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Player Distance Irons for getting back into golf, did I make a mistake

Posted on 7/5/25 at 10:10 am
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 10:10 am
Picked up golf again over the last couple months. I tend to obsess over hobbies and this is no different. I'm hitting every day into my net at the house, visiting the range often, and have taken a few lessons. Was a decent golfer when I was young, but haven't played except a handful of times over the last 20 years. Swing was still there hidden behind a few bad habits. Even my instructor seems to state there isn't much that needs to be fixed. Striking the ball well most of the time and just need to work on consistency.

Went for a fitting at Golf Galaxy. I don't expect much from them and it was just a free thing I got from a coupon, but it wasn't awful. I requested to try mostly game improvement irons G440, Elytes, T350's, and P790's. After hitting 440's, P790's, and Elytes, he asked me to try something without looking. Hit them as good as anything and they felt the best. Turns out they were Titleist t150's. Really only cared for those and the Elytes, but Elytes were definitely second as far as numbers (spin, angle, etc ). But where the T150 lacked was a mishit was 15 yards short on a bad hit vs 5 yards short on the Elytes.

In the end, after some discussion, he echoed what my instructor said. If I have only been back for 2 months, he doesn't see anything in my swing that says I need game improvement. I really liked the t150's the best and hit them straighter than anything. Elytes had a bit better consistency on distance, but were head heavy and just didn't feel great. Ended up pulling the trigger on the t150's knowing I'll be at the range a few times a week and in the back yard daily to increase striking consistency.

But there's that doubt/ buyers remorse in the back of my head that I'm not ready for something without that forgiveness. See tones of videos both ways. Many videos saying high handicap doesn't always mean game improvement irons and also many, if not more, saying most players should not be in a "players" level iron.



Posted by CFDoc
Member since Jan 2013
2243 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 10:14 am to
Any reason you didn’t try the t200?

That’s what I have and I’m not too far from scratch. They look a lot like the t150 at address without losing the 15 yards for mishits.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 10:44 am to
Honestly it wasn't presented to me and all my numbers and consistency was there. Only had one toe-ey mishit. I just fear that is off of the mat and consistency won't be as good on grass. I'm not too proud to admit the instructor and fitter may have stroked the ego a bit which could push me to better player's irons too . I realize that could be dangerous and expensive for me.

I got a 5-P set. If I have trouble, it's usually at the 5 iron, maybe 6. So I have it in mind to try the t200 for those two clubs if I have trouble with those. If it's too bad, then this was just an expensive science experiment.
This post was edited on 7/5/25 at 11:03 am
Posted by MrSpock
Member since Sep 2015
5055 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 11:59 am to
quote:

I got a 5-P set. If I have trouble, it's usually at the 5 iron, maybe 6. So I have it in mind to try the t200 for those two clubs if I have trouble with those. If it's too bad, then this was just an expensive science experiment.




I'd wait until the new T250 comes out shortly. Look infinitely better.
Posted by IH8ThreePutts
Member since Mar 2018
1785 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 1:50 pm to
Seems like you have a good swing. There’s so many options if your numbers were good with T150s… like Srixon ZX5, Mizuno JPX lineup etc…
Posted by SingleMalt1973
Member since Feb 2022
22201 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 3:19 pm to
I cant do players distance irons. The lofts are just to strong and most golfers are not playing 7000 yard courses. As long as you can hit a standard loft 7 iron about 160-170 you don’t really need strong lofted clubs.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 3:34 pm to
quote:

cant do players distance irons. The lofts are just to strong and most golfers are not playing 7000 yard courses. As long as you can hit a standard loft 7 iron about 160-170 you don’t really need strong lofted clubs.


When I first started up, I played around with some clubs at PGA superstore. Liked the ping G440. But after practicing for a while with my old irons, went back in the booth and hit a 7 iron 190ish yds on average. That's when I realized the game improvement may not be for my swing. Callaway Elyte was around 180-185 yds. T150 was shorter on average at 170-175 with better spin and descent angle. Also drawn to the look.

Another question. From hitting every day, I've got some inflammation or something on the back of my left hand that won't go away. Can play, but it nags me until I'm warmed up. Getting some midsize GP tour velvet grips put on these as part of the order which should come in next week. Hoping it helps with comfort. But can always swap out later too. Any suggestions on a beefier grip without loosing too much club head feel?
Posted by makersmark1
earth
Member since Oct 2011
20284 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 4:26 pm to
quote:

If I have trouble, it's usually at the 5 iron, maybe 6


With modern clubs the length and lofts can be a bit much for those of us who are not perfect.

Many iron sets today don’t include a 5 iron.

Blended sets are one solution.

I carry 6 iron to 50 degree gap wedge in my set. I round it out with a 29 degree hybrid, 24 and 16.5 and 21 degree fairway woods, and 54 and 58 degree wedges.
Driver and putter make 14.

I probably play about the same with 10 clubs.

Lots of head covers.

But I’m old and slow swingspeed so don’t take this as gospel.

You sound like you move the club nicely and just need to get some rounds in to find your game.

Good luck.
This post was edited on 7/5/25 at 4:31 pm
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 5:35 pm to
Did pick up a 19 degree hybrid when I got my driver (Qi10) a few weeks back and had an old Mizuno 3 wood laying around that I can still hit, so will just roll with that for now. As a younger player, I'd hit my 4 iron a decent amount, but figured I'd catch up with the times. Just got back inside from swinging the hybrid actually. Still have to get used to making good center contact. It's the one club that's just completely new to me. After getting tips on it from my instructor, I can get it out there, just have to figure out how to control where it goes. Just feels awkward to carry only up to a 5 iron.
Posted by makersmark1
earth
Member since Oct 2011
20284 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 8:55 pm to
quote:

Just feels awkward to carry only up to a 5 iron.


I’ve kept some old clubs from the past.

My newest 7 iron is longer and less lofted than the set from the late 1980s.

I know the manufacturers all say “with our new design and weighting you need less lofted than,blah, blah,blah”, but the physics of longer shafts and heads with less loft will add distance.

For me, the modern 5 iron is almost a 3 iron from years ago. Without adequate speed, I can’t strike it good.

It sounds like you have plenty of speed so explore all the things out there. There are “utility” irons and hybrids that may suit you.

Modern equipment is certainly more forgiving.
Posted by Pauvetibete
Member since Apr 2022
1719 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 9:31 pm to
Got fitted last week. Elytes were my club. Now im just waiting for a sale.
Posted by LSU5508
New Orleans
Member since Nov 2007
3754 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 9:50 pm to
A few things that make me question them.

1) the fact that they didn't tell you that Titleist was releasing an updated line in less than two weeks, which will be the most updated version of the t150's.
2) the fact that they didn't fit you for a blended set. Even pros are getting blended sets these days. if you're having trouble with the five or six, they should've put you in the T200s And blend them with the T150s.
This post was edited on 7/5/25 at 9:52 pm
Posted by dek81572
Bossier City
Member since Apr 2012
1343 posts
Posted on 7/5/25 at 11:37 pm to
quote:

T150 was shorter on average at 170-175 with better spin and descent angle.


Don't think of that as bad, thats the PGA Tour average, with 90mph club head speed.

What shaft and lie angle did he put you in? Upright, flat, standard, S, XS 120g-130g
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/6/25 at 4:59 am to
quote:


A few things that make me question them.

1) the fact that they didn't tell you that Titleist was releasing an updated line in less than two weeks, which will be the most updated version of the t150's.
2) the fact that they didn't fit you for a blended set. Even pros are getting blended sets these days. if you're having trouble with the five or six, they should've put you in the T200s And blend them with the T150s.


1) He did tell me about them coming out with a new model in a few weeks. Actually was hesitant to suggest them because of that. But said they'd cost a bit more and when I asked what the changes were, it was minimal. Also said he didn't know exactly when he could get them.

2) I mean it was Golf Galaxy...I don't expect them to take hours with me. I literally expected the thing to be trying out some clubs, but the guy actually seemed to try.. And I never said Im having major trouble with 5 or 6 per se. just that's where I would have concern more than 7 down. Again I'm getting back into this and I have some poor swings with all clubs. I just know they punish more on those longer irons. The poor swings are becoming less and less regular, but if it does pop up, I know that's where I'd have the biggest issue was all I was saying.
This post was edited on 7/6/25 at 10:45 am
Posted by LSUfreak1459
Member since Feb 2008
954 posts
Posted on 7/6/25 at 7:29 am to
I had Zx7’s and got fit for Elytes. I love not getting punished when I miss hit. The way I look at it is i play a club down. 7 iron carries 190 but has 6000 spin and a descent angle of around 49. I play it as a 6 iron. Added an extra vokey wedge to keep the distances on the lower end. The fitter I went too is a plus handicap and hits elytes. GI’s have come a long ways since I last played them. But play the iron you like the most and improves you game the most.
This post was edited on 7/6/25 at 7:36 am
Posted by T1gerNate
Member since Feb 2020
2125 posts
Posted on 7/6/25 at 8:27 am to
You made the right call. If you like the “feel” of the muscle backs no reason not to use them. You’d probably be regretting it worse if you got the game improvement set. And let’s just be honest about it game improvement clubs are kinda for pussies.
Posted by MrSpock
Member since Sep 2015
5055 posts
Posted on 7/6/25 at 9:42 am to
quote:

If you like the “feel” of the muscle backs no reason not to use them.


Nothing like feeling your ball go 20 yards short because you can't hit the center of th club face.
Posted by Jon A thon
Member since May 2019
2375 posts
Posted on 7/6/25 at 11:06 am to
quote:

What shaft and lie angle did he put you in? Upright, flat, standard, S, XS 120g-130g


Shafts are True Temper AMT Black S300 which I believe is just the stuff shaft medium weight, but not sure on detailed numbers. Lie angle and everything else is standard.

Coming from an old set of Ben Hogan BH-5s and the angles are only one degree stronger on the T150s. That was another thing that may have made me more comfortable. For instance my 7 is going from a 33 deg to a 32 deg...Elytes would have jumped to a 29 deg. That's my current 6 iron.

I'm aware I'm going to have some bad shots I may not have had with GI irons. Kind of the point that made me start the thread. Nervous that I did that to myself. However, I'm a bit OCD and will be out there practicing until I'm hitting well. My playing partner for the near future will be my 10 y/o son who's just starting with lessons, so not trying to be perfect on the course right now. Hell, don't even have plans to do more than the range until end of summer as he's still building confidence. Maybe some trips to the simulator place with him. So I'll have some time to work on things too. I grew up afraid of blades/player style irons. But got a little confidence after some lessons and will just take this as a challenge (as if golf wasn't a challenge enough ). Money is spent, so worst case I'll be out a few hundred bucks. I've made worse purchases.
Posted by BMoney
Baton Rouge
Member since Jan 2005
16752 posts
Posted on 7/7/25 at 8:39 am to
I played T150s for about a year and a half. Great irons. Was actually fit into a blended set of T150s and T200s, but I absolutely hated the feel of the T200s, so I ditched them and went all T150s and ended up hitting those longer clubs better.

This spring on a whim, I tried out the Elytes. They look good to my eye and are only a slightly larger footprint than the T150s. They are extremely forgiving while having a much better feel than most hollow body irons. Yes, the lofts are jacked. But I still hit them high and carry is king. Does the 7 iron spin less than other 7 irons? Absolutely. But with the height and descent angle, I have had zero issues stopping balls on greens with them. I carry 6 iron through AW, which is basically 5 iron through PW in a regularly lofted set.

But there's absolutely nothing wrong with you going with T150s. They are great irons and offer a bit of help. I still have mine in the backup bag and they aren't going anywhere.
Posted by AlxTgr
Kyre Banorg
Member since Oct 2003
86388 posts
Posted on 7/7/25 at 2:26 pm to
I just re-joined the Srixon club. ZXi5s 5-GW Modus 105r coming soon.
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