Beginner's clubs

[Astraeus]

Having rekindled the old flame that is golf, I've decided to step-up from my inappropriately-sized hand-me-down unbranded clubs. In consultation with my local Pro, I was advised that I have a fast swing speed and that I will need an extra half-inch on my clubs to match my frame (at 6' 3"). He recommended either Ping G20s or Wilson Staff DFYs. The £450 Pings, he advised, were the no-value option when stacked up against the DFYs.

I was initially swayed by the DFYs but, having read more, they seem to be appropriate for slow-swingers with their half/half shaft. From my Pro's perspective I don't have a problem with swing speed and so I'd feel more comfortable with the extra control of a stiff steel shaft. I need an element of forgiveness so a decent-sized sweet spot would be helpful!

The price of the Pings made me baulk (although I later considered it reasonable) so I would preferably not be pushed into spending more than £350 on a 3/4-PW set of clubs. Cobra S2s and TaylorMade Burner Pluses are both options in addition to the above.

What would people recommend as a decent starter's set at this price point?

 

[gumbo84]

I think at these prices i would head down to my range or pro shop n have a few tries with a few different ones. at least then you could see what works best for you

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My advice would be to have a chat with a pro at a club or a driving range and try as many sets as you can first. Try and see if there any previous models still around (G15 etc) as they should be cheaper.

 

[Foxholer]

It's actually possible to get the sort of set that will last a couple of years 2nd hand (eg Ebay or Golfbidder) - so significantly less than that price. And +0.5 is a reasonably common requirement.

If new, I'd ignore the 3, or even the 4, and get a Gap Wedge and/or hybrid instead. As par of 'improvement' companies have actually been 'cheating' with lofts so today's PW is the 9-iron of a couple of years ago.

And there are well priced 'budget' makers that provide better value than the likes of Ping etc.

 

[Astraeus]

Useful input indeed folks, so thank you for that. Golf Bidder looks a valuable resource although it doesn't indicate whether the clubs have been lenghtened or not so I'll need to make some enquiries. ~£330 for the Pings is a tempting price but I still feel my money is better-served on a 'lesser' club.

I've got another lesson with my club pro next week so I'll see if it is possible to take a few swings with different clubs. I'll also head up to the driving range on Tuesday to hit a few shots with their offerings and see if anything good rears its head.