Need Advice ... Getting Back into Golf

[msujohn]

I am getting back into the sport. I plan on taking lessons to help my game (i really don't have one). I currently have a set of 15 year old irons (Ping Zing knock offs). I want to spend less than $500 for the irons. I'm guessing that I should start out with the super game improvement level? Would that be correct? I plan on playing no more than twice month.

My questions are this. Should I take some lessons, play a few rounds, and go to the range with my current set of clubs? Or should I test out some new clubs and buy now? I have never been able to hit my old clubs very well at all and am I'm thinking the new clubs could help out during my lessons? Any advice would be great. I plan on buying drivers down the road once I'm hitting the ball straight, etc.

Also, regarding getting clubs fitted. Is that something that is important for someone like myself. How could I get fitted, if I don't have a consistent swing yet?


I'm considering the following Irons:

Callaway Big Bertha or X-18

Nike - Sling Shot OSS

Cobra SP or FP

Adams a2OS

[MasterOfTheBogey]

I would suggest Callaway Big Bertha Irons. Those were the first clubs I used and was not upset with them. New 08' Models are around $599, I believe.

Any local pro shop should be able to fit you aswell. I used the Ping fitting system and they transferred that over to my taylormade irons, but if your swing is not consistent enough I wouldnt suggest getting fitted. Unless your 7 feet tall, I would play standard set-up and learn to adapt my swing to the clubs.

[msujohn]

So if I do get fitted, what will they tell me? Will it just be the length of the club and the lie? (I'm 5'10").

When I get fitted and buy the clubs, do they charge additional to change the lie? In other words, if I buy Big Bertha's ($599) - do I pay an additional fee for them to change the length and/or lie?

[MasterOfTheBogey]

So if I do get fitted, what will they tell me? Will it just be the length of the club and the lie? (I'm 5'10").

For me it was an extra 20 bucks. Which isnt bad considering how much it helped my ball flight when they changed it from standard.

[joseywales]

First off, if you you only plan on playing twice a month and your handicap is the max, I wouldn't worry so much about getting new clubs unless you are incredibly tall or short and your clubs are upright or flat in the wrong direction. Concerning lessons, I always think it's the best idea for beginners. But if you are only going to play twice per month, it's hard to groove any kind of consistent muscle memory and get your money's worth. I honestly think that only playing twice per month is your biggest obstacle.
My advice to you: Quit your job and reprioritize your life to dedicate time to what's really important.....Golf and improving your game. Any monetary or social success you might gain through your job pales in comparison to the satisfaction of consistently hitting crisp iron shots time after time.

[larlev]

I have to disagree w/ adapting your swing to the clubs...that's just bad adv ice.

I would at the very least get a static fit done, this is basically a measurement of you wrist to floor length w/ shoes on. It wll determine roughly if the length is correct. If you measure I can get you many websites that have charts.

As far as new clubs...I believe that anyone can hit any club as long as they have a fundamentally good swing. Keep taking lessons for awhile, and then start looking at new clubs. Ping Zings were some of Pings best clubs made, so your clones should perform somewhat similar.

I play Adams Tech OS..picked them up new on e-bay for $275. A2OS can be had for around that price also, and are really nice clubs.

It really comes down to what fits your eye the best, every club you mentioned is equally good, so pick which one you like and go for it.

Forget the notion that SGI, GI clubs are going to hamper your progress, it's BS. You can play these clubs for many, many years and enjoy the game.

The main thing is the lessons..you are doing the right thing by taking them. You will know so much more about your swing at a later time when you become more proficient in your swing, then you can know what type of club you are after.

Hope this helps..........

[mn723]

I'd keep your current irons and see how much you do end up playing. If you only play once or twice a month your current irons will probably be sufficient. If you catch the golf bug you'll know when it's time for an equipment update. No reason spending lots of $$$ for something you are not sure that you'll take up seriously.

[msujohn]

Thanks for all the advice. During my lessons - I will ask the pro if I should have any concerns with my current clubs. I'm a little concerned that they are not the right fit, etc for me at this point. I will take some lessons, hit the range and course a few times and decide from there if it makes since to buy new clubs or not. I was just thinking that it might make since to get some decent clubs and the lessons at the same time - that way the pro can work with me on a set that might last me another 5 or 6 years.

[larlev]

Thanks for all the advice. During my lessons - I will ask the pro if I should have any concerns with my current clubs. I'm a little concerned that they are not the right fit, etc for me at this point. I will take some lessons, hit the range and course a few times and decide from there if it makes since to buy new clubs or not. I was just thinking that it might make since to get some decent clubs and the lessons at the same time - that way the pro can work with me on a set that might last me another 5 or 6 years.

I gave you good advice..........now I'll give you what I would do.....

I would buy new clubs, that's just me. If you have the money treat yourself to something nice, we work hard to enjoy nice things, even if I played 2-3mth. I would buy new clubs. I firmly believe if your not confident in your equipment you won't succeed, that goes for everything in life as far as I'm concerned.

[msujohn]

Larlev - I appreciate the advice and will follow it. I agree I think it does make since to buy new clubs and start off on a new foot. By the way, when you bought your clubs on e-bay did you get the custom fit afterwords or did you search for clubs that met your specs?

Once again thanks for your comments.

[larlev]

Larlev - I appreciate the advice and will follow it. I agree I think it does make since to buy new clubs and start off on a new foot. By the way, when you bought your clubs on e-bay did you get the custom fit afterwords or did you search for clubs that met your specs?

I knew I needed 1/2" longer shafts than standard before I made my purchase, so I did look at the stock length on the clubs I had narrowed down. This isn't 100% why I bought the Adams, but was definetly in my mind. I also had the lofts and lie checked, this also just happened to be right from the factory....I was lucky I guess.

I did regrip though...I needed a midsize due to hand size. I will admit paying $275 for a $699 set of irons was really a no-brainer for me. ...it keeps the wife somewhat happier when she thinks I get great deals on stuff...LOL Let us know what you end up buying....