At What Point Should I Begin Looking to Upgrade My Clubs?

[BadGateway]

I'm a relatively new golfer (<5 years) in my mid-thirties. So far I've spent most of my time and money on lessons and actually golfing. I'm currently a 90s-100s player, but hope to break into the 80s with lessons and practice. I'm definitely not of the mindset that flashy expensive clubs will help me play better...I try to make the assumption that my equipment is more capable than I am.

That said, I do know that realistically that threshold does exist somewhere. I just have no idea where. At what point should I consider an upgrade from starter clubs to something I can grow into and improve with? 

My stuff:

• Starter set (Callaway Strata) from Amazon. (3w, 5h, 9i-PW)
• Gently used Cleveland Wedges (LW, SW, GW) - My old ones were from a set from the late 90s, so I did upgrade these.
• Gently used TaylorMade M1 driver - The starter set driver had a regular flex, and I had several knowledgeable people tell me I should have a stiff flex

Thanks in advance!

 

 

[iacas]

I'd find a free fitting, take your clubs, and see what you can see. For example, we have a PXG fitter come to our academy every Tuesday, and he's great about sharing info about why he's having you hit a certain shaft or clubhead or something.

And… if you don't see much of a change, skip it.

[BadGateway]

27 minutes ago, iacas said:

I'd find a free fitting, take your clubs, and see what you can see. For example, we have a PXG fitter come to our academy... 

Are free fittings a common thing? I was kind of under the assumption that there was usually a cost associated with them, unless you actually purchased their clubs or something. 

What's the best way to find free ones? 

[iacas]

2 minutes ago, BadGateway said:

Are free fittings a common thing? I was kind of under the assumption that there was usually a cost associated with them, unless you actually purchased their clubs or something. 

What's the best way to find free ones? 

PXG ones are free when booked through us at our facility. I don't know what the situation is like in your area, though.

[BadGateway]

11 hours ago, iacas said:

PXG ones are free when booked through us at our facility. I don't know what the situation is like in your area, though.

Oh, nice! I'm a member at your facility, so I'll have to take advantage of that 😀

[iacas]

46 minutes ago, BadGateway said:

Oh, nice! I'm a member at your facility, so I'll have to take advantage of that 😀

Yes, I know. 🙂 Just text me and we can find a date/time that work for you if you haven't already set something up.

[ChetlovesMer]

21 hours ago, BadGateway said:

At what point should I consider an upgrade from starter clubs to something I can grow into and improve with?

Personally, I like to buy new clubs whenever my wife will let me. 🤣

JK - While I do like shiny things. I think the advice @iacas gave you is really good. When you get a fitting it's always wise to compare what ever your hitting to your everyday gamers. 

[xrayvizhen]

Strata are decent clubs for newbies, usually furnished in a complete boxed set, with putter and bag. They're an excellent way to get going in the game and to see if you want to stick with it. If you don't, you're not out too much money but if you want to progress, you should get fit and buy better clubs with newer technology that will help you out. Most places I know of (ie: Golf Galaxy / PGA Store) charge you for the fitting which is then credited back to you when you buy the clubs, so it's essentially free. (I know GG does that...not sure about PGA.) Once you have clubs that fit you rather than you having to maybe contort yourself to fit the clubs (depending on your height/arm length/swing characteristics) you can progress and get better. Ultimately though, as the saying goes, "It's not the arrow, it's the Indian."

[Brown E]

If you play regularly and you can afford it I would say when you feel you are ready which would be often for me.