February 2008

This post is much more about your feedback than my postulating about something, but let me start the dialog. It’s about what I call “The Round Club Mindset”.

Forever it seems, irons have been designed so that the top line changes from relatively straight from the long irons through the #7, then to a more rounded top line from the #8 through the wedges.

While some iron models vary from this and incorporate a more consistent top line, it is more typical than not, particularly in the more traditional blades and “near-blades” that are more and more common.

My observation is that almost all golfers take on a “round club mindset” when they have an 8-iron or less for their approach shot. Regardless of handicap, it seems that golfers feel like they can now think about hitting the ball closer to the hole than with the longer irons.

Do you agree?

I know in my own game, if I have an 8-iron or less, I’m thinking “good birdie opportunity”.

While I often make birdies with longer irons, that’s really not my mindset when I’m getting ready to hit a 4- to 7-iron to the green. Par is a good score with one of those.

But with an 8-, 9-iron or wedge to the green, I’m thinking of sticking it close. I suspect that almost all golfers have that goal with “the round clubs”, though their definition of “close” may be different.

So, what’s your take on this ?

I’d like to see some good dialog here, so sound off and please click on this link to take this survey.

I’d like to take the survey !