Beginner Set Suggestions

Hello,

I am fairly new to the game of golf and was hoping to get some guidance regarding golf club sets. I have golfed on the recreation level with friends for a few years and love this game. I have been using either a friends' back up clubs or my father's old clubs from the 80's. I feel I have done pretty well using the equipment I was presented with, but now I want my own set of clubs.

What do you suggest?

I have been reading about complete sets from different manufacturers (Wilson and Top Flight) and they seem decent for my budget of around $300. I have also been reading about piecing together my own set.

The complete sets I have been looking at include:

- Wilson Ultra = http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/wilson-golf-ultra-complete-set-with-bag.html#

- Wilson Pro Staff = http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/wilson-golf-2009-prostaff-complete-set-graphite-steel.html

- Top Flight XL = http://www.overstock.com/Sports-Toys/Top-Flite-2010-Mens-XL-13-piece-Golf-Set/4808926/product.html

I am golfing for fun. I do not plan on competing in tournaments, outings, etc. I do not plan on keeping my first set of clubs my whole life. I just want something I can consistently use to help develop my game. At the same time, I want to get the most quality for my money. Being a college student, money is tight and I am on a strict budget of $300. Should I be concerned about the lack of quality surrounding the sets I posted?

I am open to all comments, advice, and guidance!

Thanks for the help!

You could always get a used set of nicer golf clubs for probably not much more. I would imagine that the quality of a used set of a better make of clubs will help you play better, I know several people who have experienced huge differences in upgrading from cheap clubs to quality clubs when learning the game.

I'm not an expert though. I would certainly think used clubs should be a consideration though.

Try for a used (not too old) or new half-set of improver clubs. Make sure you can google the brand.

3Wood, 5Hybrid, 7,8, 9, PW (pitching wedge) irons and a mallet type putter. Only 7 clubs to concentrate on.

Forget the No1 Driver until you can competently tee off with the 3W regularly. Add a SW (sand wedge) when your competent with the PW.

I think that's a good starter kit for anyone.

If I was gonna go the complete set route I'd probably go for this set of Adams on RBG...

http://www.rockbottomgolf.com/adams-golf-tight-lies-1114-complete-golf-set-with-bag.html

It's a good beginner set but not one you'll outgrow too quickly.  I know that it's about $100 over your price range but they do give you $100 gift card that you can use towards the little things that you'll need (balls, tees, etc.) or apparel...

The other option in my mind (and not necessarily a worse one) is going with quality used clubs, although you're probably looking at about $400 or so going that way too (figure maybe $50 each for a driver and woods, $200 for your irons and wedges, and around $50 for a bag).

If you are going to go the used route you should check out GlobalGolf and 3balls... they are both reputable sellers and have good deals.  You can also check out eBay but just beware of potential fakes.  Take a good look at the seller's feedback and if possible try to get serial numbers so you can verify authenticity.

I figured I'd outgrow a fullset quickly as well, so what I did was go to garage sales until I found a set of Wilson Staff blades (3 iron to PW) for less than 80 bucks.

Then I bought a nice 5 wood (one of the first longer clubs I tried and felt comfortable with, it's actually the one I'm using now, a Nike Victory Red Tour that I got for $100) then I bought this same VR Sand Wedge I've been using, and an older Wilson Staff Blade putter. That was my starter set. I bought new irons when the 3 iron head cracked in half one day on a mishit. It was hilarious.

I played those until I figured out my swing and it worked very well.

I'd get the Top Flite or the Adams Tight Lies box set. Upgrade in a few years...because you'll probably turn into a golf club junkie like most of us on this site including myself !

I appreciate the responses. I'm leaning towards the Top Flight XL set, just because it has everything I need...Drivers, woods, hybrids, irons, putter, and bag.

I went to the local Golf Galaxy tonight was really was not impressed with their used selection for my price point.

All the reviews I read about the Top Flight set seem to reveal a quality beginner set of clubs. Am I making a mistake going with them?

No, I don't think so. I purchased the Top Flite XL set 2 years ago. The irons feel pretty good and the 3 wood is awesome. Like you said, it has everything you'll need to get started at a decent price. I've since upgraded, but I still use the bag, 3W, and 4h.

Certainly not. They are a GREAT set of improver clubs and can be found second-hand on fleabay without much trouble. They never hit the popularity stakes when they were released due to their fairly plain looks, but they are a great set of clubs. On top of that, when your ready to "move up" you will have no trouble getting most of your money back.

No point in turning into a serious $$$ equipment Ho until you are well and truly a golf sicko. Hold off as long as you can!

Good advise overall, but I don't agree on forgetting the Driver, for most people the driver at 460 cc is the easiest way to get distance from the tee.

I would say forget the 3W and buy a driver instead, but make sure it is a 12 or even 13 degree loft driver. The higher loft will bring a straighter shot, ie. more chance it will stay in the fairway......

Starting off with a half set is a good thought, but maybe it is better to start with a full set and leave some clubs at home to start with, bc. half sets are about never the best you can get for a low price, it might be hard to fill it later with the missing clubs, etc......

My prefered starters half set, would be something like : Driver, Hybrid, 6i, 8i, PW, SW, Putter. I think you will be able to find a great Game Improvement set for about $300-$400 ...... $100 for a 460 cc driver of about 3 yrs back, $150 for a full set of irons, $50-$100 for any putter you like, small carrying bag, some balls, tees, Rules booklet.

Try playing golf without a glove first, many do, if you don't like it buy a golf glove (upper hand only).