Beginner with a couple of gear Qs...

[TimmyO]

Hi there, I’m a late starter (47) beginner who on a bit of a whim purchased a used 7 iron and went to the range a few weeks ago. I did the usual “watch a couple of Youtube videos and give it a go” thing and predictably whilst there were some decent seeming shots it was quite inconsistent, and I don’t even think I held the club the same way twice

I’ve booked onto short group course (and hour a week for 4 weeks starting in a week or so) locally so will be hoping to get some proper instruction to start me off.

In the meanwhile, I also bought a random used Driver and went to the range with a friend (plays off 7) and he gave me a couple of other basic tips while I hit that and the 7.

ANYWAY: another friend has sold me his old irons and a 3w and a hybrid for cheap, and I’m thinking ahead to when I might make a first foray out onto a 9 hole local course (the low handicap friend said he’d be happy to take me out after my lessons) and I’m aware that before that day I’ll need balls and a putter.

Putter: do i just buy something cheap and see how I get on from there, or is there something new or used that’s going to be most useable for a beginner?

Balls: just buy used ones cos I’ll be losing them? Or budget new ones? Or...?

Any patient, noob-friendly input very gratefully received

Thanks
Tim

 

[patricks148]

anyone that could lent you a spare putter, your mate for instance?

or just get a cheap on for the time being.

balls again cheap would do if you are going to be losing a few.

just get out and play would be my advice, much more fun playing than hitting balls, good luck

 

[TimmyO]

anyone that could lent you a spare putter, your mate for instance?

or just get a cheap on for the time being.

balls again cheap would do if you are going to be losing a few.

just get out and play would be my advice, much more fun playing than hitting balls, good luck

My friend is left-handed unfortunately!

I think I’d prefer to be able to reliably hit the ball before venturing onto the course

cheers for the tips

 

[Imurg]

Putter
Try and find something that helps you line up easily. Some putters have few if any alignment aids and that can make it tricky

Balls
Initially I'd buy used ones.
You're going to lose them and at the moment you're unlikely to get any benefit from anything special. Unless you get something cheap from Sports Direct but don't pay a lot for balls at this stage.
Good luck, keep is in the loop and welcome to the mad house

 

[Crow]

Where are you? There are probably people on here close to you who'd have the odd spare putter, I know I have.

 

[Orikoru]

Putters are very much a personal thing. Anything that you like the look and the weight of will be good to start with, it doesn't have to be expensive. There's no such thing as a putter for beginners. Balls, yes, anything cheap to start with. Pick up any you find in the bushes when you play to keep yourself restocked.

 

[Imurg]

Where are you? There are probably people on here close to you who'd have the odd spare putter, I know I have.

And some of yours are very odd!!

 

[Lord Tyrion]

Look out for lake balls on ebay. At your stage Grade A will be fine, as you get better and start to lose fewer then you pay a bit more for Pearl Grade or buy new from the shops.

Putter, as above, try to borrow one until you work out what style you like. If you can't do that then something like an Odyssey 2 ball putter would be great to start with. They will help you line up your putts and Odyssey are a really solid brand. Look second hand again, there should be plenty around.

 

[ArnoldArmChewer]

Where are you? There are probably people on here close to you who'd have the odd spare putter, I know I have.

^^^^^^^^^ This i have a spare(s) which I could lend you

 

[Dando]

And some of yours are very odd!!

Don’t you mean “old”

 

[Imurg]

Don’t you mean “old”

That too!

 

[TimmyO]

Cheers folks.

I'm in sunny Swindon should anyone have a suitable putter to sell on!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Putters are a personal thing. My advice is get to an American Golf or similar (range etc) and try different styles to see what suits. Golfbidder have a lot of second hand offers

As for balls, I'd buy cheap and wouldn't worry if they are lake balls or refurbished at this stage. Just by lots of ammo as you'll lose a few

 

[BubbaP]

If you are on Facebook try the market place for putters local to you. You may be able to visit and at least see if it suits your eye before paying.

 

[Doh]

Just try to avoid refurbished balls those are ones that have been re-covered you never know what you are hitting. Welcome.

 

[backwoodsman]

Buy second hand balls from Ebay. Loads to choose from. Even though you're new, you still want to avoid the absolute cr#p balls. Balls like Srixon AD333 or Wilson Staff are decent enough mid range and you should be able to get 50 for rather less than £20. Putter; like others have said, go somewhere like American Golf and try a few. They almost certainly will gave some second hand ones. Putters are very personal, you'll sort of "know" what feels right for now. But caution, do not spend a lot - in due course you will want to change it. It's as inevitable as night following day.

Ps: Welcome. A lifetime of fun, frustration and friends awaits...

 

[TimmyO]

40 balls purchased from ebay 👍

 

[rudebhoy]

40 balls purchased from ebay 👍

For future reference, Sports Direct do Slazenger/Dunlop balls which work out at 37p if you by 2 x 24 packs. Not the greatest balls, but better than than buying used off the bay.

You will need to find out the rules re clothing at the 9 hole. If it's council run, they might be pretty relaxed, but for any private club, you should get away with a polo shirt and a pair of smart trousers. Also, most likely you'll need a pair of golf shoes.

Take a waterproof jacket with you.

 

[SwingsitlikeHogan]

You can pick up a putter for £1 from a charity shop; will often be a Ping Zing lookie-likey. For your very first putter and getting an idea what you like the look of and what putting is all about - what not? Wouldn't suggest same for woods and irons - but for putters - why not.

 

[rudebhoy]

American Golf is a good shout for second hand putters. You can try them out, and they can be stupidly cheap. I paid £23 for a Odyssey White Hot 2 ball putter about 3 years ago. Am still using it, really like it.