OT: Golf clubs

[AlSwearengen]

I have decided to give golf a whirl for some reason. I want some used clubs so that I dont have a huge initial investment. We contacted the golf pro at the local CC to ask him if he had any.and he came up with a full set of calaway irons which looked to be in very good condition. They had an X on them, so I am thinking they are an earlier version of their x-hot irons. He is going to throw in a random putter, Taylor made 4 wood, Nike sand wedge, and a 3 year old model big bertha driver and a decent looking bag for $700. He said the irons were $1100 new (sounds like a stretch, but I don't know ****). With the exception of the putter and sand wedge, all clubs look barely used.

Looking at eBay, it seems like I can get new clubs for not a whole lot more than what he is asking and they would be more recent technology. Of course, I'm not really sure what I'm looking at, so there is that.

Any suggestions?

 

[esplanade91]

At this stage in your game, get the best deal for the least amount of money possible. Won't make a difference if you spend $1000 or $100 until you master the fundamentals.

Go on eBay or a pawn shop and pick up some Ping Eye 2's.

Or go to a golf shop and get the bag, clubs, and accessories package from Addams for $300.

 

[Rog.sixpack]

Get some lessons to learn how to swing; then get fitted; then buy clubs.

Tell the pro you'll see him in August after you've played for 8 months.

I have decided to give golf a whirl for some reason. I want some used clubs so that I dont have a huge initial investment. We contacted the golf pro at the local CC to ask him if he had any.and he came up with a full set of calaway irons which looked to be in very good condition. They had an X on them, so I am thinking they are an earlier version of their x-hot irons. He is going to throw in a random putter, Taylor made 4 wood, Nike sand wedge, and a 3 year old model big bertha driver and a decent looking bag for $700. He said the irons were $1100 new (sounds like a stretch, but I don't know ****). With the exception of the putter and sand wedge, all clubs look barely used.

Looking at eBay, it seems like I can get new clubs for not a whole lot more than what he is asking and they would be more recent technology. Of course, I'm not really sure what I'm looking at, so there is that.

Any suggestions?

 

[jacksonreb]

so he takes his lessons with imaginary clubs???..... go buy

a used set of quality clubs. most of the "hot" clubs from the last few yrs are good (taylormade, callaway, etc....everybody has a preference) and you can pick up a full set with wedges for a few hndred bucks. the lesson advice is good, but frankly i'd play for a yr or two before you invest in a big $$ set and fitting. if you can play you can play with most anything. your swing will evolve and a fitting in the first yr, won't really be good long term.

Tell the pro you'll see him in August after you've played for 8 months.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

Get game improvement irons, you can get some TaylorMade Speed Blades for $400 on eBay, and they're super forgiving. Callaway X series go back over a decade, so I'd need more info on the series.

 

[LTR131]

Find a golf store that has an indoor hitting range. Hit a bunch of stuff and find out what appeals to you. Get the salesperson to recommend shaft length, grip size and lie if possible. Most starters will use a regular flex. Try to focus on the common/popular clubs. Callaway, TaylorMade, Titleist, etc.

Go to their website. Some offer trade in programs where you can get perhaps a previous version or, in some cases an older model that is a really good club. You can get the proper length, lie and flex in a refurbished club with new grips for a really reasonable price.

If you cant get to a golf store just call one of the mfg's used club departments, tell them that you are a beginner, your height, weight, etc and let them make a rec.

I use Calloway X-14's, probably 10-12 years old, and haven't found anything that works any better. I got them direct from Callaway for a song simply cause they were 2-3 models away from their current model.

 

[o_Hot Rock]

There are as many opinions on buying clubs as there are people that play the game. Here's mine:

Find out your swing speed with a drive and five iron. You have to have the shafts match your speed no matter the brand. A young buck that hits HR's at softball needs a stiff shaft and an old geezer like myself needs a more flexible shaft. If the shafts don't match your swing speed you will struggle forever. Even seasoned golfers can't hit clubs that don't match their swing speed. After that, for your first set the rest doesn't matter except they need to be in good condition. No worn out grips or bent heads. I learned on a set of blades and real woods that were 50 years old. It took me awhile to learn to hit them but I did develop a decent swing.

I would not pay $700 for a used set unless you have plenty of cash and a $1000 means nothing to you. I would buy a cheap set today, anywhere online at Walmart, Golfsmith, Sam's, ebay or maybe even used set from a golf store. You should be able to find a complete set for $250/300 somewhere that have the correct shaft stiffness. See if you can find the set you like and get a buddy to go with you to get them that is a golfer. Most golfers are extremely helpful because they want to show off their knowledge on the subject.

You may find that golf just isn't your thing and if that happens you wont' have a fortune invested.

Depending on how you progress you will be back in about six months to a year to get a real set or never if you quit. Then go to your golf store, professional to get fitted beyond just swing speeds and be ready to spend 800 to 1200 for irons and almost that much for woods.

Then you will buy approximately 27 putters over the next few years and change golf balls types 70 times. You will develop twitches that are uncontrollable when you see certain trees or bodies of water and you will loose your freakin' mind at least once... a week.

Bottom line, find out your swing speed and make sure the shafts match up.

Good Luck!

 

[AlSwearengen]

What about ping zing instead of the eye 2's? The zings are a little newer and are about the same price on eBay.

 

[RocketDawg]

I just got a set of Speed Blades a few weeks ago. Only used them a couple of times since because it's either been too wet or too cold, but so far I like them pretty well. They're hard to compare to the TaylorMades I had because the ball doesn't compress well in the winter, and doesn't go as far.

 

[Dogariffic]

Ping eye 2 is a good club. Easy to hit.

 

[grinnindawg]

Depending on the price of the "3 year old big bertha" it might be an ok price.
However, if you're a complete beginner, it seems steep too me unless he's throwing in a lesson or 2.

My suggestions:
Spend less up front on clubs until you decide if you like the game
Buy and read Harvey Penick's book
Pay for a lesson or 2
Practice putting and chipping
Play courses that don't beat the crap out of you to start with
Play the correct set of tees, just because the idiots with you manage to hit 1 drive out of 10 300 yards doesn't mean you have to play the tips
Practice chipping and putting

http://www.amazon.com/Harvey-Penicks-Little-Red-Book-ebook/dp/B005S748US/ref=dp_kinw_strp_exp_4_1

 

[Dogariffic]

Yes read the book.

 

[Daddy Rabbit Dawg]

I've been in the golf industry my entire life. My dad was a PGA professional, as well as a member of the GCSAA. I say this because I know what I'm talking about. Buy quality clubs at every level...they make a difference. The best advice I can give you is to learn the game from a quality teacher. You need to learn the fundamentals of the game before you even play very much. I know golf can be played effectively without using the basic fundamentals, but they make it much easier...grip, stance, setup, alignment seem tedious, but they matter. If you learn them from the beginning, it will make learning the rest of the game much simpler. With that being said, every hour you spend on the "long" game, spend three hours on your "short" game...putting and shots from 100 yards and closer. Master the short game and you will become a much better player quicker than the other way around.

 

[mcdawg22]

3rd for The Little Red Book

It is decades old and still holds true today. You are at a catch 22 stage. You want the clubs that fit your swing but your swing is going to progress in the next couple of years. I say buy a set of decent (TM, Ping, Callaway, Cleveland, or Titleist if you can find a deal) used clubs, what the pro is charging sounds a little pricey. The cool thing about today's drivers is you can adjust them, so the investment should last. Did you play baseball as a kid? I know it sounds random, but if you did there is a huge chance you are going to start off as a slicer because you are doing to have a natural tendency to bring your hands to your ears and stay on your back foot. If that's the case your first set should be a little closed until you get to a point where the leading arm stays fairly straight, you are shifting weight properly, and coming from slightly inside. If you aren't in a huge hurry to get out there, Demo Days will be starting soon so you can go out the local course and hit all the clubs that the host manufacturer has a lot of them will have swing analyzers. If you find a set that you hit particularly well, get last years model of those clubs at A Nevada Bob's, Golf Headquaters, or even an online outlet like Golfsmith. The one thing you'll notice about the golf gear industry is typically the customer service is top notch, so don't be afraid to ask questions. Just do me two huge favors:
1. Enjoy the game. It's incredibly frustrating, but I assure you, if you can be at peace on the course unless you are playing a high dollar tournament you will be a better golfer.
2. Don't think too much. Thinking is for the driving range and practice rounds. When you are playing an actual round, and you've gotten to the fifth hole and hit ten iron shots five different ways, don't try to think about 10 ways to fix your swing. You will not have it fixed by the end of the round. Just swing the way it feels natural and play to your tendency. If you are slicing, aim left, if you are short, club up. Just have fun.

 

[MrKotter]

I've been in the golf industry my entire life. My dad was a PGA professional, as well as a member of the GCSAA. I say this because I know what I'm talking about. Buy quality clubs at every level...they make a difference. The best advice I can give you is to learn the game from a quality teacher. You need to learn the fundamentals of the game before you even play very much. I know golf can be played effectively without using the basic fundamentals, but they make it much easier...grip, stance, setup, alignment seem tedious, but they matter. If you learn them from the beginning, it will make learning the rest of the game much simpler. With that being said, every hour you spend on the "long" game, spend three hours on your "short" game...putting and shots from 100 yards and closer. Master the short game and you will become a much better player quicker than the other way around.

Only post in this thread OP should read

 

[AlSwearengen]

Do you agree with another poster that suggested ping eye 2 irons? I did some googling about them and it seems that many many people consider them a very good starter club. Also, they are relatively inexpensive on eBay.

 

[Daddy Rabbit Dawg]

Nothing wrong with Ping Eye 2's at all. I played with a set for 15 years. The Eye 2's are definitely a quality set of clubs. Get hybrids instead of long irons (2,3,4 and even 5 iron). They're much easier to hit.

 

[Hammer Down]

I can tell you how I went about learning golf, but will need to know more about you and how you want to approach it.

- How much time do you have to devote to it?
- Are you planning to spend money on lessons?
- Do you want to be a self-taught weekend golfer?

 

[esplanade91]

Do you agree with another poster that suggested ping eye 2 irons? I did some googling about them and it seems that many many people consider them a very good starter club. Also, they are relatively inexpensive on eBay.

Nothing wrong with Ping Eye 2's at all. I played with a set for 15 years. The Eye 2's are definitely a quality set of clubs. Get hybrids instead of long irons (2,3,4 and even 5 iron). They're much easier to hit.

Cheapest/best club combo.

There's nothing special about them. They're ugly and every golfer on the planet owns a set. There's a reason though. They're the VW Beetle (the original one) of the golf industry.

Find a set and learn the game. The Eye 2's will carry you from the point where you don't know the game to the point where you know it enough to justify spending a good chunk on clubs.

As far as non-irons, I recommend any old used Titleist 10.5 degree driver and the Callway Steelhead Plus wood. Between the two of them you shouldn't have to spend more than $50. The wedges and putter don't matter in the slightest until later on. You can spend $300 on a spaceship putter if you want or you can pick up an old Ping putter for $20.

Check garage sales. Again, everyone who golfs or golfed owns or has owned a set of Eye 2's and/or a Ping putter at some point.

 

[misipi]

The original Ping Eye 2's had more loft than today's clubs. Not sure if they ever released any with current lofts. This means your 8 iron would be between a 9 and a wedge in the current sets.

Cheapest/best club combo.

There's nothing special about them. They're ugly and every golfer on the planet owns a set. There's a reason though. They're the VW Beetle (the original one) of the golf industry.

Find a set and learn the game. The Eye 2's will carry you from the point where you don't know the game to the point where you know it enough to justify spending a good chunk on clubs.

As far as non-irons, I recommend any old used Titleist 10.5 degree driver and the Callway Steelhead Plus wood. Between the two of them you shouldn't have to spend more than $50. The wedges and putter don't matter in the slightest until later on. You can spend $300 on a spaceship putter if you want or you can pick up an old Ping putter for $20.

Check garage sales. Again, everyone who golfs or golfed owns or has owned a set of Eye 2's and/or a Ping putter at some point.

 

[was21]

If you don't know whether or nor you're going to actually "like" playing golf, it's foolish to spend any more money on clubs than you absolutely have to in the beginning. I don't care who your daddy is or was....nothing personal of course. Golf is simply not for everybody. I agree about taking a few lessons at the outset though.

 

[Dogariffic]

Happen to be in a thrift store in Jackson in I55. They had an almost full set of ping eye 2 for 2.50 a club. 2,3,4,5,6,7,8.....heck i almost bought them and dont even need them.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Ping Eye 2's are good clubs

not just starter clubs.
Just a thing or two. They are color coded, Black dot for center of the road.
Height and arm length can make a big difference with these clubs.

Use the internet to look up the Ping Eye 2 Color system.

Problem is some people will paint the dot Black, which is the standard club.

If you are 6ft 4 and buy an orange dot...oh well.

If you get used clubs, get them re-gripped, if they need it.
Have fun, Golf is an outstanding game, and time waster.
I love it.

I forgot about the groove controversy on those clubs....think I'd get them anyway.

 

[Crazy Dawg]

Check your inbox Al

 

[mount lefroy]

I've been in the golf industry my entire life. My dad was a PGA professional, as well as a member of the GCSAA. I say this because I know what I'm talking about. Buy quality clubs at every level...they make a difference. The best advice I can give you is to learn the game from a quality teacher. You need to learn the fundamentals of the game before you even play very much. I know golf can be played effectively without using the basic fundamentals, but they make it much easier...grip, stance, setup, alignment seem tedious, but they matter. If you learn them from the beginning, it will make learning the rest of the game much simpler. With that being said, every hour you spend on the "long" game, spend three hours on your "short" game...putting and shots from 100 yards and closer. Master the short game and you will become a much better player quicker than the other way around.

^^^^^this is great advice. Take it^^^^^^


The game can be enjoyable for a while or for life. If you have a competitive bone in your body, or just want to realize your potential, you MUST learn the fundamentals of balance, grip, stance and tempo before all else. Balance throughout the swing is the main flaw most golfers never develop or lose over time. All else depends on this one cornerstone.

Skip them and youll never enjoy the game as much as you could have.

 

[Bulldogg31]

Can't believe I'm reading about Ping Eye 2's...what year is it, 1993?

The post from Daddy Rabbit has it right. I've taught many people to play and though everyone grabs the driver first that is exactly backwards. Start with the putter and practice three footers till they are automatic. It will perfect your stroke.

Learn to chip with a lofted club from around the green. Doesn't matter which club, just pick one and get really good with it. Now that you are automatic from 3 feet, you want to leave yourself as many 3-footers as possible.

For full swings, find a 7-iron or 8-iron you love, and learn to hit it well. This club will carry you through many rounds as a golfer.

For longer shots, find a 3-wood or a hybrid that you can play from the tee boxes. Straight is better than far. The longest drive I ever hit is probably in the woods somewhere. Golf is meant to be played from where they mow.

After you have a good, repeatable swing (including a proper stance, grip, ball position. and alignment) find a driver. The longer you wait the better, in my opinion, but it's fun to hit so nobody waits long.

Definitely take lessons. If you can find a hot chick that gives lessons, even better.

Play well.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

No kidding, irons have improved more in the last 5 years than the previous 200. If you want a decent set of $100 irons, go for some Ping Eye 2s. And that's fine for when you are truly beginning, but to improve and enjoy the game, get some game improvement irons from the last couple years, they make a big difference. I had a set of Callaway X12s maybe, which are far newer than the Pings, and when I upgraded to my new Speed Blades this summer, I can tell a significant difference, and not just for good players. Bad shots and mishits end up much better than before, which makes golf more fun. Ebay or a Play it Again sports are good places for used irons. Even Edwin Watts has some.

My current best club is my 6-iron. I hit it high enough to get over trees but can still reach the green from 190 if I have to. And don't listen to what anyone says about distance, if you can put a drive 230 in the middle you'll be better off than most who claim they hit it 300.

Drivers don't need to be as new, but get the most forgiving one you can. Putters are totally individual, find one that feels good and doesn't loop when you pull it back.

 

[Optimus Prime 4]

Oh, and if you have trouble hitting it straight, use Bridgestone E6 balls

they really do go straighter. A good bit. You lose some spin around the green but a starter isn't going to need that, and they don't seem to lose any distance. They're also relatively inexpensive, and they come in yellow or orange, which I like. Yes, I play yella balls.