Just got new irons, what next?

[Erasmus354]

So now that I can afford a hobby like golf I am trying to start playing a lot more then the couple times a year with my dad I have done in the past. I want to start improving my gear. I started with:

Driver/Woods : Yamaha Kevlar Composite Driver/Wood set. I can't find any information at all on these. I actually kind of like them. The heads are small, the driver looks like a 3 wood. And they are just really weird, they make a crack like a wooden baseball bat. I am awful with consistency of the drivers though. I can't hit my Dads new Taylormade Burner 09 much better.

Irons : Northwestern "Chi Chi Rodriguez" Iron Set. I did some googling and found a similar set being sold on Ebay as Vintage clubs. The irons are blades, and actually came with wooden woods that are now sitting in the attic.

Wedge : Hand me down sand wedge, not sure the make it might have come with the iron set.

Putter : Random thing, not too old though so it's not like I am hitting with a mini golf putter.

I replaced the irons with some Nike VR Full Cavity (4-AW) clubs that I got for what I think was a great price. I know they aren't super game improvement clubs which are probably better suited for me, but they are a big step up from what I had. I hit some at the driving range today and the difference is astounding. The ball goes much straighter and maybe a little further but I don't care much about distance as long as it goes straight!

I am very pleased with the irons so far after only one range outing. I can't afford to get new clubs all at once, and I also want to make sure I stick with my goal of playing more often before buying something else. What club should I be looking at upgrading next? Is a 3 wood a good choice, would that help me get more control over my drives? Or would a wedge/putter help my short game and be a better choice?


P.S.

How should I clean the astro turf marks on the bottom of my clubs from the range? Now that I don't have crappy clubs I want to keep them looking nice :)

[JoshuaVnyrd1817]

A forgiving driver would probably help a lot. You can pick up a good used driver for under $100. I personally still find it hard to keep a good mental state of mind if I have a bad drive off the tee.

For cleaning your clubs, I always have a wet towel anytime I play or practice. Just use some pressure and they will come off in several passes.

[B-Con]

Depends on what your weakness is. Do any of your clubs feel unnatural to hold? Personally, I'd build from the bottom (and I did when I recently re-built my set). I started with wedges because having comfortable wedges of the appropriate lofts is a life-saver. As a high-handicapper, we lose a lot of strokes getting onto the green. If you can get on consistently and within easy 2-putt distance every time with the occasional 1-putt distance, you'll do better. If I had to re-build my set again, I'd start with wedges again. I started with nothing over a PW though, so I was desperate.

You did say that your consistency is off with your driver. Finding fairways is also important, so weigh it against your wedge play, which you didn't mention much about.

Since the putter is so personal and the difference between no toe hang and full toe hang is so noticeable, I wouldn't go out to get a putter. Try lots of putters and get one once and only once you stumble across one you love. Don't give yourself a deadline and say "I have to go get a putter today".

[edit]
For cleaning, water and a towel should work fine. If you really soil them up while playing, soak them for 5 minutes and then use your dedicated cleaning towel to scrub and dry them off.

[Gerald]

Best next .... lessons !