After Seven Years I am Back

[gt5litre]

My wife was was diagnosed with breast cancer about 7 years ago. At that time i dropped golf so i could be near her for any needed assistance and support. Back then I was 42 and could hit a 7 iron 155 yards and on a good day my drives would average 250 and top out at 275 yards plus.

I have been out to the range twice this summer since i decided to get back into golf. I have a dodgy back that limits my ability to swing, although as I continue to practice it loosens up and my swing gets longer and smoother. Today i hit a large and a small bucket off the mats and then wandered over to the Demo Day event at my local driving range.

I tried several irons and none felt better or hit any better than my Big Bertha X-14s. In fact with many of the new clubs i could not feel the head during my swing and this seems to be an issue for me at this stage.

I then tried several new woods: among these were the Sumo SQ2 in 5000 and 5900 versions, I also tried a Burner draw from Taylor Made and lastly a Ping G10. The Nike 5900 felt terrible and sounded worse whereas the 5000 felt a lot better. I found out that swing is smooth and a lot slower at this point than it was in the old days. The Taylor Made with the 50 gram shaft caused me to lose the feel for the head again, the VST 65 R shaft felt better. Lastly i tried the Ping and it felt similar to the G2 i had tried many years ago, I tried a stiff shaft and it was too much for me so I found a 9 degree with the VST 65 R shaft and really knocked a few drives for a long ride. I always seem to swing better with a driver, perhaps my flattish swing is a reason why.

I liked the Ping a lot, but no deals were completed at this time as i need to get my swing grooved just a bit more and pick up some clubhead speed. i was told i have a smooth swing, but it does need a bit more lag to develop to help creat the smash I used to have.

I should state that back in the day I was a 9 handicap. I try to aim right and like Sam Snead pull the ball back towards the target with my large muscles. I usually hit a low draw and I have found that a 9 degree driver is the best for me. I presently have a Callaway VFT driver with a Firm shaft and an Orlimar three wood stiff shaft that is beyond my skills at this point and my set of X-14s Callaways and a TM Burner NC4 an old Wilson 8802 putter.

Any advice beyond the need to practice would be appreciated. Also now being on the verge of the BIG 50 any other sage advice on aging and its affect on golf would help.

Brent
gt5litre

[mddubya]

No useful advice here other than continue to work on loosening up and get your swing grooved again. But welcome to Shot Talk.

[Eracer]

Glad you're back. Stick around and you'll get all the advice you need.