First Post - Your best $300 complete set

[missionpaul]

A little bit of background.  At this point in my life I am only an occasional golfer - about 10 rounds last year.  A large portion of those rounds are played when visiting my family out of state.  Due to the varying quality and consistency of rental clubs (this last trip I had what can best be thought of as a "Tin Cup" mixed bag - I may have literally been better off with a baseball bat and shovel) I have been thinking about putting together a set of used clubs to leave with family.  What I am looking for is the best full set of clubs I can put together for $300 or less.  Ideally clubs should be forgiving, easy to hit and easy to find.  I am not expecting once in a lifetime deals or garage sale finds so simply looking over average ebay final listing prices.  From reading forums and doing research I am thinking something along the following lines would work well but would love feedback and opinions.

Irons (Budget $150-$200)

Ping Eye 2 - 3-SW (ideally would include a LW)

Driver (Budget $50-$75)

Cleveland Classic 290 - Assume I would need to go with one of the stock shafts - would love feedback on which to be looking for

Fairway Woods (Budget $50-$100)

These are the clubs I have put the least amount of research in so wide open to feedback.  I currently have a Callaway Warbird 3 & 5 wood in my bag.  I know these are old tech but I still hit them well so at worst I would plan on purchasing duplicates for this set.  Would love suggestions.

Putter (Budget $20-$40)

Vintage Ping, not particular on model, does not need to be valuable or collectible.  I currently own a Tommy Armour putter that is basically the Ping Anser shape.  I put well with it so simply looking to duplicate the shape and like the idea of an old Ping head.

To head off the comments I will be looking for clubs that meet my fitting specs.

So...any thoughts on the above bag - what would you do differently with a $300 budget.  Thanks!

[Slice of Life]

Originally Posted by missionpaul

A little bit of background.  At this point in my life I am only an occasional golfer - about 10 rounds last year.  A large portion of those rounds are played when visiting my family out of state.  Due to the varying quality and consistency of rental clubs (this last trip I had what can best be thought of as a "Tin Cup" mixed bag - I may have literally been better off with a baseball bat and shovel) I have been thinking about putting together a set of used clubs to leave with family.  What I am looking for is the best full set of clubs I can put together for $300 or less.  Ideally clubs should be forgiving, easy to hit and easy to find.  I am not expecting once in a lifetime deals or garage sale finds so simply looking over average ebay final listing prices.  From reading forums and doing research I am thinking something along the following lines would work well but would love feedback and opinions.

Irons (Budget $150-$200)

Ping Eye 2 - 3-SW (ideally would include a LW)

Driver (Budget $50-$75)

Cleveland Classic 290 - Assume I would need to go with one of the stock shafts - would love feedback on which to be looking for

Fairway Woods (Budget $50-$100)

These are the clubs I have put the least amount of research in so wide open to feedback.  I currently have a Callaway Warbird 3 & 5 wood in my bag.  I know these are old tech but I still hit them well so at worst I would plan on purchasing duplicates for this set.  Would love suggestions.

Putter (Budget $20-$40)

Vintage Ping, not particular on model, does not need to be valuable or collectible.  I currently own a Tommy Armour putter that is basically the Ping Anser shape.  I put well with it so simply looking to duplicate the shape and like the idea of an old Ping head.

To head off the comments I will be looking for clubs that meet my fitting specs.

So...any thoughts on the above bag - what would you do differently with a $300 budget.  Thanks!

A lot of it is personal preference. For a driver, you could probably get a used Cleveland Hi-Bore or Nike SQ for $60-75. My old Nike Slingshots are pretty forgiving, and you could probably find a set for under $200. As far as the putter...that is all feel. I used a $20 Target putter for a couple years that I actually liked a lot. Eventually upgraded, but it did the trick. Just make sure you try it and like it.

[TGans]

For the woods and putter, if you feel comfortable with them, then you should most certainly keep them and not switch.  As for the driver and irons, an older Nike or PING model is probably the way to go.

[clearwaterms]

i think the Ping Eye 2 clubs are great heads.  However, the clubs have a somewhat cult following and the shafts are out dated technology compared to other less desirable.

As for the driver, it is mostly personal preference.  Callaway's FTiZ might be doable for that price, the Nike Machspeed driver would be an option as well.

As for the rest of the set.  You will score inside of 100 yards.  Given the tight budget, I would say pick one club that you can advance the ball 200 yards, and focus the rest of your money on wedges.

[MyrtleBeachGolf]

I could sell you a Nike Sumo Driver and a Ping Anser putter for $80 + shipping. That may get you started.

[Slice of Life]

Originally Posted by MyrtleBeachGolf

I could sell you a Nike Sumo Driver and a Ping Anser putter for $80 + shipping. That may get you started.

I like the old Nike Drivers. They have a lot of distance.

[chacep]

I bought the 18pc complete set of Strata (I heard they are made by Callaway?) clubs new for $230. Its not the brands your looking for but I really like them. I had a Nike SQ Sumo driver and I chopped every drive. It might have been my swing but snce I've started using the Strata driver I have been getting around 260-275vyds out of drives I don't slice. Clubs are same length too. I feel a lot more confidence in the clubs now. I really like the hybrids too. I hit them in an Academy sports store before I ordered them. Other than not liking the style of putter I have absolutely nothing negative to say about them. I feel they we're a great purchase. Look for my review of them soon.