Golf Clubs Question

[cuervo72]

I'm looking to buy a set of clubs, I've only been golfing once (I stink, shot in the 130's with some charity a few years ago), but am going with some other dads on my street for a belated fathers' day outing. I bounced the idea of buying a cheap set of clubs off of my wife. She thinks it was a good idea, but figures with the kids getting out of infancy (3 and 1) I might be playing more often in the future, so why not get a decent (though not great) set :D. Any suggestions on what clubs I should get (3x8 + PW + putter?), and what brand? Like I said, I pretty much stink right now, so I don't know if quality clubs will help all that much :)

[Craptacular]

For your "talent" level, I wouldn't spend more than $250 total for everything. You're probably better off buying a set that comes with woods (Driver, 3, 5) and irons (3-PW) together, rather than buying them separately. Then go test out a bunch of putters and buy one that feels good. I'd also consider buying a cheap SW or LW, not for hitting full shots with, but for those times when you're in or on the wrong sides of bunkers, water, etc ... and I'm guessing you'll be there a lot! :D

Honestly, for a beginning golfer, there's no reason to buy "nice" clubs. Get something serviceable, and if you enjoy it and play more often, then you can always upgrade later. I've had three sets of clubs in my life: a 6-club beginner set from age 7 to 12 or 13, then a full set that I used until I was about 25, and now the Top Flite irons that I bought a couple of years ago.

[cuervo72]

Thanks Craptacular....talent, that's funny ;)

I think that will be the range I end up in. I'm certainly not at the point where I need $1000 clubs, but my wife has a point that I shouldn't just go out and buy the cheapest set out there. Some of the ones I've seen do come with bag, D,3,5 Wood, and 3-PW. I guess you're probably right about the extra wedge, I'll likely be in the sand a lot. I probably won't have much of a chance to try out putters, I guess I'll just pick one that feels pretty good. Is there really anything that distinguishes one make from another in the $150-$250 range, or are they all pretty much the same?

[Blade]

I have to agree with Craptacular. Get a cheaper set of clubs and get to learn the game. If you become an enthusiast, and get a swing-style down, then you should visit some club makers, have your swing analyzed, and they can build some clubs custom for you.

Me, I am perfectly happy hacking away with cheaper clubs...

;)

[Craptacular]

Well, the familiar brand names that you're likely to find in this price range are Wilson, Top-Flite, Dunlop, Ram, Golden Bear, Knight, and a few others I've forgotten, as well as some lesser known brands that only sell at specific golf shops (TourEdge is an example of a brand that I've only seen sold at one shop in the area). Knight is a brand that you'll probably see at WalMart or equivalent discount stores, but I know people who play with those clubs and like them. Personally, I'd avoid the no-name "exclusive" brands, as you never really know what kind of quality they are.

If you can, go to a couple of specialty golf shops, and then go to some discount stores or sporting good stores that sell golf clubs. Make note of the cheaper brands that a lot of the stores carry, and you'll probably be fairly safe buying one of those. Often, the golf-only stores will try to push their line of "exclusive" clubs on you. Some may very well be decent clubs, but I'm always wary of buying something that no one else sells. At least try to figure out if you want graphite shafts on your irons or all steel, and then look for a good deal.

As for the golf bag, I recommend buying it separately, unless you find a set you like that happens to have a good bag with it. Do you plan on walking most of the time you play? Will you ride in a cart or use a pull cart? If you're carrying, definitely get a bag with a stand, and preferably with the dual shoulder straps. Again, shop around, and you should be able to find a decent bag for $50 (I got one at Target). The more full-length dividers it has, the better. Make sure it's got enough pockets to handle golf balls, a jacket, your wallet, etc.

[RPI-Fan]

Big pockets are a MUST - if you're a weekend golfer, you'll probably have to put up with bad weather sometimes, meaning you'll need extra clothes and towels.

So make sure you get lots of pockets. You won't regret it - buying a luxurious bag would be a very wise decision. It'll make you want to play more.

[kcchief19]

I concur with Crappy. However, at your experience level, I would suggest a used set of clubs. You'll have to shop a bit, but you'll be able to get a better set of clubs for the same price as buying clubs that are not as good. If you go the new route, stay away from "non-traditional" stores -- that is, I do not encourage anyway to buy golf clubs at Wal-Mart.

I don't know your area, but I'm willing to be that there is a golf store chain of some sort in the area. That's a good place to shop for used clubs. Don't be afraid to bargain with them. Also tell that you want to use the clubs to see if you like them and if not you want to be able to bring them back for an exchange. You won't be able to do that with new clubs.

And for your sanity and the sanity of fellow golfers -- and I can't stress this enough -- go and join a golf for beginners class or take some lessons before you even think about hitting the course. You won't have a lot of fun shooting 150 and the people playing behind you will have even less fun. Taking lessons before you even go to the driving range will help prevent you from picking up bad habits that are hard to break.

Good luck!

[Kevin]

Go to a local pro shop. They often have used clubs for sale that they have accepted on trade. You can often get good clubs for one third of their original price, although they may need to be regripped. If you tell the Pro how far you hit the ball and how high, he can give you a solid recommendation.

[cuervo72]

As stores go, I was thinking of heading to the local Sports Authority. I would think they should have a half decent selection and are really the only major sporting goods store in the immediate area (other stores which I know carry clubs are K-Mart and of course Wal-mart, which I guess I might steer away from). From SA's site, it looks like they carry makes like Ram, Orbiter, Wilson, Golden Bear, Mitsushiba, Intech, Dunlop, Knight.

There is a shop not far from the SA which I suppose I could stop in, though I'm sure I'd feel like an idiot talking to the pro. I don't know how far and high I hit the ball, I really have only played a full round once, and that was 7 (?) years ago. Haven't been to a driving range in a while either, but I am going to try to go to one later this week weather permitting. Lessons are a good idea, but I'm playing on Saturday. I'm going with a large group that is going to be broken down into maybe 5 or 6 foursomes. There's another guy in my grouping (all 4 of us live on the same street) who probably isn't much better than I; the organizer of the outing has an idea of our skill level, and knows we will probably be a little slow. He's tried to arrange the ordering of the groups accordingly.

As far as the bag goes...a number of the sets do look like they come with them and if I get one that does I certainly won't be averse to upgrading it in the future if I need too. Otherwise I'll look for a good bag - I do always like things with many compartments/pockets :) I'm guessing most of the time I'd be playing with a cart, so a stand won't be essential yet.

Graphite/steel - is this pretty much a preference in what weight of club feels more comfortable?