Returning to golf post back injury... re-shafting question.

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By Tyler H

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  • 7 Replies
  1. I was injured in an accident last February (2013), which resulted in a couple herniated discs... After well over a year away from golf, I have worked myself up to regular play again over the past few months.

    Prior to my injury, I was playing at about an 8 handicap with a driver swing speed about 108-110.

    I've definitely not gained my touch in the short game back, but am currently playing at about a 12 handicap, swing speed is well down to about 102-104 due to my desire to maintain my back in a healthy state.

    I'm not touching my wedges or woods yet as they are performing well enough for the time being, however I am no longer able to load my irons up the way I like without exerting too much force... I am currently playing Project X 6.0's at standard length and I absolutely loved them when I could load them: the low launch, solid weight, and tight dispersion are just perfect to me.

    My question:  I am going to re-shaft my irons, and am not sure if I should drop all the way down to a 5.0 or just a 5.5 (Also cut 0.25" short)... What do you think I should do?

    Thanks in advance.

  2. Cath D.

    Cath D.
    Carlsbad, CA

    Hi Tyler,  Glad to hear you are back to playing again!  We would recommend seeing a fitter in your area that can work with you as you continue to build speed. If you can work with a pro that has gone through some TPI training, that would probably be helpful as well.  Let us know where you are located and we can make some recommendations for fitters in your area. 

  3. Thanks Cathi,

    I actually met with a fitter yesterday and got a new set of AP2's ordered that should be absolutely perfect for me!

  4. Tyson F

    Tyson F
    Liberty, IN

    I also had a back surgery, L5-S1 in 2008, resumed playing in 2009.  At the time I lost speed and distance and control.  I had just bought my AP1 irons prior to surgery and almost sold them after I resumed playing because I couldn't hit them like I had prior.  I spent the 2009 summer struggling, but playing.  My wife talked me into keeping them until 2010 and see if my normal game returned.  I spend time everyday after waking to do my stretches and short exercises to keep my back feeling as good as it's going to feel.  I have since regained all my speed and distance and then some since and have lowered my hdcp from then an 8-9 to now a 5-6.  It took me the year to get comfortable with knowing my back was fine and also the permanent damage that the nerve has had.  My left leg and foot still tingle to this day, but I swing every bit as hard now as I did before surgery.  I just turned 40 a week ago and my golf hasn't been better.  Honestly, I'd give what you have a full season of golf before making changes, I'm glad I did and I still play the same irons now that I bought in 2008.  Its good that your back to playing and enjoy.

  5. Following up here, have another question, and it's gonna be a while until I can get with my fitting professional again.

    After my fitting, I'm still putting down about a 95-98mph swing speed on a 6 iron, about 205 carry... Was pretty pleased I'm still able to swing the club comfortably with plenty of power.

    I've never lacked distance... Always been athletic, and had a pretty good conceptual understanding of how to alter swing mechanics.  Something I've always wondered about doing but never remember to ask is about cutting down my Driver, Fairway, and Hybrids for the sake of accuracy at the cost of distance.  Most of my local courses are narrow instead of long.

    How far can I cut down, from the butt end, these longer clubs before they begin to negatively effect the playability of the shaft?

    Thanks!

  6. Cath D.

    Cath D.
    Carlsbad, CA

    Hi Tyler,  You can cut it down 1/2" and add the heavier bezel weight and get it back to swingweight, but if you cut it more than that, the swingweight will be light.  70% of our players on tour play 45" and about 30% play 44.5". 

  7. Which shaft, etc., were you fitted into? 

    Hope the back heals quick and well for you. 

  8. Fitted into DG X100's, even though they are still a heavy/stiff shaft, the feel is infinitely better.

    The feel is just completely night and day different... The PX's feel almost dead sometimes, but I can feel just the right amount of life in the DG's.  I'd say it's likely attributable to some small mechanical change in my semi-revamped swing, likely in transition or unloading... Who knows...

    As far as cutting down the driver/fairways - What's the guideline for swapping out the weights? I have a D2 I'd like down 1/2" and a 913F and H that I'd like down 1" each.  All three have stock White Boards.

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