Beginners clubs

[caslad81]

Hi all,

Currently having a couple of weeks off the game due mental and physical instabilities! I was wondering about my clubs. I am using a set of Wilson XL Stretch starter set (about 4 months old), driver, 3W, 3+4H and 5i-SW and use any type of ball in good nick. During the winter I am considering getting a decent set of clubs to start playing with next year. I usually shoot between 80-90 at the mo but would like to think I can get below 80 for next season. What are the benefits from more advanced clubs as I have never hit one! and would my money be better spent on lessons?

Thanks

 

[HomerJSimpson]

It depends on your standard, aspirations and budget. If you are relatively new I'd be looking touse the winter to work on the game with lessons and get the swing working properly for the start of next season. Once the Spring comes have a look round as most of the 2011 stuff will have been released. Try before you buy and enjoy the looking and testing

 

[USER1999]

If you are shooting around 80, then the title of this post is a misnomer.

Beginner? Paff.

 

[caslad81]

What because I have had some good rounds in the 80s my clubs arnt beginners clubs?? I was refering to the clubs. Anyway I only took the game up in April so technically I am beginner and I should have been more acurate with the scores I have had 3 rounds in the mid 80s and usually score around 90ish. So was wondering what are the best type of improvement clubs and what would I benefit from them.

Thanks

 

[USER1999]

But you aren't looking for beginners clubs? Strange title, as most who would use that title would then post 'what clubs should a beginner buy?'

You need to go see a pro, and see what he recommends. There are many ways of playing to a decent level, and hence anyone recommending a set of clubs without seeing you swing is guessing.

What I mean is, you could be a great ball striker with a rubbish short game, or a poor ball striker with a hot short game and shoot the same score. Each would need different style irons.

If you are looking to improve (clearly you are), then a decent set of clubs would help, but they would need to be the right ones for you, or you would be wasting your money, and no better off.

First and foremost, you need the correct flex shafts.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Have a look at some cavity backs like theG15's or R9's. Plenty of forgiveness and a decent ball flight. There are other options like cavity backed player clubs if you think you could use them. I'd have a chat with your pro as you can obviously play a bit to be scoring in the 80's already

 

[caslad81]

Thanks.

OK maybe I should have changed the title, what I am saying is I am currently using beginners clubs, anyways is there any brand you would lean towards regarding improvement clubs as I have heard tales of pros directing you towards what they want to get rid of or what they make the most money on.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If you go to American Golf they will try and flog you Nicklaus, Yones, Wilson or Hogan. These are their biggest mark ups and the staff are trained to push these at all costs first. If you have a set in mind, stick to your guns and ask to try that. You'd be better off going to a PGA pro for a more balanced opinion and if he looks at you hitting a few could probably recommend something to suit

 

[USER1999]

That is where finding a good pro comes in. Ideally one who would want repeat custom.

If you are a good ball striker, then Titleist make nice stuff, like AP2s, or any of the Mizuno MP range (not the 68s though, you need to be mustard to hit blades).

If you are a reasonable ball striker, the Ping i15s, Callaway X22 pro, or Taylor made R9 TP.

If you need a bit of help, the Taylormade R9, Callay X22, are fine.

If you really, really need help, Ping G15s or Callaway Big Bertha. These are ugly, but do a job.

There are other clubs out there, but these are probably the most common.

You also need something which suits your eye.

Main thing is get the right shaft for your swing speed. It makes a big difference, not just in terms of how far you hit them, but also dispersion.

I would go 4i to pw with the irons.

I would buy a hybrid 3. Hard to recommend one, not really my thing as I am not up to date with them.

A decent driver is a must if you hit it well. Again, it depends how much you want to spend, but avoid Titleist unless you really hit it well. Ping G15 or G10 is probably middle of the road, you won't go too far wrong and is easy to sell on. Avoid silly lofts of less than 9.5. Again, get the correct flex shaft for your swing speed.

Don't get too hooked up on custom fit (oh no, familiar arguement about to start). If your swing isn't metronomic, it can lead to too much complication. You really just want something you can hit the fairway with.

 

[caslad81]

Some great advice there, thanks very much. One more question before I go get some lunch. New or used? providing you get the correct flex as already stated.

 

[USER1999]

There are some good bargains about on last years stuff, which is new but old. Good quality second hand gear is a good bet if you aren't loaded.

Golfbidder.com sells alot of second hand stuff, it is rated out of 10, and the ratings are pretty accurate. Not the cheapest place to buy, but you can return it if you don't like it.

Loads of fake stuff on fleabay, but some bargains too.

It does help to try before you buy.

There really isn't much difference between this years stuff and last years, if you aren't worried about being trendy, regardless of what the manufacturers say.

 

[haplesshacker]

That all comes down to budget, and to a certain extent how you feel about using pre-owned equipment. I have a used driver that I'm experimenting with. It's a cheap(er) way of finding out what you like and don't like.

Back to the clubs though. Some good words of advice on here.

We don't know what your strengths and weaknesses are. Driving, iron play, short game, putting etc. So it's nigh on impossible to suggest a specific set of clubs. Some mid h'cap players use super game improvement irons, whilst others use blades. Whilst most will probably use something inbetween.

There's been a bit of an explosion of mid h'cap clubs on the market over the last year and there is a huge choice. Or maybe that's my interpretation of it as I was looking at these types of clubs earlier this year.

Trial and error using demo clubs, normally a 6 iron on a range will help massively. You'll be able to see for yourself what works and what doesn't. Look for a narrow dispersion rather than just pure distance.

If your pretty average size wise, most off the shelf stuff would be okay. You might even be able to try a reg and a stiff shaft with the same club head. Again the mark one eyeball will give you an idea of which works better for you. A good pro shop will often have these available as a 6 iron demo club.

As a final thing. Try and narrow it down to a couple of clubs and then ask to take one out during a round of golf and use it on the course. Ranges are one thing, the course is another.

Good luck and enjoy the process.

 

[The_LHC]

What because I have had some good rounds in the 80s my clubs arnt beginners clubs?? I was refering to the clubs. Anyway I only took the game up in April so technically I am beginner and I should have been more acurate with the scores I have had 3 rounds in the mid 80s and usually score around 90ish.

I think it was more a comment on your idea that you're a beginner. I've been playing for 32 YEARS and haven't broken 90 this year. Those scores don't indicate that you're a beginner, ergo you don't really want beginners clubs.