SportsCenter Video: Jason Sobel on why we still care about Tiger Woods - "This might be the beginning of the end ... it's the great unknown…

SportsCenter Video: Jason Sobel on why we still care about Tiger Woods - "This might be the beginning of the end ... it's the great unknown…

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 10, 2017

Tiger out of Genesis Open and Honda Classic | Golf Channel #golf

Tiger out of Genesis Open and Honda Classic | Golf Channel #golf

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 10, 2017

Tiger out of Genesis Open and Honda Classic | Golf Channel

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Tiger out of Genesis Open and Honda Classic | Golf Channel via /r/ProGolf https://t.co/UxiJ6SREBt

Tiger out of Genesis Open and Honda Classic | Golf Channel via /r/ProGolf https://t.co/UxiJ6SREBt

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 10, 2017

Breaking: Tiger Woods pulls out of next two scheduled events due to back spasms; "This is not what I was hoping for or expecting" (ESPN) …

Breaking: Tiger Woods pulls out of next two scheduled events due to back spasms; "This is not what I was hoping for or expecting" (ESPN) …

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 10, 2017

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Golf: Jordan Spieth (-3 through 16) trails co-leaders by 1 shot in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 1st rd, which was suspended by weather (ESPN) …

Golf: Jordan Spieth (-3 through 16) trails co-leaders by 1 shot in AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am 1st rd, which was suspended by weather (ESPN) …

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 9, 2017

"Go get a job" - Jordan Spieth rips professional autograph seekers; recounts story of "some scums that bothered me" (ESPN) …

"Go get a job" - Jordan Spieth rips professional autograph seekers; recounts story of "some scums that bothered me" (ESPN) …

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 9, 2017

Golf: Tiger Woods says he's unlikely to "ever feel great" again due to multiple back and knee injuries throughout career (ESPN) …

Golf: Tiger Woods says he's unlikely to "ever feel great" again due to multiple back and knee injuries throughout career (ESPN) …

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 9, 2017

2017 Cobra ONE Length Test: A Closer Look at Gapping

By: Tony Covey

There's More (because some of you asked for it)

Welcome to the unplanned Part 2 of our detailed look at Cobra's F7 ONE and Forged ONE Irons.

After reading yesterday's post, several of you expressed a wish... maybe a desire... to have a better look at the gapping data from the test. As it turns out, that was something I wanted to do anyway, so I thank you for providing the justification to spend a little more time in Excel (hooray) to pull that together.

But before we get to round 2 of our charts, there are a couple of points we should discuss.

Consistency vs. Ideal Gapping

First, you should understand that with its ONE Length products, Cobra isn't nearly as concerned with gapping as it is about consistency. They've studied real-world yardage gaps (provided by Arccos) and found big overlaps with variable length clubs. Basically, inconsistent ballstriking already leads to inconsistent gaps. So while its competitors might point to robot-replicated gapping issues as a shortcoming of ONE Length, the real-world data from the Arccos universe suggests the average golfer's gaps are basically a mess anyway. Cobra's single length philosophy centers around helping the golfer hit better shots more often.

And that brings me to consistency. We talked about this yesterday, but I thought it was important to included our carry yardages/consistency charts again today, and here's why.

One of the things we talk about quite a bit internally is that averages don't tell the whole story. Consider 2 separate (3) shot samples from a theoretical 7-iron:

• The first produces carry yardages of 145, 155 and 165 yards.
• The second produces carry yardages of 149, 150, and 151 yards.

The average of the first set is 5 yards longer, but wouldn't you prefer the consistency of the second? Do it again with a 5-iron, and a 9-iron, etc. Tweak the numbers on the second set so that our gaps aren't perfect, but the consistency of the individual irons remains intact. Now which set of clubs would you rather have in your bag?

I'll willingly concede that this is a well-polished example, and that few of us would be that consistent, even with single length irons. The larger point I'm trying to illustrate is that consistency matters more than most of us give it credit for. To a reasonable degree, gapping can be addressed with a Mitchell machine, consistency depends on your relationship with your clubs.

Cobra also believes that as on-course familiarity with ONE Length improves, those error bars in the charts below will shrink, and scores will come down. That part remains to be seen, but I'm anxious to find out. Spring can't get here soon enough.

About the Charts

Before we dig in, just a couple of quick notes on the charts. The dark gray columns contain the yardage deltas between the 5 and 7 irons and the 7 and 9 irons. The closer those two numbers in each row are to one another, the better the gapping. In a perfect world, these values should be somewhere between 20 and 30 yards (10-15 yards between clubs). As you'll see, we didn't see much of that with either set.

As mentioned above, I've included our carry charts, which included standard error bars. Interpretation is simple. The shorter the bar, the more consistent the carry yardage. More consistent is good.

So as you look at the charts, I'd ask that you consider both gapping and consistency.

Finally, if there's anything I haven't covered, anything I left out, or any questions I haven't answered, holler at me. I'll do my best to get you the info (whatever it happens to be).

Tester 1: High Swing Speed - USGA Index: 4.6

Observations:

• Tester 1 has consistent (and nearly ideal) gaps with his gamers.
• ONE Length gaps are inconsistent due to decreased distance in both the 5 and 9 irons.
• While the differences in consistency between his gamers and Forged ONE appear small, the narrow margins do favor the gamers.

Tester 2: High Swing Speed - USGA Index: 18.5

Observations:

• Tester 2 has reasonably consistent, though large, gaps with his gamers.
• Data suggests that by keeping his 5-hybrid instead of the F7 ONE 5-Iron, the gaps would be consistent.
• As you would expect from a higher handicap player, consistency is poor with both sets.

Tester 3: Mid Swing Speed - USGA Index: 2.5

Observations:

• Tester 3 has more consistent but slighlty large gaps with his gamers.
• ONE Length gaps are less consistent due to the shorter 5 iron.
• A hybrid could potentially level the gaps.
• 5 and 7 iron consistency favor the ONE Length, while this tester was more consistent with his 9-iron.

Tester 4: High Swing Speed - USGA Index: 10.7

Observations:

• Tester 4's gamer gaps are more consistent due to a significant increase in 7-iron distance with the F7 One.
• While gamer gaps are more consistent, they are far from ideal (too narrow).
• Replacing the 5-iron with a hybrid would likely lead to significantly better gapping with F7 One.

Tester 5: High Swing Speed - USGA Index: +.4

 

Observations:

• Tester 4's gapping with the Forged One is consistent, though perhaps a bit narrow.
• Poor gapping with the gamer set is attributable to abnormally short distance with the 7-iron.
• 5-iron consistency is better with the tester's clubs, however, middle and short irons favor Forged ONE.

Tester 6: Mid Swing Speed - USGA Index: 8.6

Observations:

• Tester 6 showed better gapping with his gamers, however, with both sets the gaps are narrower than is ideal.
• Uneven gaps from the F7 ONE are attributable primarily to distance gains with the 7-iron.
• The F7 ONE produced more consistent carry distances across all 3 irons tested.

Tester 7: Low Swing Speed - USGA Index: 17.5

Observations:

• Tester 7's gaps are more consistent with the F7 ONE, however, by no means is gapping close to ideal with either set.
• The gapping issues shown in the charts are far from uncommon with senior and other slower swing speed golfers.
• Replacing the 5-iron with a hybrid would significantly improve gaps.
• Carry distances are more consistent with the F7 ONE.

Tester 8: Mid Swing Speed - USGA Index: 10.5

Observations:

• Tester 8's gaps between the 7 and 9-iron are solid for both sets, but the data suggests this tester would benefit from replacing the 5-iron with a hybrid.
• Gapping is similar for both sets.
• 5 and 9-iron consistency favors the Forged ONE, while 7-iron consistency favors the gamers.

Tester 9: High Swing Speed - USGA Index: 12

Observations:

• Tester 9's gaps are more consistent, though a bit narrow, with the gamer set.
• The difference is attributable to a modest distance loss with the 5-iron coupled with a modest distance gain with the 7-iron.
• The Forged ONE produced more consistent carry distances.

The Big Picture

Our interpretation of the data is that the variable length irons (the gamers) produced moderately better gapping for most testers, however; in very few instances did either set produce what we would classify as ideal gapping. Keep in mind that manufacturers often design clubs (and that includes loft specifications) to the middle - and that means they can't possibly account for all of our swing speeds or the unique ways each of us delivers the club to the ball.

It's also next to impossible to account for the inconsistency of impact you get from average golfers. We suspect that in an overwhelming majority of cases, the only way to ensure proper gaps (or at least as close to proper as most of us can get), is to work with a qualified fitter who can adjust each iron loft independently as needed to dial in the requisite average distance.

More to Come... maybe

As I mentioned in yesterday's post, we may publish additional single length case studies in the future. We're also planning on taking a closer look at Cobra's ONE Length wedges.

The World's Most Dangerous Golf Course (landmines included)

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Golf: Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk tweaking U.S. points system to put more value on winning PGA Tour events than high finishes in majors (ES…

Golf: Ryder Cup captain Jim Furyk tweaking U.S. points system to put more value on winning PGA Tour events than high finishes in majors (ES…

— Yardstick Golf (@YardstickGolf) February 8, 2017

How Can Golf Lessons Improve My Golf Game?

Many amateur golfers struggle with golf at the beginning. So most of the time they look for lessons to improve their golf game. The question then arises, "how many lessons does it take to improve my game?" "How do I know that this instructor is the right one for me?"

Tested: 2017 Cobra ONE Length Irons

By: Tony Covey

Is ONE Length Right For You?

Cobra's ONE Length irons are getting plenty of attention right now. Along with Callaway's Epic Driver, single length was the talk of the PGA Show, and the thing is, it's more than just talk. Cobra's VP of R&D, Tom Olsavsky, recently told me that ONE Length is exceeding Cobra's projection by 3x.

For Cobra, ONE is moving the needle, bigly.

Some of you have told us that you're considering single length irons. We know you're curious. Could Cobra's ONE length irons be right for you?

Let me refer you to the pie chart performance theory.

This theory was shared with me by a friend who works in club R&D, and while it's incredibly simple to understand, there's a ton of wisdom contained within. It goes a little something like this:

For any individual golfer, a new golf club will either performer better, perform worse, or perform the same as what's already in the bag. Those are the only options, the only three slices of the pie. Mind-blowing, right?

To help you get an idea of which section of the single length chart you might occupy, we put Cobra's ONE Length irons to the test. We had 9 golfers (and counting) put ONE Length to the test against their current gamers.

Rather than present the group averages as we often do, we're presenting the data as 9 individual case studies. The golfers in this test include scratch golfers to nearly 20 handicappers, 30-somethings to seniors, high-speed and low-speed players. It's a diverse group.

Before we get to the data, let's cover some important details.

How We Tested

• Cobra F7 ONE and Forged ONE Irons were used for this test. Golfers hit the model and flex that most closely matched what is in their bag now.
• Lofts were not adjusted, however, lie angles of the ONE set were adjusted to gamer equivalents.
• 9 testers hit a series of shots with 5, 7, and 9 irons from both sets. Those 3 irons were selected because they're what you will find in Cobra's fitting carts.
• Some testers hit gamers first, while others hit ONE Length first. However, the 7-iron was always used to transition between sets.
• Outliers were removed using Median Absolute Deviation. Our detection algorithms were adjusted to reduce the number of dropped shots, providing a broader sample of data.
• Data was recorded using a Foresight GC2 Launch Monitor with HMT.
• All testers hit Bridgestone B330-RX Golf Balls.

About our Charts

In the charts shown below, the goal was to present a significant amount of data as simply as we possibly could. I'll leave it to you to let me know how we did.

Be sure to take note of the loft and length differences between clubs. That info is included in the launch tables for those who might want it, but we don't obsess over it.

In the graphical portion of the chart, the tester's gamers are always shown in black, the ONE Length is always in white. The yellow and gray bars on the larger bar charts represent the standard error. The specifics are less important, what you need to know is that the shorter the bar, the more consistent the carry distance.

Both the shot area and face impact graphics depict a 90% confidence ellipse area. Again, the important thing to remember is that smaller is more consistent.

Finally, there are a few instances where the face impact area is blank. This happens when we lost stickers (and didn't notice) and in other situations where we failed to capture sufficient data to draw a representative ellipse.

We've provided observations of what stood out to us, but as always, we encourage you to dig through the data and draw your own conclusions.

Got it? Good. Let's get to it.

Tester 1: High Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a single-digit handicap who plays approximately 75 rounds per year. He competes in multiple club-level tournaments each season.

Age: 34
USGA Index: 4.6
Swing Speed: High
Current Iron: Mizuno JPX-850 Forged

Observations:

• The Forged ONE 5-iron launched lower (~2.5°), while differences in 9-iron launch were insignificant.
• Tester was appreciably longer with both the 5 and 9 irons from his set. 7 iron differences are negligible.
• Carry distance was, across the board, more consistent with gamers.
• Centerline accuracy favors ONE Length, while dispersion and face impact areas are of similar size.
• The data suggests no clear benefit with ONE Length, and the tester doesn't feel they're right for him.

Tester 2: High Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a high teen handicap golfer who plays approximately 25 rounds per year. He's our representative for the higher swing speed, high handicap category.

Age: 34
USGA Index: 18.5
Swing Speed: High
Current Iron: TaylorMade RocketBallz
Additional Notes: 5-iron test is hybrid (gamer) vs. traditional 5-iron (ONE)

Observations:

• As we would expect from a higher-handicap golfer, carry distances are inconsistent across all clubs.
• Significant differences in ball speeds were observed across all 3 clubs, with ONE producing faster ball speeds except when paired against the tester's 5-hybrid.
• Launch and spin numbers suggest marginally better performance from the F7 ONE.
• Dispersion areas are similar, while proximity to the target line generally favors the F7 ONE.
• As is often the difficulty with higher handicap golfers, the data is not entirely conclusive. More testing is needed.

Tester 3: Mid Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a low single-digit handicap golfer who routinely breaks par while playing game-improvement irons. He plays 50 rounds per year and competes in several club-level tournaments each season.

Age: 48
USGA Index: 2.5
Swing Speed: Moderate
Current Iron: TaylorMade RocketBladez
Additional Notes: Tester 3 is what we would classify as a low-spin golfer

Observations:

• This is a textbook case of what most would expect to see with ONE Length irons; the 5-iron is appreciably shorter, while the 9-iron is appreciably longer.
• ONE consistency is better with the 5 and 7 irons, however, this tester produced significantly more consistent carry with his 9-iron.
• Downrange dispersion favors ONE Length, however, any face impact area differences are marginal (note: tester is an excellent ballstriker).
• 5-iron launch and spin numbers are a concern. While this would likely be mitigated to a degree by switching to Forged ONE, the 5-iron distance gap would likely widen as a result.
• While 5-iron performance is of particular concern, there is a case to be made for ONE Length. However, the tester is comfortable with variable length and tells us single length would be a "tough sell."

Tester 4: Low Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a retired senior golfer whose handicap fluctuates between high single and low double-digits. He plays 100 rounds per year and plays in multiple club-level tournaments annually.

Age: 63
USGA Index: 10.7
Swing Speed: Low
Current Iron: PING G20

Observations:

• The 3° difference in 5-iron loft is apparently mitigated by a .5" difference in shaft length, resulting in a negligible difference in average carry yards.
• Appreciably lower launch was demonstrated by the F7 ONE for two of three irons tested. This, along with lower spin across the board from F7 ONE, is a concern.
• For this tester, consistency was generally better with his current irons.
• Downrange dispersion favors the current irons, while face impact is marginally more consistent with F7 ONE.
• The data suggests ONE Length may not be a good fit in this case.

Tester 5: High Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a higher swing speed scratch golfer. He plays 55 rounds per year and competes in club-level team events, but seldom competes in individual tournaments.

Age: 39
USGA Index: +.4
Swing Speed: High
Current Iron: Nike VR Forged Pro Combo

Observations:

• With the exception of the 9-iron, where Forged ONE launched 2° higher, launch and spin differences between sets were negligible.
• As was often the case throughout this test, the ONE 5-iron was 4 yards shorter than the variable length equivalent.
• An anomaly perhaps, the Forged ONE 7-iron produced significantly more ball speed and was significantly more consistent than the tester's current 7-iron.
• The Forged ONE 9-iron was more consistent while producing an additional 4 yards of carry. This is due primarily to a nearly 3.5 MPH increase in ball speed.
• The face impact data collected suggests that Forged ONE produced more consistent strikes.
• While far from absolute, the data suggests this tester might benefit from ONE Length irons, however, as with our previous low handicap golfer, he's hesitant to put them into play.

Tester 6: Mid Swing Speed Golfer

Tester is a high single-digit golfer who we'd classify as an average ball striker. He plays 40 rounds per year and competes in several club-level tournaments annually.

Age: 39
USGA Index: 8.6
Swing Speed: Moderate
Current Iron: Mizuno JPX-850

Observations:

• Tester is one of two testers where our data suggests a decisive advantage for ONE Length Irons.
• F7 One was longer and more consistent at all 3 iron lengths.
• Although the 5 iron produced 3.6 yards more carry, the lower launch (1.5°) may be cause for concern.
• The F7 ONE 9-iron was 3.5 yards longer than the variable length equivalent while producing lower launch, more spin and a higher apex.
• While downrange dispersion differences aren't notably significant, they do suggest F7 ONE was more consistent for this tester.
• Face impact dispersion also favors F7 ONE.

Tester 7: Slow Swing Speed Golfer

Tester 7 is a mid double-digit handicap, senior golfer. He's the elder statesman in our group and has the lowest swing speed among participants in this test. He plays nearly 100 rounds per year and competes in several club-level tournaments.

Age: 65
USGA Index: 17.5
Swing Speed: Moderate
Current Iron: PING G30

Observations:

• Note the razor thin gaps between Tester 7's 5 and 7 irons (gamers) and 7 and 9 irons (F7 ONE). This is unfortunately far too common among low speed, senior golfers.
• Despite a nearly 5 MPH deficit in average head speed, the F7 ONE produced more ball speed, presumably due to more consistently centered contact.
• Consistency (standard error bars) generally favor ONE Length, however, as suggested above, gaps are inconsistent with both sets.
• Downrange dispersion and face impact charts suggest only a modest advantage for F7 ONE.
• While this tester may benefit from ONE Length, the greatest improvement would likely be found through wider and more consistent gapping throughout the set.

Tester 8: Mid Swing Speed Golfer

Tester 8 rides the line between a single and double digit handicap while rapidly approaching senior status. He's a competent ball striker who maintains a nearly moderate swing speed while playing 40 rounds per year and competing in several club-level tournaments.

Age: 63
USGA Index: 10.5
Swing Speed: Moderate
Current Iron: Titleist AP2

• Despite the different lengths and head weights, for this tester head speeds and ball speeds are nearly identical between sets.
• 5 and 7 iron launch conditions suggest the tester might benefit from the Forged ONE.
• Consistency favors the Forged ONE in the 5 and 9 iron lengths, while carry distances were more consistent with the AP2 7 iron.
• The 5-iron is particularly noteworthy as the shorter length club was significantly more consistent while producing greater carry.
• The Forged ONE 9 iron produced lower launch, less spin, and a shallower descent angle, which makes holding greens more difficult.
• While overall ONE performed well overall for this tester, the less consistent 7-iron and the less favorable 9-iron launch conditions are concerns.

Tester 9: High Swing Speed Golfer

Tester 9 is me, and it's been a while since I served as a club tester. While my swing speed is above average, my ball striking most certainly isn't. Much to my wife's consternation, I play 50 rounds a year and compete (or at least try to compete) in several club-level tournaments each season.

Age: 44
USGA Index: 12
Swing Speed: High
Current Iron: PXG 0311

Observations:

• What stands out in my case is the consistency in club speed, ball speed, and ultimately the carry distance produced by the two difference sets.
• In each scenario, there was there no more than 1.5 yards difference between my gamers and the Forged ONE.
• Consistency (standard error) was appreciably better with the Forged ONE across all 3 irons tested.
• Launch angle, spin rates, and apex were also higher across the board with the Forged ONE.
• Shot dispersion and face impact areas were consistently smaller with the Forged ONE.
• While shots hit with the Forged ONE were on average left of the target line, I suspect this is related to lie angle, shaft deflection, or some combination thereof. Adjustment is required, but because the results are consistent throughout the set, I'm not overly concerned.
• Not surprising given my average-at-best ball striking, the data suggests I may be an ideal candidate for single length irons.

Is ONE Length Right for You?

While our data suggests few absolutes there are three generalizations we feel comfortable making.

• Middle Handicap Golfers (call it 8-14) with moderate to high swing speed who sometimes struggle with consistent ballstriking appear to the be sweet spot for single length irons. These are golfers generally looking for more consistency across all facets of their games, and by eliminating what can be a troublesome variable, single length irons can provide just that. It's why I'll be starting the 2017 season with a set in my bag.
• Slower Swing Speed Golfers and Seniors in particular, may struggle with Cobra's implementation of single length. In the long irons the head speed lost can be difficult to overcome, and distance gains in the shorter irons may be a bit too much on a comparative basis. Substituting hybrids for long irons is at least part of a potential solution, but that brings you one club further removed from the single length philosophy.
• Single Digit to Scratch Golfers may benefit from ONE Length. The data suggests that already excellent ballstrikers can see their consistency improve; however, these are the golfers who, among our testing pool anyway, showed the most resistance to the single length concept. We believe it can help these types of golfers, but it requires an open mind.

As with anything else in your bag, your mileage may vary and your best results are likely only achievable with the help of a proper fitting. I can't recommend enough that you visit your local Cobra fitter and take the time to find out how the performance from the 5, 7, and 9-irons in your set compares to ONE Length.

For more information on Cobra ONE Length irons, visit CobraGolf.com. For those interested in learning more about how ONE Length wedges compare to traditional models, we'll be conducting some additional research this spring.

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