Help an absolute beginner?

[FenderStrat62]

And when I say beginner, that's an understatement. I don't golf yet, but I plan to start. Obviously, before that can happen, I need some clubs!

I've been to dicks sporting goods, I've searched online, etc, but the world of golf clubs is all still a bit confusing to me. I understand on a very basic level what the different types of clubs are, etc, but I'm not sure what to purchase for myself to get started.

What is a good, inexpensive way to get started? Should I be looking at the inexpensive sets? You know, the $200 set that includes like 15 clubs and a bag? I realize the quality won't be the highest, but will they be good enough? What are the brands I should be looking at?

Or maybe I should be looking at some of the relatively higher quality but still inexpensive single clubs, but only buy a few key ones? What would those key clubs be? And what clubs (brand wise) would be worth looking into?

My last question deals with my height. I'm around 6'4". I'm assuming this will affect what clubs I buy? Should I be looking at a certain "size" club?

I'm sorry for being so completely oblivious, but thanks for any help!

[Golfaway]

I think you'd do yourself a favor buying some cheap knock off clubs for now and spending the money on lessons. You will eventually feel the need for better clubs and that's when you will start your spending spree.

There's the Adams Golf tight lies complete set for $300 on rockbottomgolf.com, and there is a Cleveland complete set that goes for $500. Someone posted a link to it somewhere on the forum earlier. Or you can go into the world of ebay.

[FenderStrat62]

I think you'd do yourself a favor buying some cheap knock off clubs for now and spending the money on lessons. You will eventually feel the need for better clubs and that's when you will start your spending spree.

Thanks for that advice.

I wish I had time for lessons, but I probably don't, at least for a while, haha. These are very, very cheap, and are apparently made for tall people. How do they look? http://cgi.ebay.com/CONFIDENCE-CG-46...3%3A1|294%3A50 Or maybe this set looks better? http://cgi.ebay.com/Prosimmon-X-MODE...3%3A1|294%3A30

[Greg]

you can get a full set at walmart for $100 and they're not bad clubs for a beginner, pretty forgiving and actually pretty decent quality. Use them for a while and if you decide you want to keep playing, can step up to something else.

[Greg]

Also, the shaft length you need is not determined by your height but basically by how long your arms hang down, proper shaft length is determined by allowing your arms to hang naturally by your side and take the measurement of your wrist to the floor. Im 5'11 but obviously my arms are probably shorter than yours so there may not be much difference in this measurement for you. The only way it would vary a lot is if you have really short arms as you would need longer clubs to reach the ground, longer arms and you would actually need shorter clubs. You wont notice this much until you get down to the shorter irons as each club gets shorter the farther you go down in the bag, driver is always longest, then woods, hybrids and down to the 9 iron and wedges as you'll notice you'll have to bend over more to hit these clubs but thats normal. Thats something i didnt think about when i first started, that all clubs in the bag arent the same length. I think that one set had graphite irons, I would go with steel shaft irons , graphite shafts only in driver, 3 wood and hybrid long irons(hybrid long irons are much easier to hit and you get more distance, most sets have these instead of 3 and 4 irons). Steel shafts cost less too and can take a lot of abuse.

[FenderStrat62]

Thanks for the heads up on the wal mart golf clubs and the information.

[Ed_Bighead]

If there's a Play It Again Sports near you, I would check them out. I'm sure you could get some decent clubs for cheap there.

[JoelDuffer]

These are very, very cheap, and are apparently made for tall people. How do they look? http://cgi.ebay.com/CONFIDENCE-CG-46...3%3A1|294%3A50

IMHO I would look for/at the +1 clubs as I am also talll and my clubs are standard. The little bit more cash will be worth it. I am also new at golfing. My clubs are too short in my opinion. and I think that it hurts my game. (Will be adding shaft extenions when I re-grip soon)
Good luck and happy golfing !!

[Andyall]

I was in your shoes last winter, you'll have a blast. You mentioned Dicks, they have some decent cheap beginner sets from Wilson for ~$200. That's what i bought to get started and it makes sense to get something cheap when you're learning the basics.

The thing that helped me the most though was starting off with a series of beginner lessons, i highly recommend you do that when you can afford it. Check around your area you may have plenty of golf pros to choose from if cost is a factor.

Good luck!

[FenderStrat62]

Ed: I searched for them, and there's nothing really very close. Thanks for the suggestion, though.

Joel: I saw those. I'm watching a few sets on ebay from that seller. One of those seems like the best deal at this point, to me.

Andyall: Thanks for the opinion on the Dick's set and the advice.

Also, thanks for the good luck wishes, everyone.

I'll let you all know what I decide on and see what you guys think.

[TheWarHound]

K-Mart has the Wilson Ultras for less than $180, whole kit.

[FenderStrat62]

K-Mart has the Wilson Ultras for less than $180, whole kit.

Are they similar to these?

http://jacksontn.craigslist.org/spo/1251239099.html That's local and cheap. Do you think they'd work?

[Golfaway]

I have a set of FoxBat irons, my very first golf set. Now if only I could sell it to you. :P
They're some of the stiffest most unforgiving irons you could ever use, and you could feel your wrist aching on mishits like you've banged them into a church bell.

[ncfreemason]

Here's a tip. I just started 4 months ago. I love it! And I am now injured... and cannot play.

So before you go out to the range - search the internet for stretching and warming up. Also practice and play in moderation at first. Chances are you will get the golf bug and want to play as much as you can. Fight and gradually become a golfer.

Also taking a few lessons first thing will help you develop good habits. I would argue that lessons are more important than clubs. Just get 1 or 2 clubs and a putter and have your swing checked out.

Thanks.

[ncfreemason]

One other thing. If you don't have any clubs you may want to schedule lessons with a pro at a local public course. Most pro's can make you just one or two clubs. My pro makes clubs from home and charges about 20 bucks a club & they will be made to fit you. The club heads are like no-names, but they do the trick.

You could also check with family members and friends who might have golfed at one time. Normally golfers will have tons of clubs they no longer use or want. They will likely let you borrow a few or maybe give you a set.

If a neighbor came to my door and asked if he could borrow a club I would like give him one or two I don't use anymore.

[FenderStrat62]

Thanks for that advice. I just "accidentally" won't some clubs on ebay. It's a "lot of vintage clubs" that I got for about 20 bucks. Here's what it contains:


Spalding Championship 1 wood - steel shaft
Spalding Championship 3 wood - steel shaft
Arnold Palmer - Arnie's Own 9 wood - 29* - regular graphite shaft
Dynacraft 11 wood - 35* - graphite Kent Sports shaft
Bomber Tour Model - 23* - graphite stiff shaft Balloon Power Weight System
Graphite Project 2 iron - graphite Tournament Leader AMG shaft
Spalding Top Flite 6 iron - stiff steel shaft
Spalding Power Model Championship 9 iron - steel
Spalding Power Model Championship 3 iron - steel
Dunlop lob wedge - 64* - steel shaft
King Snake sand wedge - graphite shaft

[uttexas]

If I were you, I'd get just a 12 degree driver, a 23 degree hybrid, a seven iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge, putter.

Get them all used along with a cheap stand bag.

For now, just play golf in running shoes.

You might not like the game, so don't spend too much.

[Golfaway]

Thanks for that advice. I just "accidentally" won't some clubs on ebay. It's a "lot of vintage clubs" that I got for about 20 bucks. Here's what it contains:

The only interesting club in those might be the 64* Dunlop. The rest just belong in a museum (or your garage). But hey, at least you have something to swing now.