Everything about golf clubs, bags and other equipment
Along with “should I play blades?” What are the best irons for a high handicapper is probably one of the most common questions in golf. Of course there isn’t a one size fits all answer to this, but I don’t want to give just a generic, play what you like answer either. I believe that… Read More »The Best Irons for a High Handicapper
One hybrid is good, two is probably better but what about a complete set of hybrid irons? Despite being widely castigated twenty-odd years ago when they first appeared, it is rare to find a bag without a hybrid nowadays, even among professional golfers. If the best golfers in the world play one or two, surely… Read More »Using a Complete Set of Hybrid Irons
Playing blades is a controversial topic. Some say they are the only way to learn to play the game whereas others claim that it’s the last thing any golfer should do.
This can leave the average golfer pretty confused. Obviously when you look at something like the new Callaway muscle back and compare it to a super game improvement iron the difference is huge. All that technology must help right? And then you see the bags of the PGA tour players-they aren’t all playing blades are they? So what is the average golfer doing with the shiny muscle back in his bag?
The same thing is true in the forums- do a quick search on golfwrx and you’ll find hundreds of threads about blades versus cavity backs, beginners playing blades, low handicap players playing super game improvement irons and so on.
Unfortunately, a lot of this is simply based on opinions of people who don’t play blades ever. To me, there are two big questions. Firstly, why would you actually want to play blades? And secondly, what difference will blades actually make your score?
Me talking about blades might seem a bit strange. After all, I’ve written fairly extensively about the single length irons I use. As much as I do like single length, I change the clubs my bag about as often as I change my socks!
When choosing new clubs, a lot of the focus tends to be drivers with irons next and the short sticks like putter and wedges getting less of the attention. Honestly, I am as guilty of this as the next guy, simply because, well, bombing a driver is cool! Actually, it must be old-age setting in because I really don’t seem to bomb anything much anymore and maybe because of this my focus is turning towards the short game and a few thoughts on how to choose your wedges.
One of the big advantages of looking at the short game tools is that you can really spend some time learning how to gt the best out of them. There are only so many balls I can beat at the range before boredom and sore joints kick in. However, I am finding more and more that going round the short course with wedges and shorter irons is a lot of fun and keeps things both interesting and easier on the body.
There are plenty of ways to get around the course, from riding in a buggy with fully-stacked cart bag to carrying a seven iron and nothing else (yes, really, I do this now and again!) However, for me, golf has always been about enjoying each hole as much as possible. Riding in a buggy takes away some of the experience. Carrying is fine and I do this regularly, but having 14 clubs and all the rest in a stand bag can make for a sore back the next day (and no golf for a while!)
So what can you do? Maybe take a half set in a carry bag. This is fine, but I also like using all my toys and might well have over the 14 club limit if I am playing for fun. The obvious solution here is to get a trolley. And if you are talking golf carts, then clicgear might well be the first brand on your list. They are rightly known for quality, made by golfers for golfers. But which one should you choose? Here is the lowdown so that you can make the best choice for your game and just as importantly, for your budget.
Find the Full Clicgear Range on Amazon
The number of companies that thrive in the golf equipment industry could be counted on your fingers (even if you are missing a couple!) This space is basically dominated by a couple of big names like Ping, Callaway, Nike golf and Taylormade. These companies are the ones you find in big box stores as well as advertised through the various professional tours.
Of course, there are plenty of others out there, but they aren’t part of the big hitters in golf. Even someone like Wilson, one of the biggest companies in sports, doesn’t rely on golf to make a living.
Update: August 2022 It is interesting to look back on five year’s worth of golf since I wrote this article on single length irons. Everything here still holds true and it is particularly striking that more professionals haven’t followed Bryson’s lead. Even in the ranks of the average golfer, one length is struggling to grad… Read More »Single Length Irons: Do they Really Work?
