Help Purchasing New Clubs

[MexicanStallion]

First, I'm a beginner at golf. I have played for a few years now, but not a huge amount. Last year I think I only played once, but regularly will go 2-3 times a month under normal circumstances. I was a given a hand me down set from a family friend when he passed away years ago. These clubs are at least 35 years old though. I am interested in just buying a brand new set and bag. Just get the total package. I have no idea where to start though. Does anyone have any recommendations on a brand or set that I could work with going forward?  Thanks for any help.

[dennyjones]

Anything newer will be better than what you have.   I see you are in Cincinnati.   There is a Miles of Golf in Cincinnati which is very good.   I'm not sure I'd buy new clubs without really knowing if you are going to commit to golf.    Check out their used section, you may find something that is only a few years old.   

What ever you decide, at least get a static fitting so that the loft, lie and length is correct for you.

Keep us updated!

[MexicanStallion]

I had assumed an upgrade in clubs wouldn't hurt me at all. I am interested in buying new golf clubs as I had said, so I am committed to that and continuing my casual play a few times a month.  I just don't know where to start in purchasing them though. Like any recommendation set to pick up online or what?

[dbuck]

1. Google Titleist 718 AP1 irons test, and click on videos. You will see multiple tests of these irons, and there will be a list of other similar videos reviewing other irons. Other google search suggestions might be Callaway Rogue, Mizuno JPX900, or Taylormade M4 irons review. Whichever you search, there will be suggestions from other manufacturers as well. Watch a few of these videos.

2. Go to the websites of the manufacturers that interest you. Most will have a suggestion based on ability as to which of their irons are suitable for you. Pick out 3-5 clubs that you would like to try.

3. Find a golf/sports store that has a hitting bay and demo clubs. Call ahead and ask about their procedures and if they have demo clubs for the ones you want to try. Go to the store and hit them, and pick out the ones you like.

4. To enhance and get the most from the above experience, seek out a qualified fitter.

I am going to discuss Titleist irons a bit because I am more familiar with their lines, but this would apply to most of the manufacturers. The Titleist AP1 is a very forgiving iron. You have to make a good pass, but if you do, you will get good distance and height, even if your strike is a fraction off center. Golfers who score 85-90 and above, and those who want a little more distance, will be well suited to this club. The next club is the AP3. This is also a very forgiving club, and at address has a more compact appearance-closer to a "players" club type of profile, but still has a lot of forgiveness. The lofts are 1 degree weaker than the AP1's. In my opinion , these are still suited to most ranges of golfers, but those who score 90 and below consistently might be more suited than higher scoring golfers. Next are the AP2 forged irons, which are in the bags of many tour players. While these are geared toward better players, they still have some forgiveness. The lofts are more traditional, and are probably around a half a club to a club weaker than the AP3 series. They also have less offset, which means they are slightly more difficult to launch, and square up than the more forgiving sets, but offer more versatility in shot shaping. Golfers scoring 85 and below consistently would be ok with these clubs, but those scoring 80 and below consistently will likely enjoy them more.  The Titleist 718 CB (forged cavity) and MB (forged blade), are more suited to golfers with at least single digit handicaps-those who score in the very low 80's (80-81) and 70's and below on a regular basis.

While I personally play Titleist irons, I am not pushing them at all, but using this as an example of how most manufacturers market their lines, and how you might go about looking at the range suited to you. Most all have at least 3 lines of clubs aimed primarily at high, middle, and low handicap golfers. While you can certainly play any club you want, you will get the most benefit from this sort of selection.