Looking for new clubs, need some opinions

[ten]

Im pretty new to the golf world so im looking for suggestions. I played a little bit while I was in highschool but never got serious about it, im 26 now and just got back into the game this year. Im looking for some better clubs than what I have right now but I dont have that much knowledge about different brands and their equipment other than seeing what the pro's swing. I bought a cheap set of Top Flite XL's from Walmart several months ago, didnt want to spend too much before I knew how much I would play or how good i'd be. The second round I played I shot an 83 from the championship tees and i've been playing atleast 4 times a month since then. The last few rounds i've played i've been shooting 78-82 consistanly and im pretty much hooked. Im wanting to upgrade my irons first but intend on gradually upgrading everything else within the next few months. Currently im swinging Top Flite XL irons with steel shafts (not sure what flex they are), Top Flite XL putter, and a Nike SQ Dymo 9.5* driver with graphite regular flex shaft. Like I said im not real educated about clubs so I dont know what all you take into consideration but im 6'3/200lbs, right handed and normally slice the ball, mostly with my irons. When I first started back I sliced my driver bad but a friend of mine told me to change a few things with my swing and it helped alot, the first round or two after that I hit 80% of my tee shots straight. Here lately its been about 60% straight and 40% slice. If anybody has any suggestions on anything that will help it'd be greatly appreciated.

I know this is kind of lengthy but I wanted to give enough info to help as much as possible. If theres anything else I need to add just ask.

[bwdial]

First of all... I hate you. :p

I've been playing for almost twenty years, and my best score was an 83. You sound a lot like a buddy of mine from college. He started tagging along with us, bought a set of Top-Flite irons (seriously) and began whipping our a$$e$ in about a month. He went on to become a PGA teaching professional.

I'd suggest getting fitted to see what you need. It definitely sounds like you need a stiffer shaft in your driver.

[ten]

First of all... I hate you. :p

There were several rounds in the 90's and a time or two where I busted 100 to start with, i've gotten pretty consistant in the low 80's lately though.

Im thinking the same with the stiffer shaft. A buddy that I play with alot has a taylormade burner2 - 3 wood with a stiff shaft, I like it alot....I've been hitting it 220-230 yds and straight as an arrow off the grass. The closest place to get fitted is about an hour away, I dont know that they have somewhere that you can test clubs though. I'll make a trip down there in the next week or so. What exactly do they do when you get fitted?

[ks8829]

try your local golf store, bring your set and compare your irons with others that they recommend, take your time and you should feel and see a difference with the right iron set, they will check your swing and based on your budget set you up with the appropriate set of clubs. you can check ebay and other sources to compare prices.

Shaft flexes, kick points, off set irons are things that the fitter might mention when you are selecting the right clubs for yourself, so ask alot of questions and again take your time with your selection.