How to buy new irons?

I've been thinking about a new set of irons for a month or two now. The long story for why is below. I went to the Long Beach golf show today and tried clubs from every manufacturer, after telling them about my ability to commit time to improving and current status. I tried the clubs they suggested for a "high-teen handicapper with time to improve," since my handicap will likely be in the high teens before I actually purchase the clubs. After trying clubs from every present manufacturer (Wilson and Srixon weren't at the show), I've got a top choice: Mizuno MP-57. (I was a bit surprised at myself that Cobra clubs didn't fit the top-3. Ping i10 and Bridgestone J33 are the 2nd and 3rd choices, at the moment)

So, my question literally is: how do I go about buying new irons? Roger Dunn has them for $850. That isn't out of my price range, especially now that I've filed my taxes. Is there a way to get these for cheaper, other than looking at eBay? I'd like some way to be able to guarantee quality, so I may end up going to Roger Dunn anyway. Also, is there anything I need to consider when buying new irons that I might not know about? Is there some way to purchase other than the standard 3-PW variety, such as a subset of that?

A friend helped me through purchasing my first set of irons when I started and helped me find a putter I liked. But the rest of my bag has come together willy-nilly, and I'd like to avoid that for any future clubs.

The only thing that slightly worries me is that the MP-57s have modified U-grooves (see Erik's review, http://thesandtrap.com/columns/bag_d..._and_much_more ). How likely is this to cause a problem for me?


Thanks in advance for the help!


Other thoughts on what I saw at the golf show possibly coming soon, if I think of anything insightful or discussion-worthy.

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The long story about why I've been thinking of getting new irons: My scores are approaching the 80s, and I have no doubt that I'll be shooting mid-80s soon. It also helps that iron striking appears to be one of my strengths in golf: my long game, while not very long, does have a basis in consistency. I have a tendency to hit balls straight, although my alignment sometimes leaves much to be desired. I don't see much of a need to stick with super-game improvement irons just because my chipping and putting aren't great.

For the record, I spend more practice time chipping & putting than at the driving range. This isn't just because I know it's better for my score: it's because I like seeing the ball go in the hole, and I rarely get to see that on the range. I'm also going to have a great deal of time to practice in the next nine and a half months: my schedule at school is nice and compact for the March-June and October-December periods. This summer is even better, as my summer job is blocks from a nice executive course that also has a great practice facility and I get out of work at such a time that it's either golf or fight traffic. Almost needless to say, I plan to play weekends, too: that's when I'll be able to get out to regulation courses. This is the time in my life to get better at golf.

remember to have them fit
you can custom order club to whatever spec you want.
length, lie, shaft, shaft flex, grip, grip size, sometimes loft
you don't have to buy 3-pw.
you can order any combination you want.
if a set costs $800 for 3-pw, each club will cost $100.
you can order through retail stores, proshops, or some online websites (i know tgw and golfsmith let you customize your spec when ordering)

It's about time, Shindig...it's about time...

1. Don't worry too much about the grooves.
2. Mizuno does offer customized irons.
3. Some online retailers do sell through eBay priced better from their online stores.
4. Some sellers from point #3 do offer point #2.

You're gonna love your Mizuno for sure!

Shin Dig. I sent you a PM. I hope the info I pass along will help. Let me know.

1. You might want to find out when the Mizuno Fitting Rep is going to be in your area. Once you got it fit, I think it will take 1 or 2 weeks (someone correct me on this) to get your new club.

2. If money isn't an issue for you, always buy for a reputable/authorized dealer.

Just my .002

As one of the other responders has mentioned, if money isn't an issue then buy from a reputable store rather than ebay. I wouldn't ever buy anything that expensive on ebay, plus you can always go back to the store that you bought the clubs at if you have problems (whereas trying to track someone down off of ebay might be more difficult).

I too am in the process of buying new irons to replace the ones I've been playing with for probably over 5 years. These irons are the 2nd set I've ever owned, so I think it's time to get a new set. I'm thinking about either the Calloway x20 or perhaps some Taylor Made.

I will definately make my purchase at Golfsmith and will be getting fitted for the new irons, but I have a question: When should I go in to purchase my clubs? I am in Colorado, so playing golf in the winter isn't an option. Thus, my swing is rusty right now and I'm thinking that now might not be the best time to go in to get fitted.

Is waiting until further in the season to get fitted a better idea since my swing will be a bit more in tune at that time?

Or, should I go get them now and take advantage of the pre-season practice time to get used to the new clubs?

My GHIN handicap is just over 7, so I wouldn't think my swing would be changing much more in the future ... most of the strokes I can make up is short game.

What do you all think?

I would like to throw this out there. I wouldnt rule out purchasing online. I deal with a guy who sells on ebay and his service and knowledge are top notch. He is more knowledgable and reputable than some guy working for a little over minimum wage at a golf store. I purchased my Mizuno MP 32's last year for $650 shipped to my door. I recieved all the paperwork and original boxing from Mizuno. I have the certification letter with all numbers matching. I knew my specs but I could have also been fitted by a Mizuno rep and the specs could have been emailed to my seller. My specs were standard length with 2 degrees flat. I also could have selected a different grip.

All in all I saved money and got exactly what I wanted. I also just purchased two MP wedges (2007 model) for 54.99 a piece. These will also be bent 2 degrees flat to match my set which was done free of charge.

Im sure there are scam artists out there but the guy I deal with is honest and answers all of your emails. If anyone would like his contact info email or PM me. He IS a authorized seller for many of the equipment companies.

Absolutely! I got measured for my first set of irons and I barely knew how to swing at that time. There's no way I'd be willing to get clubs without getting fit for them. I was wearing shoes in the wrong size a few months ago, and I figure improperly fit golf clubs are just as painful

Less than three weeks until Mizuno's fitting day. Thanks for the encouragement.

Many thanks, both to you and the other PM I got. I'll take a look through that.

Mizuno is having a fitting day on the first Saturday of my spring break in Anaheim, and a month later at the Roger Dunn near me. I think I'll stop by the Anaheim one and get fit. It gives me enough time between now and then to do the price comparison.

Yeah, if I buy through eBay, I'll make sure to get references from TST members first.

In Southern California, we don't really much of an off-season, other than the 3-4 days a year it rains here. However, due to personal circumstances, I have many months in which I'll be playing much more regularly than ever, so I'm planning my purchase towards the beginning of that time. If my swing were off, I'd spend a week getting it back - possibly with a lesson to make sure I'm doing it right - and then go and get fit.

If I purchase from eBay, I'll purchase from such a person. Thanks for your help, by the way!

One thing to remember also, is that places like Golf Galaxy will usually match the prices of TGW and Golfsmith.