Mizuno challenges 6 golfers to the Swing DNA iron test
Why are some regular golfers still not being fitted for the right irons?
Why is it that the most prolific golfers are often slow to put time aside for an iron fitting? We found 6 hardcore golfers who bought their irons off the shelf rather than use up valuable playing time.
Mizuno’s European Tour fitter Simon Keeling thought 15 minutes with each of our cynics might be enough to change their ways. Mizuno’s Shaft Optimizer can match a golfer’s swing to the right model and flex of iron shaft in just 3 swings. It’s quick, simple, and its recommended shafts regularly adds around 10 yards per iron – as well as tightening dispersion. “The difference between fitting professionals and amateurs isn’t as big as you might think”, commented Simon. “Nearly all regular golfers move the club in a consistent way – it’s just a case of finding the equipment that gets the most from that movement. Amateurs tend to think they have a lot of different swings – but in my experience they just use a lot more of the clubface. The great thing about the Shaft Optimizer is that it only measures what happens to the shaft – so it works even if you’re having a bad ball striking day.”
The Panel
Andy Sanders
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
71
4
1
4
1
Optimizer recommendation:
Fujikura Orochi RL graphite shaft, JPX EZ clubhead
Before: My current Cobra Amp Cell irons can go anywhere; I don’t hit anything stronger than a 7-iron. I don’t see the point of being custom-fit for them; if I hit them badly I think it’s down to me and not the clubs, so I just bought them and got on with it.”
After:
“I’m a convert. The biggest difference came from getting the right length shaft. In just 5 or 6 shots it went from low and right to straight and high. Up until now I was reluctant to use my 5 and 6-irons – I’ve tended to work a utility club – but with this new set-up I’d be confident to use them.”
Simon’s comment:
You could see the difference in Andy straight away – his set up was different and from there he made a much better swing. If you check the video …you can see from the faces of the guys behind him how much better it was.
Carl Tushingham
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
74
7
3
1
6
Optimizer recommendation:
True Temper Dynamic Gold R300 shaft, JPX 825 Pro head
Before:
“I’m self-taught and never felt the need for a fitting as I’m not as competitive as some lower handicappers. I feel I have what I need.”
After:
“It took me a while to adjust to a heavier shaft, but the process has given me much better understanding of how the shaft can affect and improve my game. In 30 minutes you can learn so much. I buy into the process now.”
Simon’s comment
Carl’s swing speed is moderate, but his snappy change of direction at the top of the back swing means that a heavier shaft will help to keep his iron shots under control. In the past he’s been given a shaft based on his 6 hcp rather than his swing speed and tempo – making it hard to generate the flight he needs.
Dan Campling
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
87
5
3
3
4
Optimizer recommendation:
True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shaft, MP54 clubhead
Before:
“I’ve been striking my Callaway Razr X irons nicely but hitting them high. My bad shot is a high right cut. It will be interesting to see how a new shaft could affect that.”
After:
“The new shaft gave me a more penetrating flight. I got five extra yards and was hitting it lower flight and straighter. Now I’ve seen the figures, a full fitting will definitely be something I’ll consider.”
Simon’s comment:
Dan’s improvement came from a slightly stiffer shaft. Not something you would recommend to many people but for Dan this produced a more consistent flight and a tighter dispersion….a perfect combination.
David Smillie
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
81
4
2
2
4
Optimizer recommendation:
True Temper Dynalite Gold XP S300 shaft (soft stepped), JPX 825 Pro head
Before:
“I believe in custom-fitting. If you know you have everything correct you can let the club work, rather than trying to force it. You feel more confident, and if the shot doesn’t come off you know it’s not because of the club. That helps you relax more over the ball.”
After:
“The softer tip gave me a higher launch, and the contact felt more solid but softer. I was surprised how much smoother and effortless it felt. I guess if you get the shaft with the right weight and kick, it makes the difference between an average shot and a good shot.”
Simon’s comment:
David’s irons would have worked before he slowed his action down. With the softer tip he’ll be able to generate an even better result from the swing changes.
Ed Banks
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
79
5
3
4
4
Optimizer recommendation:
True Temper Dynalite Gold XP S300 shaft (soft stepped), JPX 825 Pro head
Before:
“The guy in the shop gave me handful of 6 irons and left me to it. I chose the best on the day – but to be honest I’d no idea what I was testing against.
After:
“I felt I had better rhythm and accuracy with the Dynalite Golds. I wasn’t even aware there were different types of stiff steel shaft. I’d only ever considered regular or stiff…..but the weights obviously make a huge difference.
Simon’s comment
Eddy’s old shafts weren’t just an imperfect weight – they were an inch longer than standard (and he didn’t know). So if he middled it, he hit them a mile….but overall his shot dispersion was too inconsistent.
Gary Walters
Speed
Tempo
Toe Down
Kick Angle
Release
88
6
3
3
4
Optimizer recommendation:
True Temper Dynamic Gold S300 shaft, MP54 clubhead
Before:
“I’m a bit sceptical about technological fitting. I had one before where my bad shots came up as perfect on the screen, so I lost a bit of trust in it.”
After:
“The new club took some of the shape out of my flight. It’s amazing how the computer makes a recommendation, and there the club is in front of you, ready to try.”
Simon’s comment:
Gary is a good player, but hitting the ball the height he does is making it very hard to get down to scratch – especially when playing in tricky windy conditions. With all the golf he plays I can’t believe Gary’s never put 30 minutes aside for a proper iron fitting.
Read the full article .
