doublebogey777

I'm also a beginner but I research alot. Your clubs can be extended later for a small price. Here in Houston Texas, about $15-20/club including a new grip. Basically $7 more than just a grip. I can't speak for other manufacturers but I've been told that Ping can change the lie 2* and they will also change the dot color when they do it. I am about your size and I play white dots like another member said. The ping fitting process is very simple. Once again, I cannot speak for other manufacturers. I also think you are on the right path with a Cobra driver. I use an S3 and it serves me well with my limited abilities.

Ping I3's $100

I'm in a similar situation. I'm 6'1" and started playing in July. I bought all of my original equipment on craigslist for a fraction of the new cost. Ping I3 OS irons, white dot fit me perfectly. Cobra S3 driver, adjustable and one of the most forgiving drivers available $60. Ping Hoover stand bag $60. Putter is the only thing I bought new. Find clubs and read reviews on them before buying. Just my $.02 worth.

I'm a relatively new golfer and a HUGE Ping fan but I have had great success with a Cobra S3 that I bought used for $60. Read the reviews on this driver. It has an adjustable head and can be found online at globalgolf for $60-75. If you insist on Ping look for a K15.

Check craigslist

To the OP, I notice you are in Dallas. I bought a Viper Cobra bass boat from Affordable Boats in Wylie. It is a report dealer and I got an awesome deal, and an overall great experience from them. There is also another repo dealer south of Houston, in Dickinson (my area), called American Yacht Sales. Buying new sounds goose, but I highly recommend checking out these two places to save ALOT of $$$$. For instance, I bought mine for 1/3 less than loan value, almost 1/2 market value. Feel free to PM me for more details.

CRAIGSLIST........ I bought a clicgear 3.0 for $100 with the plastic still on it. This may be the wrong time of year though. I bought mine in January.

I buy balls off craigslist for $2/doz. Most every brand/line is included...... :-)

FWIW, I am a beginner golfer and I buy used balls on craigslist for $2/doz. This does two things for me. First, I don't waste a ton of $$ on balls sent to the woods/water, AND I can take chances with my ability. Two, I can survey all types of balls. Typically, if I use really high end balls, Prov1 Prov1x etc., I slice it. I have done better with Nike Crush, MOJO, Noodles, and Wilson Staff. Yesterday I played about 13 holes (probably a record for me) with one Srixon ball, but I don't remember which line it was..... :-\ Yesterday after playing for 9 mos. I bought my FIRST new balls because I'm playing a foresome tomorrow and I like yellow balls (Srixon) in a group. I doubt this information will help any low handicappers but hopefully it will help beginners like me who are reading to gain knowledge.

Does a fitting typically have a charge if not buying new clubs?

I've only been playing six months and bought a slightly used Cobra S3 for $60 off craigslist. I OFTEN get comments at the range at how long & straight my drives are. VERY FORGIVING, adjustable and looooong..... Google some reviews. I bought an unlimited range pass and PRACTICE!!!!!!

I too bought used Pings. The guy I got them from said they could only go a couple of degrees either way. I have not yet been fitted but we were both the same size. 6'1. They're the only cubs I've hit so I don't know any different. You can look on Ping"s color code chart and check your height and distance front your wrist to the floor to get a rough estimate.

I'm not a great golfer by any means.... Yet.... :-) Like others have stated, I do well enough up to a 5-iron. I hit my 5 hybrid WELL..... For me. It usually flies straight and probably 180'ish. It seems if I could get 200-210 from a 3h, I would be set. I'm not to the point where I'm trying to "fill in the gaps", YET. Just trying to get within wedge range of the green as quickly as possible. Thanks for all the input.....

I already have a 5h.

I'm a high handicapper who is about to join a club with courses considerably longer than the public courses I currently play. I have a Taylormade 5h and LOVE it. I have more confidence in it and hit it much better than any other clube in my bag. Should I add a 3h??? Or would it not be necessary? I hit my fairway woods just fine from the short grass.

Find the hotel "deals" online then contact the hotels directly. They will usually meet or beat the rate with more flexibility if something happens.

Its a one year commitment with $200 initiation fee. I may take cooke119's advice and stay public for a while. I already know some members so I may try it as a guest.

Its private. Located in the Houston area. The club is Canongate Texas. I would be considered South Houston and home clubs would be Mongolia Creek and South Shore Harbor. Actually its 5 clubs for one membership, but the other three are on the other side of Houston. The $$ seems well worth it, especially since we play year round. :-)

I have been playing golf about six months. I joined a "Golfer Advancement Program" at a local (within 5 miles of home) public course where I get unlimited range balls; as well as use of chipping and putting green use for $40 per month. I also get "discounted" golf during non peak hours; 18 holes with cart for $18-20 instead of $39 on a descent public course. I have a private club with 3, VERY NICE 9 hole courses within 1 mile of home. It also includes another "facility", same club within 5 miles of home with 3 more VERY NICE courses. Members can play both facilities for a low "home rate" fee. Membership is relatively cheap at $145 per month. My question is not about the economics and value as much as if a beginner golfer be accepted in such a place. My other concern would be if the courses may be too difficult and discouraging. I'm not terribly concerned about the latter as I am very competitive and like a challenge. I have spent an extensive amount of time on the driving range so I don't do nearly as many embarrassing things as I did previously. Thank you in advance for any insight you may have.