Completing the bag

[sam19113]

So I've been using the same clubs I started with when I picked up golf a few years ago and I feel it's time for a change. I have some cash earmarked for some new clubs but I'm in a bit of a dilemma where to start. FYI I'm off 28, normally score on average between 99 and 105.

So let me give you some of my thoughts on my clubs. My driver - probably a 10 year old model that I don't particularly get on with, I don't hit it great. A Ping G25 3 wood from my Dad who never got on with it, favourite club in the bag and not prepared to part ways with that.

My irons I hit okay, my misses are normally quite big so a new set of sticks with some forgiveness would be quite welcome. My alternative ideas here could be a hybrid or two (5 is the longest iron I have) or maybe buy two or three nice wedges for the short game.

Putter - I putt okay and practice > new club here I think.

So, what's the feeling? Where should I start building my bag? Thanks in advance!

 

[GG26]

My scores are similar to yours. I have built up my bag gradually over the past year and based on what you have said above you may consider the following:

Replacement driver - if you like the Ping G25 3-wood, the driver from the same range may be a good place to start. Alternatively, have a look at the models that came out a couple of years ago, which will be great but significantly cheaper than the latest versions.

Try out a few different irons if you can. I bought some Wilson D200s last year (not the greatest looking, but good for a beginner with a fair bit of forgiveness and considerably more distance than the 30 year old clubs I had before).

Certainly worth trying out a hybrid (I have a 4-hybrid and recently purchased a 2-hybrid to complete my bag). The trick with these is to remember to hit them like an iron and not as you would hit a wood. It may take a little practice to get used to one, but its worth it. I would go for a 4-hybrid first.

Wedges - think about what shots you would want to use one for and how it would complement your irons. My D200s PW & SW are 46 and 54 and so I bought a 50 and 58 (Cleveland 588 Rotex 2.0). These are nice clubs and I tend to use them from around the green (the 58 only when having to pitch over a bunker or with little green to play with). I would try a 50 first and see how you get on with it.

Putter - very much personal preference. Mine is a 30 year old Fazer bullshead putter and I am happy with it, although I have yet to try anything else.

Personally, I would start with the irons and then gradually add the other clubs as your budget allows.

Good luck and I hope that you find the clubs that suit you.

 

[t0m]

I like my wilson di11 can be picked up cheap and are not that old

 

[sam19113]

My scores are similar to yours. I have built up my bag gradually over the past year and based on what you have said above you may consider the following:

Replacement driver - if you like the Ping G25 3-wood, the driver from the same range may be a good place to start. Alternatively, have a look at the models that came out a couple of years ago, which will be great but significantly cheaper than the latest versions.

Try out a few different irons if you can. I bought some Wilson D200s last year (not the greatest looking, but good for a beginner with a fair bit of forgiveness and considerably more distance than the 30 year old clubs I had before).

Certainly worth trying out a hybrid (I have a 4-hybrid and recently purchased a 2-hybrid to complete my bag). The trick with these is to remember to hit them like an iron and not as you would hit a wood. It may take a little practice to get used to one, but its worth it. I would go for a 4-hybrid first.

Wedges - think about what shots you would want to use one for and how it would complement your irons. My D200s PW & SW are 46 and 54 and so I bought a 50 and 58 (Cleveland 588 Rotex 2.0). These are nice clubs and I tend to use them from around the green (the 58 only when having to pitch over a bunker or with little green to play with). I would try a 50 first and see how you get on with it.

Putter - very much personal preference. Mine is a 30 year old Fazer bullshead putter and I am happy with it, although I have yet to try anything else.

Personally, I would start with the irons and then gradually add the other clubs as your budget allows.

Good luck and I hope that you find the clubs that suit you.

Cheers for all that, I think I'm leaning to maybe getting a hybrid and a wedge or two. Looking at the slightly older models is a good shout as well to maximise value for money and all that!

I reckon replacing my irons may be pushed to the side for now. Might as well fill out either side of them first.

 

[selwood90]

Just finished mine off after about 9 months of playing properly. Knowing your distances is always good when changing your clubs so you can fill the gap distance wise, rather than what you think you may need. Hybrids are great, brought a callaway RAZR tour 3 hybrid to fit the gap between 3 wood and 4 iron. Very easy to hit compared to a 3 iron for a high handicapper like myself. (Off 20) Irons wise I'd get out there and try as many of the game improvement irons you can get your hands on. Even if your not going to buy them now, maybe by the time you do they will be the older versions and at a heavily discounted price. It's all good fun trying out clubs, enjoy!

 

[bobmac]

If you're still off 28 after a few years, I'd suggest you get some lessons rather than new clubs.

 

[sam19113]

If you're still off 28 after a few years, I'd suggest you get some lessons rather than new clubs.

I've been having lessons too and they've helped a lot. I think part of the problem was I was at university when I picked up the game so I've never had the chance to play regularly. Now I can play most weekends I'm definitely seeing a difference and I'm dropping shots off my scores, and hopefully my handicap soon!

 

[bobmac]

I've been having lessons too and they've helped a lot. I think part of the problem was I was at university when I picked up the game so I've never had the chance to play regularly. Now I can play most weekends I'm definitely seeing a difference and I'm dropping shots off my scores, and hopefully my handicap soon!

That makes sense.
Glad to hear you're having lessons as they will get you're h/cap down faster than 100s of £s of new clubs.
Doesn't mean you cant get both though

Here's what I would describe as 'standard modern set'
10-12 deg Driver
15 deg 3 wood
21, 24 hybrid
5-PW,
GW (52)
SW (56 or 58)
Putter.

That leaves room for either a 5 wood or 18 hybrid, although some would rather have an extra wedge

 

[virtuocity]

That makes sense.
Glad to hear you're having lessons as they will get you're h/cap down faster than 100s of £s of new clubs.
Doesn't mean you cant get both though

Here's what I would describe as 'standard modern set'
10-12 deg Driver
15 deg 3 wood
21, 24 hybrid
5-PW,
GW (52)
SW (56 or 58)
Putter.

That leaves room for either a 5 wood or 18 hybrid, although some would rather have an extra wedge

Many modern 5 irons are 23 degrees, and if this was the case, then you'd be going 6-PW. This would leave a space for a 60 and 64 degree wedge :rofl:

 

[bobmac]

Many modern 5 irons are 23 degrees, and if this was the case, then you'd be going 6-PW. This would leave a space for a 60 and 64 degree wedge :rofl:

Or a 1 and a 2 iron :thup:

 

[shewy]

That makes sense.
Glad to hear you're having lessons as they will get you're h/cap down faster than 100s of £s of new clubs.
Doesn't mean you cant get both though

Here's what I would describe as 'standard modern set'
10-12 deg Driver
15 deg 3 wood
21, 24 hybrid
5-PW,
GW (52)
SW (56 or 58)
Putter.

That leaves room for either a 5 wood or 18 hybrid, although some would rather have an extra wedge

I'd mostly agree with that although i'd say 19/22 3 and 4 hybrid
you may want to look and the 2nd hand or Ping G series or Maybe Callaway x hot, very forgiving and good qaulity

 

[bobmac]

I'd mostly agree with that although i'd say 19/22 3 and 4 hybrid

That would be ideal if the OP is buying quite new.
If he goes back a few years like the Mizuno MX25s the 5 iron in that set is 27 degrees so maybe too much of a gap.

 

[Russ_D]

If the OP isnt too fussed on getting "top brand" stuff then id recommend Nordica Golf. They are the UK distributor for Hireko Golf. You can get some great quality clubs for not a lot of dosh. I have a couple of their Acer Hybrids and they are properly good.