Buying Clubs for the first time

[BadGolfer123]

I just wanted everyone's opinion on buying golf clubs for the first time. I started playing golf this season and have been going roughly 3-4 times a week. I've been paying to rent clubs and I think I'm committed to the game and want to buy a set of clubs. Got a couple questions hopefully y'all can answer some of them if not all! 

1) Should I get a club fitting? I hear club fittings are essential to golf but would I get an accurate or good fitting since I'm still learning the game 

2) How much money should I spend on my first set of golf clubs? I see sets available for $250-300 on the lower end. Does anyone have experience with these sets as most golf sets appear to be in the $800+ range? 

3) Should I buy a set or build my own set by either buying new/used clubs individually? Is there a benefit to building my own set compared to buying a set?

[Shindig]

Hi there! Welcome to golf and to TST.

15 minutes ago, BadGolfer123 said:

I just wanted everyone's opinion on buying golf clubs for the first time.

I'm in favor of it.

15 minutes ago, BadGolfer123 said:

1) Should I get a club fitting? I hear club fittings are essential to golf but would I get an accurate or good fitting since I'm still learning the game 

At the very least, get a static fitting unless your body is very average.  Something as simple as getting the right length and flex can keep you from fighting the clubs and ingraining bad habits.  Many shops will throw this in for free if you're buying from them, at the very least as a way to narrow down what you're looking for.

I do recommend getting forgiving irons for sure.

15 minutes ago, BadGolfer123 said:

2) How much money should I spend on my first set of golf clubs? I see sets available for $250-300 on the lower end. Does anyone have experience with these sets as most golf sets appear to be in the $800+ range? 

That depends on a lot of factors I can't account for.  I took up golf early in graduate school -- I spent like $200 (in 2006 dollars) on my first set : irons 4-P, a sand iron, and a 5-wood.  If I were taking it up today I might spend more.  

15 minutes ago, BadGolfer123 said:

3) Should I buy a set or build my own set by either buying new/used clubs individually? Is there a benefit to building my own set compared to buying a set?

You mean as opposed to buying one of those "28 piece sets, including a bag, 14 clubs, head covers, a towel, and a divot tool" boxed sets?  I'm not sure what you mean here.  I don't think you need to get 14 clubs to start:  a set of irons (you don't typically buy irons individually) and a putter would be a great start and allow you to hit the range, learn to swing, and play a par-3 course.  When you want to play regulation courses, you probably want a driver, a wood or two, maybe a hybrid or two too.  I don't think the "boxed set" starters are good for people who plan to play or practice regularly.

[MrGolfguy67]

My advice would be:

1. to buy a game improvement set of used clubs, a well known brand that is a few to several years old. Something like Titleist, Callaway, Ping, Taylormade, etc. The cost should be minimal and you would be getting a good quality set that you could use for up to 5 years or so as you learn the game. 

And 2. to get a few lessons from a local pro in your area. They can help you develop a good foundation to build on.

[BadGolfer123]

8 minutes ago, Shindig said:

You mean as opposed to buying one of those "28 piece sets, including a bag, 14 clubs, head covers, a towel, and a divot tool" boxed sets?  I'm not sure what you mean here.  I don't think you need to get 14 clubs to start:  a set of irons (you don't typically buy irons individually) and a putter would be a great start and allow you to hit the range, learn to swing, and play a par-3 course.  When you want to play regulation courses, you probably want a driver, a wood or two, maybe a hybrid or two too.  I don't think the "boxed set" starters are good for people who plan to play or practice regularly.

Thanks for the response it was really helpful. 

Yup that's what I meant that's good to know that I don't need the boxed starter sets. If you don't mind me asking how do fittings work? Do I buy clubs based on the fitting results or can I get clubs customized? Thanks! 

 

[Shindig]

28 minutes ago, BadGolfer123 said:

Thanks for the response it was really helpful. 

Yup that's what I meant that's good to know that I don't need the boxed starter sets. If you don't mind me asking how do fittings work? Do I buy clubs based on the fitting results or can I get clubs customized? Thanks! 

 

There are a few ways the fitting can work.

When I bought my recent 4-wood, and my irons last year, and my driver a year or two before that, I went to a fitting, we tried a ton of combinations, they wrote down exactly what specs I'd want, and I ordered them new from the respective companies (Titleist and Ping).  That might be what you do with your next set in a few years.  I suppose you could do that if you wanted to spend in the $800 range for a set of irons and $250 for a fairway wood (the fitting isn't the expense, the new club is).  

What's likely for you is different.  Suppose you're looking at used clubs at your local golf shop.  Check that this won't cost you separately before you do this;  stores near me won't charge you for this, but I don't know if yours would.  You see two sets of Titleist AP1s and a set of Ping G25s (both older sets of irons that I'd recommend to someone like you).  There are three different shaft flex / length / material combinations in these three sets.  You hit all three on a sim that measures things like swing speed.  You see if you like the look and feel of the various shots.  And based on that, you might pick one of them.  Or you might discover hey, none of those are particularly good for you, but based on the speed and your setup, we think you need a different length/flex/material, let's go look through used clubs for that.

Also, check the store's return policy.  One shop near me has a 90 days, 100% refund in the form of store credit deal for any used clubs.  I went through that to try something like six 3-woods when I was starting.  A friend of mine bought a set of irons, didn't like them after all, returned them, found ones he did like, plays with those now.  

I don't mind you asking whatever questions you want.  Let me know what else you want to know and I will help you out (although I'm about to wander out to the range, so expect a response later tonight).

[Grizvok]

If you literally just picked up golf I don’t think it’s really necessary or even a good idea to drop like a grand or what have you on clubs. In the end it totally depends on your budget all things considered.

It might be a great idea to do something like go to a fitter to see what kind of clubs you hit well then look for older used sets with some similar characteristics. As for me, I built my bag by doing just that and using the good used club sites like globalgolf, rockbottom, etc. and a few from my local Play It Again Sports where you can actually pick up some really solid clubs for decent prices if you know what to look for.

[Patch]

This early in your golf journey, a complete club fitting might not be needed. As mentioned above, a static fitting, based on your physical size, and shape is good enough for right now. Most likely those clubs you rented had regular specs. How did you play with them?

As for a set of club, I'd purchase a set of same brand/make clubs for the sake of consistency through out the set. I would also suggest you purchase a set of clubs that can be easily adjusted down the road as your swing changes. So many models being sold today have to be sent away to be adjusted. Ask your local seller if they can adjust the clubs in house.

Price wise you should be able to find a quality set of clubs for under $400 dollars. A good example might be Tour Edge irons, and metal woods. Their quality is as good as any other brand on the market today. You could check on the web for their products, and pricing.

Good luck on your golf journey. It will be long, and fun for you.

[ejm1994]

I’m gonna throw in my two cents here as a new golfer as well. I bought a Top Flite set at Dicks Sporting Goods last year because they were on sale. Got them for $150 ($200 value). I’m pretty much of average build and such so I figured they’d work for me while I learn the game. So far they’ve been great, but I’ll find out when I hit the course this weekend or next week.

my only complaint is I snapped the driver head clean off at the range one day. The driver and 3W are not the greatest quality but like I said, they work for learning the game and then I can upgrade from there. At THAT point, I’ll get a good fitting and pay more attention to the clubs I get to slowly replace these ones.

[MarvChamp]

All good advice. As you narrow your likes in irons, I suggest that you check unbiased reviews like MyGolfSpy and check Maltby Playability Factor. Some clubs are difficult to hit. I would want a forgiving, used set for my first clubs. (Of course, I play them today.) Best, -Marv

[allenc]

Do you take lessons?  Rather than a fitting, my suggestion would be to take at least one lesson from a good pro and then ask him to help you pick out used clubs on eBay.

Otherwise most fittings and buying used clubs are mutually exclusive.  They usually involve recommending custom new clubs that will cost over $1000 for a full set.  Even if money is no object you may quickly grow out of clubs “fit” for a rank beginner.

One other thing.  What kind of rental clubs do you use?  If you like them, or some of them, you could use those models as a starting point.  Again, I would a take a lesson using them and ask if they are good for you or if something else would be better.

[Shindig]

5 hours ago, allenc said:

One other thing.  What kind of rental clubs do you use?  If you like them, or some of them, you could use those models as a starting point.  Again, I would a take a lesson using them and ask if they are good for you or if something else would be better.

I'm picturing generic rental clubs, but you have a point.  OP, depending on the model of rental clubs, you might either purchase those (directly, if the course will sell them to you) or at least make a note as to what they are (make, model, specs, flex, etc) and consider looking to try to purchase the same ones elsewhere. 

[allenc]

2 hours ago, Shindig said:

I'm picturing generic rental clubs, but you have a point.  OP, depending on the model of rental clubs, you might either purchase those (directly, if the course will sell them to you) or at least make a note as to what they are (make, model, specs, flex, etc) and consider looking to try to purchase the same ones elsewhere. 

Some courses offer 30 year old garage sale rental sets, others offer the latest Taylormades.  So yeah, you never know.

[ScottyT]

Agree the fitting is a very good thing.  It'll get you started off right.  Second, you can find many, MANY fine sets of used clubs in great condition online or at some of the big box stores.  Callaway sells used clubs on it's website at substantial savings that come with a guarantee.  Also had good luck with Second Swing I've bought clubs on both  and have never been disappointed.  Being new at the game, I wouldn't drop a ton of money on a brand new set.  Also, I'd just forget the 3-4 (and maybe the 5) iron and go straight to hybrids.  At the very least the hybrids will ease your inevitable pain.   Touring pros use them so why shouldn't you?  I've been playing golf a looooong time and have an 8 hcb and still can't hit a 3 or 4 iron with any consistency.  Welcome to the golf !!   Fight through the inevitable frustration and you'll grow to enjoy this great game.