As the title states, I’m completely new to the sport. Where can I find a decent set of used clubs? Any brand recommendations? Also, what should I focus on, in terms of practice? If there is any other general bit of advice you have for a total newbie, feel free to chime in.
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Following, def interested in picking this up
Are you in nyc? If so practice can be tough but indoor simulators are good, as is Chelsea piers, but nothing beats being out on a course.
For clubs I would focus on “player/game improvement” clubs, make sure you don’t get the “pro” clubs that are a lot less forgiving (but give you much more control, etc). I’m a fan of TaylorMade, Callaway, or Ping, but there are other of great brands out there.
I would watch some instructional videos (or get in person classes but probably not now) and go to a simulator and just work on your irons first (probably your 9,8,7 irons) and just get comfortable swinging a club and making solid impact. It can be a bit overwhelming with all the instructions (remember to bend knees but feel like you are sitting back, left arm straight, bring wrist through, hips, etc) and so just reps on that is good.
As you get comfortable you can move to longer irons and woods. They are more fun to hit but you need to be able to make solid impact without going all over the place. And of course short game and putting is easy to practice.
Try to get on a course a few times a month (play 9 holes if possible). Again very tough now, but if you are in a more secluded area it is a great time to try and play. Getting comfortable with the rough, different lies, trees, etc takes some time and a simulator won’t really do that.
Solid! I’m not in NYC, but there is a driving range like 5 minutes away from me and they just reopened (hence my sudden interest). I think they offer lessons there I’ll have to double check.
As for irons, where would you recommend I get them? And is that something that is sold individually or as a set ?
I'd start with a set - getting any of the 'beginner' ones should do just fine. If you have a local place that is half decent, go there and get some that are used or a few years old. Hell - you can probably get them off amazon at this point, they've taken over everything else.
My number 1 recommendation is investing in lessons - find someone who you can work with, and pay for 1 on 1. Focus on form first, everything else second. Make sure you get a good, neutral grip and simple swing mechanics (i.e. if they start getting super complex, find someone else IMO). Don't skimp on your short game either - practice that every time you go to the range.
My number 2 - when you do play on the course, and i highly recommend that you do, don't bother with a scorecard. By the cheapest balls you can find - and if you hit it wayward, keep going. Whole point is go be out there, enjoy the course, friends, and when you feel confident enough start tracking your score to see where you are at.
A last thought for you - If I were just starting out again, I'd probably save driver for last. I might not even buy one until I was confident with my swing and could consistently hit my woods (3 wood, 5 wood) and irons. It's not a huge deal - drivers are fun to crush - but I think being consistent and accurate with my overall bag is the first priority, then move to the driver. Just a thought. I'm sure there's good arguments against that approach.
As a beginner looking for a set, go to any golf shop, they will have full sets of quality irons for very cheap, its worth getting a quality set of used irons that are 10 years old vs buying a cheap new set. My pings i bought were from the 90's and I love them, they originally are a $~1200 set but i paid like 200 bucks for them and they work like a charm.
I recommend getting the Top Flite 13-club set. They’re selling at Golf Galaxy for about $230.
There are great golf videos on Youtube that’ll help you with the learning curve.
The driving range is a great way to get reps in, but I also recommend playing on a par 3 to familiarize yourself with actually playing.
Once you get to play 9 or 18 holes, the most important part is keeping up with the pace of play. I’ve been in a group with a scratch golfer and a complete beginner, and no one was mad when the beginner shanked the ball because he at least was able to keep up and didnt delay our play.
Have fun.
Interesting. Bump
Definitely second the comment on holding out on buying a driver. Would also suggest taking a couple lessons, can really help establish a consistent swing and build some good habits. Depending on the lessons the pro might take you out to play 9 at the end of the program.
used Ping I or G series are great. Guess what, once you hit them once, they're used anyway. Irons can last forever. My son is still using a used set of Clevelans irons he was given by a family friend (were 10 yrs old at the time) and he has been using them for 5 yrs and crushes the ball with them. Occasionally hits my irons and likes his old ones better. Take some lessons before you invest in a driver. Maybe get some used hybrids like a 3 so you can get some distance. Even after lessons, I would get a good used driver / 3 wood if you're just starting out.
Enjoy it and good luck!
I've played golf for a while now and for anyone entering the sport, I always recommend getting a number (3-6?) of lessons first and foremost. Reason is to establish good mechanics before you try to learn on your own and thus create issues down the road. Furthermore, practicing your short game (putting and short chips) is *critical* early on. You'll be amazed at how many strokes you can cut if you have a decent putting stroke.
In terms of clubs, just get a decent set (plenty of resources online that can give you advice there).
Happy to provide more advice on top of that.
Here is the best and worst part of golf:
It is easier to make a meaningful improvement in your game when going from never swung a club to writing down an (honest! you're only lying to yourself if you are cheating and not counting the fact that you took 3 tee shots) 105, which is easier than going from 105 to 95, which is easier going from 95 to 85, which is easier than 85 to scratch, which is easier than from scratch to the Tour, which is easier than Tour to a 68 at Augusta. Its a bitch of a game that only gets harder but it is a blast and concerningly addicting.
It only gets harder but you can make yourself serviceability relatively quickly. On top of the other things stated here by other posters which were all relevant and helpful, once you get to the range a few times and get a sense of the swing/game, learn course etiquette. It can be a little intimidating at first rolling up to a course having barely ever played, but so long as you know the basics of etiquette and pace of play, you will be fine playing with anyone. No one cares that you hacked up the course and shot every other tee shot into the woods so long as you are making pace - if they do they are losers. Give golf etiquette a quick google and you will find a simple list better than I can type up.
One tip I got from a golf buddy who is much better than me that is so simple and saved me a bunch of strokes: If you are an average hack like me (95-105), have one chipping stroke in your arsenal around the green and make that your go to, and tailor it to different distances. All you are trying to do is pop the ball up and get it on the green in the same area code as the pin. Save the flop shots and all other nonsense for when you get a little better and can actually put them to use. Don't overthink the game.
Good luck and enjoy it! Don't take it too seriously, it is supposed to be fun. Once you get a little better you can start being jaded and add in some putter throws and driver snap-over-knees, but if you are just starting out know you are going to suck so enjoy the one or two pearl shots you'll hit per round that keep you coming back.
Make sure when you're looking at irons to get 'Game Improvement' or 'Super Game Improvement' irons, you don't need blades yet. Work on your swing, when you get to the range or screen, play with your 7, 8 and 9 irons a lot to get your swing down, then progressively move down towards your 4 iron and driver. I would strongly suggest you get lessons.
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