Advice needed for Craigslist golf clubs - Austin, TX

Hey everyone,

I am new to golf. My father and father-in-law started to pick up golf in the last 1-2 years so I've decided to make an effort to pick it up to play and bond with them.  Neither of them lives near me so those chances are few and far between.  I'm an active person who is used to playing basketball, softball, and football.  Even though I'm a complete noob, I think I'll be able to catch up to their level in a year or so if I play regularly.  I've been to the driving range before but am learning a lot more these days and feel like it's time to get my own set of clubs.  Still not knowledgeable on which ones to get or which ones I need, but I know that I want to improve on my non-tee shots and non-putting shots (I believe that would be my irons??).

I want to stay under $100 for the best used clubs I can get so I've been looking on this forum for reviews/opinions and also on Craigslist to see what's available to me.  The only problem is that it's hard for me to make the connection of value and performance of the clubs so I was hoping ask forum members to help me with their opinions if I post some links on the Craigslist postings I've seen.

These are just a few I saw, but there are several more:

TaylorMade & Ping - $70

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2553666691.html

Wilson - $80

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2501048227.html

Adams - $90

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2550736454.html

Wilson - $40

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2531071631.html

Wilson - $100

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2545013943.html

TaylorMade - $80

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2544170869.html

Hogan - $100

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2535070366.html

Titleist - $100

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2530460377.html

There seem to be many others if you search in Austin which I'm not sure how they stack up to these as well, but any advice and direction would be greatly appreciated!  Thank you everyone!

Hi everyone,

I am new to golf.  I've played a couple of rounds total in my life and been to the driving range several times.  My father and father-in-law have picked up the sport in the past 1-2 years and I would like to begin playing to bond with them.  They both live out of state and these chances are few and far between so I want to practice and improve my game.  I think I can catch up to their level in a year if I play regularly.  I feel it's time for me to have my own set of golf clubs but I don't want to spend too much until I can continue to learn more.  They are coming to visit (and play golf) in September and October so I've got about a month to find something.

My budget is $100 and I'd like to purchase the best used golf clubs from Craigslist, but I don't know which of these clubs are good values.  I am looking to fellow forum members to help me evaluate which of these would be a good buy.

There are plenty to choose from, here are just a few:

TM and Ping $70

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2553666691.html

TM $80

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2544170869.html

Wilson $40

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2505514331.html

Hogan $100

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2535070366.html

Assorted $80

http://austin.craigslist.org/spo/2537529942.html

There are more to choose from in the Austin Craigslist.  I also plan to stop by Golfsmith soon to check out some of their used clubs as well.  But for now I am still doing some research.  I would appreciate any and all advice and guidance.  Thank you!

Oops, I didn't see my 1st thread so I started another one.  Sorry.  Mods, please delete or merge :)  Thanks!

I would go for the Adams.  They are designed for beginner golfers.  All the others looked pretty out-of-date, and using out-of-date clubs when you're learning is almost sure to inhibit your learning and consequently your enjoyment of the game.  Plus, the grips are new -- the grips on the others are likely to be hard and cracked rubber, and the grips make a difference.

What part of Austin are you in?  I live in far-south Austin.  I have bought some wedges from the guy selling the Adams before, he works at a golf course or something so he's always selling stuff on Craigslist.  CL is a good place to find bargains if you are patient and can recognize a good deal.  You might also consider looking on ebay, I've had good luck both places.

FYI, you might be able to get those same clubs a lot cheaper on ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/ADAMS-TIGHT-LIES-UC-10-IRONS-3-PW-STEEL-STIFF-/230661745364?pt=Golf_Clubs&hash;=item35b482ead4#ht_3422wt_932 That is a very good seller (I've bought from them too), and they ensure all clubs they sell have decent grips (they put new ones on otherwise).

Hope this helps!

Wow, thanks for the great information!  The link on ebay says the set is worth $51.27.  Is that accurate in the real world?  Would I be overpaying at ~$90?

Also, does any of Jon's other deals on Craigslist look like a good purchase for me? http://austin.craigslist.org/search/spo?query=713-409-3889&srchType;=A&minAsk;=&maxAsk;=

I might stop by his shop.  I actually live in Round Rock, not Austin.

Any other opinions on this would be great...Thanks!

I think you would be overpaying a little bit at $90.  The ebay auction closed at 31.99 + 16.95 shipping.  Add on the price of new grips that Jon's has and you're in his ballpark.  I would aim to pay about $70.

The Taylormade RAC wedge he has looks good at that price, especially if it's in as good a condition as he says.  But I'd aim to pay $20.

If you haven't dealt with CraigsList a lot, people usually post what they would LIKE to get.  You should almost always negotiate.

Happy hunting!