Unsure about my new clubs - Tommy Armour HBT 3x2x7 - advice please

[b1_]

I just bought my first set of clubs, a set of Tommy Armour HBT 3x2x7 MRH regular.

First, I've never heard of Tommy Armour but they felt better than the RAC 02 or a Wilson set in the store. Are these clubs any good? What the word on them?

Second, I can't hit Hybrids. I practiced with the 7 iron in the store then told the attendant to wrap them up while I looked for a bag. I completely missed that this set has a 3 and 4 hybrid replacing the 3 and 4 irons. Is it true that hybrids are easier to hit than the loong irons? The few times I've used hybrids I just couldn't hit them - it was like hitting a driver with no tee? I don't understand how they could be easier to hit than iron equivalents. Admittedly I struggle to hit 3 irons properly (no problem with 7 iron though).

Third, there's no 1 wood. There's a 3 and 5 wood, and a titanium driver. Do I need a 1 wood?

I haven't taken the plastic off yet. What do you think. Are they worth keeping?

[TourSpoon]

I just bought my first set of clubs, a set of Tommy Armour HBT 3x2x7 MRH regular.

Tommy Armour is now a second tier company (Titleist, Taylormade, etc being first tier) that produces a legitimate product. I still play the 845s which was one of the best selling irons ever produced. The company had Davis Love and Fred Couples on staff and had a mini-tour called the Tommy Armour tour. Since then they have struggled as a company, and haven't been such a name in the industry (I think Ram Golf owns them).

So what do I think? The set you bought is fine for anyone learning the game or is a novice to intermediate player (ie: not breaking 80). The hybrids are easier to get up in the air in the 3-4 iron range for most players and you will see the best players in the world using them now. They are versatile and great from lies that you cannot hit long irons from like the rough. Sometimes they are referred to as rescue clubs. When you are using them hit them like you are hitting your 7 iron and you should get better results. The one-wood is most commonly known as the Driver, so you are set there as well. Rarely will it be referred to as a one-wood even though that is exactly what it is. If you are not comfortable with your set, go exchange it, but I don't see anything wrong with it and it is progressive with the two hybrid clubs. You may need to add a sand wedge to help you from the bunkers. Congratulations and good luck.

[Shindig]

I just bought my first set of clubs, a set of Tommy Armour HBT 3x2x7 MRH regular.

The Tommy Armour clubs are likely very good. Armour was a touring pro back in the ... 20s? 30s? His grandson is on the tour now. 3 & 4 hybrids are typically easier to hit than the corresponding clubs in non-hybrid, but if you have trouble with them, there are a few things you can do: * Tee them up, then when you successfully hit them at that height, lower the tee. You'll hit them better. * Trade them for traditional irons at your store (if they'll do this). * Just use them out of the rough when the ball is sitting up. It's kind of like having it teed up.

[Guest]

You know, I've been using mine for a long time and think they are fantastic.

But you have to remember that even though reviews and people say they great, it's your game and what's rigth for me isn't necessarily right for others.

You have to find the clubs that are right for you. I've tried so many different kinds, and it really is a jungle out there, but I'm quite content with my T A.

And you haven't taken the plastic off yet...Well, either you can take the plastic off or you can wait and then go to the shop and try holding some other brands. Do they FEEL good?


Adventris
Online Golf

[b1_]

They do feel good, better than the RAC 02 and a wilson set for me. Right weight and felt like I had a lot of control on the backswing. I am very happy with them it just didn't seem normal not to have a 3 and 4 iron or a 1 wood so I wanted some opinions. It looks like a lot of sets in the store only went down to a 4 iron and they all had hybrids - what, are hybrids taking over these days? If they are I guess I'll have to learn to use them.

[TourSpoon]

Remember 1 wood = driver. They are the same.

[Guest]

I think I just got the same new set. It was a Christmas gift, and I have no idea if it's a good set of clubs or not.

It comes with the hybrid 3 and 4 (which I don't have a problem with) a driver, a 3 and 5, the rest of the irons and a putter.

I'm basically a beginner -- this is my first set of clubs -- but I go golfing pretty regularly with my friends clubs.

Since this is a pretty significent purchase, I want to be sure they are good clubs to work with. Despite the saying "It's the indian not the arrow"; I've been told by a bunch of people that clubs are extremely important. I haven't been able to find too many reviews online, but the few I did were positive.

I guess my question is, how much does brand name matter ... and if it does, where does Tommy Armour fall ... and if not, what should I be looking for in a set of clubs.

The driver is huge ... 460 ... seems huge, which I like.

Anyway, what should I expect from these clubs? And did I get a good deal?

[LBlack14]

See my signature. Not familiar with the model you got, but TA Golf is on the rise.

[Shindig]

Since this is a pretty significent purchase, I want to be sure they are good clubs to work with. Despite the saying "It's the indian not the arrow"; I've been told by a bunch of people that clubs are extremely important. I haven't been able to find too many reviews online, but the few I did were positive.

The clubs are extremely important in the sense that it's important that you get clubs that are for your height, build, and swing speed. If you're 5'5, using clubs built for Tiger (6'2 and probably swings faster than you do) would be a bad idea. You don't want clubs from the wrong era, either.

I guess my question is, how much does brand name matter ... and if it does, where does Tommy Armour fall ... and if not, what should I be looking for in a set of clubs.

Brand Name doesn't really matter, unless you're too image conscious. I know someone who only plays Ping clubs. Why? He wants to hit long drives (he doesn't succeed, by the way) and Bubba Watson plays Ping clubs. By contrast, my irons are off-brand, recognized less than Tommy Armours are. And when I get my next set, I'm probably going to get some wedges from them too.

As for brand recognition, Tommy Armour isn't Titleist. More people will recognize the name Titleist than T.A.. But as far as quality clubs, they aren't going to fall apart on you, nor are they going to randomly spray the ball (your swing possibly exempted ). In conclusion, unless you're super image conscious, the Tommy Armours should do just fine for you. Enjoy your games! And if you were budgeting for "better" clubs, spend it on lessons or greens fees. You'll improve better and enjoy the game more if you do.

[b1_]

I guess my question is, how much does brand name matter ... and if it does, where does Tommy Armour fall ... and if not, what should I be looking for in a set of clubs.

Well, to me, a beginner, I'm blissfully unaware of golfing brand names; it's all about how the club performs in my hands, and these clubs did feel good. Have you hit your clubs yet, on a coarse or at a driving range? I would recommend you do that. Stick some tape on the face if you're worried they won't allow you to return them after use.

Today I went to the driving range followed by a round at my local golf course. My verdict on the clubs after my first serious try is that they are wow! good, but the driver in the set is wow! bad. It was so bad that between the driving range and the golf course I returned it and bought a Callaway Hyper X driver, then continued on to the coarse and proceeded to hit the sweetest tee shots I've ever hit, over and over. The driver in the Tommy Armour set was just horrible. It sounded horrible, and I just couldn't get any distance; I felt like I was walking against the wind. I had my brother's driver and I could hit that no problem, then I had my brother try it because he can hit it better and he was struggling for distance too. Plenty of accuracy though. I think the set is supposed to be forgiving, less distance more accuracy. The Tommy Armour hybrids in the set I now love. I was pulling them out every second shot, even hit a sweet sounding shot off the tee with it. The 3 and 5 woods I was hitting further than the driver consistently - I don't know what was up with that driver. I hit the 8 off the tee that came down right next to the flag on a par 3 - I've never hit the ball so straight. I'd be interested to know how you go with your set Henry after a test run, especially the driver, so post something here.

[neudi]

Tommy Armour is a good company, they are a name brand which give them credibility and I would not be worried about whether or not they will work. You hit them they will work :)

[Shindig]

Well, to me, a beginner, I'm blissfully unaware of golfing brand names; it's all about how the club performs in my hands, and these clubs did feel good.

(rest of quote omitted for space)

It seems as though you found a near-prefect set for you, then. Congratulations!

[capper26]

I've been in the golf business for about 9 years now.  started working on the range then selling equipment, we carried 8 major manufacturers, then managing a shop now im a teaching pro and club repair specialist at the Riehl Golf Academy in whippany NJ.  your set is perfect for you.  your clubs are easy to hit forgiving clubs with the proper shaft flex and set composition.  as you play more and more and take more and more lessons your swing will change and you will eventually need to get new clubs but that will come years down the road.  you bought a great beginners set to learn the game with.  as far as your 1 wood...thats your driver.  1 wood aka driver.  back in the day before they called it a driver and it was actually made of wood you had a 1 wood (the lower the # of the club the lower and further it will go but it will be harder to hit) 3 wood 5 wood.  then your 3iron -10 iron (not called a 10 iron anymore its called a Pitching wedge).  also hybrids replacing your 3 or 4 iron is the best thing you could do for yourself...dont try hitting a 3 or 4 iron well consistently bc you wont be able to do it.  the pros hit hybrids instead of long irons.  if they dont do it we definitely shouldnt.  any other questions feel free to ask.

[Used2PlayALot]

The clubs are fine.

36 handicap = beginner.

You need years of practice and lots of lessons.

You're barking up the wrong tree.

You have excellent equipment,

Now go and learn to play golf.

It takes years.

[Used2PlayALot]

Once you see a local golf pro take a set of rusted clubs from 1964 and stripe the balls pure and perfect, time and again,

you then realize the clubs are virtually meaningless.

You have great clubs.  All clubs are great, if you get what I am saying.

Learn to play golf, and you can use wooden clubs from 1940 and kick most peoples' ass.