Club Advice for a Beginner

[nvm405]

Hi - I am looking for the group’s thoughts on how I should prepare for getting back into golf over the next couple months.  The questions I need help with are as follows: 1) A golf pro said lessons will be of limited help until I upgrade my irons from the 1990s, is there any truth to this? 2) Should I purchase beginner irons that will help me hit the ball cleaner?  3) Will I benefit from a club fitting or not until I am at a more developed skill level? 4) How should I think about indoor vs. outdoor lessons if my problem is hitting the ball straight?

I have golfed on-and-off for most of my life, but I have never really improved. I have taken a variety of lessons, but never for any extended period of time. I hit well over 100 and have trouble hitting the ball straight.  I can get the ball in the air, but I have a nasty hook.  Occasionally I hit the ball well with a 3 or 5 iron and the result is nice.

I worry that the advice from golf pros and golf retailers is self-serving and unnecessarily costly so I really appreciate your thoughts on the above.  I have struggled with the issue of focusing on practice vs. getting updated clubs that make it easier for any practice to provide benefits.

[Jeremie Boop]

I don't know why you were told that lessons weren't helpful with the clubs you have....

[nvm405]

GolfTec . . . I have since learned that the views on GolfTec are mixed.

[Shindig]

First, what [i]are[/i] your irons from the 90s? There's a big difference between whether you have blades from 1991 or Ping Eye2s in terms of the advice you'll get. Second, if you're a high handicap now and anticipate being one for a while, going with more forgiving irons isn't a bad thing. That doesn't mean to get a "beginner's set." Let us know what clubs you have currently, and if any are wildly inappropriate, we'll let you know. In fact, your driver is most likely the first upgrade (and you can do that cheaply, because even the 2008 models that are cheap in the used bin are better than your top-of-the-line from the 90s). Third: I think everyone benefits from club fitting, at least at the static level. Among other things, having wildly misfit clubs can lead to some bad habits. Fourth, if you can see the ball flight, you'll be fine.

[Davie81]

As Shindig said, I think everyone should be custom fit no matter your level. Makes the game comfier when your clubs are right for your height, build etc.

[nvm405]

Thanks Shindig.  My irons are a second-hand set of Ping Eye 2s with steel shafts.  I also have a Ping Eye 3 wood, but I can't hit it or any other woods very well.  I am now the third owner of the irons and I don't know if the lengths of the shafts have ever been altered.  For what it is worth, I am a few inches taller than average.

I am also not fully clear on what is involved in a club fitting.  I worry a golf pro will fit me with clubs that are beyond what I need at my level.  I have no problem doing it, I just want to get the perspective of those without a financial incentive to up-sell me.

Thanks!

[Shindig]

Thanks Shindig.  My irons are a second-hand set of Ping Eye 2s with steel shafts.  I also have a Ping Eye 3 wood, but I can't hit it or any other woods very well.  I am now the third owner of the irons and I don't know if the lengths of the shafts have ever been altered.  For what it is worth, I am a few inches taller than average.

Height is only one variable. Those irons are fine unless they're grossly mis-fit. [quote name="nvm405" url="/t/75089/club-advice-for-a-beginner#post_1001574"]I am also not fully clear on what is involved in a club fitting.  I worry a golf pro will fit me with clubs that are beyond what I need at my level.  I have no problem doing it, I just want to get the perspective of those without a financial incentive to up-sell me. [/quote] So don't get fit by a salesman. When you know what club(s) you want, go find a demo day in your area and get a rep from that company to fit you. If they won't do it for free, find a different company to buy from. The fitter isn't getting a commission. I'm not sure what you mean by beyond what you need at your level. They shouldn't suggest, say, blades if you aren't breaking 90 regularly. Are you worried about being suggested clubs for better players?

[Fromthecoast]

My irons are a second-hand set of Ping Eye 2s with steel shafts.

I don't see any reason that you shouldn't learn on the irons that you have right now. Eye 2's are very forgiving but still not ridiculously large, so they could be good clubs for a while. Spend the money that they want you to use on clubs on lessons and range time instead. If they are trying to sell you new irons, telling you that you won't get better until you do, then you should go somewhere else for lessons.

[Hammer 4]

Wow...Can't believe he told you that. I say that only because, yes today's equipment is better, BUT, those clubs worked just fine back then, and can still work just fine. In the 90's and I only speak for myself, getting fit for clubs usually meant that you hit a few balls, then the fitter had you hit off a lie board with face tape on the club, usually a 6i, he then determined what lie you should have, and the length of your clubs.

In those days, most average players didn't even get fitted, but played with off the rack clubs and did o.k.

I would suggest maybe looking for another instructor..?

BTW, welcome to the site, and have fun playing golf.

[dbuck]

The clubs you have are fine as long as they fit reasonably. Google "Ping fit chart" and see how yours compare. The different color dots are the lie angles; the dot is in the center of the eye on the back of the club. Being taller does not necessarily dictate longer clubs, more important is the wrist to floor measurement. If the clubs have older grips, replace them. You will think you have new clubs.