bladeswitcher

I'll tell you what I did. After laying off of golf for 15 years (and selling my clubs) I got back into it about two years ago. I shopped around pawn shops looking for a cheap set of clubs and couldn't find anything I thought was worth the money. I then went to a golf shop and bought a $120 starter set on sale (Tour Eagles, I think). I played with those until this summer when I bought a better set of clubs. My suggestion is to get a adequate set of cavity-back, perimeter-weighted clubs. You want something that's pretty forgiving. Don't use somebody's dad's old forged irons. You shouldn't have to spend a lot of money. $75-$150 ought to do it. If you buy used, you may be able to get most or all of your money back if you decide to resell them and buy a better set. Personally, I kept my other clubs as a loaner set or for the few times I can talk my kid into playing with me. I bought shoes. I find they help on uneven lies. But mainly, I wanted to have a pair to just leave in the car with the clubs so I would have something to wear if I manage to get away from work. Don't spend a lot of money on expensive balls. Buy used balls for now (Walmart has them for $7 a dozen). A cheap set of cavity back clubs, a dozen used balls, a putter, a bag of tees, some sunscreen and maybe a glove and you're set. I've had one professional golf lesson. Mostly, I've learned from friends. I was fortunate that when I first started playing about 18 years ago, I had a friend who was a pretty good golf coach. Since I've started playing again I try to play with people who are better than me -- but no so much better that the game won't be fun for them. Picking playing partners is REALLY important. A good companion on the golf course makes the game much more enjoyable. Playing with a butthead is a sure way to ruin a round. Get a little instruction. Go to the driving range and hit balls -- At first you should go with a friend who knows how to play. Then find someone who is willing to take you under their wing and get out there and play.

You might try e-bay. Search for "Ben Hogan Edge Wedge." If you don't see what you want, do a more specific search ("Ben Hogan Edge pitching wedge") and then SAVE THIS SEARCH. Have e-bay e-mail you every time the item you're looking for comes up for sale.

I'm a high handicapper. I've gotten to the point where at least half my shots on the golf course are "pretty good." I have fewer and fewer topped shots or balls that go careening off course. In every round I have a few shots that much better golfers are impressed by. In a scramble we're starting to use more and more of my shots. All that being said, I still buy the $6.96 per dozen recycled balls at Wally World. Most of the time I couldn't tell you what label is on them. I suppose someday the ball will matter to me but at this point it doesn't. When I manage to hit a great shot, I'm pretty sure it's not the ball. When I flub one, I don't blame the ball. Somehow, I don't think the ball is the issue at this point.