Which is the better "cheapie" golf club set for the novice, occasional player?

Question

I need a cheap, serviceable beginners set to play golf. I haven't played in a decade.... will be practicing! The following two sets are on sale at KMart.

The Dunlop: http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_080W588152110001P

and the "Fathom": http://www.kmart.com/shc/s/p_10151_10104_9990000049204911P

The Dunlop is technically the better deal, but the comments on the Fathom say it is a good beginners set, and someone recommended it here on yahoo answers for another novice, so I'm considering it.

I checked both sets out in person:

The Fathom driver is bigger than the Dunlop (460cc to 420cc) with a 10.5 loft as opposed to the 10 loft of the Dunlop, but same face size.

The heel-toe putter is *way* better on the Dunlop than the mallet putter on the Fathom.

The Fathom claims to have stainless steel heads, the Dunlop doesn't (although they seem to "feel" more solid somehow) Yet, the fathom costs less to begin with, so which is really better?

Any help is greatly appreciated!!

Answer 1

I really don't want to sound elitist, but I just got a new set of irons, and when I added a 3 iron to it a couple days later that one club cost more than these entire sets that include a bag and headcovers.  But as others have said, we have heard of Dunlop and they have been in business a long time so I would tend to lean toward them.  Have no idea who makes the Fathom set.  Have fun revisiting golf.

Answer 2

the better quality set for a beginner or novice , would be the dunlop set . this company has been making quality golf clubs since the 1920s . a small suggestion , dont worry about the driver as a novice golfer . start off with a five wodod from the tee . the shorter shaft makes solid contact easier , . starting golf with a driver more lost golf balls , equals lost money , higher scores . less fun . definatly go with the dunlop set , makes the game easier . enjoy for many years . best of luck .

Answer 3

That's like asking: Which is a better car, a 1998 Daweoo or a 1998 Kia?

Both sets are pretty crappy, but I assume you knew that going in. Just go to the store and pick which one YOU like better, because performance and quality wise you're not going to see much difference.

Answer 4

Prosimmon X30 Hybrid Full Golf Club Package

I thought the clubs and bag were a great starter set, an almost perfect starter set, as I practiced and then went out for a round of golf.

On the second hole as I hit with the driver, the ball went left, the club head went right, and the tee didn't move. Luckily, the company was very prompt in replacing the club, mailing both a new driver and cover within a few days.

Hopefully, the next driver and all of the rest of the clubs can withstand the next drive or hit. BTW, the irons look great and look like they could withstand some pretty good abuse.

Answer 5

I'm in the same boat, I went with the Top Flite Xl-5000 set and I'm very pleased, Top Flite is made and manufactured by Callaway so you do the math.  Same with Maxfli and Taylor Made.

Answer 6

I´m a new golfer and I bought a Wilson Ultra Comp set for $ 460 and I´m very happy with them.

Answer 7

If your dead set on getting clubs at Kmart I would go with the Dunlops or do some online research and find out who makes the Fathom set, I can't fathom who :).  

I would tempted to look at Walmart, Costco or Target as well.  Wilson would another good choice.  Like Dunlop they've made clubs for a long time.    I just bought my wife a set at d**k's sporting goods. They are the store brand Acuity clubs with graphic shafts and they came with 2 hybrid clubs for I think $180.  The hybrids are also much easier to hit than the drivers or woods and they carry as far for a beginner.   I'm impressed with these Acuity clubs.  Not sure about the lasting quality but seem really good so far.

Answer 8

Having had a cheap set previously, my most important piece of advice would be to make sure the shafts are sturdy.  I had a cheap set with low quality graphite shafts and within 2 years of very infrequent use, they all had snapped off at the hozzle.  When I got serious about the game, I invested the money for a good set.

Also, you don't have to have a giant driver to hit long and straight - in fact, the larger head of a full 460cc may be easier to hit *somewhere* on the club face, but it is HARDER to square at impact than a smaller head.  I have a 10 year old Callaway Big Bertha with a face 1/3 the size of my 460cc driver - I use it on courses with tight fairways and gain a lot of control and only lose a few yards distance.