Ball flight with persimmon/laminate and forged blades

[pacman16]

I've been glossing over a lot of old threads trying to understand some physics of the old equipment and balls.

 

I've shortened my swing up this year and my dispersion has dramatically improved at the cost of of clubhead speed.  This is causing problems on par 5s and long par 4s.

 

I am getting very low trajectory with my long irons and fairway woods which is sending me into some hazards.

 

1.  Will a higher spinning ball help with elevation?  I've run out of balata balls but I don't remember hitting so many low darts when I was using them.  
 

2.  Is it just my low swing speed causing these problems or would fast swing speeds still have trouble with elevating these woods and long irons?

 

 

 

 

[The Aspidistra in the Hall]

I'm old, really old for a golfer.

I play 1/3/5 Spalding Tour Edition Custom Crafted woods and have no issues getting an adequate height with the driver off the tee. Yes, they don't go very far and that is my swing speed issue. I'm using Callaway Chrome Soft balls with a urethane cover.

So, it's probably not the reduction in swing speed that's causing your problem.

It could be your release pattern.

[Hickory4ever]

I am 70 years old with a slow swing speed and play several sets of persimmon or laminate woods (Powerbuilt, Wilson, MacGregor. I am fine as long as the shaft is regular flex. Stiff flex will result in lower shots which may be your problem. 

[Maine Golfer]

Im pretty slow speed in practice, but getting the strike and release right on my iron's helps me a ton. I mostly don't play blades lower than about a 5 iron, but good contact and release is everything. 

Edited June 22, 2024 by Maine Golfer

[pacman16]

Thanks for the replies everybody.  I have a set of MacGregor 1969 split soles and another set of 1970 split soles (that I've never used).  I notice on the 1970 that they use epoxy instead of pins (with same size hosels) and that they definitely have more loft in the 2i than the 1969.

 

 

I think it's just a swing speed issue though as I was previously able to hit the less lofted clubs far with carry. 

[LeftyMac]

A spinner ball helps with old blades and persimmons.  The low compression balls feel more like a balata but don't spin much at all which impacts the ball flight.  

[pacman16]

3 hours ago, LeftyMac said:

A spinner ball helps with old blades and persimmons.  The low compression balls feel more like a balata but don't spin much at all which impacts the ball flight.  

 

 

I was having trouble with forces carries with my 3 & wood despite being well struck.  Wasn't sure if it was all my fault.

[NRJyzr]

13 minutes ago, pacman16 said:

 

 

I was having trouble with forces carries with my 3 & wood despite being well struck.  Wasn't sure if it was all my fault.

 

For what it might be worth...

 

Several years ago, when the second model of the Kirkland Signature 3pc ball was current, I I found I gained distance using it with persimmons, compared to the Wilson Staff Duo Professional I had been using.  The Duo Pro was pretty low spin, and the higher spin of the KSig was helpful.

 

I expect it would be the same now with the v3 of the KSig.  

 

The KSig balls are about the highest spinning balls on the market, with the possible exception of the Mizunos.  They might be worth a look.  Doesn't hurt that they are also quite reasonably priced.

 

[AdamMH]

On 6/23/2024 at 7:59 AM, NRJyzr said:

 

For what it might be worth...

 

Several years ago, when the second model of the Kirkland Signature 3pc ball was current, I I found I gained distance using it with persimmons, compared to the Wilson Staff Duo Professional I had been using.  The Duo Pro was pretty low spin, and the higher spin of the KSig was helpful.

 

I expect it would be the same now with the v3 of the KSig.  

 

The KSig balls are about the highest spinning balls on the market, with the possible exception of the Mizunos.  They might be worth a look.  Doesn't hurt that they are also quite reasonably priced.

 

 

I can put the ball out a long ways with the Kirkland V3 and persimmon - worth a look for sure.

[cold_war_era_golfer]

Have you had the lofts checked on those old irons?