Golf

Thought I'd start a general golf thread since there've got to be some people here who play.

And also I'd like to ask you to help me buy a new set of clubs.
Name brand doesn't really matter, I just want a pair that will last me quite a few years. I play weekly in the summer, and in the spring/fall probably 2-3 times a month. Anywho, I'm 5'11" so standard length should be fine.

It doesn't have to be all one set sold together, however I would like my woods to all be matching brand/set, and I'd like my irons to be a matching set as well.

As I said, brand doesn't matter to me, but quality does. I'm looking on the cheaper side (sub 500) but might be able to go 650-750 for a set that I knew would last me 10+ years. Any help is really appreciated!

What's your handicap and usual ballflight?

Originally Posted by James Bond

Click to expand...

What's your handicap and usual ballflight?

I don't keep track of handicap.... I don't know how. I'm very amatuer. I average around an 80-85. I'm not good, but I love playing! My drive is around 270-280.

Anyone?

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

Click to expand...

I don't keep track of handicap.... I don't know how. I'm very amatuer. I average around an 80-85. I'm not good, but I love playing! My drive is around 270-280.

If you're averaging 80-85 for 18 holes and driving 270-280 (and in the fairway), stick with what you've got. It's working.


If you must buy a new set, your options are fairly open. I've used the same set of Tommy Armour 845's (original) for the last 10 years, though I've not played much lately. I have friends who swear by their Ping Eye2, which are quite durable as well.

As for woods, I don't use them anymore. I drive with a 2-iron and it keeps me in play. I used to play a Cobra driver, but for every time I knocked it 300 and in the short grass, I was in the woods four more times, and OOB once. Not worth it.

What's in your bag now?

Assuming 80-85 is for 18 holes and not 9, you know that is pretty damn good right.

Originally Posted by kwilkinson

Click to expand...

I don't keep track of handicap.... I don't know how. I'm very amatuer. I average around an 80-85. I'm not good, but I love playing! My drive is around 270-280.

You're supposed to play both 9s

Originally Posted by Mr. Checks

Click to expand...

You're supposed to play both 9s



80 is 20 below the average golf score

Originally Posted by Thomas

Click to expand...

If you're averaging 80-85 for 18 holes and driving 270-280 (and in the fairway), stick with what you've got. It's working.


If you must buy a new set, your options are fairly open. I've used the same set of Tommy Armour 845's (original) for the last 10 years, though I've not played much lately. I have friends who swear by their Ping Eye2, which are quite durable as well.

As for woods, I don't use them anymore. I drive with a 2-iron and it keeps me in play. I used to play a Cobra driver, but for every time I knocked it 300 and in the short grass, I was in the woods four more times, and OOB once. Not worth it.

Originally Posted by HomerJ

Click to expand...

What's in your bag now?

Assuming 80-85 is for 18 holes and not 9, you know that is pretty damn good right.

Originally Posted by Mr. Checks

Click to expand...

You're supposed to play both 9s

Originally Posted by gdl203

Click to expand...

80 is 20 below the average golf score

Yes yes yes lol 85 is not that bad, I realize this. And yes, it's for all 18 holes. Right now I'm playing with a pair of hand-me-downs from the 70's that I've had when I learned how to play when I was 13. This probably helps explain why I'm wanting to buy new? haha.

I've borrowed a friends Cobra 3-wood, and when I drive with that is when I get 270-280. Driving with my own driver (the 70's one) I avg probably 250. I also need new ones b/c the 70's clubs are starting to crack (*the woods are wood... like actual WOOD lol) and they're starting to crack where it meets the shaft.

80-85 is when I'm peak. Like towards the end of summer after I've played 1-2 times a week all summer. Normally in the beginning of the season I start about 100-105, after a month or so I'm down to 95, and so forth. I wish I could live in TN, SC, FL, somewhere where I could play year round, cause I think I could really be a pretty good golfer.

Anyway, I'll check Ping Eye2 and the Tommy Armours. Thanks guys.

I believe golf clubs are also a matter of style so let me compare them to cars:

Callaway - Ford/Chevy
TaylorMade - Toyota
Titleist - Mercedes Benz
Macgregor - Jaguar
Ping - Honda
Mizuno - BMW
Bridgestone - Lexus

I am sure there are some others I am forgetting, but beware of the Tommy Amour because they are the Hyundai of golf clubs. Solid, but they won't last.

Consider it an investment and get fitted. If you are going to play a lot, get something that fits your style.

If you're shooting in the low 80's, go get fitted for clubs. It's rather analagous to clothes: would you buy a $300 pair of shoes that are 2 sizes too big? Of course not. The game is hard enough as it is, do not make it harder by compensating for ill-fitting clubs. A lot of stores will fit you for free if you buy the clubs from them. Or find a manufacturer's local demo day, where you can try their entire line.

regardelss of your height or whatever, get to a golf shop and get the clubs fitted for you. will make a world of difference.

depending on what golf store you goto, and even most club houses that sell clubs will "rent" or let you "borrow" a drive or fairway wood or putter, to test it out. unfortunately the only way to get clubs is in house testing.

talk to a pro at your club he will tell you all you need to know and what to look for. BUT by now you are probably a little too late for lessons, and every teacher wants the perfect stroke. if you are just golfing for fun and in the low 80's you are doing very well, and waht you do is working for you. just fine tune the short game and you will be golden.

Buy used clubs. Anything 5-10 years old will be fine. I just got 8 year old Callaway Big Bertha irons with graphite shafts and I'm pleased. They're considered "game improvement" irons but they're suitable for an intermediate player (more forgiving sweet spot). I think Ping i3 irons are similar.

Also, get new grips installed once you buy the used clubs.

There's no need to get a "custom fitting" until you're hitting all your shots consistently. Golf shops make a killing selling "custom" clubs to weekend hackers.

Originally Posted by greg_atlanta

Click to expand...

Also, get new grips installed once you buy the used clubs.

There's no need to get a "custom fitting" until you're hitting all your shots consistently. Golf shops make a killing selling "custom" clubs to weekend hackers.

No offense, but this is entirely false. I agree that a guy shooting 110 isn't going see much of a difference no matter what he's playing. Somebody shooting 80-85 (who obviously isn't hitting all of their shots consistently) like the OP will see an improvement when fitted for lie angle, shaft flex in irons and wedges (which would also benefit from correctly spaced lofts and appropriate bounce angles), and shaft bend profile, flex, loft in the driver. At the very least, their drives will be longer and more accurate on average. Being closer to the green and in the fairway more often on average will, obviously, make it easier to score.