Could use some help with buying new clubs...

[jrode]

I'm 21 and if I'm lucky, I get out and play 18 once a week. I have a crappy brand of clubs named "Foremost" which I got at Walmart probably in 9th grade or so. I really want and need to upgrade, so I think I'm finally going to slowly start getting new clubs.

Here's my issue. I think my current clubs are too short. I'm 6'3" and I went to a site that tells you to measure from your left wrist to the floor and then gives you a chart. You match the measurement and your height and it tells you if you need longer or shorter clubs. I'm not sure how accurate it is, but apparently I need clubs about an inch longer than standard.

Now, I know I should go get fitted by a pro. First off, where do they do stuff like this? I know Golf Galaxy probably does, but does anyone know how much they charge?

I want to buy clubs off of eBay, because we all know you can find new sets of clubs cheaper there than most places. I know you have to be careful on there, but a lot of the sellers have legit feedback and seem to be selling genuine products. I'm not saying their prices are $300 lower, but I've seen some down nearly $150 or so, which would help. Now, should I buy clubs off eBay, get fitted and then have them make adjustments? How do they add length to a club? I've heard plugs in the grip, but how well does that work? I'd really like to do it this way because it'll save me money, but I also want my clubs to be quality and last a long time.

Should I do this or pay more for clubs that I can custom order with a longer shaft?

I've swung Callaway's and MacGregor's before and I've absolutely loved both of them, so I'm not sure which to pursue.

Any advice would be great.

[DDBowdoin]

most golf stores should be able to give you a standard fitting, this will include length , lie angle, shaft flex etc etc. you'd be best to find a store that is equiped with a launch monitor, that way you'll be able to get some readings on your spin numbers, some places will try different balls so you're getting an iron and a ball fitting all in one.

in terms of cost it varies store to store, some stores deduct the fitting price if you choose to purchase irons through them. If you're going to go through ebay its worth the 50-75 for a fitting trust me. This will be especially important for your lie angles... cast clubs can be bent to a degree but they vary from manu to manu. If you buy a set off ebay and they've been bent already you may be hearing some bad news... Ping irons cannot be bent by a clubmaker, they will literally snap back to their original position so if Ping is on your map you'll need to either find a set that is your correct color dot or order directly through the manu via your local golf / ping dealer. A forged club can be bent as many times as needed and should be checked once a season to make sure you're lies havent been thrown off.

Either way, make sure to get fitted. It will ultimatel save you a lot of money down the road.

edit: look at mt sig... MacGregor is back to making a quality made product, you may not be ready for their ProM but certaintly check them out

[jrode]

most golf stores should be able to give you a standard fitting, this will include

Thanks for the info.

I'm not really all that knowledgeable when it comes to the fitting of clubs and what not. What if the set I bought off of eBay was brand new? I guess my biggest question is; is there a huge difference play wise in buying standard length clubs and getting them lengthened to my specs or ordering customized clubs with shafts that are lengthened to my specs already?

[jrode]

Anyone else have any input?

[walfice]

If you buy 'off the shelf' clubs from ebay then you may need to reshaft them and maybe have the lie adjusted too, so the money you save on ebay could be wasted getting them modified. Best to do it the right way around. If you visit the ping website you can put all your measurements in and it tells you what lie, length and grip suits you.

[jrode]

If you buy 'off the shelf' clubs from ebay then you may need to reshaft them and maybe have the lie adjusted too, so the money you save on ebay could be wasted getting them modified. Best to do it the right way around. If you visit the ping website you can put all your measurements in and it tells you what lie, length and grip suits you.

Hmmm, didn't see that part on Ping's website.

I entered everything in, but then it just gave me Ping clubs that would suit me.

[jrode]

Oh, and should I get wedges lengthened and fitted?

I've seen people that have everything else in a longer length but keep their wedges standard.

[ks8829]

Go pay a professional club fitter and get measured for length, lie, etc. find out what he has to offer and decide if you can find a better deal on ebay with the specification you received from the club fitter.

[jrode]

Go pay a professional club fitter and get measured for length, lie, etc. find out what he has to offer and decide if you can find a better deal on ebay with the specification you received from the club fitter.

Not sure I'd be able to find much on eBay with my specific specs. Most of the stuff on there is just standard, but I could give it a look.

I definitely need to get fitted professionally soon. I've been meaning to do it, but have gotten extremely lazy and haven't got around to it.