I played with my modern clubs yesterday. It was my first round after playing two days with my hickory sticks and I have to say I noticed the difference in my swing. My friend Blair (who I have played with regularly for years) mentioned a smoother stroke as well. I shot a smooth three over par with four bogeys and one birdie. It was an easy round and I credit my swing success to how my hickory clubs improve my overall game. As I think about it, I realize that two games with the hickories help in three areas.
The first area I noticed improvement was in my tempo. Every swing felt smooth and my ball jumped off the face of my club because it all aspects of my swing felt under control. When swinging with wooden shafted clubs, overswinging is not an option. If I swung too fast as I would with my modern clubs, I would duck hook my ball (which was completely surprising). So, I had to drop my tempo down to 80% or less to maximize the hickory shafts. I was hitting about 210 with my driver and varying distances with my irons.
Yesterday, I continue to use the same tempo (actually just a bit faster with my modern clubs) as on the weekend. I found the I was able garner the same distances with less effort. I continued on with this swing tempo for the entire round and it felt great. I did find that the distances a bit shorter with my shorter irons, but that is an easy fix. The first success in my regular game because of hickory clubs is a better swing tempo.
Second is playing a more bump and run shots. Mattawa Golf and Ski Resort have many elevated greens and the bump and run game works very well. The ‘jigger’ is the club used for most bump and run shots. it is a very thin faced club, however the ball jumps off the face. I used it very much and found that my touch with this club was very similar to my 7 iron.
I use my 7 iron as often as possible during my game. Yesterday I used in on 5 greens with a 100% success rate. I was able to get up and down for par each time. The touch I produced with my 7 iron improved because of the ‘jigger’. I feel there is a direct correlation between playing old and new clubs that is transferable between the games. Next to putting, the bump and run is my best scoring stroke.
Lastly, my course management with my hickory clubs was a workout. Because I learning how far to hit my clubs, I would choose distances that allowed me to make a full swing. Leaving half and quarter swings with the hickories is not in my wheel house at this time. I would hit many short shots (then the ‘jigger’ would save me score 😉 ) that would ease my many frustrations. Basically, I would hit to known distances and the results improved as the round continued.
I bet you know where this is going. Hitting to distances is a basic skill with my modern clubs. I do not like 60 yard shots, however 90 to 100 yard shots work very well. Course management with vintage and modern clubs is a must for low golf scores. I did that very well yesterday and it helped me shoot my 3 over round. It is fun to know that this skill is totally transferable.
My modern game is improving because of hickory golf. Today should be fun as I am playing a match in the club championship side of my tournaments. I am hoping my success continues and that I play a great round.
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Great to hear Jim, I also find playing hickory clubs improves all aspects of my game for all the reasons you have mentioned, especially tempo and course management.
My round at Mattawa was a case in point. On the first nine, I ended up 6 over, mostly because I was learning where to play the run up shots as I had never played the course. The back nine was much better, 3 over, largely due to playing the run up more effectively.
I change back and forth so frequently that it is now second nature. My modern game is
Played in a vintage fashion and it translates well on the scorecard.
Congratulations on your great round yesterday. You obviously were not adversely affected by playing hickory two days in a row. Your back nine at Osprey Links was a fine example of great course management and execution.
I expect that playing vintage golf regularly is going to make you an even better player. I may need more strokes next time we play… just kidding.
I returned to play yesterday, but probably should not have played. I woke up with a stiff neck and it did not loosen up during the round. After the round it tightened up even more which is why I am still up as sitting in my Lazy Boy feels better than lying down. I guess I will never learn and try to push through. I matched your 3 over… on the first hole. The rest of the front was pars and doubles with one bogey. I gritted it out on the back nine by sheer determination for a smooth 47-41. I am paying for my stupidity now.
Good luck in your match tomorrow. I expect golf is out of the picture for at least a couple of days on my end.
I am also a grateful golfer, although a sore one at the moment.
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Lorne,
I hope you have a speedy recover. A stiff neck is never fun. I agree that playing different era clubs helps my game. I never thought it would, however as a student of the game (at least I am trying to be) learning new things is always good. Take care.
Cheers Jim
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