Which clubs to replace first

[Tmal]

It has been a while since I've played regularly, but getting back into it so I'm considering slowly upgrading clubs when I can justify the cost. I haven't stayed up to date on how much technology has advanced in what club areas and I am willing and likely to try and pick up 2011 or 2012 models to save money.

Here's what I'm playing now:

Driver - Taylor Made Burner - 2007 model

3w - Cleveland ~2006 (Don't use it much, might be more inclined to use one if it was better)

Irons - Ping i5's - 2006

Wedges - Cleveland CG10s - 2006

Putter - Scotty Cameron Mallet - 2007

If you were replacing with limited funds where would you start?

[dbuck]

If your driver is 460cc and you hit it ok, I probably wouldn't replace anything unless you just want to have the latest and greatest. The adjustable technology has stepped up since then, but other than that unless something newer just fits you better I don't know that you'd gain a lot in performance. I am not one to answer I guess, see my sig LOL. The wedges and possibly irons have the groove issue, but unless you play in USGA events, that won't be a problem for a few years. One thing you might consider is adding a hybrid or two. Took me a long time to try them but I like them now. If you can hit a few and like them, that might be where I'd start. If your wedges are worn or your putter doesn't fit, that might be the next area I'd consider.

[dbuck]

Also, if you haven't replaced your grips lately, that is something else that is a lot of bang for the buck.

[Ernest Jones]

Originally Posted by dbuck

Also, if you haven't replaced your grips lately, that is something else that is a lot of bang for the buck.

I'll second that. The day I finally changed my grips I was blown away by the difference.

[Zeph]

Aside from grips, I would prioritize irons first. You hit them on every hole and they make the biggest difference. Some might argue that also goes for the putter, but I don't think the putter is as significant as the irons in this matter.

[tomvk77]

By the look off your set, this still is pretty decent stuff. Putter is good. First thing that comes to my mind,

how are the grooves on your wedges? There pretty old i can imagine they are worn. so that would be my first

replacement. I definitely replace grips, specially after not playing a while.

[ApocG10]

You already have a nice set of clubs there already. Spend money on lessons, it will serve you mmuch better.

Where do you play?

[Tmal]

I'm in Chicago, try and mix it up at which courses I play.

Solid advice on the grips, it has been almost 3 years since replacing them. My only hesitation is that it could run me close to 100 bucks to do so with grips and installation and I might be better served putting that toward a set instead.

My 52's grooves are definitely worn, 56 and 60 are used far less and should be fine, I'll look into the 52 first it sounds like.

[clearwaterms]

Originally Posted by Tmal

I'm in Chicago, try and mix it up at which courses I play.

Solid advice on the grips, it has been almost 3 years since replacing them. My only hesitation is that it could run me close to 100 bucks to do so with grips and installation and I might be better served putting that toward a set instead.

My 52's grooves are definitely worn, 56 and 60 are used far less and should be fine, I'll look into the 52 first it sounds like.

It can be done very easily and for WAY cheaper than $100.  If you have basic tools you can easily do it yourself.

I have purchased these grips (Karma Black Velvet Ribbed) for .99 a grip

http://www.hirekogolf.com/golf-components/golf-grips/standard-grips/karma-black-velvet-ribbed.html

It takes 1-2 hours to do the work depending on how hard old grips are to get off.

As for Chicago, there is a group of Chicago golfers on TST that have been planning golf outings in and around the city.  I suggest you post in that thread if you are interested in playing with people from the area.

[solarbear]

If you have an air compressor doing grips is stupid easy.  Just youtube it.  Takes less than an hour to do a set and can cost as little as $20.  No fuss, no mess, just blow them off, retape, blow them back on, adjust.  Golfworks usually has a grip or two on sale.  Worth checking out.  Ie they have quite a nice ust grip for $2 at the moment.