New golfer needs help with filling bag

[Nick77]

So far I have:
Driver
3 wood
5 wood
Iron set (4-9, AW, PW)
putter

What clubs would be best to add? I know I need a SW, but have no idea on what loft. I know its not necessary to have 14 clubs while starting out and taking lessons, but I want to buy what ever I will eventually need.Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Shindig]

What are the lofts of the clubs you have? If you aren't sure, what make and model are they?

There's no industry standard for a PW, or an AW, or even a 5-wood. A friend of mine has a 45° PW; another of my friends has a 45° 9-iron.

This will help us tell you what loft to get for your hybrid and your sand wedge.

As for SW bounce, I'm a big fan of more bounce, but some people will tell you to go with less, depending on course conditions. In case you aren't a "more bounce is better" kind of guy, please let us know what kind of sand you have green-side at your home course.

[becksfan2185]

Check the lofts of the wedges that came with your set, and try to keep the gaps consistent. Ex: if your PW is 46* and your AW is 52*, then maybe look for a wedge with 58* or so of loft.

Wedges are a bit personal, and they can be tough to demo or try out before you buy. I might stay away from the blade-style wedges, since they'll be less forgiving (ex: Titleist Vokeys).

Also, it might be worth considering a hybrid club in addition to or instead of another wedge. I know you have a 5w already, but hybrids are awesome. Much easier to hit, IMO, than a 5 wood.

[Nick77]

Thanks guys!

here is the lofts:

3 wood - 15
5 wood - 19
Irons
4 - 21
5 - 24
6 - 27
7 - 31
8 - 35
9 - 40
PW - 45
AW - 50


As far as the sand on my home course...I'm not sure. I'm not kidding when I say I'm new to golf. I have never hit a ball let alone actually play. I have always had the interest and have a chance to get some really quality stuff without costing me much at all. My biggest concern is getting clubs above my level.

Thanks!

[Golfaway]

You want a great putter for dirt cheap??
Check gppgolf.com, they have the PING G5i Ally putter for $50. I was very skeptical when I first got it but right now I think it's my favorite club in the bag. My putting has just gone much better. I rarely 3-putt now.

[Bogey317]

For a wedge, I have a Nike SVT 56 degree 14 bounce. I really like it and think its pretty easy to hit. Im thinking about going and picking up a 60 degree as well

[oneF457z]

I guess I always assumed most iron sets were fairly similar with loft angles (+/- 1* or 2*)across the board, but I guess I was wrong!

You say you've never even hit a ball before? If I were in your shoes, I'd just get out there and try to play with what you've got, maybe just pick up a cheap SW if you do need it for the occasional greenside bunker shot. Until you can play around and get a feel for your game, I'd hate to give you advice on buying a certain degree wedge jsut because "I really like mine" or something along those lines.

[Bogey317]

I agree with oneF457z, I know I said I like the Nike SVT, but you should really go and play with what you have, you can use your PW as a SW if you really need to, I used a SW for a PW forever until I broke down and bought a used Cleveland 49 Degree wedge. I still use it today over the PW that came with my irons.

[Nick77]

Thanks guys, how about a hybrid?

[Bogey317]

I have a 3h I got with my set of irons, Im still trying to master it. I still think I could hit my old 3,4,5 iron better. Id wait a little, get some rounds in and see how your doing before investing in a hybrid.

[robbo323]

I have to agree with Bogey317. Take some lessons and play a few rounds. Keep in mind that there is nothing easy about this game. I see a lot of new players that think if they swing hard and have nice stuff then they should be able to play good. Take your time and get some lessons in. Once you start getting into the game and getting better you will learn what you and what you can play. Good luck and welcome to this wonderful game.

[mbmbmbhb]

If you've never hit a ball, don't waste your money on any more clubs. Go to a driving range and spend $10 on getting a very basic feel for the game before you spend $1,000 on clubs.

At this point, how do you even know that you want to be playing golf?

[motsco]

I have been playing for a year - I am close to breaking 90 - I would say that anybody new to golf should put the 3 wood and maybe 5 wood to the side for now - keep your driver in the bag. Add a 7 wood and a 9 wood to your bag, Why? well from what i have been taught is that all woods get hit off of your front heel. As most we all want to be able to hit the driver, I have found using my 7 wood has helped me with my driver. the 7 wood and 9 wood are high lofted clubs that have good distance and are much easyer to hit and controll. I would also have to say a good golf lesson is the best thing you can help yourself to, its worth the money.

[FrankZ]

So far I have:

First of all, if you're a new golfer, I suggest you get rid of the 4 & 5 irons and replace them with the equivalent hybrids. Your SW should be 56 degrees or close to it. Look into the F2 wedges. They have 60, 58, 56 and 52 degree lofts. I'd start out with a SW and a 58 or 60. The F2's are super-easy to hit off the short grass, long grass and sand.

[Nick77]

As far as drivers are concerned...would it be wise to get a Callaway FT-IQ driver regular shaft in 10 degrees? I'm not sure if that is too much club for a beginner (This club will not cost me anything, therefore cost does not play into this question). I know most are going to say that I should try a bunch of drivers out to decide. However, without experience of swinging a club, I doubt that would do much good. Besides, I'm trying to make sure that the first swing I make is in front of a professional. That way, I hopefully don't create a lot of bad habits.

Thanks so much guys!

[tim31x]

the ft-iq is a great club for a high handicapper, not to mention a beginner. i suggest you get that and maybe a cheap driver(not square) just to practice your swing and help your ball striking. the ft-iq is a great club but not a miracle worker haha. a cheap driver would be great for practicing incase u dent it, break it, snap it, etc. wouldn't cost you as much to fix as an ft-iq.

[WUTiger]

I'd get a used 54* or 56* sand wedge, probably high bounce (14). Pick up the SW, play with what you've got for a season, and adjust from there. After a few months playing, you start to see which clubs work, which ones don't. Adjust you club mix from there.

And, it's good that you're taking lessons. Your basic swing gets shaped after you play about six times, so starting with sound fundamentals is really important.