I am new on here, and still very new to golf. I play on a very long 9 hole course in South Lincs where the membership cost is more than reasonable.
I started playing only four months ago, and purchased a set of 2nd hand Dunlop clubs with graphite shafts, in excellent condition. My best friend is a golf pro, so I got some advice from him, and apparently they are more than good enough for someone at my level. I got a new pair of footjoy shoes on ebay for £15.80, along with all the other bits and pieces. Before discovering Nike PD soft balls, I did some experimentation but have managed to sell the balls I didn't get on with. My total set up cost was about £100. I have since bought a second hand electric golf trolley for £50, which replaced the manual one I bought on ebay for £9, but that was totally optional. I decided to have a look to see if there was anything I could purchase to improve my game. My putting is pretty good even though I say so myself, and I now know I have the correct balls. My driving has been quite erratic, and even when I was hitting the ball sweetly it wasn't going as far as most of the people I play with. I have been told that my swing is reasonable, albeit quite short (that won't change due to my lack of flexibility). I thought I would have a look for a second hand driver, so I visited my good old friend ebay again. I purchased a Callaway Great Big Bertha Hawk Eye for £4.50 (yes, £4.50). It is probably about 15 years old, but in mint condition. The head is about half the size of a modern day driver, but the shaft is long and whippy. I have added about 25 yards to my drive, and on a 9 hole game yesterday I put the ball on the fairway 6 out of 7 times.
I am fully aware that if I ever get to a reasonable level, and then want to make the next step, I will have to spend some fairly serious money, that said, the likelihood of me ever becoming a good player is remote. My point is that so many people who don't play golf see it as an expensive hobby, but it really doesn't have to be !!
I started playing only four months ago, and purchased a set of 2nd hand Dunlop clubs with graphite shafts, in excellent condition. My best friend is a golf pro, so I got some advice from him, and apparently they are more than good enough for someone at my level. I got a new pair of footjoy shoes on ebay for £15.80, along with all the other bits and pieces. Before discovering Nike PD soft balls, I did some experimentation but have managed to sell the balls I didn't get on with. My total set up cost was about £100. I have since bought a second hand electric golf trolley for £50, which replaced the manual one I bought on ebay for £9, but that was totally optional. I decided to have a look to see if there was anything I could purchase to improve my game. My putting is pretty good even though I say so myself, and I now know I have the correct balls. My driving has been quite erratic, and even when I was hitting the ball sweetly it wasn't going as far as most of the people I play with. I have been told that my swing is reasonable, albeit quite short (that won't change due to my lack of flexibility). I thought I would have a look for a second hand driver, so I visited my good old friend ebay again. I purchased a Callaway Great Big Bertha Hawk Eye for £4.50 (yes, £4.50). It is probably about 15 years old, but in mint condition. The head is about half the size of a modern day driver, but the shaft is long and whippy. I have added about 25 yards to my drive, and on a 9 hole game yesterday I put the ball on the fairway 6 out of 7 times.
I am fully aware that if I ever get to a reasonable level, and then want to make the next step, I will have to spend some fairly serious money, that said, the likelihood of me ever becoming a good player is remote. My point is that so many people who don't play golf see it as an expensive hobby, but it really doesn't have to be !!