club offered me a job when I was between jobs, and the opportunity lead to future positions in management, coaching, and club-fitting.  I became interested in the details of the golf industry, so I sought out strong sources of information that were not skewed by marketing:  Tom Wishon (was the first resource for understanding), golf forums (posts by industry insiders, competitors, coaches, club-fitters, craftsman...), and MyGolfSpy for the scientific approach to product reviews.