getting back into it

[mp147]

I'll apologise in advance as this is probably going to be long winded.

I first played golf with my dad when i was 16. I played on/off for about two years. I am now 21 and went for my first round yesterday with my dads old bats. Needless to say i had a shocker. Ended up shooting a very unrespectable 106 however i absolutely loved it!

I would like to piece a set of clubs together one bit at a time. If i could get some advice on whats good value for money and where to start i would appreciate it no end.

Also could people give me their views on lessons from a pro? In all honesty i didn't feel as though i was swinging to poorly with the irons. However, I constantly found myself slicing with the driver so i switch to irons off the tee after about 4 or 5 holes. Short game was a bit shabby also. Would lessons iron out these problems?

Thanks in advance.

Cheers,
Mark

 

[Aztecs27]

You'll get different views from different people, but here's my opinions:

- Get down to your local golf shop/pro shop/driving range and try out some clubs that you might be interested in buying. You might be able to pick up a good value second hand set which you will love.

- As far as brands go, the "good quality" value brands that are around these days are companies like MD Golf and Benross. MD Golf in particular make nice clubs for not alot of money.

- If you can, stay away from getting a driver until you've developed your game a bit. Nothing wrong with getting one, but you'll more than likely get more pleasing results from learning to hit your irons and fairway woods (3,5 etc).

- As far as lessons go, if you can afford them, I would definitely give them a go. But they're not essential.

 

[HawkeyeMS]

As far as lessons go, if you can afford them, I would definitely give them a go. But they're not essential.

Not essential no, but might I suggest a good idea. Better to get a few lessons now and learn how to do things properly than get a couple of years down the line and struggle to get rid of the bad habits you created for yourself.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

My take would be to invest in a couple of lessons now (most pros offer a discount on blocks of lessons) and build up a good rapport. When it comes to choosing new clubs he'll be able to advise based on knowing your game and may well be able to offer a reasonable deal on new kit.

As an alternative you could check out the demo days most of the big manufacturers hold nationwide and go along and try the latest kit out. I have even been known to go to American Golf and use their range to test gear out under the premise of looking to buy (and then bought somewhere cheaper or who deserve my business but thats a separate thread).

Either way, keep getting out with the old sticks and playing as the more you do the more some of the old magic, especially on the greens may come back

 

[nowtfancy]

If you do decide to get lessons, talk to as many people as you can before, and go with the most recommendations - they are not all of equal value!

 

[RGDave]

please, please, PLEASE go for lessons.

I left it about 5-6 months - biggest mistake of my golfing career.

 

[mp147]

Cheers for the quick reply!

I'll look at getting some lessons in sharpish then! There's quite a few courses in my area so I'll have a dig around and see what i can find out.

In the meantime, I'm playing again on Sunday. Might try and get down to the range on saturday and then hopefully i can improve on Wednesday's score!!

Cheers