Hometown: Fairfield, Conn.

Age: 64

Handicap: 4

Occupation: President of event management company

Old Irons: Game-improvement cavity back, 4-PW, steel shaft, stiff flex, standard lie and length

Jim Martin

MIZUNO MX-900
4-PW, graphite shaft, stiff flex, standard lie, length + 1/2", $ 1,264 for 8 (steel), $1,408 for 8 (graphite); 800-966-1211 or mizunousa.com

Clubfitter: Max Miller, custon fitting specialist, Custom Golf of Connecticut, Stamford, Conn.

"Jim has a good swing but it tends to be flat. On mis-hits, the clubface is slightly open and impact is on the toe, which costs him efficiency. We set out to get him 10 percent higher flight to improve his carry distance, ball speed and dispersion pattern. MX-900 has a lower center of gravity than his old irons to get shots up higher. It's more forgiving, too, which increases ball speed. We switched from steel to graphite to fit his swing speed [6-iron at 76 mph] and rhythmic tempo."

Know your limits

There's no law that says low handicaps must play blades. Think about what's best for your game. Also, keep in mind your current ball may not spin--or react--optimally with your new sticks.