These polls are so ridiculous , i could hit anything from a PW to a 7 iron from 170 yards depending on conditions and sometimes 170 yards plays like 150 yards or like 200 yards depending on conditions, elevations and so on.
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These polls are so ridiculous , i could hit anything from a PW to a 7 iron from 170 yards depending on conditions and sometimes 170 yards plays like 150 yards or like 200 yards depending on conditions, elevations and so on.
The poll question should be as follows: "If your life depended on it and you had to hit 10 shots that carried 170 yards with only 1 club, which club would you choose." Lets also say that its flat, no wind, at sea level and from the fairway.
You didn't say I had to stick it. See how crazy these polls get if you leave too many variables.
I'll say a nice easy 9 wood then. With a ProV1 of course.
It is a bit of an absurd scenario, I will admit.
We should start a new poll on this to be honest....With flat, no wind, good lie conditions. This was created in 2006 and the lies have become stronger since then. ;) I know the last few rounds I've played, I have been taking 7 iron from 165-170 yards out. I tend to squeeze the ball though and probably de-loft the club a bit.
Although this is an old thread, dating back to 2006, I would be interested in knowing what iron would everyone be hitting now up to 7 years later given the passage and ravages of time as well as the advent of the so called new"distance irons".
More importantly, I would like to know how close to the pin you would be from 170 yards on average from a sample of (say) 10 shots. At age 59, I would be hitting my 5 (or 6 iron on a good day) and be happy to hit the green 50% of the time.
Hi Steerpike,
Nice post -- interesting to reflect on how changes in our bodies, and equipment have changed our club selection from 170 out.
For me, my equipment is essentially unchanged. I have been using Hogan Apex 99 irons since 2002. I love them so much. To me they are the sweetest, softest feeling irons I have tried. Believe me, I drool in the mouth at the promise of cavity back player's irons adding distance to my misses. And I drool at the mouth at the pretty looking newer generation blades. But, I cannot get over how great my Hogans feel. I try all the irons I can. This includes later model blades, as well as cavity backs. The cavity backs leave me at a loss for feel. The newer design blades feel harsh to me compared to the Apex 99s. My only change in irons has been going to Rifle Flighted 6.0 shafts instead of the Apex4 shafts that I originally used. As I build my own clubs, I might put a set of Apex4 shafts back in to one of my sets of Apex 99s, and compare them over a period of time to the Rifle Flighted 6.0s.
Getting back to your great question, my club selection has remained unchanged. I select my 170 club based on the conditions -- uphill/downhill shot, early/mid/late season weather and course conditions, etc. I have hit an 8 iron 170, and I have hit a 4 iron 170.
At the range, under low wind, sunny day conditions during the summer, I am hitting a 7 iron 170. Seven years ago, I think I was honestly hitting a 6 iron that distance, but would have chosen a 7 iron. I have been working on my swing, and ball striking.
Cheers!
Looking at some of the old posts...
I would hit a hard 9 iron. Back then, I was playing standard TA3 gunmetals.
Now I am hitting an easy 8 with my +1/2 inch Mizuno irons.
These clubs are new to me and I still have not found my exact range.
I'm now hitting a knock down 5 iron or an " all I've got " 6 iron if I have nothing at the front of the green to get me in trouble
Me I'm a 7 iron or a 6 iron if conditions are poor (wind/cold). A freakin' 9 iron for 170, I'd love to see it in person.
I'd be hitting 8 iron most days me thinks.
These days I'd have to add whether it's at the beginning of the round or the end of the round.
I'm hitting the ball an eensy bit farther than 5 years ago, a small consolation considering my ability to "nuke" the ball is slowly being eroded. I'd still use the same club but that yardage would put me almost between clubs with a forced carry, cause I'd rather club down and kill it in situations like that..
I hit a PW the other day with 168 to the flag and went a little long . . . There was a bit of wind though . .
the way clus specs continually change, this question might be more interesting if you asked, "what's the loft and shaft length of the club you'd use to stick it from 170?"
From 170 out, I usually hit the gas peddle....then yell to the wife I'm not going to the hardware store after all, but the beer store, and then to play 18.....
From 170 out, I usually hit the gas peddle....then yell to the wife I'm not going to the hardware store after all, but the beer store, and then to play 18...... great answer , I had a good laugh
Last year, 170 yards was a very hard TM CB Forged 6 iron, and that was the max yardage for my 6.
This year, my Mizuno 850F 6 iron (with C Taper lite shafts) is flying 175 no problem.
I have yet to get all the irons on the course, but I cant wait to see the difference.