When to get fit for clubs.

[A_Duke]

Hi guys, I've been playing for 9-10 months now and looking for some insight on when I should get new irons and hybrids, preferably fit. I started with a hand me down set of really old clubs and slowly ended up replacing each club in my bag, eventually the bag too. What do you recommend for a high handicapper who shoots in the 98-105 range. Should I go for the expense right now, or wait a couple of months till I improve?

My sig is up to date.

Thanks!

[mhenrickson]

I'm also interested in this topic. I started playing last summer with a set of hand me downs which are probably 10-15 years old. They're decent clubs...the irons are Taylor Made Overize Burners, and my woods are Adams Tight Lies. However, I did demo a new Ping Iron (G10) a few weeks ago, and I could definitely tell the difference between the two. So my basic question the same as the OP. Do I spring for new clubs, or get more golfing experience first.

[ryanf]

I'd recommend a good quality set of used but pretty modern clubs then go get the adjusted for lie/loft. The only thing you really need to know ahead of time what shaft length and stiffness you should be looking at, but any golf store with a simulator should be able to get you close enough. Then jump on eBay or the like and find a 3 year old used set in good shape for $150 or so from a REPUTABLE SELLER (example: 3balls.com, yo don't want new but cheap cause its fake stuff). After getting them go to your local store or shop and pay them $40-$50 or whatever to get the lie/loft adjusted for you. That will probably give you 95% of the benefits of new clubs at 1/2 or less of the cost. Then shave another 15 strokes and search again for clubs, then you might go with new clubs, but nice quality used can be a great value. Unless money is not a problem, buying new clubs at retail will cost you much more then the benefit you. A good used set that is fitted to you will do you so much good without the cost, save the difference for later when you really want to get a nice set.

[WUTiger]

...What do you recommend for a high handicapper who shoots in the 98-105 range. Should I go for the expense right now, or wait a couple of months till I improve?

Before Christmas, I wrote an Bag Drop piece on boxed sets for beginners. On big question was how long people use their beginner sets, be it a new boxed bunch or older used clubs. Sabrina Tate, a St. Louis area pro, said that most of her students upgrade clubs after they pass beyond the beginner skill level.

You have locked onto some Pinemeadow clubs, from a small manufacturer with a loyal following; Pinemeadown just celebrated its 25th anniversary. You also have clubs from the big-name companies. Static fitting (lie and shaft length | flex) helps everyone, but detailed fitting doesn't help much until your swing stabilizes. If you clubs fit you, work on your swing this season and refit once your scoring improves.