Jeff
We clearly have different views on what defines a rabbit.
Niall
FWIW, I think we are talking about the difference between a +3 index and a +7 or +8.
There are damned few PGA Tour player with handicaps higher than +4
FWIW, GHIN allows you to look up an index if you know what state they play in and quite a few pros are carrying handicaps these days so they can play in games at home with the locals. I've recently looked a few up and found one at +5.1 (he shot 58 ay mom's club), a +7.5 Whisper Rock member at and a +8.4 at Oak Tree National.
Colt Knost, who didn't stay out there recently said on PGA Tour Radio he was a +2.8 at Whisper Rock and getting 2 a side from Max Homa.
So are there guys on Tour who are able to stick because the GI clubs helped them a shot a round while only making a half a shot difference to the best players? Beats the hell out of me.
But I do think that GI clubs help players from about a 10 handicap down to just under scratch more than they help players outside that range.
I am sure that most bogey golfers are getting damned little help from modern clubs, because I play with them 4 times a week. They (we) hit too many simply despicable shots that nothing will help. And they result in our big numbers.
When we make good swings, we often hit the middle of the face, and an old blade would result in a good shot. Now, I DO think that graphite shafted irons with light shafts make a difference, if only because they allow old farts like me to still swing the club.