Chadbert

I really like my callaway x hybrids. After playing a few rounds with them, I like them much better than my Nike sq2 hybrid. They should be in your price range

Another driver you might be able to get in your price range is the Ping G5 driver. I would look to see if there are any demo days coming up nearby. Those really helped me in selecting a driver (Big Bertha Diablo 10* with regular flex).

Congrats. I achieved one of my goals yesterday. I finally broke 100. I almost did it again today on a harder course but failed to sink puts on the back nine. I have to say that I don't like your avatar one bit, but I'll leave it at that :p

I grew up playing the cheaper brand equipment like Bridges and Razor and I can tell you that there is a difference between no-name and name-brand. It's not a gigantic difference and the no-name will be able to work, but I find the name brand equipment to be a little bit better. I would look at used name brand over the knockoffs or no-name: http://callawaygolfpreowned.com/default.aspx I like my callaway x hybrids a lot. I also like my taylormade burner 3 wood. I would start with a 3 hybrid and then if you need another club, get a 3 wood.

I have an old (10 year old) razor driver that my Dad got me when I was in high school. I could hit it ok but it was a cheap driver. I'd say the quality heirarchy is close to this: Dunlop, Walmart sets < Razor, Bridges < Ping, Taylormade, Callaway...

Willows Run is my home course and I play it about once or twice a week. I usually do the after 5 special which includes a cart and is very cheap for the area. The course is well kept, there's lots of wildlife (mostly canadian geese), and there are a few scenic holes on the Eagle's Talon course. Hole 17 is a beautiful par 3 island hole. Nine and 10 offer a view of Mt Rainier when it's visible. I haven't played Coyote Creek yet because it requires more accuracy than the other course. I would say that Willows is a very good bang for buck place but I'm not entirely sure that it's a place I would go play at when visiting a city. If you're going to play a single course up here, I'd pony up to play Chambers Bay. If you're going to hit 2 or 3 different courses, I'd definitely give Willows a shot. I'm going to try Redmond Ridge sometime soon when Willows is having a tournament.

I would hit a 2 hybrid as well. I have the Nike sq2 2 and 4 hybrids and I can hit them both very well. The 2h is easier to hit then my 3 wood and I can hit it in more situations than the wood.

The balls that I've liked this year: Noodle long and soft Nike Powersoft Bridgestone E6+

I also have a nike sumo2 2 hybrid. I hit mine straight and my natural ball flight is a slight to mid fade. It took me 3 practice sessions at the driving range to figure it out but after that it has been a real work horse for me.

My goals are: 1) Break 100 for the first time (so close) 2) Become more consistent with accuracy and distance 2.5) Greatly improve approach shots 3) Lower number of 3 putts to 1 per 18 holes 4) End the year at or below an 18 handicap Goals already accomplished Get new clubs (still need a hybrid and a sand wedge)