For a casual, weekend golfer, do good, name-brand clubs help?

Question

Assuming I practice the same way with new, name brand clubs will there be a real difference in my game as opposed to a relatively new generic set? Or should I wait until I begin solving some of the problems I am having now, to buy a new, name brand set?

Answer 1

I think they do help. Last year I upgraded my 8 year old Ping knock offs to a one year old set of Callaway steel-head x-16's and i picked up 5 strokes on my game. I went from shooting 104 to 99 (80% of all golfers shoot in the 100's by the way)

So I woudl say if you can afford a new set go for it, you may also want to look at a set of good used clubs. It will save you a bit of money buying usedand you will get the same quality, just not today's best.

Answer 2

Yes brand name clubs with good shafts will make a difference.  Go to a pro and get clubs that fit you and your game.  It cost a little more but if your serious about your game its well worth your time and money.  Good clubs (with good shafts) will solve most of your problems.  I'm a self taught 6 handicapper that played with a 17 handicap till I bit the bullet.  Noiced the change in my game the very first round.  I went down to 9 in a hurry.  I resently went and got my first lesson from a pro.  Now my game is progressing and have enjoyed golf more than ever.  I wouldn't wait to get the lessons because I'm relearning and correcting bad habits.  Remember that's why they are called PRO'S.

My you hit all fairways, chip close, and sink all eagles.

Answer 3

I use to think that someone playing a 100 dollar set had just as much chance as someone playing a 800 dollar set.  Boy was I wrong!!!!  With the new technology out there these days, companies are making it easier and easier to hit a golf ball.  For a high handicapper, a club with a large sole (callaway for example) distributes the weight just right to get the ball up more easier than some of the other clubs out there.  Callaway recently came out with the X-20 irons this year which means that the old model, the X-18's dropped wayyyyy down in price.  They were 800+ at some point and now a set of steel shaft clubs are 499.  I recommend this specific club to amateur golfers looking to AUTOMATICALLY shave 5+ strokes off their game at least!!!   Maybe even look to get a set of used ones if you don't want to spend the 500.

Good luck!

Answer 4

Absolutely! Unless you are a beginner. Then they probably wont help.

Answer 5

I would offer a slightly different perspective.  Don't get hung up on "name brand" vs. "generic".  I think it is more important to have a set of clubs that fit you properly, concentrate on the basics, and take lessons from a professional if you can so you don't ingrain bad habits.

Name brand clubs do not automatically allow you to become a better golfer.  If you have trouble getting the ball up in the air high enough a fancy name on the club will not help.  What would help is a "game improvement" style club head with a cavity back,  low center of gravity, and a shaft that has a softer tip and a low kick point.  If it has a fancy name or not does not matter.  

If you have trouble slicing the ball then a club head with a greater amount of offset at the hosel might help to straighten things out.  Don't forget the lessons but some help can be obtained from the style of the club head.  Some slices and hooks can be corrected by having the "lie" of your club heads adjusted to fit your swing.  If the heel of the club touches the ground first then it slows down and the toe of the club starts to swing around.  That closes the club face and would cause an otherwise straight shot to suddenly hook.  If the toe hits the ground first then you get a slice.

If your clubs have too heavy of a swing weight then you might not be able to square the club face at impact and hit slices.  too light of a swing weight and you will not be able to "feel" where the club head is during the swing.  If you are not big and strong then overall lighter clubs would let you swing the club faster and hit it further.

If you have smaller hands then a standard grip might be too large for you to get the shaft positioned properly in your fingers.  That prevents yo from releasing the club properly so it is not square at impact and you lose club head speed.

There are more things to consider but by now you have got the point that none of these things have anything to do necessarily with "name brand" vs generic clubs.  Please don't go buy the cheapest clubs you can find and I would not advise spending a ton of money on a fancy name if it does not come with a custom club fitting.  Finding a good club fitter or pro who can fit you with a set of clubs is money better spent.

I play to a 6 handicap, only play a couple of times a month, and I use clubs I made my self from various component companies.  It so happens that I'm an engineer and have all the equipment necessary to measure a clubs swing weight, frequency (stiffness), measure the flex points of the shaft, measure and adjust loft and lie, etc.  I build clubs for myself and friends.  The point simply being that you can play well with anybody's club if it fits.

What name brands will give you is the newest in technology because they have the funds to do the research.  However, if they don't fit your needs then it does not matter.  Focus on getting a good club fitting, get the lessons to teach you to swing properly, and then buy the best clubs you can afford.

Answer 6

You get what you pay for is my advice! Once you "groove" your swing, you will be thankful that you haven't had to buy set after set after set!  Go get a set of Tour Edge irons and you will have the best clubs on the market - in my opinion - and they are inexpensive...