The Golf Thread - 2016!

[cheddar]

Abbott said:

Rosscow said:

I agree, 53 points is disgusting. I'd have had to have a word!

The Mrs is a beginner and taking lessons. She came home on Sunday and declared that her lesson went very well so she booked a round for us at 3 o'clock. It is a nice little 9 hole par 3 course with one par 4. She wasn't wrong about getting the hang of it as I calculated that she scored 62 point to my steady 35. Bandit.
She did play off the max ladies handicap that starts at 54 in France.

Give or take, a nice steady 26 under par

[bodhi]

JamesNotJim said:

If you've not had them loft and lie checked in a while, I can pretty much guarantee they will be all over the shop. My vokeys after 1 year of use shifted a long way (52* was 56, 56* was 59 and my 60* was 63)
I would at least get them checked if you haven't, you may get some distance back without strengthening the lofts beyond standard spec.

I went into a couple of golf shops at the weekend to look into this and see if they could correct my irons for me. Apologies for the long post, but my experiences were "interesting".

First Shop - American Golf at 3 Hammers were offering a free club "MOT". Thought OK, let's have a look, went onto the range and was told that my current irons are too flat and an inch too short. Asked if they can do anything about that? No, sorry sir, your irons are too old (worried they might snap them), and then proceeded to go and get various clubs out the shop for me to try. As the first club he went to get was an oversize Ping, and I was asking about adjusting some Nike Blades, I didn't hold out much hope. The Ping was properly adjusted for me to be fair, and I hit the first 3 very well (and about 40 yards further than my current 7 iron), but I was shocked at just how little I could feel through contact.

He also got some Titleist 716 MB's out, which were nicer, but still not as consistent as the Nike's. However as I repeatedly told him that I liked the Nikes and wanted to stick with them, I was confused at the amount of different clubs he was bringing out to try. We ended with them keeping my details on file, and one of his parting comments was that my irons "best days were behind them". OK then!

Second Shop - Local Driving Range. Went in to get a second opinion about adjusting the Nikes. Said yes, no problem, we can still adjust those any way you like, and can even lengthen them for me without changing shafts. Brilliant I thought, so how much would we be looking at. About £50 to do the lofts/lies, and £100 to lengthen them with new grips. Good to know I thought - and then he immediately launched into selling me a set of Mizunos. Kind of expected that, so I thought I'd play the game - "Well what about a set of Nikes?" I asked - I wouldn't sell them to you sir, as they are "garbage". Interesting sales technique I thought, considering I had a Nike 6 iron in my hand at the time, and a bag full of them outside the Shop. So I bought a bucket of balls and left.

And as a nice Post-Script, the next day I took my rubbish irons out to play the first round of our Foursomes Knockout Comp, me and a friend playing the best player in the club and his mate - hit them beautifully and won on the 18th.

TL/DR - is there any way of getting irons adjusted without someoone trying to sell me a set I don't want?

[FrankAbagnale]

bodhi said:

The Ping was properly adjusted for me to be fair, and I hit the first 3 very well (and about 40 yards further than my current 7 iron).

I am sure that the simulators they have in american golf are set to certain tolerances, i.e they reduce slice/hook and lengthen shot distance. A chum of mine has a simulator at home and his has settings on that reflect the aforementioned.

I'd always check any clubs out at the range before buying.

[Rosscow]

bodhi said:

TL/DR - is there any way of getting irons adjusted without someoone trying to sell me a set I don't want?

Surely if you go into a decent local pro shop - or even have a quick Google for club makers/fitters local to you - and explain that you won't be buying new clubs but want yours fitted and adjusted as necessary, you should be able to find someone willing to do it?

[bodhi]

Rosscow said:

Surely if you go into a decent local pro shop - or even have a quick Google for club makers/fitters local to you - and explain that you won't be buying new clubs but want yours fitted and adjusted as necessary, you should be able to find someone willing to do it?

I was close with the Driving Range, he said yes no problem - until he tried the old "For the cost you might as well look at new irons". He did say he would charge about £50 for the lofts and lies, so may get them done then get them lengthened when it's time for new grips.

I fully expected the hard sell from Amaerican Golf, bit disappointed to get it from the local pro too - especially with how dismissive he was of my first choice.

[IATM]

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

[swisstoni]

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

Those sets look fine to me. I wouldn't spend too much on them because if you decide the game isn't for you, you won't have spent a ton of money. And if you do decide to go for it seriously, you are probably going to want to get something better and possibly fitted to you, fairly soon.

[Dan_1981]

bodhi said:

Rosscow said:

Surely if you go into a decent local pro shop - or even have a quick Google for club makers/fitters local to you - and explain that you won't be buying new clubs but want yours fitted and adjusted as necessary, you should be able to find someone willing to do it?

I was close with the Driving Range, he said yes no problem - until he tried the old "For the cost you might as well look at new irons". He did say he would charge about £50 for the lofts and lies, so may get them done then get them lengthened when it's time for new grips.

I fully expected the hard sell from Amaerican Golf, bit disappointed to get it from the local pro too - especially with how dismissive he was of my first choice.

I'f you've been to Three Hammers then Stonebridge can't be too far away from you at Meriden?

The pro there - Phil - had mine done for me - loft changed by a degree or two & all grips changed on my irons.

I think it cost £58. Although he will try to sell you some clubs too!

I've had a few lessons there with him.

[SpeckledJim]

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

I'd say get some G-series Pings or some JPX series irons from ebay.

Callaway Big Bertha 3 and 5 woods are £20 each, and haven't really been bettered.

Then you've got good quality kit that will see you all the way to single figures if you get the bug, or you can sell for what they owe you if you decide not to carry on.

New cheap clubs are thrown together to get to the price, and you'll lose 50% if you try to move them on.

Don't get a driver - it will cost you many, many more shots than it saves you. It will also mean you spend large amounts of time in the cabbage, when you should be enjoying yourself.

A beginner with a driver is like a learner driver with a Griffith 500.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 1st June 12:16

[Rosscow]

What Jim said!

[JamesNotJim]

They are not pro's in AG, just salesmen with no clue.
£50 is about right for a full set to get lie and loft checked/adjusted.
When it comes to grips or extending clubs, any person with a modicum of DIY or general knowledge can do it with all the tutorials online.
I much prefer to do all my alterations myself, I can then get them exactly how I want them. I also do a much cleaner job than most mars bar sellers (aka assistant pro's

[Jamie VTS]

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

I'd say get some G-series Pings or some JPX series irons from ebay.

Callaway Big Bertha 3 and 5 woods are £20 each, and haven't really been bettered.

Then you've got good quality kit that will see you all the way to single figures if you get the bug, or you can sell for what they owe you if you decide not to carry on.

New cheap clubs are thrown together to get to the price, and you'll lose 50% if you try to move them on.

Don't get a driver - it will cost you many, many more shots than it saves you. It will also mean you spend large amounts of time in the cabbage, when you should be enjoying yourself.

A beginner with a driver is like a learner driver with a Griffith 500.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 1st June 12:16

Mirrors my advice on his other topics... Great minds!

[bodhi]

JamesNotJim said:

They are not pro's in AG, just salesmen with no clue.
£50 is about right for a full set to get lie and loft checked/adjusted.
When it comes to grips or extending clubs, any person with a modicum of DIY or general knowledge can do it with all the tutorials online.
I much prefer to do all my alterations myself, I can then get them exactly how I want them. I also do a much cleaner job than most mars bar sellers (aka assistant pro's

I suspected that about AG, although to be fair at 3 Hammers they give the appearance of being a bit more like a local Pro Shop (the club workbench is in the main store), sadly that wasn't the case.

After looking into a few options I'm definitely going to stick with my existing irons and get the lofts/lies checked later in the month, but probably wait on the lengths until they need new grips (just had new Crosslines put on last season). None of the other clubs on the market really interest me apart from the Vapor Pros, and they are only available new from the States at the mo.

After losing 16 balls in 3 rounds last week (all off the tee), I suspect my money would be better spent on some lessons.....

[IATM]

Jamie VTS said:

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

I'd say get some G-series Pings or some JPX series irons from ebay.

Callaway Big Bertha 3 and 5 woods are £20 each, and haven't really been bettered.

Then you've got good quality kit that will see you all the way to single figures if you get the bug, or you can sell for what they owe you if you decide not to carry on.

New cheap clubs are thrown together to get to the price, and you'll lose 50% if you try to move them on.

Don't get a driver - it will cost you many, many more shots than it saves you. It will also mean you spend large amounts of time in the cabbage, when you should be enjoying yourself.

A beginner with a driver is like a learner driver with a Griffith 500.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 1st June 12:16

Mirrors my advice on his other topics... Great minds!

Hey all,

Quick quesitons. THe whole dot system puts me off the pings as it will take longet to find what I need.
Have been looking at the JPX range and I have seen a few nice sets of JPX800 Pros and one set of HD's

Would these be ok for a total beginner?

[Pete-mojsh]

Having started playing recently I got myself a set of Wilson clubs from eBay, they are more than adequate for now but after hitting a couple with a mates callaway clubs the difference is very noticeable. Get some decent branded clubs second hand and get a feel for the game, upgrade as you go along.

[SpeckledJim]

IATM said:

Jamie VTS said:

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

I'd say get some G-series Pings or some JPX series irons from ebay.

Callaway Big Bertha 3 and 5 woods are £20 each, and haven't really been bettered.

Then you've got good quality kit that will see you all the way to single figures if you get the bug, or you can sell for what they owe you if you decide not to carry on.

New cheap clubs are thrown together to get to the price, and you'll lose 50% if you try to move them on.

Don't get a driver - it will cost you many, many more shots than it saves you. It will also mean you spend large amounts of time in the cabbage, when you should be enjoying yourself.

A beginner with a driver is like a learner driver with a Griffith 500.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 1st June 12:16

Mirrors my advice on his other topics... Great minds!

Hey all,

Quick quesitons. THe whole dot system puts me off the pings as it will take longet to find what I need.
Have been looking at the JPX range and I have seen a few nice sets of JPX800 Pros and one set of HD's

Would these be ok for a total beginner?

Most Pings are black dot, which is equivalent to a standard set, so the same as a set of vanilla new Wilsons or Dunlops. But a lot better.

Or a bit of patience on ebay will find approx the right Ping dot and you are away.

Frankly, for a beginner spending £200, unless you are under 5 foot 4 inch, or over 6 foot 4 inches, a normal set will do fine.

If you decide you like golf, by all means sell them and get fitted for irons. That is well worthwhile, but only once you know you are in for the foreseeable.

[IATM]

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Jamie VTS said:

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Hi All,

Decided to dabble in playing some golf to start some new activites.
Went to the driving range and rather enjoyed it.

Looking to take a couple of lessons and then just learn by experience.

My question is can anyone recommend me a half decent set of beginner clubs that will allow me to learn.
I was looking at the following:

http://www.expressgolf.co.uk/product/wilson-x31-me...


and then there is this full selection:
https://www.golfonline.co.uk/golf-packages-golf-se...

I'd say get some G-series Pings or some JPX series irons from ebay.

Callaway Big Bertha 3 and 5 woods are £20 each, and haven't really been bettered.

Then you've got good quality kit that will see you all the way to single figures if you get the bug, or you can sell for what they owe you if you decide not to carry on.

New cheap clubs are thrown together to get to the price, and you'll lose 50% if you try to move them on.

Don't get a driver - it will cost you many, many more shots than it saves you. It will also mean you spend large amounts of time in the cabbage, when you should be enjoying yourself.

A beginner with a driver is like a learner driver with a Griffith 500.

Edited by SpeckledJim on Wednesday 1st June 12:16

Mirrors my advice on his other topics... Great minds!

Hey all,

Quick quesitons. THe whole dot system puts me off the pings as it will take longet to find what I need.
Have been looking at the JPX range and I have seen a few nice sets of JPX800 Pros and one set of HD's

Would these be ok for a total beginner?

Most Pings are black dot, which is equivalent to a standard set, so the same as a set of vanilla new Wilsons or Dunlops. But a lot better.

Or a bit of patience on ebay will find approx the right Ping dot and you are away.

Frankly, for a beginner spending £200, unless you are under 5 foot 4 inch, or over 6 foot 4 inches, a normal set will do fine.

If you decide you like golf, by all means sell them and get fitted for irons. That is well worthwhile, but only once you know you are in for the foreseeable.

Thanks for your reply. My main concern right now is to find the right set of irons that will help me to learn and not forgive me for my errors.

For example you get the standard JPX800 Irons which are fine but then you get the pro version which are slightly smaller, I guess what I am trying to figure out how much smaller or less forgiving they would be say over the standard jpx800 irons.

If its marginal then of course I will just get the pro's to start me off with but if there is a big difference then I will wait until a set of pings pop up or JPX 800 standard size.

[SpeckledJim]

IATM said:

Thanks for your reply. My main concern right now is to find the right set of irons that will help me to learn and not forgive me for my errors.

For example you get the standard JPX800 Irons which are fine but then you get the pro version which are slightly smaller, I guess what I am trying to figure out how much smaller or less forgiving they would be say over the standard jpx800 irons.

If its marginal then of course I will just get the pro's to start me off with but if there is a big difference then I will wait until a set of pings pop up or JPX 800 standard size.

Go for the most forgiving.

The only reason you might want less forgiveness is to go for a club that helps you shape or work the ball. With all due respect, that is a good way into the future for a beginner.

Those clubs punish off-centre strikes heavily. Not a good idea for now.

Go for a well made (once expensive) forgiving cavity back iron. My preferences are for Ping and Mizuno, but there are others.

You want what most of us want. Straight shots with predictable results. Dont make things harder for yourself by choosing a razor blade when what you need is a butter knife.

I cant stress this enough. Most beginners have watched golf on TV. Try to forget every single minute of it, apart from Jean van de Velde. They are playing a completely different game to 98% of weekend golfers.

Learn to hit a 5 wood, 7 iron, wedge and most importantly, a putter. With a solid stroke and sensible head you can play to 18 and be good company on any course in the land. Everything else is garnish.

Try not to play stableford, it makes you rash. In strokeplay every choice and every stroke is precious. That teaches patience and calmness. A proper round of golf is built, stableford points are just gathered.

(But if you are awful, and taking ages, just pick up and go again!)

[IATM]

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Thanks for your reply. My main concern right now is to find the right set of irons that will help me to learn and not forgive me for my errors.

For example you get the standard JPX800 Irons which are fine but then you get the pro version which are slightly smaller, I guess what I am trying to figure out how much smaller or less forgiving they would be say over the standard jpx800 irons.

If its marginal then of course I will just get the pro's to start me off with but if there is a big difference then I will wait until a set of pings pop up or JPX 800 standard size.

Go for the most forgiving.

The only reason you might want less forgiveness is to go for a club that helps you shape or work the ball. With all due respect, that is a good way into the future for a beginner.

Those clubs punish off-centre strikes heavily. Not a good idea for now.

Go for a well made (once expensive) forgiving cavity back iron. My preferences are for Ping and Mizuno, but there are others.

You want what most of us want. Straight shots with predictable results. Dont make things harder for yourself by choosing a razor blade when what you need is a butter knife.

I cant stress this enough. Most beginners have watched golf on TV. Try to forget every single minute of it, apart from Jean van de Velde. They are playing a completely different game to 98% of weekend golfers.

Learn to hit a 5 wood, 7 iron, wedge and most importantly, a putter. With a solid stroke and sensible head you can play to 18 and be good company on any course in the land. Everything else is garnish.

Try not to play stableford, it makes you rash. In strokeplay every choice and every stroke is precious. That teaches patience and calmness. A proper round of golf is built, stableford points are just gathered.

(But if you are awful, and taking ages, just pick up and go again!)

Thank you very much, that is really really helpful. I might even just mock up my own set and buy a 5 wood, a 6&7 iron and a wedge with a putter myself.

The reason I asked is because I seen these which seem to be the pro version and seemed they might be a good buy

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172222079081?_trksid=p20...

[SpeckledJim]

IATM said:

SpeckledJim said:

IATM said:

Thanks for your reply. My main concern right now is to find the right set of irons that will help me to learn and not forgive me for my errors.

For example you get the standard JPX800 Irons which are fine but then you get the pro version which are slightly smaller, I guess what I am trying to figure out how much smaller or less forgiving they would be say over the standard jpx800 irons.

If its marginal then of course I will just get the pro's to start me off with but if there is a big difference then I will wait until a set of pings pop up or JPX 800 standard size.

Go for the most forgiving.

The only reason you might want less forgiveness is to go for a club that helps you shape or work the ball. With all due respect, that is a good way into the future for a beginner.

Those clubs punish off-centre strikes heavily. Not a good idea for now.

Go for a well made (once expensive) forgiving cavity back iron. My preferences are for Ping and Mizuno, but there are others.

You want what most of us want. Straight shots with predictable results. Dont make things harder for yourself by choosing a razor blade when what you need is a butter knife.

I cant stress this enough. Most beginners have watched golf on TV. Try to forget every single minute of it, apart from Jean van de Velde. They are playing a completely different game to 98% of weekend golfers.

Learn to hit a 5 wood, 7 iron, wedge and most importantly, a putter. With a solid stroke and sensible head you can play to 18 and be good company on any course in the land. Everything else is garnish.

Try not to play stableford, it makes you rash. In strokeplay every choice and every stroke is precious. That teaches patience and calmness. A proper round of golf is built, stableford points are just gathered.

(But if you are awful, and taking ages, just pick up and go again!)

Thank you very much, that is really really helpful. I might even just mock up my own set and buy a 5 wood, a 6&7 iron and a wedge with a putter myself.

The reason I asked is because I seen these which seem to be the pro version and seemed they might be a good buy

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/172222079081?_trksid=p20...

They are a lovely set, but I would recommend the friendliest ones.

Also, they have S300 shafts (relatively stiff), which will suit a faster than normal swing speed. Unless you are pretty athletic, as a beginner, they might not be what you need. If you have a slow or normal swing speed a whippier shaft than an S300 will help a lot.

Ask a pro or someone who knows a bit if that shaft is right for you.

(shafts are actually much more important than clubheads, but everyone gets excited about clubheads, because all shafts look the same.)