The penny drops...

[tsped83]

In recent years I have been a flagrant club whore. Seriously. You name it, I’ve probably had it at some time or another. New Drivers, Irons, Putters, the lot. All in the misguided pursuit of betterment.

Can you buy a game? I’ve learnt the hard (and costly) way, no you cannot. This is not a big downer thread, I’m reasonably happy with where my game is and the progress I’ve made since joining my club in early 2013. I enjoy the game more than ever but my obsession with new shineys is slowing, and finally, waning. Would my game be better or worse off if I’d have stuck with the same clubs all this time, rather than the countless changes the bag has seen? It certainly wouldn’t have been worse I can guarantee, but one thing that would be better off, significantly so, is my wallet! If I was to work out the cost of all the club changes, it would be scary. Very scary.

With a big change looming on the horizon (a baby!), it’s made me re-evaluate my priorities, not least the sobering cost of said baby and everything that comes with it. To this end I have cancelled a golf trip I was booked on in April, and am looking hard at downsizing/cheapening(?) the equipment I have, putting any profits back in to a baby pot. The Mrs doesn’t want me to do it, but the reality is big responsibilities are on the way so sacrifices need to be made.

Like I say, I enjoy my golf more than ever, playing week in, week out with a great bunch of blokes. Great crack, average golf and worse weather. Would I enjoy it less so with some battered old sticks? I think not.

All the clobber, the new shineys, the latest gadgets, the fittings, does it really matter?

So my question, for those who have experienced something similar, when does/did the penny drop for you?

 

[Hacker Khan]

There is a huge psychological experience in purchasing new equipment or even new anything. And in a lot of cases you could make a very reasoned argument that you did not really need a new car, new house, new phone etc etc. But all you do is create some pretty convincing arguments in your mind but more often than not do not create many counter arguments.

So I would argue it's not really a penny dropping thing as if someone has the money and wants to buy some new golf stuff to cheer them up and make themselves feel better (and do not forget the confidence factor where as if you think you will play well as you have fitted clubs there is a greater chance you will play well) then it's not doing anyone any harm. But as you say if you reprioritize and realise that you do not need the latest and new golf stuff then no problems either.

 

[Rooter]

back end of last year for me, yeh i like to look at the new shiny stuff and even have a knock with the demo clubs at my club, but i know for a cold hard fact, 300 quid spent on a new driver would not benefit me as much as 300 quid in lessons! I would wager thats what, 10 lessons ish, probably at my standard if i do as im told and practice, could be an easy 5 shots i reckon. (mixing technical with playing lessons etc)

I am not buying any new clubs for the foreseeable future.

 

[farfaeforfar]

In recent years I have been a flagrant club whore. Seriously. You name it, I’ve probably had it at some time or another. New Drivers, Irons, Putters, the lot. All in the misguided pursuit of betterment.

Can you buy a game? I’ve learnt the hard (and costly) way, no you cannot. This is not a big downer thread, I’m reasonably happy with where my game is and the progress I’ve made since joining my club in early 2013. I enjoy the game more than ever but my obsession with new shineys is slowing, and finally, waning. Would my game be better or worse off if I’d have stuck with the same clubs all this time, rather than the countless changes the bag has seen? It certainly wouldn’t have been worse I can guarantee, but one thing that would be better off, significantly so, is my wallet! If I was to work out the cost of all the club changes, it would be scary. Very scary.

With a big change looming on the horizon (a baby!), it’s made me re-evaluate my priorities, not least the sobering cost of said baby and everything that comes with it. To this end I have cancelled a golf trip I was booked on in April, and am looking hard at downsizing/cheapening(?) the equipment I have, putting any profits back in to a baby pot. The Mrs doesn’t want me to do it, but the reality is big responsibilities are on the way so sacrifices need to be made.

Like I say, I enjoy my golf more than ever, playing week in, week out with a great bunch of blokes. Great crack, average golf and worse weather. Would I enjoy it less so with some battered old sticks? I think not.

All the clobber, the new shineys, the latest gadgets, the fittings, does it really matter?

So my question, for those who have experienced something similar, when does/did the penny drop for you?

To be honest I'd go with your Mrs thoughts. My rationale being based on the following thoughts. Are you clubs financed or are they all paid for now? If there paid for how much do you reckon you'd be putting into the baby pot? I'd hazard a guess (and after now being a father of two money draining leaches, love em really) the money you put in will be a drop in the ocean, maybe not even accountable in 6 months time. Where as in 6/12/18 months time you'll be stuck with clubs that you possible won't like and left wishing you had what you have now, not better just what you had...

For me that's happened with one or two different things. Not just in golf but on a wider range of things I've sacrificed short term for the greater good of my family. Only to find in 12 or 18 months I'm hankering after what I previously had, not the latest and greatest, just what I used to have.

Good luck on the bambino coming and I hope you make the choice you are most comfortable with as its you that will be living with it. Not us on the forum!

 

[duncan mackie]

.... when does/did the penny drop for you?

having come up through a world that had no TV golf advertising, no internet and learning my game from books (which also focused on technique rather than equipment) I don't think I ever had this 'penny'

if I did it represented itself latterly in the ball - with 3 wonderful shiny new balata balls per round was common and I just knew my game needed them.....

whilst I do buy clubs now, and have a nice collection of drivers, they are all SH (with the exception of the SLDR mini) and the most expensive driver was a SLDR at £136 a couple of weeks ago. None represented significant purchases.

the real point is that your needs and wants will be driven by many things - some would argue (most wives!) that the real trick is to always stay focused rather than going overboard either way!

 

[londonlewis]

In recent years I have been a flagrant club whore. Seriously. You name it, I’ve probably had it at some time or another. New Drivers, Irons, Putters, the lot. All in the misguided pursuit of betterment.

Can you buy a game? I’ve learnt the hard (and costly) way, no you cannot. This is not a big downer thread, I’m reasonably happy with where my game is and the progress I’ve made since joining my club in early 2013. I enjoy the game more than ever but my obsession with new shineys is slowing, and finally, waning. Would my game be better or worse off if I’d have stuck with the same clubs all this time, rather than the countless changes the bag has seen? It certainly wouldn’t have been worse I can guarantee, but one thing that would be better off, significantly so, is my wallet! If I was to work out the cost of all the club changes, it would be scary. Very scary.

With a big change looming on the horizon (a baby!), it’s made me re-evaluate my priorities, not least the sobering cost of said baby and everything that comes with it. To this end I have cancelled a golf trip I was booked on in April, and am looking hard at downsizing/cheapening(?) the equipment I have, putting any profits back in to a baby pot. The Mrs doesn’t want me to do it, but the reality is big responsibilities are on the way so sacrifices need to be made.

Like I say, I enjoy my golf more than ever, playing week in, week out with a great bunch of blokes. Great crack, average golf and worse weather. Would I enjoy it less so with some battered old sticks? I think not.

All the clobber, the new shineys, the latest gadgets, the fittings, does it really matter?

So my question, for those who have experienced something similar, when does/did the penny drop for you?

I'm looking to buy some more clubs to send overseas so I don't have to lug my gear back and forward.
What clubs might you be looking to sell?

thanks,
Lewis

 

[Lump]

New gear, old gear. Lessons or no lessons. Eventually you will find a level where you will get no better.
This is not a nasty post but an observation from years of playing with club golfers.
Of the 30 odd regular golfers I play with, only 2 of them have even dropped shots over the last 4 years. Lots of new clubs, lots of near gear and lots of lessons but no better golfers.

 

[El Bandito]

You mean new bats don't make you better?

 

[chrisd]

I hope that the penny never drops, especially as I've booked a Callaway club fitting next month

Huge fun, having a baby, I wish you and HID the very best. I became a grandad nearly 3 years ago and I'm now the soppiest sod in the world!

 

[Craigg]

In the 1990's. I craved after a set of Ping Eye 2 irons. Alas I couldn't afford them, that is until I picked a set up on gumtree for £75.00, some 20 odd years later. Old clubs yes, but still as good as they ever were (re-gripped obviously) I love them and wouldn't part with them for the world. Good clubs do not become rubbish because something new comes out.
I wouldn't play any better with a set of spanking G30's. To me, the best up to date technology is only fine tuning an already good technique.
I have since complemented my antique irons with some G20 woods and hybrids. I paid £45.00 for the Driver on e-bay. I have tried my neighbours G30 Driver...to me no different, but if I decide it's a game improver, I'll wait 2 years and pay £80.00 for it, not the £350.00 they ask at the moment.
You can throw the "must get fitted" argument at me, but I will go back to my earlier point. Fitting is only fine tuning a good player.
For me, I'll stick with them old sticks.
Best of luck with the baby. Time of your life on the way. :thup:

 

[Hacker Khan]

In the 1990's. I craved after a set of Ping Eye 2 irons. Alas I couldn't afford them, that is until I picked a set up on gumtree for £75.00, some 20 odd years later. Old clubs yes, but still as good as they ever were (re-gripped obviously) I love them and wouldn't part with them for the world. Good clubs do not become rubbish because something new comes out.
I wouldn't play any better with a set of spanking G30's. To me, the best up to date technology is only fine tuning an already good technique.
I have since complemented my antique irons with some G20 woods and hybrids. I paid £45.00 for the Driver on e-bay. I have tried my neighbours G30 Driver...to me no different, but if I decide it's a game improver, I'll wait 2 years and pay £80.00 for it, not the £350.00 they ask at the moment.
You can throw the "must get fitted" argument at me, but I will go back to my earlier point. Fitting is only fine tuning a good player.
For me, I'll stick with them old sticks.
Best of luck with the baby. Time of your life on the way. :thup:

Slight point of order, the G30 driver is £250. As for the clubs then surely newer clubs offer more forgiveness and some G30 irons will go further on any shots not in the sweet spot than clubs 20 years old?

 

[Craigg]

Slight point of order, the G30 driver is £250. As for the clubs then surely newer clubs offer more forgiveness and some G30 irons will go further on any shots not in the sweet spot than clubs 20 years old?

Slip of the keyboard with the price, but you get the point.
I see your point re forgiveness, but you still have to have a consistent swing in place. Is a G30 more forgiving than an Eye 2 iron? Well I reckon that's a whole new debate itself, and one I might look into. I just don't think the price difference justifies the possible small improvement. I stand by my point that club fitting, latest technology etc, is merely fine tuning an already good player.

 

[Lord Tyrion]

I started playing golf after my kids were born. Therefore my bag is full of second hand, ebay bought clubs. My shiny purchases are slightly dull shinies. You still get a buzz from it, not as good as a brand new untouched club but your kids will hoover up your money so you adapt. Deep down the penny has dropped for all of us but buying clubs is like comfort eating chocolate, it's not good for you but it's lovely at the time.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I've had a few sets of clubs, many putters but not too many drivers and to be honest I've only bought it when the cash has been there. Did it help? Arguably not, certainly long term but I enjoyed using most of the sets I had and can you put a price on golfing enjoymeny

 

[Oddsocks]

Any clubs are only as good as the swing you put on them, I got stuffed majorly last year by a 4 capper who had lost his clubs in a devorce, he was playing with a set of Dunlop 65i irons that he had purchased for £1.50 each from sports direct, the matching wedges were £2.00 each and putter the same. The hybrids were overpriced at £4.00 each and coupled with a 5 year old cally driver he shot +2 gross on appalling conditions

My point is his complete bag cost less than a dozen pro v's yet that man could manufacture and hit any shot on demand, a two or three thousand pound bag would have made no difference......

But my names odd socks and I love shiney stuff

 

[Imurg]

If you sold all your kit and replaced with 2nd hand stuff I can't see you putting much more than a couple of hundred in the 'pot'.
Obviously, that could be a significant sum and if that's the case then its sensible but the kit you have is decent quality and should last plenty of years.
As has been said, if its paid for then I'd keep it.
Good luck with the Sprog!

 

[Slab]

If you sold all your kit and replaced with 2nd hand stuff I can't see you putting much more than a couple of hundred in the 'pot'.
Obviously, that could be a significant sum and if that's the case then its sensible but the kit you have is decent quality and should last plenty of years.
As has been said, if its paid for then I'd keep it.
Good luck with the Sprog!

Got to 2nd this approach. You know you'll miss the clubs you have

Economize going forward rather than get rid of what you already own and if you really think a couple of hundred is needed then start looking into every drawer and cupboard in the house at all the crap we've all acquired over the years and if you haven't used it in over 12 months then get it sold (maybe even 6 months but exclude lawnmowers, xmas tree etc)

You'll easily find stuff that'll net 2-300 or more and the beauty is you wont miss it when its gone because you don't even use it now!

 

[garyinderry]

I'm not sure if the penny is finally dropping for me or I have worked out what clubs would or wouldn't work for me.

Ive had everything. Blade, cavity, fairways, low hybrids, high lofted hybrids, high bounce , low bounce wedges, 8.5 degree drivers, reg, stiff, x. Closed face woods, open faced woods, chopped an inch off a shaft here, got the lie changed on my putter there.

I view all these as learning curves. When I go to buy a new club I know now pretty much what I like, what I can use and what works best with my swing. I would not have this knowledge if I went to a fitter and bought what he told me. I know how different wedges react to different ground conditions and when best to play a certain shot because I've tried them all to a certain extent.

Its been fun along the way too. I've slowed down my purchases these days. I'm either getting more picky or starting to find it hard to better what I am using. You can never have too many putters.

 

[road2ruin]

Got to 2nd this approach. You know you'll miss the clubs you have

Economize going forward rather than get rid of what you already own and if you really think a couple of hundred is needed then start looking into every drawer and cupboard in the house at all the crap we've all acquired over the years and if you haven't used it in over 12 months then get it sold (maybe even 6 months but exclude lawnmowers, xmas tree etc)

You'll easily find stuff that'll net 2-300 or more and the beauty is you wont miss it when its gone because you don't even use it now!

I would agree with this! You have paid decent money for the clubs you have and you'll not get enough for them to make any real difference going forward. The big change you're making is to stop the spending on future clubs, that will probably have the impact on the baby pot. You'll only end up regretting it especially given the amount you paid vs the amount you'll get back for them.

We had our first baby in August of last year and I spent money like it was going out of fashion. I bought golf gear on a whim and to be honest didn't feel bad about it as I was in the fortunate position of being able to afford to do so without causing any issues at home. We're now closing in on the 6 month mark and my wife's maternity pay is dropping off a cliff so I am having to rein in my spending. This isn't only because we are down to one income it's also because I feel bad that I am off still spending money whilst my wife is trying to keep us on a budget with our new, lower income!!

That said, we've spend an awful lot less on restaurants and alcohol over the last 6 months so whilst having a baby is expensive we've found that we're spending less money given our previous lifestyles!!

 

[drewster]

I'm guilty as charged on the new gear front but to be honest i'm a bit of an Adam Ant. I don't drink (a lot) , don't smoke, and don't have a lot of vices so like to spend bonuses, spare cash etc on new golf stuff sometimes. I know it probably hasn't improved my game that much but i do like to have decent and recent gear. Each to their own i guess.