Upgrading clubs - Where to start?

[Jack]

Hey guys, this is pretty much my first post but I have been lurking on these forms for the past month or so since taking up the game again.

Firstly a little about myself, I am 21 and did play the sport when I was younger (about 14/15) but because I played a lot of other sports golf did not get all the attention it deserverd. So I pretty much stopped playing but rediscovered the game this summer. So now I have a membership at my local course which consists of a 6700yd course, lots of practise facilities and a par 3 course. However, because I don't have a handicap (yet!) I was only able to get membership to the par 3 course (and practise areas). Now I go around this little (but challenging) course in about +7, so my short game is now getting to a reasonable level. Give me anything longer than a 7 iron though and it's a different game! Obviously, I am now working hard on getting the rest of my game "up to scratch" so I can apply for a 5 week period on the full course in order to gain a handicap.

Now for my question... ! I have been using my Dads old clubs which, while decent enough I would like to start replacing them gradually with clubs of my choice that are suited to my game. The clubs are Ping Pal 4 putter, Mizuno Comp CT irons, Mizuno Widec II driver/woods... all of which are about 10 years old!

Before anyone pipes up with "you're better off spending your money on lessons!" you will be please to know I am already doing this! With the festive season approaching (and my Birthday!) now is an ideal time for me to choose a couple of clubs to change in my bag.

So where should I start? I personally feel my game will benefit most with a new driver and 3 wood. The technology in this area seems to have come on the most in recent years and I figure this may aid me in my quest to master these clubs! However, my strongest part of my game is from 100yrd in so a new set of wedges could bring a lot of enjoyment pulling them out of the bag. Then there is the putter.. the most personal club in the bag (I think) and having one that I have chosen and love would be really nice. Oh and I have forgotten the irons... I don't see that I new set will make that much difference in my game but having only ever played one set, do I know any different? This is why I need your help!

All thoughts/comments appreciated. I apologise for the lengthy post, I'll try to cut down in future.. !

[Slappy9]

Taylormade R9 Driver - can be had pretty reasonable right now new and pretty cheap used...
Wedges - buy new wedges with old grooves while you can.. All top name companys make pretty good wedges..
Putter - Can't go wrong with the Ping Anser reasonable price..And Cleveland has a couple different lines of putters out now at really nice prices..Rife putters are on sale at TGW.com (Great Putters)

Just make sure you get fit for all of your clubs!!!!!!!!

[Jack]

Thanks for your reply. With regard to club fitting, I think I will have to wait until I have a more repeatable driver swing otherwise I may change my mechanics and end up with a club that no longer fits! Is this a good idea? Ultimately I want a club that suits my swing, not the other way around.

I guess what I am also asking is, if I can only upgrade a couple of clubs. e.g. new driver/3 wood, new wedges, new irons or new putter which ones should I change first to see the most improvement in my game, and enjoyment on the course?

I'll be sure to check out the clubs you suggested

[Fat Slice]

I think you should wait a little bit. Get on the big course and see what your swing does. Keep on with your lessons and when you have a swing you like, then maybe look around for fitting and clubs. Maybe your pro/teacher has some clubs you can demo on the range? I think new clubs -- your own clubs -- are a good idea, but maybe you can wait just a bit to make sure you're getting what you really need/want.

  None said:

Ultimately I want a club that suits my swing, not the other way around.

I get that, for sure! Thing is, let's say you have a whippy shaft right now. You will naturally build a swing slow enough to keep it under control and unloading at the proper point. Is that really 'your' swing or is it dictated by the shaft? I'd really go the demo/fitting route to see what works and is comfortable first.

[Slappy9]

The best advice I can give you (Besides get lessons and get fitted) is to ask alot of questions about the clubs and test out a bunch of different clubs but then wait a couple days and then test them all out again (at least one more time)and then make a decision..Never make snap decisions when buying clubs.. I will test a club out 2-3 somethimes even 4 times before i buy it...

[The Road Dog]

Get clubs that are fitted to you, it might be years before you know enough about your swing to decide a particular style club suits it better. But properly fitted clubs could help you develop a proper swing and shorten the time it takes to get better at the game.

[Jack]

Ok, I see what you are saying and I think trying a few clubs at the range would be great. I'll be able to get a feeling for how other clubs behave and what I really like.

[Gerald]

Welcome !

As for clubs .... The irons are nice, the manufactor marketing department will have told you in 10 orso years at least 10 times, how much they have improved the irons, but honestly not a lot has changed in irons, the Comp CT is a pretty good iron.

As for wedges ..... for the majority of amateurs ...... buy the non 2010 confirming grooves wedges, not only may they not be sold or made after december 31st ..... so all retailers are trying to get rid of these now and prices went really down. The new 2010 confirming grooves will provide less spin from the rough, but else it is about the same.

What is most changed in those years is the driver, but don't go fot the very newest model 2011 ....... just try a few of these 460 cc drivers out there, all will be better and longer than your "old" widec .....

3 Woods will not be that different though.

Putter ...... what ever you like best !

So if I were in your shoes ..... I would probably go for a last years driver (new or used), and you should buy your self some decent balls (not the rocks most people play with, so buy balls like the Bridgestone e5 or Srixon AD333)

[Jack]

  The Road Dog said:

Get clubs that are fitted to you, it might be years before you know enough about your swing to decide a particular style club suits it better. But properly fitted clubs could help you develop a proper swing and shorten the time it takes to get better at the game.

Ok fitting it is! Will I be able to get an accurate fitting with a fairly inconsisent driver swing?

[Jack]

Thanks for the advice Gerald. Looks like I will be searching for a driver for Xmas and some wedges for my Birthday! I have already started playing the E5 ball and have to say that I'm pretty impressed. I'll be sure to try a few clubs, do a load of research and get fitted.

[i-Guy]

I don't know...I am thinking that you need to start at the core of the game and that my friend is your irons...I know what a few other post have said but I am here to tell you as an 8 handicap and someone who has owned/played and tested out many different sets of irons over the last two years "a good set of irons will make a difference" ...I would do some research and find a very good fitter and go get yourself a nice set of GI irons...they will last quite a long time as your game develops and you can tweak them (length, lie or even change shafts at some point) if your swing changes over time. I find that most people are fickle about drivers and putters and you will find that these can change many times over your golfing career (drivers because of technology and putters because of what you feel confident about at that time) but IRONS are the main stay of any good golf game.

I also like the idea of getting very good wedges (and that means ones that are suited to your game...are you a digger or a sweeper, etc...) because once you start playing the big course it will probably be some time before you start hitting lots of greens in regulation so you will want wedges you can count on to help you get up and down.

Just my 2 cents and good luck with whatever you decide...

[delav]

Lot's of great input here already, so I'll avoid beating a dead horse.

Congrats on joining a club; sounds like you've got goals in mind and the determination to do well. As for equipment, your current irons will do you well providing the length and lie are a close enough fit. I was playing 15 year old Titleist DCI 962s until last season, and they were more than capable for the job.

If your budget is moderate, this is the advice I'd offer:
- Wedges - Any wedges you buy, make sure they are new. It doesn't benefit a golfer at any level to play with worn wedges, and these aren't too costly to begin with.

- Driver - Look for a good deal on a used driver. You can find a GREAT driver for around $100 that will perform for you while you work on your swing. Pick up something like a Ping G5/G10, Taylormade Burner/R7, Callaway 454, Cleveland Launcher or similar club from the last 5 years. You can save a ton of money here while playing a very good club, and down the road you'll know exactly what you want when you upgrade and be fit to something ideal. Choose a flex that suits your swing now, I really wouldn't fuss with shaft fitting until you know what you are after.

- Get a Hybrid - These are great clubs for the long par 4s, tight par 5's and tough tee shots.

- Invest in a putter you love. Nothing else comes close to knocking strokes off your score like your putter.

Good Luck!

[i-Guy]

That is one of the things that makes golf so great and so darn hard all at the same time is that there are many ways to get it done and as you can see there are many opinions on how to get it done and none of them are wrong!

[Jack]

Wow this is great guys. I thought there would be a few different opinions. That's what makes this game and this forum so great! I really like the idea of picking up a 2nd hand driver to have a knock around with while I'm still improving at quite a fast rate. Since late July I have been playing and practising nearly every day. I am fortunate that I am quite good at a few sports and I'm determined to have great fun learning the game of golf. I wish I had started taking it more seriously earlier!

Anyway, I digress... My club pro offers a fitting service for a small fee so I think I will start there. Then I can pick up a good cheap driver that's a few seasons old in good condition and play that until I'm ready for the next level. I think I am comfortable enough with my wedges that I could appreciate the benefits that a good set would bring, and with the new groove rulings coming in shortly; now seems an ideal time to change them.

I'd love a new putter but I'm happy enough with my current one while I save up some money. I think fitted irons are currently out of budget unless Father Christmas is very generous!

[dbuck]

I'll have to kinda go with what some others have said and say wait a bit--for the most part.

I would have the complete set regripped as soon as possible with a good grip that feels good to you. It will almost be like new clubs.

I might go ahead and pick up a good used 400-460 cc driver or a new one that is one or two models old. Not a lot of investment but possibly a much easier to hit club. This is where there is the most advancement in the last 10 years. What others have mentioned about the wedges and grooves etc is true, but at this stage I don't know if you'd know the difference. I wouldn't. If that appeals to you though, there are deals out there.

The rest of the set is not junk, and with new grips will be ok for a while til your swing is better developed. Then get stuff that fits you and your swing.

That's my opinion and worth of course what you paid for it!

As for the holidays and birthday, get gift certificates!

[tweaky]

as a clubfitter i can tell you that there are a LOT more component club heads on the market than the major name-brand stuff. Tom Wishon (my favorite, i use the 770CFE irons), SMT, Alpha, KZG, the list goes on...
If you believe that "a name can buy a game" then Honma has irons for $2,000+, drivers for $3,500+, and putters for $5,000. for those prices they've gotta be the best and surely will lower your scores to sub par overnight! seriously tho', i'm glad to see you're getting fitted!

[Old1964]

Pay a quick $49 and have your swing analyzed with a Mizuno computerized 6 iron.
Then, focus on getting the proper shaft for your swing.
A decent swing and a shaft that works with it and you could play most any iron.
I wouldn't wait until you are swinging the driver and 3 iron well.
Practicing with poorly shafted irons can cause you trouble - tempting you to "change" your
swing on longer irons to control the ball.

[Jack]

Thanks again for the advice guys. Just a quick update. I am going for a driver fitting on Thursday with my club Pro. The fitting is meant to be one of the best in my area and since I'm a member of the course it will only cost me £10 ~ $16... I can't wait!