Change up golf clubs for changing abilities

Losing distance on long irons is a common effect of getting older, but you can still enjoy the game of golf with a few changes.

The golf industry constantly is improving and with new technology, new clubs can help you out.

If you are hitting well with a 9-wood it's wonderful, but when your 4-iron, 5-iron and 6-irons are letting you down and going to the right it may be time to re-evaluate your set makeup.

As we age, we naturally lose strength in our hands, making it harder to generate the swing speed needed to hit longer irons solidly to gain distance. Consider tossing out the 4-, 5- and 6-iron and add more woods to your bag. They're lighter and can get the ball airborne more easily. An 11-wood is a good substitute for a 5-iron and a 13-wood can replace your 6-iron. Just try before you buy.

You need to like the look and feel of clubs to be successful with them. Keep the 7-iron in your bag because it comes in handy if you need to punch out the ball from under a tree.

JONI MEYER can be reached at joni@golf-4-women.com or (218) 963-8767.