Beginner clubs

[ag359]

I know this is very subjective, but am nonetheless interested in hearing opinions from you enlightened bunch.

I am hoping to buy a set of clubs shortly. I am a complete beginner, so am really not looking to spend a fortune (essentially, the cheaper the better) at this stage. As such, I am not particularly bothered about the latest names and brands.

Can anyone recommend any cheaper manufacturers? Failing that, perhaps some advice on what kind of things I should be looking for in a cheap set of clubs...

A quick scan of ebay throws up some full sets of clubs that are very cheap, e.g. http://http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BRAND-N...QQcmdZViewItem What's the catch?!

[ks8829]

I like Mizuno irons that you can buy for under $200 on ebay. do you know what shaft stiffnes you need? Regular or stiff? Costco has an inexpensive full set for under $300.

When I first started golf I borrowed my brother-in-laws clubs for a couple of years until I bought my own set. I have been playing for 23 years now.

I would check out the large golf outlets and trying hitting some different clubs in the net and the driving range.

[ag359]

That's helpful - thanks for the reply.

I'm not exactly sure what you mean by "shaft stiffness" - how would I know what I need? Just a case of personal preference, or is one type better for beginners?

[Shindig]

  ag359 said:

That's helpful - thanks for the reply.

First, where are you geographically? Someone might know a good local outlet near you, and these are generally cheaper than global name brand. Second, be careful on specifications; they can mean the difference in what a good swing produces. Essentially, think about how much torque the shafts of the clubs being swung by, say, Tiger must withstand. Now picture how fast you swing. Your clubs don't have to survive as much, and if you were to use ones that would fit for Tiger's speed, there's a good chance it won't come around nicely. There are other pieces, such as lie angle: imagine someone your height with shorter arms than yours. Now someone with longer arms. See how the three of you might have the same length of a club, but might want the base to be at a different angle so that it still is nicely on the ground at the right time?

[ag359]

  Shindig said:

First, where are you geographically? Someone might know a good local outlet near you, and these are generally cheaper than global name brand.

I'm based in London (although temporarily in Singapore). If anyone is able to recommend somewhere that would obviously be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the general advice - looks like I'll have to have a bit more of a think before I take the plunge...

[Shindig]

  ag359 said:

I'm based in London (although temporarily in Singapore). If anyone is able to recommend somewhere that would obviously be greatly appreciated.

You might also be able to get the advice of a club pro or other qualified clubfitter on what specifications to get. They can do better seeing you in person than we can. We can just give general guidelines, but are glad to help when we can

[Ghetto P]

Tour Edge has some great stuff you can buy brand new for less than used clubs.

[JaY_B]

  ag359 said:

I'm based in London (although temporarily in Singapore). If anyone is able to recommend somewhere that would obviously be greatly appreciated...

If your from London I would recommend visiting golf stores such as American golf or Nevada Bobs.

However considering that you don't know what shaft flex or specifications will suit you (which is perfectly understandable, you are a beginner after all ) I would recommend that you visit a local driving range and ask someone in the pro shop if they could help you choose your irons, buying through the pro shop also provides an unwritten guarantee that you will be looked after if anything happens to your clubs.

[SirMilton]

Lots of golf shops take trade ins on sales of clubs and have used clubs for sale. They usually will let you try them out for free. Except for certain models of certain brands, used clubs are usually very inexpensive.

You can also frequently find complete sets for sale at garage sales (not flea markets). I suggest you sit down with the newspapaer and call every garage sale listed with a telephone number and ask if they have a set of golf clubs for sale. I would bet you could get a complete set for $20-40 this way.

Further, go to a place like Sports Authority that has lots of lower priced sets and a hitting area. Try them out before you buy.

Ebay is the best place to find good used clubs, but keep in mind shipping alone will be around $20-25 minimum.