Which golf clubs for a beginner? Long post alert!!!!

[Nmoore1974]

Hi All

Im in the process of trying to buy my first “real” set of clubs. First a wee bit about me….
I’m starting out late at 48 years old and have played around 5 rounds in my lifetime. I have a set of Ben sayers M9 clubs which I bought around 10 years ago. They are the +1inch version As I’m 6ft 5in tall. Average round was 110. So you can see I’m not very good!!!

I was going to buy a decent package set but a quick bit of Googling discovered that they apparently wouldn’t be great because of my height. So along I went to a golf retailer to see what they had to offer. The guy did a quick custom fit for Ping G430’s (+1.5 “ 3 degree upright) and I had a go with it (only tried the 7 iron). Results were impressive to me. I was hitting it around 30 yards further and straighter than my BS M9 although I have a tendency to hit it left.
All good so far. I felt good hitting the ball and more importantly enjoyed it. But then came the price, just over £1100 for the irons (5-pw plus sw and gw)
This was more expensive than I anticipated and we hadn’t even spoken about woods, hybrids putters bag etc. I
left telling him I would think about it.

The next day I went to another retailer and hit 200 balls with several different clubs recommended by them . (all 7 irons) All standard apart from being +1inch. They were-
Ping G430 (£1199)
Callaway paradym (£1159)
Taylor Made Stealth £1029)
Mizuno JPX923 (£1029)

Interestingly, I didn’t hit the Pings anywhere near as good as the previous day.
I struggled with the Mizunos so discounted them
Wanted to love the TM stealths…but didn’t for some reason
Callaways, initially were not good, however towards the end seemed to improve. Got great distance on them.

Every single shot ended up left though, no matter what the club so something is broken somewhere!!!

I was looking online last night and noticed clubs that weren’t mentioned but could be custom fit. Callaway Rogue ST Max OS which came in at £549. Or £729 with a SW and GW. With some work discount I can get them for £495 or £655

All the other clubs seem to be in the same ballpark price wise.

Finally, my questions…

1) Would being custom fit for clubs benefit me or can I make do with a standard set at my level? I am going to invest in lessons and can’t help but think it would be better to have clubs suited to me to get the most out of coaching.

2) Should I spend more to get more back? I mean, would I see a difference between the more affordable rogues or the paradyms for example?

3) Are there any recommendations you can make that I have not considered?

4) What clubs do I need in my bag? Do I need a gap wedge for example? Should I change a 5 iron for a hybrid? Do I need a driver Could never hit it years ago) or should I make do with a 3 wood? ( hit and miss, but better than a driver)

If you’ve got this far, well done!!!!
Any advice, hints, tips, recommendations you could give me would mean a lot.

Many Thanks

Neil

 

[Bdill93]

Are you having lessons? - if so, speak to your pro for the best advice

Here's mine though

1) Maybe keep your clubs for a little longer till you get a bit more consistent. Spending a lot on new clubs is tempting but your swing could totally change in the first 6 months.
2) You'd probably benefit from a longer club at 6 5"
3) Have you looked on golfbidder for something longer than standard but used?
4) You'll want a driver eventually - but start with the irons, they are the clubs you use the most
5) Wedges are all dependent on your yardages
6) Hybrids are great and easier to hit than long irons - also higher lofted woods like 7 and 9 woods can be very good clubs.

 

[pendodave]

Being above average height, it's probably best to get some advice from a pro.
Preferably one that you're having lessons with, as they can at least see your swing and whether your height is an issue.
Second hand clubs are much cheaper than new. Funnily enough, people who are 6ft5 also buy and sell clubs. You just need to get an idea of a suitable length/lie combo.

 

[Alan Clifford]

If you are 6'5" and I am 6', when you dangle your arms, are they 5" above mine? How does just 1" increase in length work? I Haven't a clue how this length stuff works but 1" seems a bit odd.

I now have extra clubs that don't go in the bag. 4 and 5 irons are out, and since, buying a 3 hybrid to go with the 3,4,and 6, I've had to lose another one somewhere. The lob wedge went. On the other hand, I can't hit my driver at the moment because of a hurty knee, so the the lob wedge is back in the bag.

You may make seemingly expensive mistakes as you progress. But that is how it is!

 

[Albo]

Custom fit won’t hurt, but equally you may not get the full benefit from them, that said if you take lessons and learn to hit your current shorter length irons, then move to a longer custom fit set, you may struggle to readjust.
Guess it’s a case of what the money means to you, you make buy new clubs change swing and need more new clubs, or you may learn to hit what you’ve got then change clubs and they not work, or none of that may be true.
100% talk to the pro who you are having lessons with and get his advice

 

[Backache]

My understanding is that it's not just height but arm length as well as the main determinant is how far your hands are from the ground.
Personally at 6'2" I was fitted and got a much more consistent strike from a longer club length, wish I'd done it years before

 

[Maninblack4612]

The assumption that tall people need longer clubs is a myth. As said before it's the wrist to ground measurement which is important. Lengthening clubs increases the swingweight, which is OK if that's what you want. The increased length makes the club harder to hit and the 3° upright lie could be the reason you hit everything left. Get a lesson & a fitting.

 

[Bunkermagnet]

I'm 6ft1 and play Ping i20's which are 1" longer and 2 or 3 degrees upright (I cant remember which now). Mine are predimantely longer because of back issues and not wanting to be more bent forward than I need to be.
I would say not all custom fit options are just vanity, and at 6ft5 I would suggest standard length clubs would be probably too short.

 

[Billysboots]

The assumption that tall people need longer clubs is a myth. As said before it's the wrist to ground measurement which is important. Lengthening clubs increases the swingweight, which is OK if that's what you want. The increased length makes the club harder to hit and the 3° upright lie could be the reason you hit everything left. Get a lesson & a fitting.

^^^ This.

I’m over 6’5” and my clubs, which are fitted, are only 1” longer than standard.

Fitting is a must for everyone from 5’0” to 7’0”, 6 stone wet through to 30 stone. We are all very different in size, shape, posture and so on.

 

[oleinone]

If you've joined a club get some lessons organised with your pro. If not, with a pro. He will be best placed to advise on clubs and club length. I wouldn't consider a fitting until you've been coached, practiced and played regularly for at least 6 months. If the pro feels that you need a change of gear immediately, he may well be able to advise on a good second hand buy. If you buy well, you will probably get your money back when you move on to new bats.

 

[Jigger]

I can’t remember where it was I’m afraid but last years mizuno me we being advertised as fitted for 599. Might be worth looking in your area for places with stock of last years clubs….or wait for the new seasons stock to come out. You’re in a tough place given your height.

 

[Billysboots]

You’re in a tough place given your height.

I’m taller than the OP and have absolutely no problem whatsoever with club fitting. Why is he in a tough place?

 

[Nmoore1974]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all you replies. I’m meeting a pro tomorrow and will see what he advises. Im also going to use him for lessons.
From what I have heard, the Rogue ST Max deal is decent but may not be around for long.
If I buy them and use them for my lessons and going forward, then I should hopefully be set for a few years.

Wish me luck when it comes to the woods

 

[Orikoru]

Hi Everyone

Thanks for all you replies. I’m meeting a pro tomorrow and will see what he advises. Im also going to use him for lessons.
From what I have heard, the Rogue ST Max deal is decent but may not be around for long.
If I buy them and use them for my lessons and going forward, then I should hopefully be set for a few years.

Wish me luck when it comes to the woods

I use Rogue ST Max irons and they are rocket launchers for me. They smashed everything else out the park in the fitting I had last year. And only cost me £600 for a set. Maybe that's just me though, I think the shafts are well-suited to me.

 

[LizAig]

Spend your money on coaching initially as your swing and swing speed will both change and that will influence your choice of clubs. Also after lessons you’ll have a better idea of how far you hit each of your current clubs and therefore know what clubs you need beyond irons in your set. After a few sessions your coach will have a better idea of your posture and swing and what club length will suit you. My ex was 6ft 7 and played off 3 with regular length clubs

 

[Jigger]

I’m taller than the OP and have absolutely no problem whatsoever with club fitting. Why is he in a tough place?

I was meaning with package sets or stock off the shelf stuff. Apologies if not clear. Busy day yesterday

 

[oleinone]

Am I alone in wondering how this one ended up?