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Iron Sole Width

  • 9:20AM - Mar 16, 2010RE: Iron Sole Width

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    tbbke2,

    My advice is for you to practice on making your swing more precise. Try to err on the thin side. Like Johnny Miller says, “Thin to win.” Tighten everything up, be more mechanical. Butt out, back straight, knees slightly flexed, weight centered, face facing the ball, firm left arm measuring distance to ball, firm grip w both hands. Initiate swing by rotating shoulders around back of neck. Swing firm but not hard and don’t sway or dip. I hit it fat a lot myself and its because I’m too anxious to kill the ball.

    Jack

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  • 8:35PM - Mar 15, 2010RE: Iron Sole Width

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    Jack, Thanks for your your opinion/info. I realize neither the KE4 or KE4 SS1 are player irons. I guess what I was referring to was the fact that the SS1’s have a wider sole but are lower on the Ralph’s MPF scale.

    What club characteristic would have the greatest impact on hitting fat shots? Is it the width of the club’s sole?

    Thanks!

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  • 8:12AM - Mar 11, 2010RE: Iron Sole Width

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    tbbke2

    Neither the KE4 or KE4 SS1 is to be considered a better player iron. They are both directed toward mid to high handicap golfers. While we associate a broad sole width with high playability, sole width is not a factor in Malyby’s MPF calculation. In my opinion (Ralph would probably disagree) a long clubhead length married to a broad sole with a lot of bounce can be a bad thing for golfers who tend to hit fat. If you normally play in a region where conditions are lush and on the damp side a broad sole is turf friendly in the wrong way. The big surface area of the bottom of the club splats into the ground and lingers for a big hug and a wet kiss. Clubead speed is killed. Alternatively, if your normal playing conditions are dry and firm go ahead with the big sole. Hope this helps.

    Jack

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  • 4:35PM - Mar 7, 2010Iron Sole Width

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    Hi Ralph,

    I am a 18 handicap player. I play the original KE4 irons, which I hit pretty well (my handicap has slowly improved with this iron). These irons have the thinest soles I have played. I have a tendency to dig when I’m not hitting well and feel a wider soled iron might help with that. I’m not sure if this is something I should put high on the priority list when looking at assembling a new set of irons.

    Curious, I always thought the most forgiving irons had the widest soles. The KE4 has a higher MPF rating than the new KE4 SS1 (which should make it easier to hit). Yet the sole is wider on the SS1’s. Why is it that some of the better player irons have a wider sole than middle/high handicap irons? Thanks!

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