Graphite Shafts

I used to have an issue with graphite club shafts. They tended to be "whippy" and not very durable. The "whippy:" part used to drive me crazy. I used to get the feeling that the club head was always to far behind the shaft. As a result, I would attempt to compensate mid-swing and hit some ugly golf shot. I once even snapped the head off of a graphite shafted 2 iron. Needless to say, I hurried back to steel shafted clubs.

Today's graphite shafts are better thanks to advances in graphite shaft technology. Graphite shafts rival steel in durability. Compared to steel, an identical club head on a graphite shaft can give you an additional 2 - 3 mph in club head speed and 6-12 yards in distance.

Tiger: We Will Miss You!!

I read today that Tiger Woods is out for the remainder of the 2008 due to a stress fracture in his left leg.  It seems that this condition has existed for at least a year.  What a shame.  After Tiger's heroics in this year's USGA Open Championship, I for one........was ready for more. 

If Tiger could play 91 holes of golf, under US Open conditions,  on a recently scoped knee, I have not doubts that he could have won several other tournaments before the end of the 2008 season. I was hoping to see him play the British Open and the PGA Championship.  Oh well, I guess I will have to wait until next year.

Get well soon Tiger and enjoy your time off!

Golf Clubs: Forged vs. Cast

A common misconception is that cast irons are large, cavity back clubs designed for the mid to high handicapper, while forged irons are strictly blades used by tour pros and low to scratch handicap players. While at one time this were true, it is simply no longer the case. You can find cast blades, forged cavity backs, and even a few very forgiving forgings.

I personally own a set of forged cavity back irons and I love them! The perimeter weighting of the clubs help with mis-hits. And, in my opinion the feeling of a forged club is superior to castings. The feedback is great. I know immediately if I have hit a good or bad shot. When I hit the ball perfectly in the "sweet-spot" of the club, i can't feel the golf ball make contact with the club face. I don't get that feeling with cast irons I have tried.

I am by no means a "scratch" golfer. My rounds are generally in the high to mid 80s. But I would urge anyone to try both forged and cast clubs before making a decision. Ultimately golf club choice is a matter of personal taste. But.......as always, golfers are always looking for ways to lower their score.!!