MattM97's WITB: New Irons and 2025 Setup Finally.

[Fairways_and_Greens]

On 11/29/2024 at 8:12 PM, MattM97 said:

Current state of the swing, working through an annoying lat injury that's basically messing up my lead side so stuff is still wonky. 

 

But man this was pretty. 

 

 

 

Great ball speed Matty!

[MattM97]

9 minutes ago, Fairways_and_Greens said:

Great ball speed Matty!

 

Thank you it's slowly creeping up both average and top end. 

 

Trying to make a strength of mine a strength on the course. 

[MattM97]

Current state of the swing, really making it a hard case to even glimpse at new drivers if I was even thinking of it.

 

 

Still might test a G440. 

 

But bag seems safe right now, I really have to get a loft and lie check and new grips this winter. 

 

[MattM97]

Ok we have some bag tinkering, more driver setup and with the swing changes I've developed a pretty big right hook miss when I do miss it. Remember when I used to slice it? Now we're going the other way.  

 

The setup from my fitting was small minus so down to 8°, and weight in the draw position, this was a great setup for when I did have that massive left miss in my swing but I've cleaned things up more so want to avoid that big hook off the tee. Last simulator round I did pop the weight into Neutral and my driver swing was a bit off so I was seeing basically left side of the fairway the whole round, not massive slice kidna of a really high and straight ball that fell left after the apex. I need a few more sessions with the weight in the neutral setting and definitely need a better swing day as well. 

 

I am thinking of getting into Ping Canada and doing a driver fitting because 1) I want to try out that new G440 LST and 2) I can get my G430 LST optimized for now with the rear weight, maybe have 2 back there to find that sweet spot, maybe the loft sleeve needs to be adjusted. The swing has changed since I got this driver but it still fits and I still love it just need to optimize it for my current swing.   

[MattM97]

I managed to book a fitting with Ping Canada all the way out on April 2nd to get my driver checked and a bit of tinkering with the G440 line up as well. They are apparently booked solid with a massive back log and I was luck to just get that time slot. For those wondering I'm not unhappy with my driver, it's awesome I'm freaking smoking it but just need to see if the settings could be setup better for how I'm swinging now, max out my current setup. Plus if they can max out my current setup and test it up against the new lineup then will see if anything is better especially the LST cause if I can gain that 1-3mph ball speed I've been hearing about that puts me into another level off the tee.

 

Now for the possible conundrum part in my bag, with my off season work, swing development, strength gains, etc my distance has gone up. I'm talking like possibly 20 yards across the board. Which means I probably need a secondary set up clubs up top as most courses near me it would be lucky to see over 6500 yards, no joke many top out under 6k yards, some that do have tee boxes over 6500 yards often have them closed to keep pace up. Which means I'm going to be handcuffed off the tee or into the green and have to change some things up.

 

This change isn't a full bag I've been considering dropping my 3H into a rotation with my 4i since they go the same or similar distance, just have them swap in depending on course, conditions or me. The 3W might be too hot for most local courses so finally add in a 5W or 7W or both? The last one is potentially building a short driver setup or mini driver for something off the tee on shorter courses. 

 

Life of a long hitter I guess, now only if my handicap and game improves like everything else is right now. 

[BallerNate]

Great stuff Matt…you’re a certified bomber now eh?

 

You’re right about the courses around GTA being pretty short though.

 

What I’ve found out here in the Maritimes compared to Ontario is that White Tees here are equivalent to Blue Tees in Ontario in terms of length.

 

My main Golfing buddy here in Halifax is about 320 average with Driver, and he plays from the White Tees here. Definitely much longer courses, and many are more technically difficult too because of elevations etc.

[MattM97]

1 hour ago, BallerNate said:

Great stuff Matt…you’re a certified bomber now eh?

 

You’re right about the courses around GTA being pretty short though.

 

What I’ve found out here in the Maritimes compared to Ontario is that White Tees here are equivalent to Blue Tees in Ontario in terms of length.

 

My main Golfing buddy here in Halifax is about 320 average with Driver, and he plays from the White Tees here. Definitely much longer courses, and many are more technically difficult too because of elevations etc.

 

I think we're approaching it just need to be more consistent with the driver but it seems like it will be a setup reminder that I need to set in. Carry distance in the simulator right now is looking to be around 310 with the driver, if I could see something like 315 carry off the tee to start the season I'd be very happy then see where it goes from there. If I lose that extra 20-40lbs I want to drop I'll be moving the ball out there, maybe get that sweet Instagram money lol. 

 

But with that said not many course I can really let loose out here as you know, they're usually short or if they're long they're narrow or any miss is dead. There are a few courses I can swing without worry but don't always play them. Probably a reason I play better when I travel in a lot of cases but will see this year with the improved iron game. 

[MattM97]

@BallerNate is this bomber status or still have work to do? 

 

 

Honestly I'm still not happy with this, there are a few things I can clean up. Also note this is me just going after it after a 2hr simulator session. I cruise probably mid 170s 

[BallerNate]

2 hours ago, MattM97 said:

@BallerNate is this bomber status or still have work to do? 

 

 

Honestly I'm still not happy with this, there are a few things I can clean up. Also note this is me just going after it after a 2hr simulator session. I cruise probably mid 170s 

Looking good buddy…that looks like bomber status to me!! 🚀🚀🚀

[Longballjock]

5 hours ago, MattM97 said:

@BallerNate is this bomber status or still have work to do? 

 

 

Honestly I'm still not happy with this, there are a few things I can clean up. Also note this is me just going after it after a 2hr simulator session. I cruise probably mid 170s 

The Crazy thing is that your Spin still stayed perfect. 

Excellent work.. definitely Bomber status. 

[MattM97]

10 hours ago, Longballjock said:

The Crazy thing is that your Spin still stayed perfect. 

Excellent work.. definitely Bomber status. 

 

I still get spinny ones every now and then that bump to like 3500 but I just have be to mindful of strike location and AoA. But it's all part of my setup which needs to be dialed in. 

[MattM97]

New ball speed best. I'm not actively chasing speed or speed training just byproduct of my progress. Really curious to see if a setup tweaking can bump me to 190+ 

 

[MattM97]

Have 2 fittings next week, not really planning on changing anything more testing and curiosity for me. Could also be a bag check on a few things before the season starts, I have no idea where my bag is at, what needs to be looked at, etc. I probably should look at doing a bag check but could always do that soon. I know my lofts and lies need a check badly which could probably be done in the upcoming fitting.

[Ben B]

Looks like your putting in some serious work. Near 190 ball speed is no joke. Keep it up. 

[MattM97]

2 hours ago, Ben B said:

Looks like your putting in some serious work. Near 190 ball speed is no joke. Keep it up. 

 

Thanks I've definitely seen a big jump in driver ball speed this winter and my swing overall with all my clubs so primed to have a good season. I have been dealing with a few nagging injuries some I've taken care of and others recently have popped up on me which probably have hindered progress a bit but it's nice to see this progress finally. I just hope my game actually translates soon to better scores. 

[Ben B]

1 hour ago, MattM97 said:

 

Thanks I've definitely seen a big jump in driver ball speed this winter and my swing overall with all my clubs so primed to have a good season. I have been dealing with a few nagging injuries some I've taken care of and others recently have popped up on me which probably have hindered progress a bit but it's nice to see this progress finally. I just hope my game actually translates soon to better scores. 

I feel you on the injuries. I have finally started dealing with a nagging lower back/hip injury and working on strengthening my shoulders as well. It's nice to go out and play or hit a ton of balls and not regret it the next day. 

[MattM97]

2 minutes ago, Ben B said:

I feel you on the injuries. I have finally started dealing with a nagging lower back/hip injury and working on strengthening my shoulders as well. It's nice to go out and play or hit a ton of balls and not regret it the next day. 

 

I'm still young-ish I just kinda beat my body in my younger years and paying for it a bit. Not as bad as some others do but man it's tough to get rid of some of these things. 

[Ben B]

2 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

 

I'm still young-ish I just kinda beat my body in my younger years and paying for it a bit. Not as bad as some others do but man it's tough to get rid of some of these things. 

Yes it is! I'm somewhat youngish too....my injury goes back to intramural softball in college when i nearly dislocated left hip. My golf coach was not too pleased to say the least. Anyways, hitting the 40 mark in June so I am trying to make sure I am not heading down hill too fast. 

[MattM97]

Had my driver fitting at Ping today and of course it wasn't a great day with the swing, it wasn't a bad technical day apparently my path and strike location was good I just couldn't get the hands to not shut at impact. 

 

Anyways that very hooky shot shape was extremely prevalent today just fighting it, the fitter tried multiple settings and weights. Apparently the weight in my G430 LST is only 22g and he suggested 25g or 28g so just going to play with some lead tape. I was also low on the face all day long so he bumped the loft up and tinkered a bit more put the adapter into F+ which turns it flat and adds 1° of loft to bring the head to 10° of loft vs the 8° that I had. So I have some guidance for my driver and a bit more tinkering to do myself. 

 

Onto the G440 LST after a ton of swings, was just given a 10.5° head, Tour Black 60X shaft and I forget the settings but almost instantly it was better, hands were still shut a bit but I wasn't feeling the head close at impact. Lead to some better drives, a few really nice ones but I instantly noticed/asked if the Tour Black shaft is much stiffer in the tip and he said overall it's pretty stout. Obviously a black profile but similar to Ventus Black. We tested the Tensei 1k Black but found that to be a bit softer and not as tight and then he whipped out the Ventus TR Black in 7X which is an 80g shaft, felt nice but was kinda heavy and I was pushing a ton of swing. 

 

We then just had to confirm and tossed the Tour Black shaft into my G430 LST, took a few swings and it felt better with the stiffer tip so the fitter suggested for now try and find a Tour Black shaft he suggested I order the Tour Black 75 meant for fairways but just toss it into my driver, also play it at 46" over the 45.5" at impact was much better. 

 

So the gameplan for the driver is...I'm going to hunt for a Tour Black shaft, more likely to find a 60X since a 75X will be fairway length used. I'll also keep an eye out locally for maybe a Ventus TR Black 6X or TR Blue 6X/TX, maybe Velo+ Black 7X or maybe see what my buddy has laying around from Accra, I'm sure the RPG Tour I tested a while back could work here or the Shogun Red maybe will see what I can get a deal on. There are a ton of stout tip stiff shafts out there.

 

As for the G440 LST head, well I really like that head but I don't think it's a must buy at the moment I'll keep an eye out for a used head or driver setup but will stick with the G430 LST right now, definitely need to change the shafts up, the TPT I might sell after testing but that could fund the G440 or maybe offset a new shaft or something.

 

If you made it through the ramblings my body is sore I need to recover for Friday when it's iron testing time. 

[MattM97]

Had my iron fitting earlier so incoming new wall of text. 

 

As many of you know I've been working on my swing and body a ton, I got these irons kinda at the start of my changes and lately I've been feeling something is off with them, most likely not setup well for me. So I book 2 hours with a new studio in town with raving reviews of skilled fitters and here is what we went through. 

 

I went in looking at going through the Avoda irons fitting cause it is honestly interesting, a lot like Foreward golf they really focus on the length, lie, shaft, grip, weight, etc. I know many will say "oh like any other fitting" no not quite, go watch a video on their fittings.

 

So we start, get a small baseline with my gear which off the top of my head is: 

 

Length: +1/2" they measure +1/4"

Lie: Up 2°

Shaft: DG 120 X100

Grip: MCC+4 Mid w/wraps 

 

Started with length and instantly noticed that "standard" suits me much better, I'm able to get down on the ball and strike it better, first thing down. 

 

Next lie, the Avoda heads come in a few lies and for me we found the flatter head was better I think it was marked 62° for a 6i. I definitely didn't get the massive occasional hooks like on my current irons since my path is much more neutral now. 

 

Grips, in tested Avoda uses the JumboMax Grips, we tested the Standard Oversize, XS and Medium. The Medium i flipped my hands too much just smother a ton, XS wasn't bad would need more time with them and the Oversize was best. When I told them my grip setup they said just stick with what I got for now. 

 

Shaft, this was interesting for me we tested a few and found out my current irons the handle is too soft so I lose a bit of control. I guess we've gotten plenty strong and need a pretty stout but smooth profile. We actually landed kinda at the KBS C-Taper 120S or 130X but feel the 120S I can swing smoother and more consistent. But this we'll retest. 

 

By this point we're 80-90 swings in and have an idea of where we are at. The fitter then asks if I wanted to test any brands I gave said I'm open to whoever he thought would work for me, he then pulled the Ping Blueprint S as I mentioned I'm Ping fan earlier in my fitting towards other gear. First 3 swings he said "this probably beats the Avoda" and i felt the same the BPS with the setup from the avoda fitting was really nice. 

 

Then the fitter asks me my thoughts on Cobra irons i say "I think they're underrated and wouldn't mind hitting one" he says perfect and pulls the King Tour for me, i kinda wanted the CB but that's a small head and the Tour is obviously played on tour. First 3 strikes were all pretty big over draws fitter says "don't get discouraged, path is good hands are shut let me throw a bigger grip on that and take a breather and a drink". He then comes back after a few minutes with a midsized grip on and we start swinging again and after 2 so-so swings he mentioned "oh yeah this is the CT 130X, don't have a 120S for Cobra" so a hair more patience and then I start going off with these 1-3 yard draws just dead center, ball speed jumps, impact is crip, this is the club so far and the fitter was just enjoying it. I mentioned it feels so good and I can just cruise and swing easy and he jokes "your easy is 3mph faster than PGA tour". 

 

He then wants to go the complete opposite and grabs a Srixon ZX7 which i played the 585/785 way back and this was 3 and done, didn't like something about them just strikes were off and didn't want to waste anymore swings at this point. 

 

We were speaking about various things like combo sets and blending then says ok just hit a few with the T150 since they blend easy. I did, very solid, similar to the BPS maybe a touch firmer but definitely an option. 

 

After 150 swings I was cooked but we had it narrowed down to this setup: 

 

Length: Standard 

Lie: Standard (Cobra/Titleist), 1Flat (Ping)

Grip: MCC+4 Mid w/Wraps 

Shaft: KBS C-Taper 120S or 130X

 

So what won? We don't know it's narrowed down to the Cobra King Tour, Ping Blueprint S, Titleist T150 and Avoda. We'll be back to test a few more things but they said next time they'll take 20-30min just test those 4 heads when I'm fresh to get a winner and give me time to research them a bit. 

 

Honestly looking at them all the Cobra are probably winning as shafts are stock and grips a small up charge. The Avoda are a bit more then the Ping and Titleist are 1k more than the Cobra and I was told the Titleist are possibly subject to tariffs so even more. Honestly as much as I love the Pings the extra 1K I can outfit myself with the new woods I wanted. But who knows, swing and wallet said Cobra, fanboy says Ping, eyes thought all were good to look at. 

 

If you needed a bedtime story hope this put you to sleep. Will update when I get something or another fitting. 

[MattM97]

Finished up the iron fit today and a bit of top of bag fit as well. My swing the past 2 weeks hasn't been great, my biceps tendinitis has flared up so swing consistency is off, but this is something I'd have to deal with during the season so not a big deal and shows me on a bad day. 

 

So to people who complain about not being 100% during a fitting how often are we golfing at 100% as well? 

 

Anyway the final 2 as mentioned were the Ping Blueprint S and Cobra King Tours. I did the best i could, my path was solid but just couldn't keep the face in control so saw a lot of misses but took the positive from it and basically saw what had the best misses to minimize damage on the course. 

 

The best shaft from the first fitting was the KBS C-Taper 120 these are listed as a "stiff" but they're quite stout. We did tinker with the C-Taper 130 but just too heavy i had to go all out, also tried a PX6.0 or 6.5, a DGX100 and a KBS Tour. Most would work but the C-Taper i just timed up so well and could both step on it or coast. 

 

Both irons performed well and again could play either no problem but there was a stand out in the data deep dive. The distance was more consistent, the spin was in a better delta, height was a bit lower (still like 130) and the misses were mostly a safe push cut where the other saw more of a pull hook. The biggest difference was the sound on well struck shots they were just so much crisper. 

 

That's why the irons going into my bag will be the.....Cobra King Tours. 

 

I'll get these ordered in a week or two, currently switching jobs so lots on the go but since mine are basically stock I'd get them in a week. 

[ScooterMcTavish]

On 4/23/2025 at 7:12 PM, MattM97 said:

So to people who complain about not being 100% during a fitting how often are we golfing at 100% as well? 

 

This is a great thought, Matt.  As you know, I've been switching out clubs this winter and also working on fitness.  Initial two 9 hole rounds were quite good, posting a +7 77 for a par 70 (35 x 2) course.  Was very happy with the move back to steel, and was hitting the Darkspeed pretty darn well.

 

Went out on Wednesday this week, and everything was off.  Was leaving my driver face open at impact and toed everything with my irons.  Chunky chips, picking my head up, the whole 9 yards.  And much of this was due to fatigue from increasing my reps in my daily lifting routine that morning, and being mentally distracted with some other life stuff.

 

So yes, we can be hard on ourselves when we're not 100% on, whether at a fitting or golfing.  I'm learning (in my 50's) to accept that this is just reality, and to make sure I enjoy as much of the good days as I can.

[MattM97]

3 hours ago, ScooterMcTavish said:

 

This is a great thought, Matt.  As you know, I've been switching out clubs this winter and also working on fitness.  Initial two 9 hole rounds were quite good, posting a +7 77 for a par 70 (35 x 2) course.  Was very happy with the move back to steel, and was hitting the Darkspeed pretty darn well.

 

Went out on Wednesday this week, and everything was off.  Was leaving my driver face open at impact and toed everything with my irons.  Chunky chips, picking my head up, the whole 9 yards.  And much of this was due to fatigue from increasing my reps in my daily lifting routine that morning, and being mentally distracted with some other life stuff.

 

So yes, we can be hard on ourselves when we're not 100% on, whether at a fitting or golfing.  I'm learning (in my 50's) to accept that this is just reality, and to make sure I enjoy as much of the good days as I can.

 

Pro athletes in every sport have off days as well and they have access to the best things to be ready to compete, it's normal and anyone who says otherwise is wrong. 

 

I knew going in i was a bit off but tried to do my best which I did, fitter pulled up my previous fit and most stuff was the same just a few minors things leading to bad strikes. Like our swings really don't break down a ton as much as we think they can. 

 

I'm not upset good learning experience, good to see each iron on a bad day, good to discuss why I went with the 120 over 130 c taper and several other things as well. 

 

End of the day most of us play for fun so even if a bad day just enjoy the day on the course. Cause we'll miss them when we can't play. 

[MattM97]

Iron update, got notice from my buddy that he sent in the order for the irons, he had to set up a Cobra account so took some time and hopefully the rep puts in the order soon cause I want the new irons in the bag ASAP. The PXG are still solid just the length, lie and for some clubs the loft is so wacky now setting up is odd. 

 

Also this week been rolling the DF3 CB from Lab, it's been pretty fun to roll and surprisingly speed has been really solid with it. Just don't see it being the gamer but I think it will get some use as it knocked down some nice putts today, but missed a few easy ones too. 

[MattM97]

Jeeze I haven't updated this in a month. Well irons finally showed up, going to pick them up today to avoid waiting on the shipping to my house. Only a 2hr round trip but need something else don't so not useless. 

 

Other changes nothing honestly, will wonder about wedge gapping now with the new irons lofts and also wedge shafts. Having Vokey shafts (DG) in the wedges and moving away from them I'm wondering if going to KBS wedge shafts will play out better. 

 

For my game I'm actually playing really well. Body is banged up but tied my best score then next round broke it. Still chasing that sub 80 round but it's there. 

[MattM97]

The pics definitely don't sniff the quality of @MerryTex and will get some better ones but the new irons are in the bag. 

 

 

When I picked them up buddy said the bay was free for a few minutes before the next fit so I could hit a few. Just unwrapped the 7i and after 2 warm up swings hit a few out to 190 carry just all over the center line. 

 

I think I'll like these. 

[MerryTex]

Gotta get you in the photography game. 

[MerryTex]

19 minutes ago, MattM97 said:

The pics definitely don't sniff the quality of @MerryTex and will get some better ones but the new irons are in the bag. 

 

 

When I picked them up buddy said the bay was free for a few minutes before the next fit so I could hit a few. Just unwrapped the 7i and after 2 warm up swings hit a few out to 190 carry just all over the center line. 

 

I think I'll like these. 

I’m thinking the same thing with my long irons in the ZXi 5’s. 

[MattM97]

11 minutes ago, MerryTex said:

Gotta get you in the photography game. 

 

Eventually especially if I can do more golf travel. Cell phone pics are decent but not the same. 

 

11 minutes ago, MerryTex said:

I’m thinking the same thing with my long irons in the ZXi 5’s. 

 

Didn't mention only have these in 5-PW so have a potential empty spot in the bag. Opens up maybe a mini driver slot or 5/7/9W depending on gap and flight window. So many possibilities but will play this for now, can survive without a 4i.

[MattM97]

Will slowly edit the pics but shot of the bag and the new irons. Will do the full post soon.