Hey Golf Nut, I want to get a new set of irons but I'm not sure if I should get steel or graphite. I'm not that good a golfer and have graphite clubs now and I'm wondering if steel would help my accuracy.

Well over the last several years everyone has jumped on the graphite bandwagon. Most of the golf club companies seem to push mostly graphite shafts. Most amateur golfers say that they prefer graphite when they don’t really know why.

Here is my experience with shaft material. Graphite is very good for older golfers or golfers with bad joints. There is less vibration from contact with the ground. The more you play golf, the more this can affect you. If you are only a very occasional golfer, this won’t usually become a factor.

If your golf swing is normally slow to moderate speed, graphite is usually a good pick for your golf clubs. However if you swing really hard or fast, it can affect your accuracy and you might want to consider steel. The newer materials continue to improve so this factor may not be a consideration as time goes on. But all things being equal, steel shafts will provide more stability for the golfer with a faster golf swing.

One overall comment on your shaft material. My experience is that there are a lot more factors that typically affect your golf game than graphite vs. steel shafts. If the cost isn’t an issue, I woullnt’ waste too much time on the decision. You would be better off getting a few golf lessons and spending some more time on your practice, especially around the green.

Good luck and good golfing!