Golf club questions

[Stargaze]

I am a novice golfer and I have some basic equipment questions.

1.  I purchased a set of Nike clubs about a year ago.  At what point do I get fitted?  I figured there was no point in getting fitted until you have a good solid swing.

2.  Are you faithful to a particular manufacturer or do you "mix and match" your clubs?

3.  How many years do you use a club before you retire it in favor of a new one?

4.  I don't buy the expensive balls yet because I'm still losing a half dozen after 18 holes.  For those who have and advanced golf skill, do you buy the expensive balls or are you ok with your basic Slazenger?

[1puttit]

Originally Posted by Stargaze

I am a novice golfer and I have some basic equipment questions.

1.  I purchased a set of Nike clubs about a year ago.  At what point do I get fitted?  I figured there was no point in getting fitted until you have a good solid swing.

I wouldn't worry about getting fitted until you have a fairly repeatable swing. I'd wait until I was shooting in the mid-90's before getting a fitting. You may want to have your irons lie angle checked as this can throw things off a bit. You can do it yourself - take some electrical tape and place on the sole of an iron. Hit 5 balls of a matt. The scuff marks should be in the center. If they are all towards the toe or the heel (a 1/4" from center or more) you should have it adjusted. Do this for all irons.

Originally Posted by Stargaze

2.  Are you faithful to a particular manufacturer or do you "mix and match" your clubs?

NO. Feel free to mix and match. I have 6 different brands in my bag at the moment.

Originally Posted by Stargaze

3.  How many years do you use a club before you retire it in favor of a new one?

Until they don't fit my needs anymore. Generally I look at drivers every 2-3 years because of technology changes. Current model is 2 years old. Otherwise I play the same clubs unless they wear out or something changes.

Originally Posted by Stargaze

4.  I don't buy the expensive balls yet because I'm still losing a half dozen after 18 holes.  For those who have and advanced golf skill, do you buy the expensive balls or are you ok with your basic Slazenger?

All depends on your game. I shoot low 80's consistently and play mid-low priced balls. There are some great options out there for $20-25 a dozen. I also find a lot of pro-v1 and play those but don't seem to score any better than with the mid price balls. Play a ball that fits your game