MarvChamp

It really depends on your goals and what you want to see from the ballflight out of that slot in your bag. A 7w will most likely launch higher and land softer, while a 4h will most likely fly a little lower and give you more runout. 
I played a Callaway Heavenwood which is roughly the equivalent of a 7w for many years and I loved it. I only pulled it from the bag for a Cleveland Hy-Wood which I found to be even more forgiving, especially in less than ideal lies. 

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 have that same problem, I don’t know why I think I’m holding up play or that the group behind me even notices. So I rush and make mistakes which probably ultimately takes longer.


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I am definitely on the faster side of pace of play, but when I'm playing with a slower group and we have people waiting behind us I always feel rushed and make more mistakes. I'm sure the group behind doesn't mind as much as I think they do, but in that regard I would agree with your point. 

Get fitted. Doesn’t mean you HAVE to buy the clubs from there. But gives you a baseline of what you need. From there, you can order you clubs specific to your needs or buy used and take to retrofit to your needs.
Off the rack clubs are not designed to fit everyone as is. There is no one correct swing pattern or human size. All things play a part. Once you get playing some more, go get fit again and see what’s changed, if anything. 

A good morning to all on this sunny Friday morning here.  Taking my 91 year old mom to a medical appointment and then out to lunch afterwards. 
@EasyPutter enjoyed the pictures from the Kingsmill outing and your visit to HQ 
@William P happy birthday and enjoy your day.
@Northern Monkey enjoy your trip and time off. 

Happy Friday Spies!!!

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

At age 78, I have faced the flare-ups of old (very old) combat injuries, rheum arthritis, sciatica, etc. etc. I try to stay fit physically and spiritually, and watch what I put in my body. BUT the natural decay of body and bones continues...It's a fact of our lives. 'NUFF SAID ABOUT THAT.
I plan to play golf until I can't SO when the effects showed up in golf a few years ago, I saw my swing speeds and distances go south. I got a series of lessons in that year.
I replaced the shafts in my beloved Mizunos with lighter graphite senior shafts (strongly suggest a consultation about shaft weight; mine could be a smidge heavier). I ditched my 3 FW for a Cobra 5/7 Fly-Z. That helped with the second longer shots needed after my anemic but accurate drives.
I started carrying a short set of irons...6I through Gap. I really learned the yardages for each and got over the distance ego. Who cares if I have to hit a certain iron into a green? Do they even know?
Next year, I added a 2022 Cobra LTDx Max driver. And a year later and maybe most important, dialed the  Cobra to 5 FW, and acquired a 2022 Mizuno ST-X 220 7 FW, plus 5HY and 6HY (excellent new, liquidations of stock). All these have relatively light graphite shafts.  Wonderful additions and good distances for each one.
I have done this consulting teaching pros and the best reviews I can find. I know fittings might be better but new clubs aren't in my picture.
Sorry for the long-winded answer. I just know all of us who love golf do or will face what happens as we age. That's my story and I hope it helps.
Best, -Marv
 

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

I went to graphite shafts when I turned 60 and was fitted for HM919s. My banged up, arthritic joints needed them - and they have made a real difference in comfort and play.

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

Good topic! Please listen to the suggestions about weight, flex points and launch characteristics. Some "light" graphite shafts can be a little to light. I believe. And all seem to be different in what they do in the longer woods as opposed to irons. Shafts really require deep research if not a fitting.
Best, -Marv

Two possible downsides of graphite…first is the weight/cost ratio of the shafts.  Graphite is finally catching up with steel for heavier shafts (which I believe is better for most golfers), but they quickly become crazy expensive for the high end options.  The other is reuse.  Very easy to pull steel shafts and put them in new irons.  Easy to destroy the epoxy in a graphite shaft by heating it or breaking the tip if you try to pull it without heating.  Other than that, graphite is a great option.

At age 78, I have faced the flare-ups of old (very old) combat injuries, rheum arthritis, sciatica, etc. etc. I try to stay fit physically and spiritually, and watch what I put in my body. BUT the natural decay of body and bones continues...It's a fact of our lives. 'NUFF SAID ABOUT THAT.
I plan to play golf until I can't SO when the effects showed up in golf a few years ago, I saw my swing speeds and distances go south. I got a series of lessons in that year.
I replaced the shafts in my beloved Mizunos with lighter graphite senior shafts (strongly suggest a consultation about shaft weight; mine could be a smidge heavier). I ditched my 3 FW for a Cobra 5/7 Fly-Z. That helped with the second longer shots needed after my anemic but accurate drives.
I started carrying a short set of irons...6I through Gap. I really learned the yardages for each and got over the distance ego. Who cares if I have to hit a certain iron into a green? Do they even know?
Next year, I added a 2022 Cobra LTDx Max driver. And a year later and maybe most important, dialed the  Cobra to 5 FW, and acquired a 2022 Mizuno ST-X 220 7 FW, plus 5HY and 6HY (excellent new, liquidations of stock). All these have relatively light graphite shafts.  Wonderful additions and good distances for each one.
I have done this consulting teaching pros and the best reviews I can find. I know fittings might be better but new clubs aren't in my picture.
Sorry for the long-winded answer. I just know all of us who love golf do or will face what happens as we age. That's my story and I hope it helps.
Best, -Marv
 

At age 78, I have faced the flare-ups of old (very old) combat injuries, rheum arthritis, sciatica, etc. etc. I try to stay fit physically and spiritually, and watch what I put in my body. BUT the natural decay of body and bones continues...It's a fact of our lives. 'NUFF SAID ABOUT THAT.
I plan to play golf until I can't SO when the effects showed up in golf a few years ago, I saw my swing speeds and distances go south. I got a series of lessons in that year.
I replaced the shafts in my beloved Mizunos with lighter graphite senior shafts (strongly suggest a consultation about shaft weight; mine could be a smidge heavier). I ditched my 3 FW for a Cobra 5/7 Fly-Z. That helped with the second longer shots needed after my anemic but accurate drives.
I started carrying a short set of irons...6I through Gap. I really learned the yardages for each and got over the distance ego. Who cares if I have to hit a certain iron into a green? Do they even know?
Next year, I added a 2022 Cobra LTDx Max driver. And a year later and maybe most important, dialed the  Cobra to 5 FW, and acquired a 2022 Mizuno ST-X 220 7 FW, plus 5HY and 6HY (excellent new, liquidations of stock). All these have relatively light graphite shafts.  Wonderful additions and good distances for each one.
I have done this consulting teaching pros and the best reviews I can find. I know fittings might be better but new clubs aren't in my picture.
Sorry for the long-winded answer. I just know all of us who love golf do or will face what happens as we age. That's my story and I hope it helps.
Best, -Marv
 

Agree, I found it interesting because I do it a lot. I also use swing length as well. Like I said I’m a feel player and like to play what I see in my mind. Plus, I color outside the lines so, I do a lot of unconventional things. Big part is I can replicate it so, it works for me. Sort of like using a hybrid off the green on a bad tight lie and “putting” it up close. Many ways to play this crazy game. That’s what keeps it interesting!

I choke down normally around the greens, usually down to the shaft or even on the shaft. This helps control length of backswing and provides excellent distance control.  Full swing depends if between clubs or a specific type of shot. 

Makes sense, I choke down a lot. I am a feel player. I see a shot in my mind and then take the club and set up as to how I see it going. Choking down has been a big part of how I play. It’s a carry over from baseball for me. 

Yep.  Unfortunately, in the race for distance, manufacturers have made clubs longer with flatter lie angles to try to gain clubhead speed.  This makes the golf swing more rotationally flat and leads to more erratic contact; especially trying to find the center of the club face (with lighter shafts making consistency even more difficult).  Choking down produces a more upright backswing, which then lends to a more shallow down/through swing (since golf is a game of opposites).  Most golfers would benefit from shorter shafts and more upright lie angles, especially in the driver.  44.5” with a 61-63 degree lie angle should be the norm for drivers.  Would see a lot less slices.

Yes I choke down on all wedges gives me more control and accuracy. Have also choked down on hybrids when hitting stingers 

Choking down is a natural way for me to play, now.  I spent years at the end of the club - but, over the last few, choking down has allowed me to control the club better… which is letting me find the center of the club face better.  All in all, my scoring improved once I made the decision to go down a little. 

Some of you older guys may relate to the fact that we get shorter as we age (a problem for trouser length but maybe a great benefit at Disney World's rides?). Anyway, Yes...I grip down, about 2 inches on my longer shafted clubs, less on the shorter shafts. But I also found a bit more consistent strikes and accuracy with long clubs. Not much loss of distance in my case. Best, -Marv