Hi,
Used to play golf socially with some friends who were golfers and am looking to start playing golf more seriously now. Looking for advice on which set of clubs to buy - to the golfers on WSO, what set would you recommend for a beginner golfer? Looking to buy a relatively forgiving, not too expensive set of clubs - let's say under $1,000? Would prefer to spend a little more and buy a set that I can use for a while versus having to replace the first set soon after buying it.
Thanks!
It's one of those games that when you get a bit more serious about it after a year you really want to push the boat out - when you're starting or have a handicap in the range of 14-24 a pre packaged set will suffice. I'm playing off 11 and my clubs costs no more than about $500 in total. Spend the other $500 on a few decent lessons and you will enjoy the game a lot more.
The absolute worst thing about golf is the overweight middle-aged men who flaunt their clubs and expensive attire, only to spend half the round in the trees looking for their ball.
I was planning on getting lessons in addition to a set of clubs, if I could get both for
Given that you're not a true beginner, I think buying used clubs separately is your best option. Here's what I would recommend, all prices are what these should run used.
Driver: ~$100, 10.5 degree (or higher) Ping G20 or Taylormade RBZ stage 1 (whichever shaft you like better, both are super forgiving.) Get a stiff shaft - the default one in the Taylormade and the TFC one in the Ping. Swallow your pride and get the higher loft, the higher launch angle will maximize distance and straighten your flight a touch. Ignore this if your swing speed is already >100 mph and go 9.5.
3 wood: ~$90, 17 degree HL Taylormade RBZ stage 2 for the exact same reasoning as above. Stiff shaft
4-hybrid: ~$75, 21ish degree Taylormade RBZ stage 2. Stiff graphite shaft.
Irons: ~$250, 4 or 5-PW Callaway X-series (i.e. X-20, X-22, etc.) at your desired price point. Stiff or "Uniflex" shaft. They're all similar year to year so you can save money here if desired and get an older model.
Wedges: ~$55 each. Titleist Vokey or Cleveland (depending on whether you like a lot of weight in the head or not, Cleveland is the light head) 52 and 56 degree. Stock DG wedge flex shaft (do NOT get a DG S400 shafted one - it'll feel like a telephone pole compared to everything else I listed). Get mid-bounce - 8-10 on the 52, and 12+ on the 56. Ask the staff member to make sure it's the right one.
Putter: ~$70 Whatever you like the look of.
Bag: Cheap one for around $80.
Shoes: Whatever you feel like paying for.
Spend the rest of the planned $1000 on lessons!
Disclaimer: I do not work for an OEM.
Super detailed reponse - thanks, I appreciate it. Hadn't really considered going this route, assumed I'd just buy one of those full sets or a set of irons and a "matching" driver/woods/ driver and woods from the same brand, but I'll look into this further.
I suggest eBay if you really want value. You should go test out irons first to make sure you hit them well first.
If you want to check fair prices and get a gauge of what you'd pay, Google "PGA value guide." I'm an equipment geek and that site is really helpful for getting the price of just about anything on the market.
Mixing and matching is generally better because companies have different specialties. Once you have a halfway decent set, unless your swing speed goes way up, it's the Indian and not the arrow until you can break 90. As such, I picked clubs that are easy to find used and generally last forever - especially the Callaway irons. That said, always try before you buy just to be sure.
If he doesn't have enough speed in his swing, why would you recommend him a stiff shaft? He'll just block/slice everything. Go with regular flex. Test a set and see if you prefer steel or graphite. I like the rest of your advice, however.
You have to swing like a pussy to not need at least a stiff shaft. Are you saying OP swings like a pussy, @"hamm0"?
Be careful buying golf clubs on eBay, often times they are fake. Other than that, I would recommend getting a set of cavity back irons (ping g10, taylormade rbz, anything with some thickness to it). But try to hit the clubs before you buy them to make sure they are right for you. You can go with either stiff or regular shafts, I don't think it will make too much of a difference (seeing as I haven't seen you swing), but the regulars might be a bit easier for a beginner.
Golf Club Recommendations (Originally Posted: 07/25/2013)
I am looking to buy a set of clubs. I'm not very good but I have taken a golf class in school, enjoy the game, and do want to play a bit more. Since I figure a lot of you are golfers, I thought I'd seek your input.
Do you guys think I should buy a cheap set or buy a good set that will last me longer? And what are some specific clubs you might recommend? Thanks!
Just start off with something like Callaway hybrids and then as you become better switch to something like titleist 775 cb which are cavity backs, and then when you begin shooting scratch or close to it, get a set of titleist 1 or 2 blades.
How old are you? I'd go with a solid set thats easy to hit and very forgiving. Maybe the Ping G5's. Dont get Hybrids, you'll look like a fool/b*tch.
I have an in at a shop so I get I test all the new clubs and I have to say the new Mizuno's are amazing. I plan on picking up the tour version driver from him soon.
Otherwise, go with Taylormade. I personally hate Callaway unless its a wedge.
Can't go wrong with Pings, I'd suggest the G series since you're just starting out. They are cast instead of forged which means they will last longer and look better longer. Also have the best resale value of any brand out there
I also recommend Ping G series. I started out with a set of G5s about 7 or 8 years back that I still keep around as a spare set. Great set and really durable. Also, my brother played with a set of Ping Eye 2s which are still kicking it today.
Go to Dick's or a specialty shop and tell them exactly what you wrote and then go home and order what you tried and liked the most.
If you go to dicks or another sports store take notice of the iron set's "forgiveness" rating. There is player, game improvement, and super game improvement. They are progressively more forgiving (easier to hit straight, gets the ball in the air easier) but have less feel and command of the ball. I think the middle of the road "game improvement" is the best even if you've only played a few rounds.
What I did was look go to Dick's, check out the irons, talk with the guy there and find a set I liked. Then I went on craigslist and got them on the cheap. Gently used irons will hit just as well as new and they run at 50-75% off the ticket price. I picked up a set of Cleveland gc 16 for $150 and I like them.
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