MarvChamp

I own and play an LTDx driver and a Fly-Z adjustable 5-7 fairway (in bright red). In the run-up to those clubs I used older SZ 5 and 7 fairways. I have an older set of Cobra S9 irons to give to first tee. All of those have helped me improve distance and accuracy. I attribute this to Cobra's long-time commitment to engineering, manufacturing and marketing game improver clubs for the masses of mid- and high HCP players as well as clubs for the better player. Few others (Cleveland and Adams come to mind) did that until recently. I have found recent Mizuno hybrids to be very easy to hit with the proper shaft. I would love to get fitted for the newer game improver Cobra or Mizuno irons (JPX923HL!), but I can't bring myself to desert my old Mizuno JPX800HD's. I have found recent Mizuno hybrids to be very easy to launch with the proper shaft. So I just keep adding the Mizzy hybrids in higher lofts. Forgive the length of my old man wanderings. Best, -Marv

6 iron, and I probably could ditch it as well. As a very old guy, my tee shots are not very long. So, I focus on getting 2nd and approach shots up and in the fairway. 5FW and 23, 26 and 29 degree hybrids replaced long irons. Found I had to keep my ego out of it and accept the forgiveness and playability. Best, -Marv

All depends on the shaft I guess. I have fondness for my Nike Vapor Fly with Mitsu Tensei Blue C Series 50 in A Flex, and I break it out from time to time. (I am, after all, SO-O-O-O old!) That club just seems to sit naturally behine the ball. My other old faves would be a Callaway Diablo. Best, -Marv

I'm interested in seeing if more of the player's distance irons meld into game improvers in looks and performance for average players. Or vice-versa. Maybe even for extremely substandard golfers like me! Best, -Marv

Good topic and great replies! I'm approaching 80, and while graphite shafts are not an absolute necessity for me, I have played them for years. My last steel shafts were a lightweight Nippon; they were very good. But I found more graphites with low kick point, higher launch, and more flex with a proper weight for my weaker, slower swing speed. Best have been Project X and Aldila Ascent, I believe. Best, -Marv

About $200 max and I would find it used. Currently, Mizuno TP Mills #9. If I wanted a newer putter, I would research Cleveland's Huntington line. But my $$$ would be better spent on lessons and practice. Best, Marv

Mizuno MX200 forged irons. Right up there with my first Nike Vapor Fly driver...Had to overpay for a replacement after I realized my error. Best, -Marv

DTC clubs, online fitting tools. Fittings outside on grass v. indoors off a mat. My Puma, Rickie-style golf shirts. Best, -Marv

I was using Titleist TruFeel then went with SuperSoft which really performed for me. Then my bride od 50-plus years got two dozen Kirkland Performance. A bit harder and a little less distance, but I've come around to them for launch and spin. Not sure which of those three will be permanent (or semi-permanent) but Kirkland will stay awhile. I will definitely go with a yellow-green ball regardless. Old golfer, old bones and old eyes. Best, -Marv

Mizuno TP Mills #9 Forged Putter. About as old, I guess, as me and my JPX800HD irons. I've tried other putters from time to time and keep coming back to this one. (Once lost the original blue and white headcover. I had marked the inside for identification. Broken-hearted, I found one at a local used golf club store and bought it for an exorbitant sum. Turned out to be the one I lost!) Best, -Marv

Ruined a really good older 5-wood that I hit well, by shortening the shaft. It was the shaft that helped me hit well. Live and learn. Best, -Marv

The only old v. new comparisons I have done involved the Maltby Playability Factor, to look at that opinion about MOI. As ald age has diminished my golf game, I have added 2022 driver, hybrids, and 7-wood, to complement my older Mizzy JPX800HD irons and Cobra 5-wood. Those additions were based on researching reviews of the clubs and (as always and especially) the shafts for an old guy. Best, -Marv

DeChambeau is an elite athlete. Matt Fitzpatrick's bunker shot in 2022 might have been more spectacular, but both bunker shots (and putts) were clutch in a pressure-cooker moment. I enjoy watching golf when there is some emotion...Hatton and Lowrey look like they're about to explode at times; makes me want to see how they handle the next shot. Same for Bryson's muttering to himself or joyously celebrating. Best, -Marv

As was said, go pay some $ for a fitting, so you will have info about clubs for your swing. You don't have to buy the clubs they recommend at that point. But jeez! Give yourself a chance to make a decent choice wherever and whatever you buy. Best and good luck in your search, -Marv

I use a watch and oddly I also also use the USGA/GHIN app function for some distance info if needed. I have found the rangefinder to be too slow, and I don't own one. Just a matter of habit, I guess. Best, -Marv