Discussion
Hit another bucket of balls today, enjoyed it so much I decided Im definitely taking up the sport :)
I whacked my second to last ball so hard though, that both the ball and the end of the club went flying past the 50 yard marker :scratchchin:
Most people are recommending I start with some cheap second hand clubs, and give it time before shelling out for some decent equipment. I dont want to buy a set of clubs so crap that I embarass myself by losing more drivers than balls though ;)
How good (or crap) is a second hand £65 set of clubs likely to be?
Also, blades and cavity backs - Im told blades are what the pro's use and cavity backs more forgiving. What do you use and why? Can anyone explain the difference in laymans terms?
I whacked my second to last ball so hard though, that both the ball and the end of the club went flying past the 50 yard marker :scratchchin:
Most people are recommending I start with some cheap second hand clubs, and give it time before shelling out for some decent equipment. I dont want to buy a set of clubs so crap that I embarass myself by losing more drivers than balls though ;)
How good (or crap) is a second hand £65 set of clubs likely to be?
Also, blades and cavity backs - Im told blades are what the pro's use and cavity backs more forgiving. What do you use and why? Can anyone explain the difference in laymans terms?
Blades are tough little buggers to master, hence the pro's use them alot. There is more forgiveness in cavity backs simply because the face is a little thinner and not a solid block of metal, but the rest of the head still provides the weight required. Don't buy too cheap a set for your first set as they may be crap, but they won't allow your game to improve. A good set will always give you room to improve, gives you a better "feel" for the ball, be even more forgiving and generally allow you to enjoy the game a bit more.
It's all down to how comfortable you are hitting the ball with a particular club. Most golf shops here will give you a club or selection of clubs to allow you to bring them to your nearest range and have a go with them for a few hours. It's a good way for discovering what type of club you'd be happiest with.
Personally I have Callaway Hawk Eye woods and Ping eye 2 irons. Quite good, but getting on in years now.
It's all down to how comfortable you are hitting the ball with a particular club. Most golf shops here will give you a club or selection of clubs to allow you to bring them to your nearest range and have a go with them for a few hours. It's a good way for discovering what type of club you'd be happiest with.
Personally I have Callaway Hawk Eye woods and Ping eye 2 irons. Quite good, but getting on in years now.
So, including the bag and a full set of clubs, whats an average price to pay for a half-decent set of clubs for a beginner - I intend to keep them for 6-9 months, tops.
Im buying second hand to make sure that after 9 months Im still interested and playing, dont want to go out and buy an expensive set of clubs only to find my interest has waned, but I dont want to start out with absolute rubbish either.
Who are graphite clubs best suited to? Someone said they wern't "better" the suitability depended on your swing.
Im buying second hand to make sure that after 9 months Im still interested and playing, dont want to go out and buy an expensive set of clubs only to find my interest has waned, but I dont want to start out with absolute rubbish either.
Who are graphite clubs best suited to? Someone said they wern't "better" the suitability depended on your swing.
Again, graphite shafted clubs are indeed not necessiarily better. It depends on your swing. Graphite shafts allow more movement and so not many pro's as far as I am aware use them. You'd see old golfers who don't have the ability to have a full swing anymore use real soft graphite shafts as the club becomes more of a whip than a club. Hence increasing the speed of the head at impact from a relativly short swing.
Couldn't help you on the price issue I'm afraid. Go to a few shops and see whats a middle of the range set, and then try and source a similar or older model set elsewhere. Why do you only want them for a few months. Summer is the most enjoyable time, and if you buy a crap set now, playing crap in crap weather, you'll quickly become dis-interested.
Couldn't help you on the price issue I'm afraid. Go to a few shops and see whats a middle of the range set, and then try and source a similar or older model set elsewhere. Why do you only want them for a few months. Summer is the most enjoyable time, and if you buy a crap set now, playing crap in crap weather, you'll quickly become dis-interested.
up-the-dubs said:
Why do you only want them for a few months. Summer is the most enjoyable time, and if you buy a crap set now, playing crap in crap weather, you'll quickly become dis-interested.
I planned on having some lessons, spening time time on the driving range and then the golf coure and giving it 6 months or so, I just dont want to buy a top of the line set of clubs till Im sure Golf is for me. Im sure it is, but you cant go wrong by buying something second hand which you can resell for the price you paid for it, right?
So, what money will buy a half decent full set of second hand clubs? approx-ballpark-guestimate-ish?
ApexClipper said:
Each to their own, but jeez....what a bloody boring game!
Golf is a game of great skill, it builds character and allows you to go on long walks dressed like rupert the bear...... how can you call that boring?
Bob, get yourself down to your local pro and ask to test drive a few different types of clubs. Ask him what sort of deal he can do you on a starter set and see if he'll chuck in a couple of lessons as well. The most important piece of advice is to get half a dozen lessons. I used to play off single figures and still regularly went for lessons (I hardly play now
). If you want to enjoy your golf thats where to spend the money, on lessons. Shame you're down in sussex, otherwise I'd have offered to give you a round on a local Muni..... Remember golf is like sex...... you don't have to be any good at it to enjoy it.
Bob - glad to hear that you're enjoying the game
Dubs' advice is good - stay well away from blades (I know some 5-handicappers who stuggle with them
) - cavity backed irons are the ones to go for. You'll need all the help you can get while you're out on the course (we all do!
)!
A set of second hand clubs sounds like a good idea, provided you're not an odd shape (I'm 6'5" and have to have custom made clubs).
I'd recommend a set of Ping Eye 2s. They're incredibly well made, last forever and are very friendly. They're also suitable for pretty much everyone from beginners to mid-low handicappers.
Before buying a set, talk to your pro and make sure that they're suitable for you. You really won't want broomhandle-stiff shafts when you're starting out. Likewise, you'll want to be sure you don't pick up some girls' clubs (unless you like that sort of thing down Eastbourne way
).
Dubs' advice is good - stay well away from blades (I know some 5-handicappers who stuggle with them
) - cavity backed irons are the ones to go for. You'll need all the help you can get while you're out on the course (we all do!)! A set of second hand clubs sounds like a good idea, provided you're not an odd shape (I'm 6'5" and have to have custom made clubs).
I'd recommend a set of Ping Eye 2s. They're incredibly well made, last forever and are very friendly. They're also suitable for pretty much everyone from beginners to mid-low handicappers.
Before buying a set, talk to your pro and make sure that they're suitable for you. You really won't want broomhandle-stiff shafts when you're starting out. Likewise, you'll want to be sure you don't pick up some girls' clubs (unless you like that sort of thing down Eastbourne way
). Glad to hear of another convert, it's a fanastic game when you get it right, and oh so frustrating when you get it wrong. Which you will, regularly, for the rest of your life. 
In line with the other advice, cavity backs are definitely the way to go. Should be able to get a decent set of clubs for around £100, and then spend money and time on lessons and lots of practice. Try to find a place with a short par-3 course or something similar, because there's no better practice than actually being out on the golf course, and no better way of deciding if you like the game or not.
Good luck with it.
In line with the other advice, cavity backs are definitely the way to go. Should be able to get a decent set of clubs for around £100, and then spend money and time on lessons and lots of practice. Try to find a place with a short par-3 course or something similar, because there's no better practice than actually being out on the golf course, and no better way of deciding if you like the game or not.
Good luck with it.
ApexClipper said:Oooh, I love it
Each to their own, but jeez....what a bloody boring game!
Its a game of pure skill (or lack of) - The idea of learning to fine tune and perfect a swing and then whack a ball 250 yards in a perfectly straight line really appeals. I hit a few perfectly straight 200++ yard drives yesterday, it felt bloody good 
Nuggs said:That bad?
Bob - glad to hear that you're enjoying the game
Dubs' advice is good - stay well away from blades (I know some 5-handicappers who stuggle with them
I'll make a point of avoiding them Girls clubs?
Are they shorter or lighter or both? Cheers Focus - I cant wait to get started
Can anyone recommend a good golf forum?
update: An eye witness report indicates that both the ball and head of the driver went past the 100 hard marker yesterday. Surely thats a record
I have a brand new set of Mizuno MX-17 clubs for sale. I bought them as a spare set - I play with Titleist DCI's and Pro V balls - but as I am now moving I have no room for them. I also have a new Titanium driver and used bag that I will give free to the buyer. They were £329 and still have the plastic on them. If your interested email me through my profile.
Regarding balls, play with the best ball you can afford. It does make a difference.
Dave
Regarding balls, play with the best ball you can afford. It does make a difference.
Dave
406 said:
Regarding balls, play with the best ball you can afford. It does make a difference.
There is an unwritten rule of golf which says the newer and more expensive the ball the more likely you are to lose it.
Buy lake balls you will most likely return most of them to whence they came!
A good tip is to buy a book of golf etiquette, also visit your local golf club pro shop as they will likely have old sets of clubs traded in by members buying new clubs. They will let you try out the clubs on the range or may even let you play a round with them. This will give you an idea of you like the feel of the particular set.
Once you decide on a particular set check that the grips are good, if not get the clubs re-gripped by the pro.
>> Edited by vetteheadracer on Monday 26th September 11:47
i use womens clubs, i didnt know they were womens clubs when i bought them but they you go. they were cheap and second hand. They are much lighter, far more flexible and a bit shorter than mens clubs. As they are the only clubs i have ever used though, I have learnt to play with them despite not being suitable for me. If the boot fits etc etc....
I would spend £100 max on clubs, to begin with you only need a half set of irons, (3,5,7,9, and the requisite wedges) Dont waste money on clubs you will hardly use like a 4 iron and use it for something more important. By a pair of golf shoes, this way you will always wear the same shoes, be at the same height (though marginal it does make a difference) and will have a steady footing when playing. Spend some time on small par 54 courses if there are any nearby. you get a chance to develop your swing etc without the pressures of needing to hit it 250 yards off the tee just to et in sight of the pin.
I would spend £100 max on clubs, to begin with you only need a half set of irons, (3,5,7,9, and the requisite wedges) Dont waste money on clubs you will hardly use like a 4 iron and use it for something more important. By a pair of golf shoes, this way you will always wear the same shoes, be at the same height (though marginal it does make a difference) and will have a steady footing when playing. Spend some time on small par 54 courses if there are any nearby. you get a chance to develop your swing etc without the pressures of needing to hit it 250 yards off the tee just to et in sight of the pin.
406 said:YHM
I have a brand new set of Mizuno MX-17 clubs for sale. I bought them as a spare set - I play with Titleist DCI's and Pro V balls - but as I am now moving I have no room for them. I also have a new Titanium driver and used bag that I will give free to the buyer. They were £329 and still have the plastic on them. If your interested email me through my profile.
Regarding balls, play with the best ball you can afford. It does make a difference.
Dave
Just reading the reviews for the clubs, they seem to be gooduns. In the reviews, people are recommending custom fits... Im 6'2, does height have much to do with it? Not knowing anything about clubs or custom fittings, how would I know if 406's clubs were suitable for me?
Consider a half set, you don't need every club to start with and less to lug around. Yep, pond balls are the way to go. Waste of money buying new or the best. don't buy the cheapest though. Spend money on good shoes and get the rule book.
Quick gag shamelessly nicked from the joke thread, I'm collecting golf jokes so if anyone has some post them on, cheers:
-----------
A couple, lying in bed on their honeymoon and about ready to consummate their marriage, when the new bride says to the husband, "I have a confession to make, I'm not a virgin."
The husband replies, "That's no big thing in this day and age."
The wife continues, "But I've only been with one guy."
"Oh yeah? Who was the guy?"
"Tiger Woods."
"Tiger Woods, the golfer?"
"Yeah."
"Well, he's rich, famous and handsome. I can see why you went to bed with him."
The husband and wife then make passionate love. When they finish, the husband gets up and walks to the telephone.
"What are you doing?" asks the wife.
The husband says, "I'm hungry, I was going to call room service and get some food."
"Tiger wouldn't do that."
"Oh yeah? What would Tiger do?"
"He'd come back to bed and do it a second time."
The husband puts down the phone and goes back to bed to make love with his wife a second time. When they finish, he gets up and goes over to the phone.
"What are you doing?" she asks.
The husband says, "I'm still hungry so I was going to get room service to get some food."
"Tiger wouldn't do that."
"Oh yeah? What would Tiger do?"
"He'd come back to bed and do it one more time."
The guy slams down the phone and goes back to bed and makes love to his wife one more time. When they finish he's tired and beat.
He drags himself over to the phone and starts to dial.
The wife asks, "Are you calling room service?"
"No! I'm calling Tiger Woods to find out what's par for this damn hole."
Quick gag shamelessly nicked from the joke thread, I'm collecting golf jokes so if anyone has some post them on, cheers:
-----------
A couple, lying in bed on their honeymoon and about ready to consummate their marriage, when the new bride says to the husband, "I have a confession to make, I'm not a virgin."
The husband replies, "That's no big thing in this day and age."
The wife continues, "But I've only been with one guy."
"Oh yeah? Who was the guy?"
"Tiger Woods."
"Tiger Woods, the golfer?"
"Yeah."
"Well, he's rich, famous and handsome. I can see why you went to bed with him."
The husband and wife then make passionate love. When they finish, the husband gets up and walks to the telephone.
"What are you doing?" asks the wife.
The husband says, "I'm hungry, I was going to call room service and get some food."
"Tiger wouldn't do that."
"Oh yeah? What would Tiger do?"
"He'd come back to bed and do it a second time."
The husband puts down the phone and goes back to bed to make love with his wife a second time. When they finish, he gets up and goes over to the phone.
"What are you doing?" she asks.
The husband says, "I'm still hungry so I was going to get room service to get some food."
"Tiger wouldn't do that."
"Oh yeah? What would Tiger do?"
"He'd come back to bed and do it one more time."
The guy slams down the phone and goes back to bed and makes love to his wife one more time. When they finish he's tired and beat.
He drags himself over to the phone and starts to dial.
The wife asks, "Are you calling room service?"
"No! I'm calling Tiger Woods to find out what's par for this damn hole."
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