Should I get new clubs?

[golfgirl3]

I am debating whether I should get new clubs or just update my current ones. I played a lot of competitive golf in junior high and high school, then I went to college and had zero time for anything. It's been about four years since I have really played competitively, and I am just now getting back into it. I want to get as good as I used to be (i.e. about a 4 handicap). All of my clubs need to be regripped, and my driver shaft needs to be switched to a regular flex. Also, I have all men's clubs (by choice), and I am also curious how my game would be impacted if I switched to ladies' clubs. Here's what's in my bag:

Driver: Titleist 975J 9 degree with stiff shaft
Woods: 3,4,5 knock offs (Affinity) regular flex
Irons: Cleveland TA7 regular steel shafts 4-P
SW: Professional Open 690 Black
LW: knock off of Maltby Slider Pro Men's Wedge
Putter: Odyssey Dual Force - I want to keep this one

If anyone has any suggestions and recommends any brands, please let me know. I really appreciate it! Thanks

[B-17 Pilot]

. . .judging by your handicap me giving you advice is like a minor leaguer giving Cal Ripken some baseball lessons!! It sounds like your clubs are probably at least 5-8 years old, right? If so, I think you would be well served by purchasing new "fitted" clubs. The technology in not only woods, but irons, in just the last few years could definitlely aid you in getting to that coveted 4! Good luck!!

Mike

[ElTigre]

Well, the only difference that i know of between ladies clubs and mens clubs. Is that ladies clubs are ladies flex, and have lighter shafts in them.

[joseywales]

Very simple. If you are serious and have the money, get fitted. The advances in club technology since your last set are astronomical. It makes the game so much more fun if you have the right equipment.

[Shindig]

If anyone has any suggestions and recommends any brands, please let me know. I really appreciate it! Thanks

Welcome back to golf! There should be some demo days in your area. Most of the manufacturer websites will list when their demo days are. Go and try the clubs. Discard any brands whose representatives insist you try the women's clubs, or at least those who won't let you try the men's clubs, if those are what you want.

Mizuno seems popular on these boards, although their demo days in Dayton coming up seem to be at private clubs. I don't know the geography of your state enough to know which other cities are close enough. Ping seems to have a fair number of demo opportunities. When you've tried a few and want more feedback from people who have used the clubs, speak up. Some of the comments on this board helped me with my recent decision to get clubs (fitting next week).

[allin]

I am debating whether I should get new clubs or just update my current ones. I played a lot of competitive golf in junior high and high school, then I went to college and had zero time for anything. It's been about four years since I have really played competitively, and I am just now getting back into it. I want to get as good as I used to be (i.e. about a 4 handicap). All of my clubs need to be regripped, and my driver shaft needs to be switched to a regular flex. Also, I have all men's clubs (by choice), and I am also curious how my game would be impacted if I switched to ladies' clubs. Here's what's in my bag:

TA-7s are not so out of date that you can't play them for a bit. Four fairway woods and then a four iron seems a little unusual. Depending on why you have used that combination in the past I would consider starting by replacing your driver (thats where technology advances make the biggest difference)and then consider fairway wood changes and maybe a hybrid or two. The most popular brands for better women players these days seem to be Callaway and Adams. Ping still has significant presence as well. Tour Edge has a new line aimed at women as well. Among mens clubs the issue is not your skills but how tall you are and how high you hit the ball. If you are 5 5 or taller and hit the ball reasonably high there is no reason you can't play any mens brand you like. The advantage of womens clubs is weaker lofts and lighter overall weight, since you are young and evidently talented you probably don't need the extra help. Golf balls have advanced also, make sure you try a few of newer ball models.

[JYB]

sounds like you should get new clubs! good times!

[Steaksauce]

For me the newest clubs I have are my wedges which are 2-3 years old and then my driver which is about 5. Then my irons which are older than me and my putter which is older than my mom. And I just broke par today and out drove and played all my teamates. The moral is its the player not the clubs.

So if you already like your clubs I would suggest getting the right shafts and lie angle adjustments, but if you want new clubs go for it.

Also since you seem to be a good player find a good tour ball because that is what really matters. So ProV1s, HX tours or Tour i/ix, or Taylormades ect... You can usually buy a sleeve of most any ball you want at your local golf store or proshop.

So go keep practicing, find what fits your game and good luck.

[Big_M]

Do you want knew clubs? If so... go get them.

But, as long as the TA7's fit you they are a great set of clubs. The most important thing is that they fit you which includes...
-looks
-size
-flex
-ability (players cavity, game improvement, etc.)

The other thing I would consider is do the clubs appropriately fill distance gaps (someone mention 4 woods and 4-pw). Really the choice is yours... if you like the clubs, find out if they perform as they should or if they need some tweeking or adjustments.

[bm303]

My only bit of advice is to not get new clubs, and do not get ladies clubs. I'm much younger than you and I am sure MUCH weaker than you and I swing regular flex mens shafts. I would not purchase graphite shafts for irons unless you're very old and unable to swing steel shafts. I have noticed almost no difference in my father's 20 year old Ping irons and my 3 month old Cobra Irons, which is why I say do not get new clubs unless you begin playing a lot and feel that they will be beneficial to your game. Otherwise, there is not much of a difference in the irons, but new woods would be something to consider.

[golfgirl3]

Hello again - I just wanted to thank all of you for your great input and advice so far. And also I want to thank you for the warm welcome back to golf! I have really missed it...