Golf clubs for noobs - Page 4

I assume that because you're used to the weight, feel and grip of your Ram hybrid, a slight difference in any of those factors is going to throw you off when you pick up a store club, even if they're better clubs from an objective standpoint. I started earlier this year on a set of handmedowns that were too short for me, and the grips were too small. I didn't know this at all, and developed bad habits to accomodate for that. When I got some new clubs that were properly fitted for me (aside from being much better overall), it took me awhile to adjust, but once I did my game has been tremendously better. I still suck though. And man, I'd love some Mizunos.

Generally speaking, I'd caution against any low-dollar or off-brand clubs. Here's why:

I've been using Tommy Armour 845's since taking up the game in '94, but I'd always had an itch to see if I can hit a blade-type iron. So I find a set of used MacGregors - only the odd clubs (3-5-7-9), and drop a few bucks on them.

MacGregor: Hogan played MacGregor, Nelson played MacGregor, Nicklaus played MacGregor. Certainly these were quality sticks, right?

Not this set.

I warmed up with the 7-iron, and when I picked up the 5, it felt like a sledgehammer. When I got them to a pro shop, I found that all four clubs were different swing-weights: from C-5 to D-8, which is substantial.

Yeah, yeah, T, whatever. Doesn't matter if one's heavier -does it? It does. Nevermind your timing and consistency - the clubs all hit differently when they are different weights. The shafts flex more on the heavier heads, and the bottom line is that the same swing will produce different results on different clubs. How are you supposed to get a repeatable swing, when the clubs themselves won't do the same thing between lengths? It was frustrating to deal with, until I got all the heads the same weight. Never was sure whether the shafts were the same flex, and I eventually stopped using them.

As for teeing off: I used a 4-iron. I figure, if I'm not all that good, poke the 4 out there into the fairway and play the par-4's as par-5's. Better than poking around the woods for an afternoon, and it wasn't long before I broke 90.

c5 to d8? ive seen some crazy swingweights in sets, including one that i played for kicks for a while that played to a sturdy E-0 .. but with that range of swingweights someone must have been adding lead in those heads...

the advice is correct though, be carefull with what one buys on ebay..

+1 as to why you hit your Ram hybrid better right now.

Honestly, your new 3 woods is obviously going to help you enjoy the game more, but I'd wait before investing any other serious money into clubs. You have a ways to go to develop a consistent swing and you're going to have a better idea of what works for you when you get to that point, in the meantime, work on your game. There's really no reason to spend money on new clubs until you're shooting at least in the 90s.

so what is the consensus on which particular clubs a beginner can get by with having?

I have decided I am going to get a 5 wood (TM burner) and a wedge but not sure what else yet, not planning on getting a full set of clubs atm.

My advice - when you start, just buy a full "beginners set". Its has several benefits:

- The clubs are easier to play with (i.e. you will find no blades in the sets, the heads will be bottom-balanced) and you will able to actually see a learning curve
- You get all the clubs (even though you will not use them all at the beginning) and thus you will be able to pick those clubs you will actually play with
- The set will "grow" with your game (i.e. as a beginner, forget about big drivers, you have to master the irons first)
- Better price (might not be all that important)

Trying to pick mid-/ high-end clubs without having previous experience of at least 2 seasons (1 if you train daily and have experienced a steep learning curve) is definitely an overkill. Also, you might actually make the mistake to choose improper clubs, that will deteriorate your game even more...

The money that a beginer would invest into high-end clubs is much better spent on a personal trainer, who will be able to guide you through the first weeks of golf playing.

HTH
R.

There are a lot of good clubs available on the cheap right now. I can't imagine learning to play without a set of irons, but if you really want to learn from the cup back, get a wedge and a putter and go from there. If you do get a set, get something perimeter weighted with regular flex shafts. You'll make your life a lot easier that way. Also, learn how to hold the club and stand to the ball correctly. That is more than half the battle.