Need To Know
Most would say that to score 40 stableford points using clubs fresh out of the box with not even a warm-up session on the range calls for a little skill, a modicom of luck and a handicap that barely reflects your ability.
You might say that but I couldn't possibly comment!
Though my handicap teeters between 11 and 12 after several decades of playing the game with a wide variety of equipment, much of the credit here must go to the clubs - in this case the latest
K15 irons from Ping, which the makers claim are engineered to help golfers bring their shots back on line using what the company's designers call 'Straight Flight Technology.'
For this morning's round, I put the 5-, 7- and 9-iron K15 samples I was sent, in play alongside the 50-degree Ping K15 UW wedge and the 27-degree K15 No.5 hybrid - a combination of clubs aimed at the game-improver sector of the market.
The irons featured the regular flex TFC 149i graphite shafts and the hybrid, the TFC 149H graphite shaft.
As a self-taught, handsy kind of player, I've always struggled to get the ball fully airborne with my irons, seemingly stuck with the low, high-spin route more suited to seaside links than the softer parkland courses, where much of my social and competitive golf is played.
But I shocked my regular playing partners with the height and control the K15 5- and 7-iron generated, while the 9-iron delivered both penetration and soft-landing spin to help keep my score ticking over.
I was particularly impressed by the UW (utility) wedge, with its more rounded toe and dark, gunmetal look that helps to ooze confidence for those scoring shots from 100 yards in. It has a great feel, even from the tightest of lies and proved an able chipping tool, too.
The No.5 K15 hybrid - one of four utility clubs available to replace those hard-to-hit long irons - will take a little longer to master. Contrary to the TV ads, it's not as easy to stripe as it looks and for me, the shape of the head will take a little more getting used to.
Overall though, I can't complain and if my form continues with these user-friendly clubs I'll be heading back to single figures before the year is out.
Verdict
The clubs in this K15 combination set of irons and hybrids make the game as easy as I have ever known it. The dark grey looks generate confidence, while the stainless steel body helps increase forgiveness and delivers higher launch.
