The THP Radio Network is proud to present the Golf Unfiltered Show with Adam Fonseca. The show brings new and interesting topics and interviews from the world of golf and we are honored to have it as part of our lineup on The Hackers Paradise Podcast Network.
On today’s episode, Adam discusses whether or not there is a benefit to playing more forgiving golf clubs. He also incorporates a few comments from The Hackers Paradise member forum, as well as three qualities you should look to improve in your game.
Have you downloaded the THP Mobile App? Available now for iOS and Android devices everywhere and is 100% free. The easiest way to enjoy all of the THP content, right in the palm of your hand. You can find it in the Google Play Store or the App Store right now.
THPGolf · Forgiving Golf Clubs: Golf Unfiltered Episode 275
Podcast: Play in new window | Download
it’s a topic I feel very strongly about. Looking forward to it!!
I like that ‘forgiveness’ is not simply a representation of accuracy. While I can appreciate the idea that our primary goal is hitting the ball at the target we select, not many folks like to hit one that feels like garbage yet still goes where we want it to.
The quality of strike, at least from a feedback perspective, might be one of the most critical elements of confidence construction.
I could not agree more with this. Its also performance critical, but in terms of feel, so much has been able to be done the last few years to assist in making larger clubs sound better, feel better and shorten the gap.
I’ve said for two years now that we are in a new era of ‘forgiveness’ where the big heads don’t have to sound like something totally different than our beloved bladed pure strikes. Cobra proved that with the F9 irons as did Mizuno with Chromoly (and probably Cally with Epic Forged). The list is constantly growing and I LOVE that.
You have had quite a journey here.
I about jumped out of my seat when you said moi doesn’t matter.. haha.
or rather that understanding MOI doesn’t matter to start. But I agree.
I was a bit concerned when I first selected my new irons that they might be a bit of a struggle for me as they looked very blade-like compared to my previous irons. Having played with them for a couple of months now I have adjusted to the new look, and am enjoying the benefits of the new technology, including the "hidden" assistance.
Sure, a proper fitting is all about analyzing data such as ball flight, distance, dispersion, speed, spin, etc. but
the most important parta huge portion of a fitting is the player’s comfort/confidence in the club. Sometimes the outcome of a fitting is not necessarily the longest club, but rather ruling out a model or models that just don’t feel good to a particular player. It’s kind of like test driving a vehicle before you buy it; you might just find something about it that just doesn’t suit you. Given the cost of equipment, I’d sure want to know that I just don’t like the feel of a club before spending my hard earned money…Haha. This is an ongoing discussion @golfunfiltered and I have had with some R&D people.
MOI 100% matters. The problem is it has become a catch all for the word forgiveness, which is not really all that helpful.
Totally agree. Which I am sure is why he basically said "settle down folks let me explain".
I will say, I as far as CG goes. I think in some cases with new clubs vertical CG has gotten a little too high to be practical. The ping I500 comes to mind.. The VCG is so high it destroys any forgiveness may have existed..
I agree with that completely. I know it’s by design. It became an arms race for some companies to claim high MOI numbers.
I think it highlights again the importance of fittings. I’ve never taken stock and don’t really agree with the labels of super game improvement (forgiveness) and GI irons. Really think it varies so much from individual to individual. What was said attributed to @JB I think is spot on – play the clubs that give you the most confidence that good things will happen. These will invariably be the best performing for you
Yeah I am a big believer in playing whatever makes someone happy. Be it right or wrong for top performance.
With that said, in a forum setting like this, where everybody is trying to eek out every last bit of ball speed, spin numbers, etc etc, we then go with something that may not do that very thing.
You could tell, based on the podcast, that you are way more sold on playing forgiving wedges vs forgiving irons hahaha
That is super interesting, because one would think that the further you got away from the green, it would continue to help, right? Or is there a bit of "Im further away I dont expect the result"?
We have a video coming up comparing forgiving wedges to muscle back that was pretty nuts.
I’ve had a weird tendency of hitting really good shots with blades, but far more consistent shots with cavity backs.
I agree, it’s been a weird dynamic. However, replacing my 4-iron (#RIP) with a hybrid has probably saved me two shots a round.
I can’t wait for you to have a bag of headcovers.
I have friends locally who have the same perspective. For one of them specifically, it’s 100% mental. He has to play a blade profile or he swings like hot trash. It is as though knowing that forgiveness is there directly encourages his brain to swing like garbage hahaha
This is pretty true, although I think you can make the case for sole size being pretty universal as handicaps increase. A good example of this is the sand or thick rough, where terrain will in some ways mimic a not so repeatable swing. Almost always, the larger sole will provide aid there.
But in all seriousness, I made the same move as you, putting the 4 hybrid in the bag to replace the 4 iron. When I made a great swing with the 4 iron, it was so beautiful, but when I couldn’t get it off the ground, it was a waste of a stroke. I still have to make a good swing with the Apex hybrid, but it is getting in the air so my more easily, that it is a shot saver.
That’s been my experience as well. I have to really mess up the swing to not hit the ball in the air, which saves me at least half a stroke per attempt.
Bingo. Even missing the green but being up close is better than worm burning a 190 to 200 yard approach only 120 yards closer.
my way of helping him with that statement. Is to mention that Bryson plays relatively forgiving irons.
He does love Bryson
Haha. I know. I figured he would love that he would help him defend his point. Haha
Having played the spectrum of clubs over the last few years I can say without a doubt I agree, everyone could benefit from a little more forgiveness! Yes blades can be fun but isn’t it more fun hitting more greens and not losing 20 yards on a slightly off center hit? I think it is. I had my time with blades, I even had a few really good rounds BUT overall it wasn’t a success. More forgiving clubs are better for me and gives me more enjoyment on the course.
When I was listening to this podcast, I was thinking about your journey and how it evolved.
Same here. I wonder how much combo sets have become more popular to bridge that gap? I know i need all the forgiveness i can get from my long irons (5-7) and love the smaller profile with my 8-pw. Forgiving clubs free me up to just swing knowing it will help me rather than focus on trying to make a "perfect" swing that doesn’t happen as consistently as I would like.
The bolded is key I think. When you are playing blades or more demanding clubs I really do think making that perfect swing gets in your head a bit where as forgiving clubs allow you to swing freely.
The one where I went from being an assassin on the golf course to peoples punching bag? It all started with thinking I could play blades haha
To….Morgan Cup Champion
I still have mine too but they are currently shaftless on my workbench. I doubt I’ll ever get rid of them honestly. Maybe someday I’ll throw some shafts back in them for fun, or to punish myself haha
I find that (convinced myself) hitting blades on the range or during a round is a good training aid. Personally, I feel like my precision variability in terms of center-face-strike worsens as the clubs get more forgiving. I have absolutely no data to back that up.
present here at this web site, thanks admin of this site.
yours these days. I honestly appreciate people like you!
Take care!!