Equipment
Transitioning from game improvement to players distance irons
In our forums, our members have been discussing the transition process going from game improvement irons to players distance irons. WRXer ‘DoubleDrops’ is looking to make the move and reaches out to fellow members for their advice on the matter, saying:
“I’m considering switching irons from the game improvement irons I’m currently playing with (Ping G425) to players distance irons (P790’s). I’m a mid-handicap. What changes can I expect from the transition? Is there any real benefit or should I stick with what I have?”
And our members have been sharing their thoughts in our forum.
Here are a few posts from the thread, but make sure to check out the entire discussion and have your say at the link below.
- stratgolf: “I wouldn’t expect a huge jump. Best way to explore it is go get fit, or at worst, go hit some different options in the bay. You will likely benefit from increased workability.”
- birddog2: “I’d expect you will feel the difference between the two and possibly make some gains in distance. The lofts will likely be different than the 425s so consider that. Even if you know your specs, I’d definitely get fit into them to see how they feel.”
- jjfcpa: “I think the big difference between these two classes of clubs is the ability to shape your shots with the players distance irons. If you feel the need to shape your shots right or left based on your location on the tee/fairway, then you might be a prospect for player’s distance. In spite of the name, you might also give up some distance with the players distance, since the lofts are generally weaker.”
Entire Thread: “Transitioning from game improvement to players distance irons”
Neal Shipley was the first to admit that he enjoyed his food while in college. But since his days at Ohio State, he’s slimmed down and earned a PGA Tour Card.
That hasn’t stopped him from having fun with his wedge stampings, though it’s led to some misunderstandings.
On the 54 (degree), we have ‘Big Fudge,'” Shipley told GolfWRX. “It was supposed to be ‘Big Fridge,’ so this happened a little while ago. ‘Big Fridge’ was a nickname between my college teammates and I, with ‘fridge’ meaning stomach, a big stomach.
“We told the Ping guys to put … ‘Big Fridge’ on it, and I think maybe some bad cell service or something, and they thought I said ‘fudge,’ so they put fudge on it.”
On Shipley’s 50-degree he also continues the food theme, this time with his go-to order at the “Golden Arches,” and his stamping “DONS 7.”
“The number 7 meal, the two cheeseburger meal, that was my McDonald’s order, back when I would have McDonald’s frequently,” Shipley shared.
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals who all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, @raw10628 has a L.A.B. DF3 putter and Masters putter cover up for grabs.
From the listing: “Some great items here today, time to thin out and make room for next set of gear. All prices include shipping.
LAB DF3 Purple 33.5” 68° lie with TPT – $725. LAB Masters release DF3 cover – $150.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link. If you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum, you can learn more here: GolfWRX BST Rules
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4
3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4
5-wood: Ping G440 Max (19 degrees @18)
Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4
Hybrid: Ping G440 (23 degrees)
Shaft: Oban Isawa Red Hybrid Shaft 04 Flex 70 Gms
Irons: Srixon ZXi7 (5-P)
Shafts: Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve i80
Wedges: Cleveland RTZ (50-MID, 54-FULL, 58-MID)
Shafts: Aerotech SteelFiber Private Reserve i105
Putter: L.A.B. Golf OZ.1i
Shaft: ACCRA Putter Shaft
Grips: Golf Pride Tour Velvet
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Maria Torres WITB 2026 (June)
Driver: Ping G440 LST (9 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 5-M4 3-wood: Ping G440 Max (15 degrees) Shaft: Accra TourZ Green 6-M4 5-wood: Ping G440...
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Driver: Callaway Quantum Triple Diamond (8.5 degrees) Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X Mini driver: Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke Mini...
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Driver: TaylorMade Qi4D (10.5 degrees) Shaft: Project X Titan Yellow 60 TX 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi4D Tour (15 degrees) Shaft: Project...
Noonan
Feb 25, 2026 at 11:31 am
Go to a combo set of cb/mb forged irons with 37.75″ length 5 iron, heavier shafts, D2/3 swing weight and expect to lose a club of distance but dial in way better feel, dispersion and shot-shaping ability.
Livininparadise
Feb 25, 2026 at 10:09 am
The amount of offset will be the biggest adjustment. Getting fit is very important. Depending on how long you gave been playing game improvement this may feel like a huge difference and may take longer to get used to