where can i get the rundown on equipment!?

[Thomas Knox]

i've been looking around the site, and really like "The Sand Trap". I'm an absolute novice and I want to know more about equipment. i picked up some clubs at a goodwill just to go hit some balls with, and it was great fun. i want to learn more, and get better equipment.

Is there some post somewhere or perhaps a site with info on the good, bad, and ugly of clubs. particularly drivers? i'm looking hard at a Mactec in the marketplace right now...and i just want to know if that is a good place to start with a driver?

basically, i'm looking for some rankings of clubs in terms of price and quality as compared to skill. not sure if that exists, but its something i'm after. Maybe I just need to get a "Golf for Dumbies" book??

thanks all.

tom

[grantc79]

Welcome to the boards.

I think the main thing you should ask yourself, and the people at this forum, is how much time and money do you want to spend on golf?

Are you looking to really become a great player or just want to be able to play a little bit?

[myndcraft]

I will mimic what grantc79 said and offer this up as well. I was in your position not so long ago myself.

If you want to get better skip the clubs right now. Go get some lessons and have your instructor tell you if you need new clubs or how long you can wait, but get the lessons first gear later.

When you are ready to get new gear do your research and demo everything you can get your hands on. The golf swing is a complicated thing and everyones has subtle differences. What works for one guy may not work for you even though the swings look the same. Plus the game is all about feel and that is a totally subjective thing.

Hope that helps! Of course when you have questions ask him here. There are plenty of us who like to share our thoughts on the gear thats out there.

[TheDre]

You can take a look at the Golf Digest 2008 Hot List. You should probably not buy clubs just based on reviews but at least it will help you narrow down your choices. The most important thing when buying clubs is probably going to a store where you can try them before you buy. Everyone is different and a club that works for one person may not work at all for you.

http://www.golfdigest.com/equipment/ratings

Good luck!

Dre

[Thomas Knox]

well, as you can imagine (goodwill clubs) i'm not here to spend a whole ton. I'm mostly trying to find a decent driver, used, for around $50 . i'm not looking to become a great player, but i would like to enjoy the game without chasing balls all over.

as you can tell from my handicap, my game last week was really ugly. of course, it was a really tough course because the back 9 was nothing but a swamp (lost prolly 8 balls just on the back 9). the challenge was well worth it though.

so, just a casual player and i'm in for a good driver right now.

lessons would be good. i'll look into that. i think i have a buddy that taught at one point in time.

thanks for the replys fellas. much appreciated.

[titaniummd]

i've been looking around the site, and really like "The Sand Trap". I'm an absolute novice and I want to know more about equipment. i picked up some clubs at a goodwill just to go hit some balls with, and it was great fun. i want to learn more, and get better equipment.

I think you should read a little bit about the background of golf technology:

The Right Sticks, Tom Wishon Just Hit It, Frank Thomas Search for the Perfect Club, Tom Wishon Mad Science Behind Golf, Phillip Moore Caveat, these are written by 2 clubmakers / designers and 1 putter designer/USGA Technical director