Spend money on clubs or lessons first?

[michaeljames92]

man go for the clubs. ive never had lessons and im currently playing off 18. i just played with my new clubs today(first round) and after a few double bogies i couold hit my 7 iron further than my old 5 iron. good clubs give you so much more forgiveness

[Tristan]

If you have lessons you can find out what problems you have and besides a coach can tell you exactly what you need

[elchene]

Go with lessons first. I started taking lessons recently and my coach went into my bag and made me change my irons, change my hybrid, and even threatened to snap my gap wedge (he says that gripping down on the pitching wedge is the same as hitting a gap wedge, just lower and more controlled). I have to say I totally agree with him. Lessons will make you into a better golfer and the new clubs you get (hopefully with advice from your pro) will complement your new golf skills. Good Luck.

[JaY_B]

It all depends how serious you are about the game, if you are going to play purely for fun, every now and and again, then I suggest you but the clubs, as you will get satisfaction and enjoyment from them, however if you want to improve your skills and scores as a golfer then I suggest that you take lessons from your local pro and choose not to worry about the clubs your using.

[pom]

I would say go to your local golf professional ( any course) and get fitted...he will suggest the best clubs for you, you don't have to follow wha the says but this is your best idea of what to buy as a golfer just getting onto the scene. Take all of your questions to the golf pro and he will know exactly what to do with you.

I think this post is spot on. talk to a teaching pro ,your old clubs may not be suitable for you (tooshort, Too long wrong shafts. ) these guys earn there living teaching & selling . they will know what is best for you.

[egolfs]

Here is a scenerio for ya:

I had a guy in the shop yesterday looking to buy a new driver. Prepared to buy, educated on the products, knew clubs and specs he was looking for, and wanted to hit a couple to verify his decision.

Put him in the range, we started conversing a little more about his game, how he did last year, what he was looking for out of this year and this new driver. I thought I had him pegged. I had a great idea of what he needed.

Then he stepped up to the tee. Everything about his swing was completely opposite of what he was telling me! When he told me he was hitting to the right I automatically assumed (I know, my bad) he was slicing, oh no, it was an absolute block to the right, and that was when he made contact with the ball.

Now, let me pose this question back to you...How do I tell this golfer a $300-$400 dollar driver is not going to help his game. Now let me explain, yes I am in the business to sell golf equipment, but I am also in the "business" of developing relationships with my customers, of watching them grow and improve their game, of having them come back to me elated with their equipment. I wanted to tell this gentleman to spend $100-$150 of his budget on last years model, and invest the rest in a couple of lessons, then reward himself with a new driver when he reached a playing goal. He could even trade in the old driver towards the purchase of the new one.

So, again, I turn this question around...how do I propose this, or how would you take it if I made this suggestion?

[marpr]

I suggest grabbing a nice pair of second hand OSized clubs and get used to them a bit before lessons.

if you buy a good second hand set, they should last you a couple of years and allow you to develop.