Complete Set?

So I've been golfing for about a month consistently now and have taken quite fondly to the game. I'm a senior in high school this year and am looking at getting some of my own clubs. Up to this point I've been using my dad's ancient ping zing knock-offs. That being said, would it be beneficial to get a complete set such as say, http://www.golfdiscount.com/products...ch-package-set or would it be more worth it to go all out and buy some pretty decent clubs right now or should i just keep with my dad's old set? I have the money for better clubs, but would like to save as much as possible for college... What do you guys think?

My own opinion would be that you should scout the pre-owned and closeout markets to see if there are any good bargains to be had on late-model brand-name equipment. (Hint: There always is if you aren't picky about exactly what you want.)

First set of clubs is always a tough question.

How old are your Dad's irons? More than 7 or so years and your game might benefit from clubs with newer technology, even if they are no-name clubs. If you've only been playing a month and you are saving for college (good for you, btw), I think being frugal is a good idea. Although it's tempting to go out and spend the money on a brand name, new set of irons and woods, I would recommend that you hold off until you know your swing a little better. If at all possible, you should try to hit the clubs before you buy. And you should definitely get a static fitting (measurements) before buying anything to make sure you get the right size clubs. (Hopefully you will be standard or close, because there isn't much out there for non-standard beginners at a low price.) Your local store should be able to measure you up, or the PING rep at a demo day, or even following the instructions on the PING website. Some people will recommend a complete fitting (static and dynamic - swinging a club, etc). But I think that is premature at this stage (unless you can get it for free). After only a month, your swing is still changing and evolving. Buy some inexpensive, but decent quality clubs, and save your money for lessons. Once you decide that you really are addicted and that you need better clubs . . . well, golf clubs make great gifts from the family. Driver one year, new irons the next, new putter for your birthday, etc. And when that starts happening, you may decide to invest in a full fitting to find out which clubs are best for you. Anyway, about the clubs: I am familiar with the clubs you linked because they are the "house brand" of a local store. The ones I've hit (not that model, and not for several years) were actually very good irons (woods = meh). But I think you can do better for that price, especially if you already have a bag and putter. What about these Wilson Pro Staff woods and irons for $249 on closeout: http://www.golfdiscount.com/products...f-complete-set Slightly different Wilson ProStaff set with graphite shafts for $199: http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/wilson...-golf-set.html Same as above, from TGW and also $199: http://www.tgw.com/customer/category...TEGORY_ID=6999 Or for $159: http://www.golfdiscount.com/products...x3-package-set Callaway's Top Flight brand has several complete sets at various price points:

$199 - http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Complet..._Mens_Set.html $299 - http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Complet..._5000_Set.html $399 - http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Complet...te_D2_Set.html

And, of course, you can always comb through Callaway Pre-Owned for deals: http://callawaygolfpreowned.com/defa...gcid=c1504x748

Check out the Ben Hogan section: http://callawaygolfpreowned.com/othe...sbenhogan.aspx From everything I've heard, "Like New" really means new for the Hogan line. Callaway bought Hogan several years ago and is probably closing out new inventory after abandoning the line. For example, you could get a Hogan Hybrid CFT/iron set with 2 hybrids and and 5-E irons for $239. And you can pick graphite or steel shafts and shaft flex. That's a killer deal and, if I was starting today, that's probably what I would get. But if you want to go even cheaper, you could get a set of BH-5 offset irons for $100-$170; or BH-5 (non-offset) for $170; or Hogan Edge CFT irons for $130 - $170.

Well done Harry. You went to a lot of trouble for this poster. Double thumbs up.

I also say Bravo! to Harry he's definitely done his homework on complete sets

anyway, ancient PING ZING knockoffs what are they Z-models... lol...

anyway i'm gonna suggest something that will blow your mind... and its only $209
http://egolfoutlet.com/golf_equipmen...ed-p-1004.html

that set of irons happens to run 4-iron all the way down to the lob wedge so if you wanted to add clubs it wouldn't be hard... and they also have 2 and 3 hybrids for that set if you are interested...

I did forget one thing:

GigaGolf comes up frequently as an inexpensive option for clone clubs. A search here will probably turn up some posts to review.

Although I don't have any experience with the company, I've looked at the website and I like the fact that you can customize your options (length, lie, shaft, grip, etc). If you are a nonstandard size, it may be a good option for you.

However, I would still lean toward the Hogan Hogan Edge CFT Hybrid/Iron set on Callaway Pre-Owned.

(I just noticed that the stock of right handed clubs is in the Edge CFT hybrid/irons limited to Stiff shaft flex. But if you need Regular flex and want that set, give them a call. Who knows, they might have a regular flex set stashed somewhere. Heck, with Callaway's customer service reputation, they might swap out the shafts for you. It's doubtful, but definitely worth a phone call to find out..)

Hi, new guy here.

I was in Dicks Sporting Goods yesterday,and they have a Slazenger set that looks pretty good.

http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/pr...ductId=3003271

A buddy of mine bought that set in July . . . and he has already had to replace the 5-iron twice, and the bottom of the bag busted out last week. I am not slamming on Slazinger, but in this case, it looks like his money may have been better spent going with pre-owned Ping, Titelist, Callaway, etc. JMHO, Steve

I think it's worth noting that while clubs can help improve your game, if I were you I would spend the money on lessons and learn a good swing and routine now rather then trying to buy new clubs and ending up with a bad swing and having to correct it later. If your dad will let you continue to use his old clubs, I would take advantage and get into a good swing routine and spend the money on practice / lessons / greens fee's / etc.

once you have developed a good swing, it will also help you decide what you want in a good set of golf clubs.

if you have a very natural and consistent swing, you might decide that you want a more traditional player's style club but maybe you prefer the forgiving qualities of a big bertha or similar wide sole'd cavity club.

Some of the big golf retailers (e.g. Golf Galaxy) will sell their used club with a 30 day return for credit policy. It definitely lowers the risk of getting something that won't work for you.

Thank you so much everyone. Especially Harry, that was pretty much exactly what I needed to know. That was an outstanding response. I think I'm going to go with the Ben Hogan route, seems like good stuff for the price. What is the best way i can figure out my swing speed so i can determine what shafts to get. I have been playing baseball all throughout my life so i assume i generate some decent speed... I could be completely wrong though.

Golf Galaxy charges $49 for a fitting session and when I asked they said that if I choose not to buy clubs from them, they could give me the information that would allow me to take that information and get a set from somebody else. another option is to go to Ping's website and you can enter some information (height, hand size, etc) and it will assist you to give you a static fitting, which you should be able to translate into the information you need.

Hogan irons are definitely worth the price Callaway seems to be content on giving them away for. Until a couple of years ago, they were making Tour-quality equipment. I guess Callaway decided they wanted all of their contracted tour staff to play their butt-ugly irons, and are content to let the brand be mothballed until they decide what they want to do with it. For the consumers, it means top-shelf forged irons can be had for under $300 until their inventory runs out, and that's not a bad thing.

Ben Hogan Apex Plus = Classy Callaway X-Forged Irons = Butt-Ugly

The truth is that if you go to a qualified clubfitter and get a custom fit set of clubs you will be better able to develop a repeating swing and therefore become a competent golfer as quick as your ability will allow. A qualified clubfitter will most likely be willing to adjust your clubs to mantain a fit as your swing changes. Here is a link to help you find a qualified clubfitter. http://clubfitter.org/html/certified...r_locator.html
The guys at most retail stores know as much about clubfitting as you do. Do not let them fit you.