Lessons and practice do, clubs don’t.

While I can't directly attribute clubs in general to lowering handicap, clubs fitted to me put me in better positions for scoring. Having the potential to hit a par 4 at 410 yards or a par 5 520 yards in regulation is something I couldn't do 5 years ago. So part lessons, part exercise program, and part club fitting has made the game more enjoyable. What I do find is I do better if I can get on course 2-3 times a week. Unfortunately with my work schedule, my handicap isn't improving while averaging less than 1 round a week.

Nope..................but I get my first lesson nxt wk so hopefully the handicap will start to drop instead of up .1 up .1 up .1 up .1 buffer zone up .1

I have to agree with Don O. Getting fit for my AP 1s gave me a much better chance every time I played, every swing.
Play Well,
Steve S.

The last clubs I bought lowered my handicap I would say because i didn't take or have any lessons prior to or after the purchase of those clubs and my handicap went down 5 points. Unfortunately this game of golf doesn't stay the same throughout the year(s) so last year my handicapped increased 9 points & 2019 has not been kind to it as well. So I will be seeing my swing doctor and getting my handicap back down to something I like..and I won't need to buy any new clubs to accomplish that just swing instructions.

Properly fitted clubs can only help your score & handicap. You still have to make the shots though to maintain or lower your handicap.

DM

Lowering of handicap is a result of many things, however properly fit clubs are certainly a part of the equation.

I wouldn't say that the clubs themselves make you a better player. When I first started playing I was buying other branded second hand clubs. I then over a period of time bought a new set of DCI's then a set of 804's OS off the shelf and I dropped from a 15 handicap to a 6 over a period approx 10 years, with lessons and plenty of practice. I Then stopped playing on and off for the next 10 years. About 6 years ago I had to renew my handicap as it had had lapsed and was I given a handicap of 11. I then decided for the first time to get a proper fitting, I then became the proud owner of a set of AP1 714's, then moving on to what I now have AP2 716's. My handicap has come down from 11 to 9 in between me having a total knee replacement and now at the age of 65 and as I'm playing well my handicap could possibly get lower. Although I played well with my previous Titleist irons I must say that after being properly fitted I feel so much more confident when I take a club out of the bag to play a particular shot, you still have to practice though. Hope this helps as this is what my experience has been. I have a fitting soon at St. Ives as I'm now considering a set of AP3's Or the new T?.

One thing my uncle always told me, "It's not the arrows. It's the Indian." If you look at it this way. You get fit for clubs = you have confidence in your clubs. You take lessons and practice = you get confidence in your game. So yes, they can lower your index but it's just a part of it. The arrows compliment the Indian.

Yep, once fitted properly and going to see a pro to ensure that I know how to shoot that arrow. Remembering it is all about the Indian. The club cannot do it if you do not know how to use the club? With respect. =)

Going from AP1's to T-MBs helped me drop mine a bit. Something about the smaller head size and confidence at address has worked out really for me. I've been able to put a little bit of a draw on some shots as well!

No, clubs i've purchased have never lowered my handicap.What they have done is raise my confidence level, which in turn helps me play better golf.

Great replies. I just purchased a set of AP1s and a new 56 degree wedge. Certainly didn’t lower my score, but they are more comfortable. I expect them to assist in overall performance, but mainly for the comments above (feel, confidence, ability to strike the ball cleaner and further, etc.)

The joke around my neck of the woods is if your swing is bad buy a new one

Good formula!

as long as you get fitted with the right equipment, you should be hitting the ball better and more consistently!

Just remember, when you purchase a new set there is always a break in period, even if you are properly fitted, so do not get frustrated. Most expect miracles first time out. We are amateurs after all and it takes time. Am watching the LPGA and just cannot get adjusted to Michelle Wie's putting stance......everything takes time....

In my case, I was fit for a full bag in April. The changes in my bag make up were drastic.

I now have a 3,7 and 9 FW and 5 and 6 hybrid. My longest iron now is a 7 iron. Every club from the 5 hybrid to the 3 W has had a positive change in my results versus the clubs in those slots previously.

As a result by handicap has dropped from a 21 in April to 16.7 currently. During that time, I've had my Pesroanl best round of 82 and my first ever hole in one.

I know lessons will now be needed to help me achieve my year end goal of getting to a legit 12 HC.

But the proper fit clubs have no doubt helped my play. So anyone who says they aren't "good enough to go get a good processional fittimg, shouldn't think that way.

Mine went up with a pretty much new bag this year (9.4 - 10.3). Only carryover is a 3 wood, 52 and 56 degree wedges. I had some major putting issues this spring but it's starting to come around.

I was fit for new irons and new woods. Putter was not.

I've never had lessons, but I'm sure I need them.

Proper Club Fit and PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE is the only way!
Cheers,
Dr.K

Good and proper equipment certainly can't hurt the handicap!

It's happening right now. I purchased "Players Distance " irons that were neither longer nor straighter. After struggling with them I switched to " players " irons and it made all the difference. I also switched to a much lower spinning driver/shaft and lower spinning ball. It wasn't this easy with persimmon, forged blades and victory grips Voila, better !