Older Newbie Next Purchase... Replace Irons, or First Wedges?

[pittpanther]

Picking up the game at the age of 43. I have a cheap set of Wilsons (NOT the nice Wilson Staff), and I would like to hear your thoughts on how to prioritize my purchases. The set came with the usual Driver, 3W, 5W, 3-9I, PW, Putter. They are cavity-back, and claim to be 'oversized', whatever that means!

I have already replaced my Driver with a Cleveland HiBore, so that's covered.

Would I get a larger payoff by replacing my irons, perhaps with a 'game-improvement' set? Or should I first get a set of wedges (52, 56, 60 degree) and make do with the irons until later? Which is more apt to make a difference in a beginners game? As a beginner, will I notice an immediate difference with a set of game-improvement clubs, or am I too green to even be able to notice difference?

So you know where my game is at: Right now I spend the majority of my practice time trying to get a repeatable swing. I have a good 'in-to-out' swing, my left arm is pretty straight on the backswing, I am hinging my wrists on the downswing, generating a nice 'whistle' from the club. Still working on bringing my lower body more into play, to increase my distance. Can't hit my Driver or Woods for s**t - maybe 2 out of ten go straight, the rest are off the hosel or topped. Can hit 9I up to 5I pretty well (ball off the ground, and straight) 4I and 3I are a crapshoot.

[OldDog66]

I was in your position 4 years ago when I was 53. I even started with a full set of Wilsons. My first purchase was a 22 degree hybrid to replace my 3/4 irons. That club turned into the one that I hit the most consistently. Unless you can hit the fairway woods off the turf that might help the most.

[glebert]

I would think adding at least a SW would be a good move. I use my SW (56 deg) probably more than any other club other than my putter. Mine matches the rest of my irons, just extends the lofts, as opposed to a specialty club. I haven't found the need to have a gap wedge, and I carry a lob wedge but use it very sparingly because I tend to skull it or scoop it, so I only use it for very short shots.

Working on the short game is a quick way to improve your scores. Wedges are also nice for practicing in the backyard.

good luck,
greg

[JoeCanuck]

I use my 56 degree sand wedge all the time...everything from 50 yards out to the edge of the green. It's an ancient Spalding thing from the cretaceous but seems to work for me.

I'm thinking of getting a gap wedge. 60-80 yards is a bit of a dead spot for me. It's either that or learn how to golf...that's not likely so it's off to the shop for me.

[Ian]

I use my 56 degree sand wedge all the time...everything from 50 yards out to the edge of the green. It's an ancient Spalding thing from the cretaceous but seems to work for me.

get a lob wedge or a sand wedge at least.

[Dave24309]

If you are relatively comfortable with your irons and are working on your swing, I suggest working on your short game. A good short game will help make up for fairway "difficulties," and when that's under control, help you score better!

I found early on when learning the game that a poor short game added insult to injury.

Good luck!

[Dub]

A nice set of wedges is a good investment.

No matter what set of irons/driver/woods/hybrids you go with in the future....a quality set of wedges will stay in the bag.

You said you were good on driver.

All the latest advice for beginers as well as vetrans seems to be adding a couple-a-three hybirids too.

I couldn't imagine playing without my SW. It is such a valuable tool around the greens for all number of shots: blasts, chips, flops, pitch-and-runs, etc. For that matter, I couldn't imagine not having my trusty 3iron. I use it on tight driving 4s/5s and long arse par 3s. Others rely on a hybrid.

Maybe you could buy a 3/4 hybrid and a SW.

[gumpy]

Yes get another wedge a 54 or 56 degree, it'll become your work horse.

Don't get a gap or 60* wedge just yet. Let your game settle before fine tuning the wedges and hybrids. However, the SW at 54 or 56 is a must.

[pittpanther]

Wow, thanks for your responses, guys. Much to my surprise, the responses have been pretty consistent - get a 56-degree wedge first, perhaps followed by a hybrid. No one suggested replacing the irons.

The old Wilson irons will stay in the bag several months longer.

[glebert]

As a possible alternative to a hybrid, consider a 7w if you hit your other FWs well. Highly underrated club. I built one for a friend who is absolutely terrible but he rocks that club.