Talk Me Into (or out of) Going Full Grandpa

[WristySwing]

I will admit I will probably never be good at this game.  I beat or tie most people I play with, but I am not "good".  I full suspect that the best I will ever be is a high single digit handicap.  I've tried all the equipment, I have taken lessons from extremely well regarded coaches, and after it all shuffles out, I still shoot about 82-85, a bad day is 90.  I know this is my reality and I am fine with it.  Having said all that, I have one last ditch hairbrained scheme to maybe tip the scales in my favour --- lots of hybrids and fairway woods.  I figure I already suck, so I might as well look like I suck.  But all joking aside, here's the method to my madness.  I am usually fairly shallow and tend to sweep the ball.  This tends to be more conducive to a wood or hybrid style of play.  The adjustable hosels should allow me to tinker with ball flights to dial in a somewhat optimized shot shape.  Years ago (~2009/2010) I played up to a 5H (25* IIRC) and had the easiest time in the world with it.  I already play irons that are pretty techy, but the lofts get strong and I am finding it harder and harder to hit 5i consistently.  Lastly, I do have back issues, so the longer shaft may help me stay in a more athletic posture without putting too much strain on the SI joint.

 

I know, I know, all of this is trying to band-aid a situation and putting lipstick on an already ugly pig, but my gears have been turning.  I am thinking of something like G430 or Paradym woods down as far as I can get, and then Stealth2 in the 27/31* (or just 31* spot if I go Paradym).  I figure if I can't hit an 8i I should give up golf, so I will probably stop there.  I do hit my 6i on down fairly well, but a few videos out there of players better than me (Jamie Robertson --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAOQnMpkYJI&t=356s, Peter Finch --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKlnfJ-qn-A ) show just how easy the game could be, and they have nothing but positive things to say.

 

So, do I pack in my slim fit pants, flat brim hats, and Boost shoes for a pair of double-pleated khakis, a bucket hat, and Footjoy GreenJoys to go along with my grandpa set or what?  Who has done this before?  Were you happy with it after a year?  Did the cap drop?  Did you have fun (that's the biggest thing for me).

 

Thanks!!!!

 

 

Edited March 14, 2023 by WristySwing

[DE-ILLINI]

Go for it!  Can not wait to see the new WITB.  For what is worth I am thinking about wearing a boonie hat this season  to protect the tops of my ears.  Already wear khakis (not pleated) and Skechers!

Edited March 14, 2023 by DE-ILLINI

[st1800e]

Why are you having angst about this?  You know what works, just do it.  Longest iron in my bag is an 8 iron.  
 

And you don’t have to change your wardrobe.  😄

Edited March 14, 2023 by st1800e

[hammergolf]

2 hours ago, WristySwing said:

I will admit I will probably never be good at this game.  I beat or tie most people I play with, but I am not "good".  I full suspect that the best I will ever be is a high single digit handicap.  I've tried all the equipment, I have taken lessons from extremely well regarded coaches, and after it all shuffles out, I still shoot about 82-85, a bad day is 90.  I know this is my reality and I am fine with it.  Having said all that, I have one last ditch hairbrained scheme to maybe tip the scales in my favour --- lots of hybrids and fairway woods.  I figure I already suck, so I might as well look like I suck.  But all joking aside, here's the method to my madness.  I am usually fairly shallow and tend to sweep the ball.  This tends to be more conducive to a wood or hybrid style of play.  The adjustable hosels should allow me to tinker with ball flights to dial in a somewhat optimized shot shape.  Years ago (~2009/2010) I played up to a 5H (25* IIRC) and had the easiest time in the world with it.  I already play irons that are pretty techy, but the lofts get strong and I am finding it harder and harder to hit 5i consistently.  Lastly, I do have back issues, so the longer shaft may help me stay in a more athletic posture without putting too much strain on the SI joint.

 

I know, I know, all of this is trying to band-aid a situation and putting lipstick on an already ugly pig, but my gears have been turning.  I am thinking of something like G430 or Paradym woods down as far as I can get, and then Stealth2 in the 27/31* (or just 31* spot if I go Paradym).  I figure if I can't hit an 8i I should give up golf, so I will probably stop there.  I do hit my 6i on down fairly well, but a few videos out there of players better than me (Jamie Robertson --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAOQnMpkYJI&t=356s, Peter Finch --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKlnfJ-qn-A ) show just how easy the game could be, and they have nothing but positive things to say.

 

So, do I pack in my slim fit pants, flat brim hats, and Boost shoes for a pair of double-pleated khakis, a bucket hat, and Footjoy GreenJoys to go along with my grandpa set or what?  Who has done this before?  Were you happy with it after a year?  Did the cap drop?  Did you have fun (that's the biggest thing for me).

 

Thanks!!!!

 

 

Play whatever clubs help you shoot lower scores. If some of the best players in the world are adding higher lofted woods to their bag it’s prob a good idea for average golfers to do the same. Don’t worry about other peoples opinion or judgement of the clubs in your bag. 

Edited March 15, 2023 by hammergolf

[gator022]

Do it!  More and more 7-9 woods, 5 hybrids showing up on bags on tour! Let alone on here.  There are low single digit handicaps on this site who are bagging lots of hybrids.

[postfold]

There are two options here:  EIther go full grandpa or go full opposite -- the hardest to hit blade irons you can find, a 6 degree driver with XXX Stiff shaft, wedges you can cut hay with and a Phil Mickelson castoff heel-shafted putter.

 

I know which one would be more fun.

[pingfool]

I can still hit i525 7iron 160 - but longer than that I’m hitting G410 6H 28.5*

Grandsons 9 & 3. Expect to break 80 every time i play. Not easy

[Jmccas]

I am in the same boat or maybe better said, Cadillac sedan. Back issues too. 
 

I’ve got a brand new set of ZX5 irons but the Mizuno blades keep calling me. 
 

Toying running two bags: one full of blades and the other with ZX5s and lots of head covers. 

[jarediogolf]

With my 22.5* FW wood with extra weight on the sole (2x15g weights) I can thin a shot and it will still stop on the green. Dooooo it. 

[jarediogolf]

Also I bought this hat:

 

GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat for Men and Women - Mens Fishing Hat with UV Protection for Hiking - Beach Hats for Women UPF 50+ https://a.co/d/757nwtM

[Soccerrick10]

I’m experimenting with something similar.

 

in one bag I have Stealth driver and fairway woods including a 9w.   This year I added a set of the new Stealth HD irons in 6-Gw to see the impact they have on my game.  I’m not playing any hybrids in that bag.

 

My other bag is PXG with driver and 5w, 7w, 5h, 6h, 7h.  Then, I’m playing a couple of different irons as close to blades as possible in 8 to Gw.

 

My guess is that I’ll end up in a blended set from the two bags.

 

Forgot to add - after having my left ear rebuilt due to a melanoma, I’m slathered in sunscreen and only wide brim hats for me.

Edited March 15, 2023 by Soccerrick10

[596]

1. 67 years old 

2. Stetson wide brim hat, recommended by my dermatologist !

3. Wear sneakers as golf shoes with Golf Kicks  

4. Can shoot even par for 9 holes. Shot a 74 in a money game 2 weeks ago 

 

Here's the scoop 

 

Driver 

4 wood 

5 wood

4,5,6,7 hybrids 

8 to LW PXG 0211 or 8 to SW Cobra T Rail hybrid irons 

 

No one cares what clubs I play.

 

Playing the 9th hole today while a former PGA Tour caddie was watching.  He was shocked when I hit a very high Cobra 6 hybrid uphill into the wind from 160 to 10 ft for birdie!!  He commented that it was a great shot. 

 

Enough said! I've justified to me, why I play what I do! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2023 by 596

[Ivyguy]

Dude, do what allows you to enjoy your time. You are paying to play.  The amount of headcovers and the type of club are in your head. 
 

Hey, get a Titleist Aussie hat and just play your best. 

[Z1ggy16]

 

Actual footage of Wristyswing heading to the first tee. His bag full of hybrids and woods is being carried by his Grandson. 😄

[boggyman]

1 hour ago, 596 said:

1. 67 years old 

2. Stetson wide brim hat, recommended by my dermatologist !

3. Wear sneakers as golf shoes with Golf Kicks  

4. Can shoot even par for 9 holes. Shot a 74 in a money game 2 weeks ago 

 

Here's the scoop 

 

Driver 

4 wood 

5 wood

4,5,6,7 hybrids 

8 to LW PXG 0211 or 8 to SW Cobra T Rail hybrid irons 

 

No one cares what clubs I play.

 

Playing the 9th hole today while a former PGA Tour caddie was watching.  He was shocked when I hit a very high Cobra 6 hybrid uphill into the wind from 160 to 10 ft for birdie!!  He commented that it was a great shot. 

 

Enough said! I've justified to me, why I play what I do! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

T Rails are awesome sticks! I’ve been playing 5-7 with the 8-gw on order! 

[slantsflood]

Here's my iron setup.  In the same boat.  With these irons, I know exactly how far they will go.  If it goes left or right, it's on me.  If tried the new irons these days.  And for me, they went too far.  As in, it left such a bigger gap in my scoring clubs.  I'd say embrace who you are, find the clubs that match you, and enjoy the game the way you want to.  

[PARETO]

Play whatever allows you to feel good enough about paying that green fee. As someone above mentioned, we pay money to play this game. If that means you’re happy to suffer through endless thin shots on a cold morning with blades just to feel that 1 pure butter baby fade 6 iron, that’s cool. If you’re like me and want that score on the card to be as low as possible in 2023, go full head cover mode and get at it. I’m finding my bag in 2023 suddenly has more head covers than in years past…… and I find wider brim sun hats to be very flattering. 

[Karl2]

If you struggle with the left's or like heavier shafts it's harder to find the right hybrids and fairways.  Most are light shafted and draw bias.  Can be done though so giver.

[animalgolfs]

8 hours ago, jarediogolf said:

Also I bought this hat:

 

GearTOP Wide Brim Sun Hat for Men and Women - Mens Fishing Hat with UV Protection for Hiking - Beach Hats for Women UPF 50+ https://a.co/d/757nwtM

https://www.coolibar.com/men/mens-sun-hats/fore-golf-hat-upf-50.html

[WristySwing]

13 hours ago, st1800e said:

Why are you having angst about this?  You know what works, just do it.  Longest iron in my bag is an 8 iron.  
 

And you don’t have to change your wardrobe.  😄

 

I have angst about everything.  Up to and including whether I want Fruity Pebbles or Raisin Bran for breakfast.

[WristySwing]

13 hours ago, hammergolf said:

Play whatever clubs help you shoot lower scores. If some of the best players in the world are adding higher lofted woods to their bag it’s prob a good idea for average golfers to do the same. Don’t worry about other peoples opinion or judgement of the clubs in your bag. 

 

12 hours ago, gator022 said:

Do it!  More and more 7-9 woods, 5 hybrids showing up on bags on tour! Let alone on here.  There are low single digit handicaps on this site who are bagging lots of hybrids.

 

12 hours ago, postfold said:

There are two options here:  EIther go full grandpa or go full opposite -- the hardest to hit blade irons you can find, a 6 degree driver with XXX Stiff shaft, wedges you can cut hay with and a Phil Mickelson castoff heel-shafted putter.

 

I know which one would be more fun.

 

11 hours ago, Soccerrick10 said:

I’m experimenting with something similar.

 

in one bag I have Stealth driver and fairway woods including a 9w.   This year I added a set of the new Stealth HD irons in 6-Gw to see the impact they have on my game.  I’m not playing any hybrids in that bag.

 

My other bag is PXG with driver and 5w, 7w, 5h, 6h, 7h.  Then, I’m playing a couple of different irons as close to blades as possible in 8 to Gw.

 

My guess is that I’ll end up in a blended set from the two bags.

 

Forgot to add - after having my left ear rebuilt due to a melanoma, I’m slathered in sunscreen and only wide brim hats for me.

 

11 hours ago, 596 said:

1. 67 years old 

2. Stetson wide brim hat, recommended by my dermatologist !

3. Wear sneakers as golf shoes with Golf Kicks  

4. Can shoot even par for 9 holes. Shot a 74 in a money game 2 weeks ago 

 

Here's the scoop 

 

Driver 

4 wood 

5 wood

4,5,6,7 hybrids 

8 to LW PXG 0211 or 8 to SW Cobra T Rail hybrid irons 

 

No one cares what clubs I play.

 

Playing the 9th hole today while a former PGA Tour caddie was watching.  He was shocked when I hit a very high Cobra 6 hybrid uphill into the wind from 160 to 10 ft for birdie!!  He commented that it was a great shot. 

 

Enough said! I've justified to me, why I play what I do! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10 hours ago, Ivyguy said:

Dude, do what allows you to enjoy your time. You are paying to play.  The amount of headcovers and the type of club are in your head. 
 

Hey, get a Titleist Aussie hat and just play your best. 

 

9 hours ago, slantsflood said:

Here's my iron setup.  In the same boat.  With these irons, I know exactly how far they will go.  If it goes left or right, it's on me.  If tried the new irons these days.  And for me, they went too far.  As in, it left such a bigger gap in my scoring clubs.  I'd say embrace who you are, find the clubs that match you, and enjoy the game the way you want to.  

 

7 hours ago, PARETO said:

Play whatever allows you to feel good enough about paying that green fee. As someone above mentioned, we pay money to play this game. If that means you’re happy to suffer through endless thin shots on a cold morning with blades just to feel that 1 pure butter baby fade 6 iron, that’s cool. If you’re like me and want that score on the card to be as low as possible in 2023, go full head cover mode and get at it. I’m finding my bag in 2023 suddenly has more head covers than in years past…… and I find wider brim sun hats to be very flattering. 

 

All of this is so true.  Nobody really cares what you have in the bag except for your buddies, but if you end up beating them then they shut up real quick.  Looking over Ping's site it looks like at the lofts I could potentially play down to an 8H since my 8i is stock at 35* and they have a 7H at 34*.  I could put that 1 click higher, shorten the shaft with the heavier Kai'li (90g) and it shouldn't be an issue.  I like the idea of the Mizuno iron-length hybrids in the JPX FliHi (not to mention the price is much better), but I wonder about their forgiveness and versatility vs. an actual hybrid.

 

6 hours ago, Karl2 said:

If you struggle with the left's or like heavier shafts it's harder to find the right hybrids and fairways.  Most are light shafted and draw bias.  Can be done though so giver.

 

I'm not so worried about that.  Ping has the flat setting which would work really well and they have shafts in the upper 80s or even low 90s as freebies now.  I think it should be okay.

[596]

My 4,5,6 and 7 hybrids are the same length as the cooresponding iron.

They are 22, 25, 28 and 31 degrees in regular flex 60g shafts. 

[st1800e]

28 minutes ago, WristySwing said:

 

I have angst about everything.  Up to and including whether I want Fruity Pebbles or Raisin Bran for breakfast.

I’d recommend the Raisin Bran.  😉

[animalgolfs]

4 minutes ago, st1800e said:

I’d recommend the Raisin Bran.  😉

Grape Nuts and Multi-Grain Cheerios for the win

[JungleJimbo]

10 hours ago, Z1ggy16 said:

 

Actual footage of Wristyswing heading to the first tee. His bag full of hybrids and woods is being carried by his Grandson. 😄

@Z1ggy16 Uncanny! Similar image of @WristySwing came to mind

... albeit i've already embarked on the journey that he's contemplating

... with lots of headcovers in my bag (and irons starting with either 7i or 8i !!)

 

[ShortGolfer]

I thought going "full grandpa" is moving up to a more appropriate tee box!  

You won't need that 5i you can't hit if my you move close to the green when teeing off. 

Just remove the clubs you can't  hit and make your bag lighter.  Makes it easier to find clubs!

 

That way you are less likely to forget what club you intended to pull!

Edited March 15, 2023 by ShortGolfer

[Z1ggy16]

Also, does this club change what come with a shoe change?? I'm thinking a nice pair of white new balance with blue logo and then a matching pair in all black. Velcro if possible. 

 

Lol but kidding aside, I think we've talked about this before... Do what feels right to you. Don't over think, bc golf is a game where we can get lost in information.

[WristySwing]

7 minutes ago, Z1ggy16 said:

Also, does this club change what come with a shoe change?? I'm thinking a nice pair of white new balance with blue logo and then a matching pair in all black. Velcro if possible. 

 

Lol but kidding aside, I think we've talked about this before... Do what feels right to you. Don't over think, bc golf is a game where we can get lost in information.

 

Thinking about rocking these: 

 

 

[Tree Levino]

@WristySwing are you a loft adder or do you deloft? You said you hit down pretty well and I know you used to fit. Any idea of your numbers? 

[OnTheBag]

14 hours ago, WristySwing said:

I will admit I will probably never be good at this game.  I beat or tie most people I play with, but I am not "good".  I full suspect that the best I will ever be is a high single digit handicap.  I've tried all the equipment, I have taken lessons from extremely well regarded coaches, and after it all shuffles out, I still shoot about 82-85, a bad day is 90.  I know this is my reality and I am fine with it.  Having said all that, I have one last ditch hairbrained scheme to maybe tip the scales in my favour --- lots of hybrids and fairway woods.  I figure I already suck, so I might as well look like I suck.  But all joking aside, here's the method to my madness.  I am usually fairly shallow and tend to sweep the ball.  This tends to be more conducive to a wood or hybrid style of play.  The adjustable hosels should allow me to tinker with ball flights to dial in a somewhat optimized shot shape.  Years ago (~2009/2010) I played up to a 5H (25* IIRC) and had the easiest time in the world with it.  I already play irons that are pretty techy, but the lofts get strong and I am finding it harder and harder to hit 5i consistently.  Lastly, I do have back issues, so the longer shaft may help me stay in a more athletic posture without putting too much strain on the SI joint.

 

I know, I know, all of this is trying to band-aid a situation and putting lipstick on an already ugly pig, but my gears have been turning.  I am thinking of something like G430 or Paradym woods down as far as I can get, and then Stealth2 in the 27/31* (or just 31* spot if I go Paradym).  I figure if I can't hit an 8i I should give up golf, so I will probably stop there.  I do hit my 6i on down fairly well, but a few videos out there of players better than me (Jamie Robertson --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAOQnMpkYJI&t=356s, Peter Finch --- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dKlnfJ-qn-A ) show just how easy the game could be, and they have nothing but positive things to say.

 

So, do I pack in my slim fit pants, flat brim hats, and Boost shoes for a pair of double-pleated khakis, a bucket hat, and Footjoy GreenJoys to go along with my grandpa set or what?  Who has done this before?  Were you happy with it after a year?  Did the cap drop?  Did you have fun (that's the biggest thing for me).

 

Thanks!!!!

 

 

Just do it.  Before my health took a turn last fall, I was still playing low single digit with 7 as my longest iron.  More headcovers than irons makes the game more fun and less stressful.  

 

None of us are making it to the tour, might as well have fun while we can.