I've been playing golf 12 yrs. Never had a good set of clubs.Finally gonna buy a set. I need help. Any advice?

Question

I've always used the "hacker clubs". I shoot mid 90's to low 100's. Typical righty fade/slice on most shots, though I do hit some really good shots mixed in. I've been going to golf shops, etc looking around and asking questions. Seems the consensus is that I need game improvement irons? Also, that I should definitely get fitted for clubs. I've been recommended: Taylor Made RAC OS2's, Taylor Made r7 Draw, Adams a3 OS, Cobra S9, Callaway Big Bertha 06 and 08, Nike Slingshot OSS. There are so many choices and things to consider. I really want to work toward shooting in the 80's and I really want to make my new club purchase worthwhile and get the right clubs for me. Anyone (especially serious golfers) who can tell me anything, either advice in general as to what I should be looking for, or any club recommendations (either the ones I've listed or otherwise) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Answer 1

yes u should have them made for u theres all very good models out there get whats good for ur eye sight u have to feel good with what u have picked u can try any thing u buy first drivers fair way woods and irons they will do every thing u ask for and make sure thats what u want and need ur game will inprove greaty u will see right away oh ya get a putter made to thats very good to make sure u get that fitted to  most putters are not fitted so make sure u have that done as well so good luck and enjoy ur new fitted clubs and good golfing u will enjoy the game so much more

Answer 2

I think the biggest thing for an average golfer is to have perimeter weighted clubs. They have a much bigger sweet spot, making a ball hit off center travel much better than none perimeter weighted clubs. Having an experienced golfer check your game out will also let you pick clubs with lower/higher trajectory, hook/fade faces, etc. Another important factor is to pick an iron/wood that appeals to your eye. If it don't look good to you, you probably won't hit it good. Realize clubs are important as you improve, but by far the biggest factor is the person swinging the clubs.

Answer 3

Each year golf shops across the nation have demo days and it is usually more than one day that they occur.  Just keep your eye open to when they are happening.  Where I live, it happens in March.  That way you can talk with reps from each manufacturer and demo some of the new products.  That is the only way you can figure out which brand is best for you.  You'll have to try them out.  I like Nike equipment and that is all I will ever hit.  I'd also look at the Mizuno MX-900.  You can't beat the feel of a forged club and it's a game improvement iron/hybrid set.

Answer 4

Go to a pro and get fitted for sure.  When you do he should measure you for length, loft, lie, shaft flex and kick point, grip size.  When you go know the following...

How far do you CARRY a five iron shot

How far do you CARRY a seven iron shot

Does your shot start left and come back right (slice)

How far do you CARRY your drive.

Bring your current clubs with you to the pro.

Don't just go to the guy who works in the golf department at the local big box sporting goods place.  Here is a quick golf equipment 101:

The Head of the club:

1. A wide sole is easier to hit for most 90 to 100 shooters. You have less chance of hitting the shot fat with a wider sole.

2. A deeper cavity back iron is more forgiving because of increased perimeter weight.

3. A bigger clubhead is also more forgiving on off center hits.

With the above, what you sacrifice is feel and ability to work the ball left or right, it will just help you hit it straight.

The Shaft:

1. Get measured for swing speed to determine the correct flex.  Generally a stiff shaft will hit the ball straighter but you lose distance and some feel. Too whippy/soft and you spray it all over.

2. Low kick point on the shaft will get the ball higher, mid kickpoint will have a lower flight, high kick point?.....well unless your on the tour forget it.

Grips:

1. Improperly fitting grips can cause all kinds of problems also.  Too big restricts release, too small and you can't get a correct grip without squeezing the club.

The look:

The clubs need to instill confidence when you stand over them. Do they look too clunky or do they look like your going to hit that baby right on the nose...

Hybrids:

I strongly suggest you drop your 3 iron out of the set and get a Hybrid in it's place, maybe even your 4 iron.

Namebrand????  I like Callaway or Ping. Of the ones you have listed, I would say the Callaway Big Bertha 06 as long as they fit.

If your in the market for a new driver also, make sure you check out the new square drivers.....amazing.

If you have a specific question E-mail me.

Answer 5

sam's right. you should definitely get fitted, i bought a set of the sling shots back in like 02,I got fitted and was standard size/swing?   went from like 90-110 to 80-100, and have broken 80 a few times, check out monarkgolf.com they've got knock offs for cheap. in my opinion knock offs are the way to go. if your not rich.

Answer 6

I always recommend Callaway clubs for which these are the set I started out with and they have been great. X20's

Answer 7

they are so many choices depending on you i would talk to the pro at your course and get good advice from him

Answer 8

I would recommend that rather than looking at a specific brand, go to a driving range that sells clubs and have a go with a number of different brands to get a feel for what clubs would suite your swing. If you are a high handicapper (mid 90s to low 100s) then I would recommend that the irons be "cavity backs" rather than blades as these are more forgiving of the bad shots. To get a good set you are looking at 4 groups of clubs: Woods or Metals (including driver, 3w, 5w and or a hybrid), Irons 3i - 9i, Wedges (Pitching, Gap, Sand, Lob) and of course the putter. I find that I mix and match clubs from the various groups (making sure that I only have 14 in the bag on the day) to suit the conditions. One trick I have used in the past to select irons is I will try the 1,2 or 3 iron in the set. If I can hit that one well then the rest will be much easier. There are two main types of clubs, normal and off-set. Offset is used by people who tend to slice the ball as these clubs set up closed. If you tend to hit the ball high, then you might want to consider a low lofted driver otherwise the standard 10.5^ one will do. The other consideration is steel shafts or graphite. Steel shafts tend to be heavier and are used more by people with a faster swing - although they tend to be cheaper than graphite (unless you are buying rifle shafts). Graphite shafts are a bit more flexible and lighter and can be used with a slower swing speed.

Be picky about the clubs you are going to get because they will be the difference between having great rounds, or having the normal 90 - 100's.

Good luck and have fun trying them all out