Playing for a year, getting new clubs, suggestions?

[Egoolps]

I've been playing for a little over a year. The clubs I got were $150 for the entire set (plus bag).

I've been hesitant to buy clubs...as I was going to wait another year. My golfing buddies keep telling me that I should get new clubs...ESPECIALLY a new dirver...saying that I'll definitely see a difference if I get a good set of clubs.

Can I just go out to a store a buy a new set? Or should I get fit for clubs? I'm still very new to the game....but my game has progressed significantly in only playing one year.

Any suggestions for a "2nd" set? I don't want to have to buy clubs every year...as the first set was simply a starter set. Any suggestions would be great.

Thanks.

[TN94z]

I would get fit. I think that is very important...especially if you are buying new clubs.

[MarkieL]

New clubs, IMO, will not make you immediataly better. It will improve your confidence though. I have only been playing for 3 years and I went from cheap game improvement irons, to blades and that has helped drop my handicap from and 18 to a 10.1, because they make me feel better about my game, and I like looking down at a pure blade way more then a club with a ton of offset. Getting fitted does help. I did it for my driver and it helped me hit more fairways. You also learn about yourself when you are being fitted. I thought I needed a 9.5 or 10.5. I was told I needed at least a 12.5 because my swing it very flat. I ended up with a 13.5 ping g10. I feel a little goofy when I pull it out with big hitters around with their 8.5's, but you know what? I outdriver most of them by 10-30yds. All I can suggest it work on your swing and get it pretty sound before investing a ton of money on new clubs and fitting. I say that because your swing if probably going to change several times over the next few years as you learn more about the mechanics of the swing. Then just buy whatever you feel comfortable with. There are guys on tour using super game improvement irons. Its all about what you can it. If it is a $300 set of g10 irons, or a $1200 set of forged blades.

[GDWindowpane]

I would suggest using the search feature. At least 10 threads on the first page alone when searching for "new clubs suggestions"...

But I'll play along, try to demo as many sets as you can. Once you find a set that you "like", that is they feel good, hit better than the rest, etc. get fitted. Most shops will include the fitting when purchasing a new set. Same thing with the driver.

Start saving your money for lessons...

[blop17]

I am about a year ahead of you, and I am in the process of getting new clubs. I had a R5 driver with all Tommy Armour 845s Irons and wedges. They are really forgiving but I can not hit them very far. I recently purchased Callaway FTi Draw driver and the 3 and 5 wood squareway woods. I have to say that these clubs have helped my game completely. My drive especially. I am bout to purchase x 20 Irons with a Nippon 1050 GH steel shaft, to match my new callaway 52 and 56 degree x tour vintage clubs.

So, yes I do feel that new clubs will help you with your confidence and playing ability. It has helped me about 8 strokes.

I would also recommend being fitted for clubs although I haven't. Clubs are cheaper on E-Bay.

[TN94z]

I am about a year ahead of you, and I am in the process of getting new clubs. I had a R5 driver with all Tommy Armour 845s Irons and wedges. They are really forgiving but I can not hit them very far. I recently purchased Callaway FTi Draw driver and the 3 and 5 wood squareway woods. I have to say that these clubs have helped my game completely. My drive especially. I am bout to purchase x 20 Irons with a Nippon 1050 GH steel shaft, to match my new callaway 52 and 56 degree x tour vintage clubs.

Make sure you know what you are getting on Ebay. There are a lot of copies going around...some are very hard to tell the difference too.

[RocketSauce]

if i were going to buy a new set of (affordable) clubs right now, id get the Wilson Staff Ci7's. You can get them CHEAP on Ebay and they arent any counterfeit Wilson Staff irons being made, so buying a fake set isnt something you need to be worried about with the Ci7's. getting fit is important, but you can do that AFTER you buy your clubs too. just take em to a shop that does that and they will bend em to your specs. i also second the idea of the Callaway FT-i driver. that is an EXTREMELY forgiving/straight driver that i would highly recommend.
also, a lot of people say "Pay for lessons!", but hell, ive been playing since I was 13 years old (Im 40 now) and I never took a lesson until i was 20 years old. I wonder if anyone learns to play on their own anymore like we used to? playing with freinds who know how to play can be just as good sometimes. HAVE FUN!

[RocketSauce]

Make sure you know what you are getting on Ebay. There are a lot of copies going around...some are very hard to tell the difference too.

but dont be afraid to buy on ebay. not ALL golf club models are being counterfeited. its usually just the popular irons and drivers like TaylorMade drivers, Callaway drivers, certain Callaway irons, Scotty Cameron and Yes! putters, certain Mizuno irons, TaylorMade irons, etc. just do your research. but again, like the irons i suggested above, those arent being counterfeited anywhere (Wilson Staff Ci7's). just do a little research before you buy off ebay. i have over 4000 transactions there (over 2500 sales) and i havent been duped yet (knock on wood, hehe)

[TN94z]

but dont be afraid to buy on ebay. not ALL golf club models are being counterfeited. its usually just the popular irons and drivers like TaylorMade drivers, Callaway drivers, certain Callaway irons, Scotty Cameron and Yes! putters, certain Mizuno irons, TaylorMade irons, etc. just do your research. but again, like the irons i suggested above, those arent being counterfeited anywhere (Wilson Staff Ci7's). just do a little research before you buy off ebay. i have over 4000 transactions there (over 2500 sales) and i havent been duped yet (knock on wood, hehe)

Agreed. I ball many clubs off of ebay. I just wanted to throw the warning out there because it is happening.

[blop17]

Yea, I try to be very careful buying them off E-Bay. I just paid for them yesterday, after he told me does not sell knockoffs. He gave me a serial number, but I haven't heard back from Callaway yet. They are x 20 irons with a nippon 1050 GH steel shaft. He is a power seller, so I believe they are real. I will just have to confirm with Callaway and Nippon when I recieve them. I believe these irons will improve my game, and I can't wait to hit them.

[RocketSauce]

Yea, I try to be very careful buying them off E-Bay. I just paid for them yesterday, after he told me does not sell knockoffs. He gave me a serial number, but I haven't heard back from Callaway yet. They are x 20 irons with a nippon 1050 GH steel shaft. He is a power seller, so I believe they are real. I will just have to confirm with Callaway and Nippon when I recieve them. I believe these irons will improve my game, and I can't wait to hit them.

what was the sellers name on ebay?

[glueguy]

The OP started the thread with:

> I've been playing for a little over a year. The clubs I got were $150 for the entire set (plus bag).

> I've been hesitant to buy clubs

I am in a similar situation that led me to find this board tonight - I have a $150 (drivers, irons and bag) set of generic clubs. I do a lot more auto racing than golfing. I know that beginners in racing can't tell the difference between tire compounds or shock absorber settings. Spending big money on the speed secrets is the wrong thing there. The driving learning curve is so steep that it's seat time, not parts, that make the difference. I assumed the same would be for golf, so I was content with my clubs.

I've only played three rounds (ever), the last being two years ago. I decided to start playing more, and went for a lesson on Saturday since I knew my technique stunk. After 40 minutes I had a decent swing, was connecting and hitting straight. I then hit another 40-50 balls, all with my same 7 iron.

I went back on Sunday to hit some more and my instructor gave me a Callaway (X-18?), TaylorMade R7 and Ping G10. I was amazed at the difference. Hitting with these clubs was so much easier, and I was hitting much further.

I guess the moral of the story is that even at beginner level, good clubs can pay immediate dividends. Now I've got to find a used set of Ping or TaylorMade irons or ??? Off to the search to find some collective wisdom.

[blop17]

Tylerjoker ...also from FL.

[RocketSauce]

Tylerjoker ...also from FL.

yep, he is a good seller. i will also vouch for him

[bradabco]

get fitted...

[Primate]

Did you hit these clubs before you ordered them? Obviously not this exact set but other x-20s? Fitting isn't just about measurements it is also about finding the club that feels the best to you. This can only be accomplished by going out and hitting a bunch of different clubs. I guess it is too late now bu,t you will still want to take your clubs in and get them fitted as others have said. It DOES make a difference. GL, I hope you enjoy your new clubs for years and years to come :D

[Golfaway]

Timtheputterman is a very trusty ebay seller. He has everything you'll need and for much cheaper.

[RocketSauce]

Timtheputterman is a very trusty ebay seller. He has everything you'll need and for much cheaper.

yep, he is another good and 100% LEGIT seller