First set of clubs - Tall player

[JoeMal]

I would like to learn to play golf and am torn on getting some clubs.  I'm 6'6" and am looking for a +1 set which is difficult to find in stores (at least not as common as standard and far less selection)

The option I keep leaning towards is buying a cheap, complete set on eBay/Amazon.  There's a Prosimmon X9 "+1" complete bag on eBay for under $200.  This would get me a good assortment of clubs, plus a bag.  I would be ready to go.  I haven't found much online regarding this set, but the Amazon reviews are pretty good.  This set would get me started and allow me to see if I really enjoy the game and could slowly replace clubs down the road.  The savings of not putting a big chunk into clubs upfront can, and would, be spent on lessons.

Another option is to go used.  I see "name brand" irons like Taylor Made, Nike, and Mizuno going in the $150 range on eBay.  Then I would have to get a wood (Possibly a driver, too), putter, and bag.  This option would probably put me closer to $300 to get started, but the clubs themselves may be higher quality.

At some point down the road I plan on getting fitted, but feel it's too soon now as I think my stance/swing will change dramatically after some lessons and practice.  I'm just looking for something to get me on the course.

For someone new to the game, who can't just walk into any random sports store and buy clubs off the shelf...what would you do?  I really appreciate any response.

[imsys0042]

My advice would be to get some type of fitting to see what your specs are. Despite being 6' 6" it's important what the distance is between your hands to the ground, iirc. But get fitted and then you have several options. 1 eBay. Plenty of clubs and iron sets that are longer or bumped upright there. If you know your specs then you can buy something that fits you 2. A website like tgw.com has current model clubs where you can enter your specs and they will make he ins to those specs at no extra charge. 3. Go somewhere local where they can adjust clubs you buy for you. Based on what you are saying, I would go the eBay route but find something upright and hopefully with a longer shaft. I'm 6' 4" with what I feel are standard length arms but I am 3 degrees upright and 3/4 inch longer. Anything on eBay that is bumped up on lie would be worth looking into for me since it's easier to re shaft than having the lie adjusted.

[MrFlipper]

I would like to learn to play golf and am torn on getting some clubs.  I'm 6'6" and am looking for a +1 set which is difficult to find in stores (at least not as common as standard and far less selection)

The option I keep leaning towards is buying a cheap, complete set on eBay/Amazon.  There's a Prosimmon X9 "+1" complete bag on eBay for under $200.  This would get me a good assortment of clubs, plus a bag.  I would be ready to go.  I haven't found much online regarding this set, but the Amazon reviews are pretty good.  This set would get me started and allow me to see if I really enjoy the game and could slowly replace clubs down the road.  The savings of not putting a big chunk into clubs upfront can, and would, be spent on lessons.

Another option is to go used.  I see "name brand" irons like Taylor Made, Nike, and Mizuno going in the $150 range on eBay.  Then I would have to get a wood (Possibly a driver, too), putter, and bag.  This option would probably put me closer to $300 to get started, but the clubs themselves may be higher quality.

At some point down the road I plan on getting fitted, but feel it's too soon now as I think my stance/swing will change dramatically after some lessons and practice.  I'm just looking for something to get me on the course.

For someone new to the game, who can't just walk into any random sports store and buy clubs off the shelf...what would you do?  I really appreciate any response.

I used to be 6'4" till I started shrinking (it's a drag getting old), yet I have long arms so I had regular length and lie clubs.  Don't assume anything because you are tall, or because you are a beginner, go get fitted now, at least for length and lie.

And I'd sure recommend better used clubs vs. cheap but new clubs. I've bought lots of clubs off globalgolf.com, I'd sure recommend using them before ebay unless you have previous experience with the particular ebay seller. And globalgolf seems cheaper than most on ebay and you don't have to worry about counterfeits.

[WUTiger]

... Based on what you are saying, I would go the eBay route but find something upright and hopefully with a longer shaft. ...

Finding a club - or clubs - on eBay might be OK for someone familiar with golf, but it's not a way for a beginner to go.

I would suggest you talk to your friends and find a place where you can both get starter lessons, and get help finding clubs.

As a beginner, you basically want clubs that won't hurt your game. A person's arm length in relation to height, and their golf stance posture, all determine how long or short or upright a club you need. Trying to find such clubs on eBay can lead to several hit-and-miss purchases of clubs that just don't work for you.

When you're getting lessons, you can try out different models of irons and woods, find ones that you like and make sure they fit you physically. Good golf shops take used clubs on trade-ins, and want to them back out the door quickly. So, golfers often find a used set that fits them as is, or just needs a few tweaks.

Having clubs that more or less fit you - again, that won't hurt your game - will make your early golf experience a lot more pleasant. And, a couple of early lessons can ensure you get off to a quick start.

Good luck, and let us know how your lessons and club search go!

[JoeMal]

Thank you both. I do have a Golf Smith and PGA Super store in my area so I'll stop in sometime to see what they have to offer. I feel like lessons will be expensive there but who knows. I also have seen lessons on Groupon

[Tim Williamson]

I'm 6'4" and my clubs are 1 1/2" over standard length. Some of the clubs I've added to my set were just standard length that I had lengthened. I wouldn't waste any money on a driver if you're just starting out. Learn to hit the fairway woods first. You might want to start out learning to hit the short irons: SW, PW, 9, 8, 7

[kpaulhus]

I am 6'3 and my clubs are +3/4".

Now, that is just for me...not every guy who is 6'3. As others have stated get fitted, even if you don't buy the clubs.

Lessons are great, but if you cant afford them, try this thing out for a start lowestscorewins.com.

Go play golf. That is how you will get better.

[JoeMal]

I am 6'3 and my clubs are +3/4".  Now, that is just for me...not every guy who is 6'3. As others have stated get fitted, even if you don't buy the clubs.  Lessons are great, but if you cant afford them, try this thing out for a start lowestscorewins.com. Go play golf. That is how you will get better.

I see a lot of people plugging this book. Is it really that good? What affiliation does this site have with the authors? Author=owner? Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't really like the idea of spending $100-$150 on a fitting before I even get clubs but maybe that's what it will take. I'm afraid they're going to tell me I'm a +1.5 or something then I'll be forced to buy custom clubs for big money or knowingly shoot short clubs. Such is life I guess. The woes of being a tall guy

[gtaj]

I'm also 6'6". Play 1-1/2" long with 2 degrees upright. Look for white dot pings and then add length as needed. Any Golfsmith etc can do it for you. You'll appreciate the right fit

[Duff McGee]

I'm 6'4 and was fitted in high school for 1 1/2 inch longer and like 2 or 4 degrees upright. I still use those clubs so I'm not sure what a new fitting would produce.

[kpaulhus]

I see a lot of people plugging this book. Is it really that good? What affiliation does this site have with the authors? Author=owner? Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't really like the idea of spending $100-$150 on a fitting before I even get clubs but maybe that's what it will take. I'm afraid they're going to tell me I'm a +1.5 or something then I'll be forced to buy custom clubs for big money or knowingly shoot short clubs. Such is life I guess. The woes of being a tall guy

Yes, the site owners are authors of the book, but a lot of the material and stats came from people on this website. It's a great book. Getting fitted for the right clubs will make your game more enjoyable, not to mention get your swing right for a 6'6 guy. U shouldn't have to bend over more just to compensate for standard clubs. Golf is hard enough already.

[JoeMal]

[quote name="JoeMal" url="/t/83467/first-set-of-clubs-tall-player#post_1175960"] I see a lot of people plugging this book. Is it really that good? What affiliation does this site have with the authors? Author=owner? Thanks for the tips everyone. I don't really like the idea of spending $100-$150 on a fitting before I even get clubs but maybe that's what it will take. I'm afraid they're going to tell me I'm a +1.5 or something then I'll be forced to buy custom clubs for big money or knowingly shoot short clubs. Such is life I guess. The woes of being a tall guy

Yes, the site owners are authors of the book, but a lot of the material and stats came from people on this website. It's a great book. Getting fitted for the right clubs will make your game more enjoyable, not to mention get your swing right for a 6'6 guy. U shouldn't have to bend over more just to compensate for standard clubs. Golf is hard enough already.[/quote]fair enough! I think I might try to piece out a bag rather than buy a complete set. I think I'll get better clubs that way and it will keep my cost down.

[dbuck]

I agree with WUTiger on most of his points, but would offer one out of the box tack.  With help of experienced friends, go to the PING website and determine the color code and length you need. Find a set of Eye 2's ZINGs, ZING 2s, or ISI's that match your specs. Looking carefully in the market where you live on eBay or Craigslist, you should be able to do this. It doesn't matter which set as long as they fit your specs.  After you play a few months, take a few lessons, and develop your swing a bit, you can resell them and probably get a good portion of your money back.

I am not so much of a PING fanboy, but these models were so popular that there are a lot of them around, and most everyone can hit them fairly well. I carry a PING ZING 5 iron in one bag as my, "I really don't know what to hit, but this will be pretty close" club. It is also my "make contact regardless of the lie" club.

This will accomplish "getting clubs that won't hurt your swing".  In the spirit of "do no harm", if you do buy used clubs, be sure to replace the grips with fresh ones of the proper size. This will help prevent developing a poor grip and swing flaws from trying to hang on to slick, worn , poorly fitting grips.

[JoeMal]

Thanks for all of the advice everyone.  I have seen a lot of used Pings on the market and maybe that is a good place to start.  My dad uses an old set of G5s that he likes.  I've read a lot of good thing about Ping's measurement program so I will definitely check that out.

I plan on going to the PGA store this weekend and hitting some clubs to see what I do well with.  Another struggle of mine is being self-conscious about my swing, being able to hit the ball reliably, etc.  I know this is something I will need to get over because even people that play a lot struggle with their swing and hitting the ball well.  I'm normally fairly competitive and do well at sports so it will be difficult for me to "be comfortable" struggling at golf initially.

[JoeMal]

I will follow up and say I went to Ping's website and they say I'm a +1" Maroon dot for irons .  More than I knew 30 minutes ago!

Now, what are the odds of me finding a used set of these...time to hit the local stores and eBay.

(Sorry for the double post it isn't allowing me to edit my post)

[mmoan2]

I would like to learn to play golf and am torn on getting some clubs.  I'm 6'6" and am looking for a +1 set which is difficult to find in stores (at least not as common as standard and far less selection)

The option I keep leaning towards is buying a cheap, complete set on eBay/Amazon.  There's a Prosimmon X9 "+1" complete bag on eBay for under $200.  This would get me a good assortment of clubs, plus a bag.  I would be ready to go.  I haven't found much online regarding this set, but the Amazon reviews are pretty good.  This set would get me started and allow me to see if I really enjoy the game and could slowly replace clubs down the road.  The savings of not putting a big chunk into clubs upfront can, and would, be spent on lessons.

Another option is to go used.  I see "name brand" irons like Taylor Made, Nike, and Mizuno going in the $150 range on eBay.  Then I would have to get a wood (Possibly a driver, too), putter, and bag.  This option would probably put me closer to $300 to get started, but the clubs themselves may be higher quality.

At some point down the road I plan on getting fitted, but feel it's too soon now as I think my stance/swing will change dramatically after some lessons and practice.  I'm just looking for something to get me on the course.

For someone new to the game, who can't just walk into any random sports store and buy clubs off the shelf...what would you do?  I really appreciate any response.

You can find a free sample online fitting calculator at several sites for name and non-name brand club makers just by doing a google search. I would guess at 6'6 you would need not only 1 inch more on the shafts but also a lie adjustment of +2 degrees upright, but I would make sure of that. A local golf warehouse like Golfsmith, Golf Galaxy, or PGA Superstore have craftsmen who can add to or cut from your shafts for relatively cheap - like a few bucks per club - without a problem. You may need to buy new grips, though, which might be a good idea anyway if you have extra large hands. If you have forged club heads, it's simple to adjust the lie. Not so much for cast heads sometimes. Finally, I wouldn't worry about extra long driver, wood, and hybrid shafts. A 45 inch driver shaft is plenty for a starter.

If I were you starting from scratch, I would be sure to get a driver and 3w, but consider 2 hybrids in place of a 5W and 3 or 4i. Many people find them much easier to get up in the air and out of the rough. That's why they're referred to as "rescue" clubs. Also, don't neglect your wedges. I carry a 60, 56, 51, and 46 degree wedges (PW,AW,SW,LW).

Essentially you're right that equipment should take a back seat to playing, enjoyment, and practicing right now, but never hurts to get the right stuff at the outset. I would stress to anyone that $500 worth of proper equipment is a better investment than $300 of whatever you can find just to get on the course. 6 months from now, you'll be much happier. Also, your stance and swing might change, but your body doesn't. It's very unlikely that a "standard" setup for a 6'6 man will change as your swing develops. It's far more likely that a poorly fit set will affect the compensations you make as you develop . For example, if your clubs are way too short for you, you might develop a very steep swing and exacerbate your slice (90%+ of beginners slice the ball).

Good luck!

[mmoan2]

You can find a free sample online fitting calculator at several sites for name and non-name brand club makers just by doing a google search. I would guess at 6'6 you would need not only 1 inch more on the shafts but also a lie adjustment of +2 degrees upright, but I would make sure of that. A local golf warehouse like Golfsmith, Golf Galaxy, or PGA Superstore have craftsmen who can add to or cut from your shafts for relatively cheap - like a few bucks per club - without a problem. You may need to buy new grips, though, which might be a good idea anyway if you have extra large hands. If you have forged club heads, it's simple to adjust the lie. Not so much for cast heads sometimes. Finally, I wouldn't worry about extra long driver, wood, and hybrid shafts. A 45 inch driver shaft is plenty for a starter.

If I were you starting from scratch, I would be sure to get a driver and 3w, but consider 2 hybrids in place of a 5W and 3 or 4i. Many people find them much easier to get up in the air and out of the rough. That's why they're referred to as "rescue" clubs. Also, don't neglect your wedges. I carry a 60, 56, 51, and 46 degree wedges (PW,AW,SW,LW).

Essentially you're right that equipment should take a back seat to playing, enjoyment, and practicing right now, but never hurts to get the right stuff at the outset. I would stress to anyone that $500 worth of proper equipment is a better investment than $300 of whatever you can find just to get on the course. 6 months from now, you'll be much happier. Also, your stance and swing might change, but your body doesn't. It's very unlikely that a "standard" setup for a 6'6 man will change as your swing develops. It's far more likely that a poorly fit set will affect the compensations you make as you develop. For example, if your clubs are way too short for you, you might develop a very steep swing and exacerbate your slice (90%+ of beginners slice the ball).

Good luck!

The PING dot system is very effective, IMO, as well, because you'll always know you're a certain color dot. I don't play their irons, but I got a G15 driver for $85 three years ago and it's still my favorite club. Any golf store you walk into will likely have a G15 or 20 in the used rack for less than $100 with a great shaft that you can test out live for yourself.

[MyrtleBeachGolf]

I will follow up and say I went to Ping's website and they say I'm a +1" Maroon dot for irons B-) .  More than I knew 30 minutes ago! Now, what are the odds of me finding a used set of these...time to hit the local stores and eBay. (Sorry for the double post it isn't allowing me to edit my post)

We are about the same height (6'5") and I play Ping irons. I was fitted for the exact same specs. Maroon Dot (5 degrees up) and +1" long. I also hit a bunch of shots on a lie board and the maroon dot were perfect. I think you are on the right track. No matter what clubs you end up buying, look for irons that are +1" long and either 4 or 5 degrees upright. That should get you started.