In Person Purchase vs. On-Line

Hello -

I'm new to the game and have started a collection of clubs, one by one.  Anxious to get some opinions on whether it is better to buy on-line or buy in person.

My initial purchase of a club (on eBay) left me with some questions, as the clubs seemed too long for me (I'm a petite female).  I will most likely need to get them shortened.

I just read in a previous post that buying a starter set of clubs is best, so I'm wondering if I should try to sell what I've acquired already.

Thanks,

Kate

Its always better to buy in-person if you can, that way you can try the club before you buy it.  Unless you know exactly what you want, buying online can be a little hit or miss.

I would agree, with you being new to the game best to buy in-person.  However, I have purchased alot of my clubs and other golf items online, but I know exactly what I want and will be rather picky with what I find online.  If you are patient you can get some good deals online but you have to be very cautious as there are a lot of bad deals out there also.

If you were my sister or daughter, I'd say go and get fitted (measured), in person, even if it is at a big-box store like Golfsmith. Since you are a beginner, the fitting should be about measuring your hands, distance from the fingers to the floor, and things like that. Do not get hung up on fitting your current swing since you plan to change and improve that swing. Get clubs for the swing you want -- not the one you have.

Then, order the clubs through them to be made to your exact size needs. You will pay the same price as buying off the shelf. You just need to wait for them to arrive. Companies like Adams make full beginner sets and will make you one with the correct weight, length, lie, and grip size. If the clubs you want are sold as individual clubs, consider buying a set with only odd number clubs (5, 7, 9, PM plus a 3-wood and a putter). You can add to the set as you start hitting the ball consistently enough to want and need an 8-iron.

As for what you have already acquired, you can trade it all in at a place like Golfsmith -- much easier than selling it on eBay even if you end up with less.

Good luck.

Quote:

Katie,

Be aware that just as there's petite clothing for women, there's also petite golf clubs. These are designed for women 5-foot-2 or less in height (really about half the US female population). They start off an inch shorter in the shaft, and have a flatter lie (because your hands will be closer to the ground). Go to a golf shop and ask about which women's lines carry petite clubs. My wife got one of the first petite sets back in 1989, the Square Two irons and woods by Nancy Lopez. Adams Golf has since bought Square Two. This web site talks about petite clubs.

http://www.all-about-lady-golf-clubs.com/lady-golf-club-petite.html

Here's a guest column I wrote awhile ago on boxed, or starter, sets. You might find it interesting:

http://thesandtrap.com/b/bag_drop/clubbing_up_beginners_should_consider_boxed_sets?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm;_medium=hellotxt

Wow, what great advice and information from everyone.  Thank you, I appreciate it.

Well, I did end up getting that Rife Putter (in the store) and love it.  The other clubs are Maxfli brand and I'll probably end up getting fitted, as a few of you suggested.  I'm about 5'2" (an extra inch on my license), so that advice on the clubs for petite women is spot on.  I plan to read the article and check out the websites suggested.

On a lighter side, my 16 year old son is also getting into golf (I'm doing this partially to have something to do in common with him).  His clubs were picked up from a yard sale for a steal of a price (under $30 for a complete set) and some of his "junior" clubs feel pretty darn good, the drivers specifically.  May have to borrower his clubs from time to time.  It seems wrong almost because they're made for kids, not adults.