Newbie - Worth it to buy new clubs?

[BravoKilo]

Hi everyone -- quick intro... attempted taking up golf years ago as a teenager though never got into the sport (despite working at a golf course for 5 years and getting free golf!). Recently started pharmacy school and figure I'll be finding myself on a golf course w/ co-workers in a few years, so I better start now. Bought a membership at the local course -- $200 for 2 years, golf any time Mon.-Fri. ... figure the deal's too good to pass up.

Anyway, onto the important question...
I still have the set I pieced together over a decade ago... and at that time they were probably a decade old already. Couple MacGregor woods (actual wood), random driver, and an old set of Dunlop irons.

Would there be any benefit in buying a new(er) set of clubs? Still having a hell of a time on the course and at the range, much of which is most likely due to my lack of skill (though I can pull off a wicked slice!). Not sure how much golf club technology has changed over the years, so I haven't a clue if I'm at a deficit w/ such old clubs, or should just spend more time at the range w/ my current setup? I'm not opposed to spending a couple hundred if it'd be worth it.

Found a local guy w/ a set of Wilson Tour Rx clubs @ $120 (Graphite driver, 3W, 5W, steel 3 hybrid and 5-PW) -- think this would be worth it? Also saw a few off-brand sets at the local sports stores (Dunhams, Dick's, etc.) in the same price range.

Suggestions?

Thanks!

[bogeyhitter25]

Don't buy expensive clubs yet. The sets you are looking at are fine. Then use the money you would need to buy expensive clubs and get a couple lessons.

[BravoKilo]

Don't buy expensive clubs yet. The sets you are looking at are fine. Then use the money you would need to buy expensive clubs and get a couple lessons.

Definitely wasn't planning on putting down big bucks quite yet. With my other hobbies I usually go for broke on quality gear, but w/ the huge learning curve to golf, figure it's best to start slow and inexpensive until I improve.

Any comment on the Wilson Tour Rx's vs. the off-brand sets at the sports shops? The store-bought sets are roughly $20-50 more, but come w/ a new bag too (was looking to upgrade mine anyway). Wilson's are also about an hour+ away, store is 10-20 min. Thanks :)

[Carrsbie]

My one regret regarding golf was not spending more when I started and looking at it as an investment...When I started I bought the off brand and then the cheapo driver. I wish I would have gotten quality stuff out the gate...go used, you can always find good deals.

[Three Putt]

Adams A3 Hybrid set for $300 seems like a good deal, 3 hybrids with 5 thru PW I think. If you are just starting the 3 and 4 iron on a normal set would be difficult to get good results from, imho.

[ctw262]

Adams A3 Hybrid set for $300 seems like a good deal, 3 hybrids with 5 thru PW I think. If you are just starting the 3 and 4 iron on a normal set would be difficult to get good results from, imho.

Go hybrid. I'm playing down to a mid single digit handicap and the 3 iron is still difficult to get good results from. My next purchase is going to be a 3 hybrid. Also, look at used equipment from your local golf shop. You should be able to mix and match a very quality set for pretty cheap.

[twinke masta]

I would work on getting lessons and getting your fundamentals down first. Learn to get your swing right then spend a good amount on some decent clubs that are suited for you and preferablly fitted.

[jonnythan]

Buying new clubs was absolutely worth it for me. My new clubs are easier to hit, go farther, and go straighter.

[GaijinGolfer]

A newer set of GI irons would do a lot to improve your game. They are so much easier to hit than older irons.
You could buy a set of Ping G5s for about $300, so its not as if you have to break the bank in order to have a newer set of irons in your bag.

[ks8829]

golf money is disposable income, so if you dont have disposable income, hint to your folks relatives about getting money towards golf equipment. advance Xmas money etc.

Take your time and research what will give you the most bang for your money on your limited budget.

Its a prescription to frugality.












sorry, I could not help myself

[jonnythan]

Also, if you're looking to be frugal, check out Gigagolf.com. They're an American company that sells high quality clones of current name-brand clubs. Hard to beat $150 for a brand new full set of irons with a 30-day guarantee.

[cirem22]

to me it is worth it to jump out and buy a decent set (if you have $ of course) when i start most sports i find that buying the equipment/gear right at the start gets me much more motivated to keep up with the sport. I spent all that money i may as well get good at it!