Rookie Club Set?

[Sangrodio]

My friend has recently started playing golf with a few friends about a month ago, an intends to make it a full time hobby. His birthday is coming up in a few weeks, so we'd like to buy a set of clubs for him.

I'm not a golfer myself, so I'm not sure where to start. Do you guys have any suggestions regarding where to find/buy a full set of clubs for an absolute rookie?

Wal-Mart has a generic set for about $150. Judging by the price, I'm assuming these things are as low-quality as it gets, but I have no point of reference. We're not looking for anything too expensive since he is new, but at the same time, I don't want to buy something that winds up being total rubbish either.

((Here are the Wilson clubs at Wal-Mart) (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.gsp?product_id=3321548)

Any suggestions would be helpful.

Thanks...

- denton

[iacas]

I'd recommend that you check one of your local sporting goods stores. I bought my friend Joseacute a set of Nicklaus clubs (woods, irons), a putter, and a bag for $400. Well above what you're after there but I splurged on the bag and the putter, too.

The thing about inexpensive or cheap clubs is that the really low end of the scale stuff detracts from the enjoyment of the game. So if you want (or he wants) to stick with it, buying sticks that are a little above that level helps tremendously.

Send your friend to this forum if you think he'd like it, too.

[gas_can]

In addition to what iacas said, I'd strongly reccomend used clubs. It's almost impossible to ruin a cast golf club with a steel shaft no matter how bad you are, and it's likely you'll be albe to find a better quality used set of clubs than you would buying a completely new set. Places like Play it Again Sports (www.playitagainsports.com/playitagainsports/myheadline.asp?S=7312&P=3979&PubID=4332) and 2nd Swing (www.2ndswding.com/) are nice because they offer warantees on most of their equipment and custom fitting to boot.

[iacas]

Ah yes, I didn't even consider used clubs. You may find a set of Ping Zings or something for $200, and they'd be a steal at that price if they're in even halfway decent condition.

Good thought, Kiran.