New Golfer New Irons

[Nic81]

Hi

I am looking for some advice.
I have taken up golfing again after a 17 year absence and have been playing around 3-5 times a week for the last 3 mnths. I had some lessons when I was younger, so have some grasp on the fundamentals and have been progressing well. I am looking to buy my own set of irons as I am using my stepsons Ben Sayers zero in. I'm managing to get a decent ball flight with the irons, less consistent with the 3-5. They are a good few years old and don't appear to be particularly forgiving (I have nothing to compare to).
I recently bought a 4H and the flight and distance I get with this smokes the 4 iron. I am now torn between going SGI or GI. I have been looking at Cleveland HB3's, Adams A3 - A7 OS. There is one big shop nearby and there are no second hand sections to try older clubs. I am looking for forgiveness but something I can grow into as my swing develops, so wondering if I should be swaying towards GI clubs?

There are so many choices/reviews etc so any suggestions for GI/SGI irons under £200 would be appreciated as well as any other advice. Also, my local course is a links on the north sea with super tight fairways and strong winds.

 

[Foxholer]

My standard recommendation is Mizuno MX25 and previous equivalents (MX23, 19 and 17)

GI clubs that can be used for as long as you like - a few years ago, I played quite a bit with a 4-capper still using the ones he got when he as off 22.

 

[Nic81]

Hi Foxhole,

Thanks for taking the time to reply. That's an interesting recommendation. The M 25's are nice looking clubs and there are some cheaper sets on ebay as well as the 17 and 19's. I've been reading a lot of reviews etc and they seem like a good balance between forgiveness and workability. I'm loving the look and the price. Cheers!

 

[tsped83]

My story was similar to yours fella, returning to the game after about 15+ years. But then I was only 13 at the time.

i'm a big Ping fan and any of the G series irons would serve you well. G10s can be had for a good price, more GI, and fantastic clubs. G15/G20 may also be available cheaper second hand now too.

 

[lyden]

Pings would be ideal but and certainly will stand the test of time but might be over budget even for older models.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I would go GI over SGI every time. Better re-sale value and will give you longer durability as your game improves. If you were looking brand new I would go Ping G25 out of preference

 

[Foxholer]

Pings would be ideal but and certainly will stand the test of time but might be over budget even for older models.

Pings would be a reasonable alternative. Though even G5 and G10 are quite pricey.

There are also some 'warehouse clearances' that go through the likes of Direct and Online Golf. Some flavours of Burners have been seen at £199, so could compete.

 

[Nic81]

tsped83 In some respects it's like riding a bike....kind of.... I've heavy caught the bug this time round tho!
I have been looking at Pings, they are pricey but obviously hold their value. But I am really going to try to spend as little as possible. I figure any of the brand clubs will be better than what I am using and I will just adjust to whatever I get. Being inexperienced it's impossible to make an informed decision especially when you can't try the clubs, so I'll try and get a cheap deal.
Definitely quite taken with the MX 25's they seem to have a lot of room to improve with and still quite forgiving and I prefer the look to the Pings.

This newbie type of question seems to be all over the forums but I am glad I asked as it has given me the assurance to go for a GI style club!

 

[Nic81]

Well I just bit the bullet on a decent looking set of MX 25's - £124.60. The set has 3-9 but no PW. I figure I'll pick one up seperately or get a different model. It seemed like a decent deal. Could probably have gotten a cheaper set eventually but I just want to play them...looking on ebay bursts your heid!!!
Thanks for all the replies...it's appreciated.

 

[Nic81]

HI Foxholer I got my MX 25's today and been out on the range and played a few holes. Brought a smile to my face! I wasn't too sure how difficult I'd find them but they were spot on. The good shots were great and the bad shots had plenty of forgiveness for me. Hitting them flush had a sound and feel that was a pure joy. They are much heavier than the Ben Sayers but I felt this gave me more control. Thanks again for the suggestion!

 

[HarryMonk]

I read with interest, as in the same boat, 6 years out of the game since I had my first son, and now back and we'll and truly hooked. I have been looking reading reviews and asking on the forum, MX 25 you say I shall take a closer look

 

[Nic81]

Aye there's too many too choose from and your head starts to hurt after reading so much stuff! I was looking at some spacehips on sticks but glad I went with something more traditional. Hitting it high and straight everytime sounds so appealing but learning from your mistakes is more valuable I think.
I now stay 2 mins walk from Carnoustie Links so it was inevitable I'd take it up again...the whole towns all about 'the gowf'!

 

[HarryMonk]

I am playing to around 22hc do you think these could do me a turn?

 

[Nic81]

Well I am playing to about the same. I only hit about 30 balls with them but felt totally comfortable. I haven't tried any clubs so not a very good judge of whats out there but I went straight onto the course before the range and hit 'em clean on every shot, with good aim, height and distance for my level....so i don't see why not.

 

[HarryMonk]

Many thanks