What should I add next?

[JPBayern]

Hey all -

I'm a new member to this forum so first I'd like to say hello! I'm new to the golf scene (this is my third season out), but I've become somewhat addicted to this game...

So, I'm trying to build a decent bag for myself to utilize while I'm out golfing with my friends and family, and I've received helpful tips from them in regards to which clubs to add to my set as I go along. However, I'm sure that the many people here on this forum also have great advice! So I ask; what should I add next to my bag? What I currently own is listed in my signature; I know that it is missing what I am told to be key elements, such as a 3 or 5 wood, several more wedges, etc.

Just your thoughts, what would you recommend a novice golfer add to his bag next? I will re-list my bag's contents here in case anyone is unable to see my signature:

In my bag:
Driver: Callaway 454 Titanium Big Bertha 9*
Hybrid: TaylorMade Burner Rescue 3 Hybrid 19*
Irons: Callaway X-14 Steelhead Irons 3-8, PW
Callaway X-22 9 Iron
Wedge: Callaway Forged 56*
Putter: Odyssey Tri-Ball SRT

Thanks so much!

[albatross]

Honestly, if you already have those clubs in the bag I wouldn't buy anything else yet.

Take this from someone that's been where you are, spend the money on lessons with a recommended professional.

He/she will set you two years ahead of where you'll get all by yourself. I took 4 lessons after I struggled by myself for awhile. I was like you, buying clubs and getting addicted.

Taking lessons was the best thing I ever did. However, you have to be patient and dedicated to getting better. You can't just take the lessons. You have to pound balls several times a week and work on what your pro is telling you.

You have plenty of quality clubs in the bag right now. Adding new clubs at this point isn't going to make a difference. Find a pro and start practicing.

Good luck!

[inthecup]

Honestly, if you already have those clubs in the bag I wouldn't buy anything else yet.

Ohhh the fun police!

I agree lessons can help more then new sticks.

[DES NUTTZ]

Here's what I would do:

1. Get Lessons
2. Nothing
3. Add another wedge

[JPBayern]

Ohhh the fun police!

Thanks for the advice so far!

I have been contemplating taking a few lessons at my home course (Heron Glen), or at the driving range that I go to most frequently. Prices are $65USD for a 45 minute lesson and $45USD for a 60 minute lesson respectively. The allure of a new stick is just so tempting though! haha

[goblue107501]

On just an equipment note, I would say some sort of fairway wood. Then maybe a gap wedge. If you really want to get creative you could also swap out the 3 and 4 irons for more hybrids. That is if you struggle with those clubs. If you hit them fine keep em.

[JPBayern]

On just an equipment note, I would say some sort of fairway wood. Then maybe a gap wedge. If you really want to get creative you could also swap out the 3 and 4 irons for more hybrids. That is if you struggle with those clubs. If you hit them fine keep em.

What size fairway wood would you recommend then? As far as a gap wedge, perhaps another recommendation for loft angle? My X-14 PW is 46* if that helps any. As far as hybrids, I already use a TaylorMade Burner Rescue 3 hybrid 19*, so I'd assume that suffices enough to remove my 3 and 4 irons from my bag (I shoot pretty poorly with both).

[inthecup]

Thanks for the advice so far!

A lesson never lasts 45 minutes or an hour. It is several hours to absorb and practice what you have been told.

Then go back to fine tune what you have practiced.

[CarlSpackler]

C'mon. Admit it. You are hopelessly addicted.

As far as advice, I would recommend that you start tracking stats to determine where you are leaking strokes. If it is in the short game, it is time to think about wedges and short game practice. I plan to add Phil's short game DVD set to my "bag" shortly. At any rate, it's nice to have some data to help with such decisions.

[JPBayern]

A lesson never lasts 45 minutes or an hour. It is several hours to absorb and practice what you have been told.

Are you talking about reinforcement on your own time? If so, that makes tons of sense. I'm not steering away from putting in the hours to get something right...I know what that's all about as I pursue other hobbies and sports that require the same regimen. I am pretty certain though that the actual instruction only lasts as long as I originally stated...at least according to the golf shop attendants.

I've yet to take a lesson from a professional, so perhaps there's something I haven't been told yet :P

[JPBayern]

C'mon. Admit it. You are hopelessly addicted.

Good point...would you recommend tracking things like putt strokes, bunker shots that hit the fairway / green, tee to fairway %, etc?

[goblue107501]

What size fairway wood would you recommend then? As far as a gap wedge, perhaps another recommendation for loft angle? My X-14 PW is 46* if that helps any. As far as hybrids, I already use a TaylorMade Burner Rescue 3 hybrid 19*, so I'd assume that suffices enough to remove my 3 and 4 irons from my bag (I shoot pretty poorly with both).

Since you have the 19* hybrid a 15* would probably do the trick. This is also a club that you could use off the tee if you think driver will get you into trouble.

For the GW a 51 or 52 work work out best for you having a 46 and 56. Just anything in the middle of those two will help on those distances when a 56 isn't enough and it is hard to slow down the PW enough. What I meant by hybrids was to remove the 3 and 4 and get a 21/22 and a 24/25 hybrid. Somewhere in that range. You want 3-4 degrees between the longer clubs. Each manufacturer seems to use different degrees of loft in hybrids so it would depend on the brand. This would be the last thing I get (unless you just have the money to do so). More of a luxury than necessity. They would probably be easier to hit than your long irons.

[TMO]

Buy a video camera. Best investment that money can buy for your golf game. Screw golf teachers who may be able to break 80 once in a while but get paid $60 a lesson.

[jfrankl5]

Lessons would definitely be the way to go. I hated my irons until I had some pointers from a scratch golfer. The few tweaks he did to my posture and set up did wonders for my game. Plus it takes the sting out of weekend green fees

[CarlSpackler]

Good point...would you recommend tracking things like putt strokes, bunker shots that hit the fairway / green, tee to fairway %, etc?

I would start with the basics, fairways/greens hit, putts (perhaps approx distance of the first putt), and number of shots inside of 100 yards. I am going to pick up Scorecard 2.0 and start tracking more.

On a side note, don't analyze this on the course, just note it and move on. Save the analysis for after the round and then formulate a plan to improve.

[iacas]

Prices are $65USD for a 45 minute lesson and $45USD for a 60 minute lesson respectively.

That's some bizarre pricing.

Buy a video camera. Best investment that money can buy for your golf game. Screw golf teachers who may be able to break 80 once in a while but get paid $60 a lesson.

You've still gotta know what you're seeing on the video camera. I know a fair amount about the swing and can't always pick out the true cause. For example, today I watched a swing where a guy's head was dipping. Why? The fault isn't the head dip - the fault was something that caused the head dip.

Obviously most modern pros have video cameras, but if they're good it's to show YOU what you're going to work on. They already saw it.

[TMO]

You've still gotta know what you're seeing on the video camera. I know a fair amount about the swing and can't always pick out the true cause. For example, today I watched a swing where a guy's head was dipping. Why? The fault isn't the head dip - the fault was something that caused the head dip.

Problem is that I don't think that most golf pros know what they are looking at either so he might be on even ground.

[SteelDriver]

a 60 degree lob wedge maybe. 3 wood or something to fill the gap between ur driver and hybrid. nothing major imo