What clubs to upgrade first?

[Quietus]

Quick background about myself. Started getting back into golf last year and picked up a Callaway Strata set (was one of the most recommended beginner set I found online). It included a Driver, 3 Wood, 4&5 Hybrid, 6-9 Irons, PW and Putter. Also have a Cobra SW that I don't think I need to change anytime soon. For a full review on the set, you can see it here: https://www.golfguideforbeginners.com/callaway-mens-strata-complete-golf-set-with-bag-12-piece-review/

I'm on a tight budget and am planning to spend majority of what I allocate for golf on monthly or bi-monthly lessons. However, going forward, what clubs would be most beneficial to upgrade first? Do I get a new Driver? A new iron set? A new wedge set? A new putter? If I get a new wedge set, would I need to change my SW? Should I invest in a 60 degree? Etc.

In short, I know lessons > new clubs in terms of improving my game. However, I want to slowly work my way into letting go of this beginner set and start building a legitimate set and I want to know which clubs to focus on first.

 

[Patch]

I wouldn't buy any new clubs until you have a few lessons from your instructor. You instructor, if any good, will know your swing better than anyone else. 

After a few lessons, you may find your current clubs work just fine for you. You just divert your new club monies, to more lessons, and play. 

Hopefully you will find the best of both worlds. That being a qualified instructor, club fitter/builder. 

[Vinsk]

27 minutes ago, Patch said:

You instructor, if any good, will know your swing better than anyone else.

And please, do some research before you shell out any money on an instructor. It’s strikingly disappointing how many poor ones there are out there.

[allenc]

Until you can answer that question yourself, there is no need to upgrade. Once you can hit it solidly enough to be able to tell that your driver, for example, isn’t giving you all that it should be able to, then it is time to upgrade that club.

[Vinsk]

35 minutes ago, Patch said:

I wouldn't buy any new clubs until you have a few lessons from your instructor. You instructor, if any good, will know your swing better than anyone else. 

After a few lessons, you may find your current clubs work just fine for you. You just divert your new club monies, to more lessons, and play. 

Hopefully you will find the best of both worlds. That being a qualified instructor, club fitter/builder. 

 

 

[sofingaw]

Of course everyone is correct that instruction is most beneficial, and you made it very clear that you are already aware of that. 

I’ll answer your question as it relates to the clubs, since that is what you’re asking about. 

The clubs you hit the worst should be replaced first, IMO.

If you slice or worm-burn every drive, but can generally keep your irons in front of you, then by all means, look at a new driver first. 

If you can normally keep it in play off the tee, but can’t get the ball in the air reliably with your longer irons, then a new set of more forgiving, fit to you irons may be better to look at first. 

I would definitley not worry about wedges right away, and certainly your putter last. Unless possibly if putting is the worst part of your game by far... probably not even then. 

Whatever direction you go in, though, the most important part of getting new gear is to be properly fitted. If you aren’t going to get fitted, I would advise against new sticks at all, until you do. 

 

[chilepepper]

Work with an instructor, they can help guide you.

[70sSanO]

Agree with others that an instructor can give you some direction.  But when you are able to hit your driver fairly well, go and compare it with other drivers out there.  Try used ones too.

If you are only getting 5 yards or so more out of a better driver it probably won't be worth upgrading.  But if a better driver (and better fit) gives you 20 more yards, that might be worth the upgrade since it will give you a shorter approach shot.

John

[dbuck]

I agree with all that has been said.

I like the idea of starting with the club that gives you the most trouble, but again, after some lessons and making sure it is the club and not you, or that you have reached the potential of that club for you.

Another idea is that the putter is usually used for around 50% of your strokes, and is normally used on every hole at least once. Also once this club is properly fitted, it is not likely to need replacement for a very long time, so the per shot investment is very low.