Should I or Should I Not

[jurban05]

I am shooting in the high 90's low 100's. I plan on getting new clubs but I am not sure if I should get custom clubs fitted or just buy standard size clubs with stiff flex. I plan on taking my game a little bit more seriously but it would be at least $400 cheaper if I just bought clubs. I am 5 foot 9. 160lbs. Would standard size be good? Should I just buy clubs or get them fitted?

Also I understand the logic behind super game improvment, game improvment, and players irons but I just figured if you practice enough with a certain club you will eventually be able to hit it right. Am I completly wrong in thinking this?

[aceofharts336]

Where are you looking at buying clubs? Many places will do a fitting as part of an iron purchase . Personally, I always feel that it is important to get custom fitted no matter your handicap or newness to the game. If cost is an issue, there are some very good clubs out there that are made for players new to the game that are cost-effective.

[finoky]

Getting fitted is always the way to go. We don't have standard bodies or standard golf swings.

[WUTiger]

I am shooting in the high 90's low 100's. I plan on getting new clubs but I am not sure if I should get custom clubs fitted or just buy standard size clubs with stiff flex. ... I am 5 foot 9. 160lbs. Would standard size be good? Should I just buy clubs or get them fitted?...

If you are in the upper 90s, consider a lesson or two. You talk about taking the game more seriously. Your

Ping Rapture Clones are likely Ultra Game Improvement irons. You need to stabilize your swing before buying new clubs will make that much of a difference. Work with a pro, get your swing stabilized, and then the pro can recommend {Club + shaft} combinations that will fit your swing, strength, and game strategy. Proper shaft is just as iimportant as the clubhead model you choose. If you go on the launch monitor, sometimes you can find good used clubs which fit your swing and build. You don't always have to buy brand new ones.

[peter draggin]

I have to agree all posts here, but I would always get fitted for new clubs when you decide to purchase

[lcfd42]

I will most likely never buy a "new" set of clubs again, unless they are really something special. New clubs are overpriced, and you can generally get a nice set used (I mean like new) for 1/3 the price and have them fitted for less than $75. That would be the way iwould suggest to go, then use the extra cash for lessons.

[sean_miller]

I will most likely never buy a "new" set of clubs again, unless they are really something special. New clubs are overpriced, and you can generally get a nice set used (I mean like new) for 1/3 the price and have them fitted for less than $75. That would be the way iwould suggest to go, then use the extra cash for lessons.

That works if you're pretty close to "standard", can find the right shaft flex, and are buying forged irons. For other stuff you might be SOL.

[lcfd42]

I'm 6'4" - 235lbs. and did buy a set of forged clubs as well as a set of cast GI's, both were lie adjusted for me to "standard" lie angle. I have flattened my plane out quite a bit, as I started back golfing about a year ago with maroon dot Pings, which are 4.5* upright.
The OP is 5'9", and he should fall into the standard lie; at worst a degree or two up or down. Cast clubs can be adjusted, its just not as easily as forged ones. Pings are very hard steel and they are harder to bend without breaking. If I were looking at a used set of them I would try to buy them closer to fit.

[Danattherock]

Get fitted man. You are not looking at $400 more to do so. Locate a local certified clubfitter in your area. They will figure out what you need and then alter your current clubs to fit that spec. Clubs that fit you are far more beneficial than new clubs that don't fit. I would also suggest some lessons beforehand. You don't want to be fit to your "old" swing. Particulary if that old swing is really flawed. Consider a few lessons with a local pro and then getting fit. This kills two birds with one stone as well. The teaching pro you see will surely be able to recommend a good fitter near you. This would put you on the path to better golf I am certain. Good luck!

[Fastrack]

Standard may work, but I were you, I would work with teaching pro to get me fitted.

[lcfd42]

Get fitted man. You are not looking at $400 more to do so. Locate a local certified clubfitter in your area. They will figure out what you need and then alter your current clubs to fit that spec. Clubs that fit you are far more beneficial than new clubs that don't fit. I would also suggest some lessons beforehand. You don't want to be fit to your "old" swing. Particulary if that old swing is really flawed. Consider a few lessons with a local pro and then getting fit. This kills two birds with one stone as well. The teaching pro you see will surely be able to recommend a good fitter near you. This would put you on the path to better golf I am certain. Good luck!

This is exactly what I am saying. Get fitted, as that is most important. Only that I wouldn't dish out the premium for "new" clubs, buy good used ones and have them fitted. Save $$$$$$

[Dub]

Get fitted man. You are not looking at $400 more to do so. Locate a local certified clubfitter in your area. They will figure out what you need and then alter your current clubs to fit that spec. Clubs that fit you are far more beneficial than new clubs that don't fit. I would also suggest some lessons beforehand. You don't want to be fit to your "old" swing. Particulary if that old swing is really flawed. Consider a few lessons with a local pro and then getting fit. This kills two birds with one stone as well. The teaching pro you see will surely be able to recommend a good fitter near you. This would put you on the path to better golf I am certain. Good luck!

Great advice. I agree completely.

I've been so guilty of "believing" the hype about Club X vs Club Y, when the truth is I could have kept my old club-put an extension and the proper sized grip on it and spent the difference on a couple of lessons. My hdcp would benefit from such!!!

[Shanks A Million]

Get fitted. End of discussion.

Also I understand the logic behind super game improvment, game improvment, and players irons but I just figured if you practice enough with a certain club you will eventually be able to hit it right. Am I completly wrong in thinking this?

Yes, you are wrong. You can practice with blades until your eyes pop out, but if you don't swing them right, you'll never hit them well. Do yourself a favor and get the right clubs. If you try to learn with extremely unforgiving clubs, you'll be disappointed and frustrated. Easy to hit clubs allow you to learn while giving you some margin for error, and getting you used to shotmaking. As you progress, you slowly upgrade to more and more demanding clubs as you need them, not as you feel you can hit them.

For example, I switched from game improvement irons to players irons when I could no longer properly control the game improvement clubs. The 3 iron would go so high, even a puff of wind would knock it way offline. I had to switch to advance my game. That's why pros use blades and players irons, they need them to shoot their best, it's not a macho contest.

[jurban05]

thanks. im going to get some lessons then I am going to get fitted. Makes sense that I need to get my golf swing correct then worry about the clubs. I will be getting custom fit for clubs when I get them tho. Thanks a bunch for all the comments.

[woodzie264]

get fitted - like so many others have said, it made a world of difference in my own game without me changing my swing whatsoever. A good set of clubs should last 5-8 yrs (maybe 10), so well worth the investment!

[Bullitt5339]

Another vote for getting fitted. I'm short, 5'6" on a good day, and played with standard length irons for years, and wasn't getting any better. Went for a couple lessons at the end of last season, and the Pro fixed my swing a lot, but said he could never get me where I wanted to be unless I was fitted for clubs. I was fitted for my last set of clubs, my R9's, and immediately gained about 10 yards on each iron, and was more accurate, and this translated to a 4 stroke drop in my handicap within a month of playing 3 times a week. I expect my new Clevelands will continue to drop my handicap, as I can actually work on proper swing mechanics now, instead of making due with clubs that aren't quite right for me.