As of about 4 years ago, I started playing through the winter. I got tired of starting off shooting low 90s-100s in the beginning of the season and then by the end I would occassionally break 90. September would come and I would put the clubs away until April/May and then go back to where I started the year before, never really improving.
I played about 10 times from this past November through March. Played 2 times this past weekend and playing at least this Friday/Saturday and maybe Sunday. Winter time I try to make it to the range at least 1-2 times every 2 weeks. In season, I hit balls least 3 times a week and sometimes 2 times in 1 day--lunch and then after work. It gets expensive though so rather than buying buckets I'll go the local golf course and just chip and putt. I've gone from 21 down to as low as a 7.8 last summer--I got hot during a stretch and broke 80 a few times so I feel my handicap was a little inflated (deflated? haha). I ended the season at as a 9.4---Northeast stops tracking handicaps out of season after Oct 31 through I beleive April 30th.
I'm using Taylor Made RAC OS irons now. Theyre about 6-7 years old and considered game improvememnt clubs--larger sweet spot to decrease the effect of a mis-hit. I have my eye on these Mizuno MP-59s which I hit at the simulator while the guy was popping Project X shafts in and out. Comparing my Tyalor Made 6 Iron to the Mizuno 6 Iron, it was about 20-25 yards longer, trajectory mostly remained the same and not as much draw/hook, depending on which PX shaft was used. I know those simulators bump yardage--but thats why I was comparing my current 6I to the Mizuno so that it was an even comparisson. Mizuno is hosting a free fitting at this store close to my place and I am scheduled for April 17th. Im wondering if they will recommend the MP-59s---the Mizuno site recommends clubs based on certain handicaps. I have about $1700 saved.
It's crazy what a different shaft can do to distance, spin rate, and trajectory. Pretty pumped.