Returning to the game after 20 years.

[JimF]

I'm 34 and from the ages of 11-15 I was crazy about the game. By 15 I was playing off 10. But then I got more interested in other things and let my cadet memebership lapse.
I want to get back in the groove. I have some old Mizuno TP 9 blades still in perfect condition that are in my Dads garage. And a trusty old Ping Ansa.
I spotted a Calloway big bertha driver. It must be 15 years old. It is more advanced than the Mizuno hot metals I used to use.
Is it worth splashing out on a second hand newer driver like a TM burner? Or is the old big bertha fine?
And people aren't going to think those old blades are like hickory shafts or something.
I'm going to spend some time on the practice ground, pitch and putt and practice putting green. And get 2 or 3 lessons from the local pro.
I'm really excited and thanks to anyone who can give some advice.

 

[LanDog]

The older driver will give you less distance than a more current driver, get some advice from your pro

 

[jasondransfieldgolf]

I would get back into the game first and if you find you have the same passion as when you were younger then yes I would recommended a newer driver, by the way nice choice TM Burner is what I use. If I can be of any assistance just shout.

 

[Tiger]

Welcome back to the game and to the best golf forum ever

 

[Matty]

Get back into the game and make sure it's for keeps before splashing the cash on a new driver. New kit will almost certainly be longer but it won't be a huge difference and it may not be straighter!

 

[ScienceBoy]

Get back into the game, give it a while and save up some cash and buy on a budget to suit how often you expect to play.

Initially the lessons are more important! I have a set of 70 year old blades that I break out on occasion to hone my ball striking, if I can hit those bad boys I can hit anything!

Also do not forget to buy a V-Easy, its the law now in golf!

 

[MashieNiblick]

The TP9's are classics of course but iron head design has moved on a lot. There are now much easier to hit heads even with a blade type design. Also grooves are better. I recently changed from my old TP21s with v grooves to MX25s with u grooves and the difference is really apparent even at my level. Even more so with wedges.

Also there are many more shaft options to suit your swing, hence custom fitting is now a lot more popular and readily available.

Lessons are definitely a good decision and if you find you still love the game then I think you will also enjoy trying out the new gear.

Best of luck and keep us posted.

By the way whereabouts are you based?

 

[SatchFan]

Welcome, Jim. I spent all my teenage years playing golf and got down to a 7 handicap. Gave it up completely for 30 years and took it up again last summer. It only took me a couple of weeks to get back into the swing of things again. A bit like riding a bike, I guess. Technology has moved on massively and for me the most noticeable change was the driver. Couldn't believe the size of these things but so easy to hit. In your case, providing the grips are OK your clubs should still be playable. No need to be embarrassed with your equipment, there are plenty round my course with a full set of fire pokers and it's only the new flash stuff which usually turns heads. I'm sure the other guys on the forum can give you better advice than me about all the new gear but get out there and enjoy yourself. I'm loving it!

 

[granters]

Good advice so far, but don't worry about the clubs.

I started again last year after a 10 year lay off and still use my old Wilson blades. I bought an ex demo Cleveland driver to get me going, head sizes now are unbelievable. But it's only now i'm ready to seriously invest in equipment again so give it time.

Your old blades will really hone your ball striking. I've tried a few "modern" clubs and it's almost like hitting on auto pilot compared to my clubs.

So just get playing and don't worry about anything else for now

 

[Aztecs27]

The good news is, you're already using the best brand of irons available, one less thing to worry about

 

[Curls]

A very similar story to myself, if you don't fancy forking out £200 plus on a driver just go back a few years, there's plenty good bargains on fleabay, just ask your pro what sort of loft/shaft you should be looking at, he'll probably know from your swing speed/ball trajectory what ballpark you should be in.

After about 6 months back playing with my crappy old clubs (and having my swing completely changed through lessons) I got custom fit and it was a quantum leap in performance from the new bats. Have fun and welcome to the forum, lots of good stuff on here.

 

[Gillespie16]

Welcome to the forum Jim, and If i was you wait until you think you have the passion back to play golf, then slash out on a new driver!!!

 

[RGDave]

I spotted a Callaway big bertha driver. It must be 15 years old. It is more advanced than the Mizuno hot metals I used to use.
Is it worth splashing out on a second hand newer driver like a TM burner? Or is the old big bertha fine?

I had Mizuno hot metals from the 1990s. They were nowhere near as good as the Big Berthas from 1995-ish. I had a few too!

The new drivers are huge, easy to hit and go further.
The main advantage is in the off-centre hits mind you.

Why not pick up a recent-ish 460cc driver and see the difference. You won't be disappointed.