senior scrambles and graphite shafts

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By Dwayne N

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  1. Dwayne N

    Dwayne N
    Island, KY

    Ok I am 55 and in my area there are several senior scrambles every week. Like a Minnie tour. There is a scramble 3-4 days a week each blind draw and each day different course as to not draw from each others fields. So my question is this. Everyone moves up tees 55-65 three tees and 65 over four tees so when in your normal foursomes due you move to a forward tee? My normal group has 1-2 guys much younger than me and my buddie and when should we feel comfortable moving up a tee box without making the others upset? And at what age do you start considering graphite shafts?

  2. Bomber3

    Bomber3
    Lake St Louis, MO

    Military
    I'm 65 and during the summer I'll play in senior scrambles at some of the courses around me, but not on a regular basis. I'll usually pair up with a buddy of mine that is 55 and for our ages at every scramble we've played in we get to move up 1 tee box (usually to the "whites"). 70 and above folks get to move up two sets.

    I'm still playing steel iron shafts and with some of the newer lighter steel shafts I don't plan on going to graphite anytime soon.
  3. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    At 67 I don't want to be pigeon-holed solely by age. Nor should women be constrained to the forward tees. Tee box should be where your comfort lies. My rule of thumb is under 200 from forward, 220 yards, then 250, and over 250 can shoot from the tips. If you never use less than a 5 iron on a par 4 for your 2nd, consider moving up. Just like age doesn't determine tees, it isn't a prime determinant for graphite. I started golf at 59 and have used graphite. At a Titleist Thursday the AMT Red got me the best results so I've moved to metal in the 718 AP3s. At 55 you've a lot of good years, even if you need some updates in your clubs from age 45.
  4. Joseph M

    Joseph M
    Saint John, New Brunswick

    As to the tee to play from I am of the opinion that no one should play from a tee that is beyond their ability or that takes away their enjoyment- I am sure those in your regular group would understand if you were to move up. As to switching to graphite, at age 69 (2 years ago) I tried several shafts in both materials and steel shafts were best for me- so regardless of age I would recommend looking at both when looking at new clubs.
  5. 19hole

    19hole
    Reading, MA

    Always play the tees you are comfortable with, no need to play longer than your game can handle. This applies to everyone, not just us old guys.

    Age is not the determining factor to move to graphite shafts. You should start with a proper club fitting. That will tell you what shafts you should be using. At 61, I still use steel in XS in my irons. I did move to a slightly lighter version this fall, from 133 grams to 115 grams. I have used graphite in my driver and fairways for over 20 years. I play with a number of guys 10-15 years younger and some of them have already made the change to graphite in the irons.

    Let you club fitter become your friend, they can tell you when it is time to change.
  6. Gary D

    Gary D
    Cranston, RI

    Graphite shafts is dependent on your game. Its whatever works best for you. Get a fitting and try both and see which is better for your game. The decision on what tees to play should be based on how far you hit the ball. If you drive it 250+ consider playing the back tees. If you drive it 175, or less, move up. In between these two numbers, play an appropriate tee that allows you to enjoy the challenges of the game. On a par 4, you should be able to hit a club that reaches the green for your second shot. If you consistently can't reach the green, move up.
  7. Lance P

    Lance P
    Hillsborough, NC

    IMHO, moving up a box has made the game more fun! It's much better hitting an 8 iron into the green rather than a 5 iron. Scoring is lower and the pace of play is improved.
    Graphite shafts in my irons have been great for me in helping alleviate some right elbow tendonitis. Less shock with dampening characteristics.
    I'm over 50 and a 18-20 hcp.
  8. Dwayne N

    Dwayne N
    Island, KY

    Thanks guys lots of good advice here
  9. Matt B

    Matt B
    Columbus, OH

    I believe when the play it forward campaign started a PGA member came up with the system of 36x your average 5 iron carry distance as a benchmark to what distance to play from.
    Example: 187 carry x 36 = 6732 yardage
  10. Just had a Titleist club fitting at S&A, best thing ever, corrected my shaft weight which brought me a graphite shaft, giving me better flight and distance with the ball cant fault a good fitting to make you feel more comfortable when playing your round. Titleist excel again.

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