Golf clubs for a beginner

Guest 11852 · 28-08-2006, 07:31

I�m looking to pick up a set (maybe a half set?) of golf clubs as I�m about to get into the game. I was wondering where would be the best place to start?

My gut tells me I should look at second-hand on classified forums, presumably starting with a golf forum. Does that should like a good idea or am I better buying new? Is Ebay worth a shot? Is there anything in particular I should look for or avoid in clubs? I�ll need a bag and trolly to go with them. I�m 5� 6� if that makes a difference.

I am looking to spend �200-300 on the clubs. Is that enough so that the clubs won�t hinder me as a beginner?

Thanks!

splobber · 28-08-2006, 07:35

moving...

Guest 11852 · 28-08-2006, 07:42

Thanks splobber. I didn't notice this forum before.

Guest 1724 · 28-08-2006, 08:48

You don't need to spend that much IMHO, not as a beginner.

Are you having lessons? With your height, it may be best to let the pro recommend a set that will suit your height without any alterations, or alternatively will be able to alter them for you - or recommend someone who can

Or you could go for one of the Hippo or Wilson beginner sets from somewhere like http://www.directgolf.co.uk. They won't be the sort of thing you will use for ten years, but equally I don't think they will hold you back for a couple of years at least. If you are still keen then you can upgrade and get a more expensive set fitted to your height and swing.

A few ideas just from a quick look around the site. I would start off with just a driver, irons and a putter. You can then fill in with fairway woods or a utility/rescue club at a later date.

Irons �59
http://www.directgolf.co.uk/product/...roduct_ID=2631

Driver �20
http://www.directgolf.co.uk/product/...roduct_ID=2686

Putter �5
http://www.directgolf.co.uk/product/...roduct_ID=2999

Bag �25
http://www.directgolf.co.uk/product/...roduct_ID=3186

Some people will say you don't need a driver as a beginner as it will be too difficult to use, but let's face it, one of the fun things about playing golf is going up the range and having a swish with the driver

Guest 24514 · 28-08-2006, 10:18

I got a full set including bag for �40 on ebay last year when I started out. Have slowly replaced the odd club with a new one as I've gone along.

cunningm · 28-08-2006, 11:43

I brought a 2nd hand set of Cobra clubs on ebay too - only cost �67 for a full set of Irons. They should last a couple of years until i get good!

Guest 6609 · 28-08-2006, 11:49

http://www.thesportshq.com/ - I got a full Texan set (1/3/5w + 4/5/6/7/8/9i + Putter/P/SW) for �80 last year when I started, excellent value - two of my friends have bought sets from there subsequently too.

They don't help me play any better though...

Guest 11852 · 28-08-2006, 12:06

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Phayze, there still seems to be a Texan set on the aite for �80:

http://www.thesportshq.com/ProductDe...?PCLinkID=1169

However my friends have told me to stick to steel shafts rather than graphite and a local shop suggested there was no need to get tailored clubs unless I was under 5' or over 6'2". These look pretty decent:

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/product...roduct_ID=2552

Any thoughts on them? Can I do better?

I'm about to have a look on Ebay.

cunningm · 28-08-2006, 12:20

The problem you will have is that if you spend �200+ on a set because you are a beginner like me you end up marking the clubs more, when you hit everything but the ball! Friends have always recommended the Wilson Deep Reds irons to me if you are definitely after a new set -

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/product...roduct_ID=3070

Guest 11852 · 28-08-2006, 12:34

I'm not a total beginner. I used to play in high school so I can hit the ball (most of the time anyway!). I walked a course with my friends yesterday and took a few shots, most of which came off better than the guys who were playing

Guest 6609 · 28-08-2006, 12:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Daneel

Phayze, there still seems to be a Texan set on the aite for �80:

http://www.thesportshq.com/ProductDe...?PCLinkID=1169

However my friends have told me to stick to steel shafts rather than graphite and a local shop suggested there was no need to get tailored clubs unless I was under 5' or over 6'2".

That's the set I've got. Personally I think unless you've got a handicap and play once a week, it'll make little difference what clubs you've got - there's no magic dust on the end of steel as opposed to graphite.

arrowst · 28-08-2006, 13:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by cunningm

The problem you will have is that if you spend �200+ on a set because you are a beginner like me you end up marking the clubs more, when you hit everything but the ball! Friends have always recommended the Wilson Deep Reds irons to me if you are definitely after a new set -

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/product...roduct_ID=3070

That's the set I got about 6 months ago and I'm very happy with them (and so is my pro). A good improvement set of clubs. Apart from that I'd just get a cheap putter, and a regular flex, graphite 3 wood from ebay. You're better off staying away from a driver while you're learning, and a 3 wood is more adaptable.

The Bear · 28-08-2006, 14:38

I have graphite clubs (An old set of 'Howson Prize') and often think that they may be less forgiving with regards to direction. My swing is quite fast and I think that they may be slightly more 'whippy' than steel shafted clubs.

I tend to have a natural slice and have often wondered whether the clubs had anything to do with it developing. I also tend to hit the ball quite high.

Can anyone recommend a set that will keep the ball lower and help me be a bit straighter?

I quite like the look and sound of the Founders Club Fresh Metal sets.

Big A · 28-08-2006, 17:17

The graphites are the wrong club if you have a fast swing because they have too much 'flex'

Get the Pro to assess your swing speed and, if it is fast, you'll need a stiffer shaft. The Deep Reds mentioned earlier are quite stiff, go to your local Direct Golf and try out a set. I was going to get some before I tried the Nike pro Combo (Stiff shafts) which have improved my game dramatically over the past 6 months.

The Bear · 28-08-2006, 18:25

Cheers BigA. There's a great DirectGolf near me in Walsall. It even has motorised tees on the driving range!!

I thought about trying the free custom fitting when I was in there last but didn't bother. Will deffo have to check it out next time I'm over there.

Big A · 28-08-2006, 20:33

Yep, thats your best bet. I went in and hit 150 balls (free of charge) and ended up getting the best set of irons for me.......unfortunately they were the most expensive of those i tried but what the heck.

I can't figure out those people who just buy a set off eBay etc. without having tried them, you will end up adapting your swing to the club and picking up bad habits.

The Bear · 28-08-2006, 23:56

After more reading I really like the look of the Adams Idea A2 sets. Seems as though the OS versions with the 6/7 hybrids only come in graphite though.

The only downside is they are a bit pricey at �349/399.

Guest 24514 · 29-08-2006, 10:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Big A

I can't figure out those people who just buy a set off eBay etc. without having tried them, you will end up adapting your swing to the club and picking up bad habits.

Try and figure this then - I wasnt sure if golf was right for me and therefore I didnt want to spend �200+ on a set of clubs that would sit in the garage if I didnt fancy the game and if I did decide I wanted to get into it I would replace them with �4-500 clubs a year or two later.

As it happens that �40 set got me out and onto the course, I've dumped a few of the clubs I didnt get on with in favour of better ones that suit my swing and I'm out of pocket by a few quid. If I can be bothered I'll put the set back up on ebay in the hope that another complete beginner can benefit from them and I'll make my �40 back.

No matter what clubs you have your swing will adapt to them - just as it will when you graduate onto properly fitted clubs. I'd be very impressed if you can show me a beginner that doesnt pick up a bad habit or two in the first year of playing.

I do agree that if you are committed to the game then getting a decent set of clubs properly fitted is the preferred way to go. Not everyone fits into that nice pattern however.

Guest 48635 · 29-08-2006, 13:37

Sports soccer/sports world(seems to change name a lot!) stores generally have decent bag/club packages at reasonable prices for beginners, also good for picking up single clubs as well

cunningm · 29-08-2006, 13:46

Quote:

Originally Posted by sapo

Sports soccer/sports world(seems to change name a lot!) stores generally have decent bag/club packages at reasonable prices for beginners, also good for picking up single clubs as well

These are mostly Dunlop clubs, a few friends have brought some of these and lost the club head mid-swing so be warned!