Buying Clubs

[mushroom]

I'm still very new to golf, I’ve had a number of lessons and I am ready to ditch my £20 clubs second hand off EBay. I have a Nevada Bobs across the road from me. The dilemma I have is I'm going to go in there and try lots of different clubs, but I probably have no intention of buying any from there as I know I can probably get them a lot cheaper online.

I don't know what I want, and I realise its pointless asking for a recommendation as only I will know what is right.

But I feel bad kind of just using them, as this attitude is probably putting a lot of retailers out of business as they can't compete with online businesses.

Does anyone else do this and feel bad?

Don't get me wrong I have no problem paying a bit extra for a good service, but it is quite a large saving buying online!

 

[Imurg]

Hi, welcome to the Forum.....

I know what you mean.

As long as you can gat the same specification of club online and you are happy with the online seller then I say go for it.

I've recently changed most of my kit. I went to various ranges and shops to try just about everything going until I was happy with what I wanted. I then got them from the cheapest place that had the spec I needed.

Some retailers will price match so its always worth asking for a deal.

The key is making sure the clubs are right for you - get custom fitted if you like but try lots and then haggle!!

 

[USER1999]

If they want the business they will price match.

 

[madandra]

Check out American Golf's web site, as it says they will 'try' and price match too.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Have no problems about what you are doing. If you try out as many as you can and find something you like as long as you can then show them the price online they should match it. If not its their loss of business

 

[RGuk]

I wouldn't personally go into a shop and spend time with a salesperson to then buy on the net. I wouldn't express any opinion about someone that did.....I don't mind.....
In terms of the latest kit.....sure, you can save a lot online.....but the big stores AG/DG/NB etc. WILL have some discounted/bargain/2nd hand sets which they'll be glad to help you with and take your money.

At my local DG/AG, I reckon that almost any day of the week, I could walk in, get some advice, try a few sets and walk out with a good priced set. They all try to sell the newest gear, of course, but there are bargains all over the shop (literally). I bought a brand new set (on clearance) which were less than second hand.....If it really bothers you, explain that you have a strict budget (even if that's not strictly true) and want to look at a set that you won't discover is £100 less online.

 

[mrobbie]

I would rather buy in a store for the sake of the 100 quid on a set. Buying in the store gets you better advice IMHO and most importantly, better after care. If the clubs break, take them straight to the shop rather than fanny about with phone calls, e-mails and postage.

Also, if you buy your clubs in a store like this (or more so your local pro) the I am sure they will look after you down the line for anything else you buy.

Back in Oz, I bought a new driver from a friendly Scottish pro that worked at the local course who gave great advice and spent time with me on the range to make sure I had the right club. A few weeks later I had picked up some Vokey wedges bought through the same guy. Then after that some discussion with him got a set of Titleist irons custom fitted for a cracking price.

I could have got the driver on-line and saved a few $, but I saved more in the long run through the pro.

When my driver broke, he never even questionned it, and handed me a brand new 905R with no paper work to fill in or credit notes. Old R7 460 handed over with slight head rattle, new 905R given back. Sorted in less than 5 minutes.

My advice - buy from a store that you are likely to be back in and get the long term benefit.

 

[mushroom]

That’s my only other problem about going into a shop and being pushed into something that may not be suitable for me i.e. an own brand that they make the most mark up on.

As I am still a newbie, I am not totally sure what I should be looking for in my first set? Do I go all out a spend £1000 and probably look like a fool with all the gear and no clue!
Or I've seen some second hand Mizuno mx series for under £150 on golfbidder.

I've only got my naff second hand set for £20 off eBay, and I borrowed my pro's I believe they were Taylor Made RX to go by. So it’s all a bit confusing.

I've been a carp fisherman for years I can pick up a rod + reel and automatically know if it feels right within a few casts and plays. I know what I'm looking for unfortunately with Golf I don't yet know.

 

[Ken_A]

I would rather buy in a store for the sake of the 100 quid on a set. Buying in the store gets you better advice IMHO and most importantly, better after care. If the clubs break, take them straight to the shop rather than fanny about with phone calls, e-mails and postage.

Scorned once - Now I will only buy from my pro - who is always pretty close price wise.

Check this link out

 

[HomerJSimpson]

If you are worried about getting sold the latest gear or those with the highest mark up visit a few local clubs and chat with the pros. They will be able to give you honest advice without the hard sell and may even get a look at your swing and advice you further.

 

[Molly]

Mushroom - good advice from the rest of the posters...get to the shop, try loads, then haggle! It works...I did it 2 weeks ago.

I went to Direct Golf looking for a new driver. I went with a (mostly) open mind as I have a set of TMs and a TM Burner 3-wood. The obvious choice was a Burner driver, but I purposely tried several others (Nike Sumo, Cobra & Ping), but loved the Burner.

When I went to pay, I got the guy to price match American Golf website after he went online to see it on screen. As it happens, DG have since reduced their online price to match AG.

I got advice about the shafts & loft from the very helpful pro, then a price match...I was and still am a happy camper!

Goo luck mate