Any golfers here?

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Here lately a co-worker of mine has got me to playing golf every now and then after work. My problem is, my game is horrible (new to golf) right now, and I think a lot of it lies in the clubs. About 8 years ago, my uncle gave me a set of Dunlops that were who knows how old at the time. I've used a couple of my co-workers clubs (he's got a new set of Dunlop DDH's, nothing fancy) and I was hitting consistently further and straighter. I'm ready to buy a set, but since I only golf occasionally and am just starting, I'm not looking to spend a lot. I've been looking around for some sets, and it seems there's just too many out there to choose from. So, if we've got any golfers here, can you make recommendations on a good beginner set, preferably under $200? Should I look for a boxed set or try to piece together something? Thanks!

 

[PolkManiac]

You won't really be able to piece anything together for under $200. At anything below about $400 really you're much better off just buying a boxed set.

You may be able to snag good deals here and there on individual clubs, but really anything you can buy individually in a store is going to run you at least $60 a club, and often times more than that for something more decent that you'd be able to get in a set anyway.

Are the Dunlop you have now Cavity-back? Cavity-back clubs won't give you as much distance, but they're much easier to hit because they have a much bigger sweet spot due to the nature of the design.

What sporting goods stores do you have in your area?

If all you have is an Academy, then the Wilson Ultra club set should come in close to your price, and they're probably the nicest set of clubs they have in that price range, unless your store carries different stock than those around here.

If you have a D1ck's or a Golf Galaxy, then I'd recommend saving up an extra $100 and taking a look at the Maxfli Black Max set. My friend got a set of those and I've hit them a few times and they're quite nice for the money. I was in D1ck's a couple weeks ago picking up my new 52 degree wedge and I saw they were clearancing those out for $299 for last year's model, I don't think you'll be able to beat those at that price. The low irons are hybrids, which is nice because they're easier to hit.

Club fitting and all that is good to do eventually, but if you're just starting off your swing shape and speed are going to change as you get better, and IMO club fitting up front in your situation doesn't make much sense, not to mention that if you're even talking about club fitting you're looking at more expensive clubs.

Welcome to the wonderful world of golf, it's highly addictive if you enjoy it.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

Great info, thanks!

I don't have any of the big stores nearby, but I know of an Academy Sports that's not too far. There are a few local shops I know of, but never been in them. I'm not against ordering online, so if I find a good set at D1cks or somewhere I will order online if available. As far as club fitting, I agree, it's not needed now. I'm tempted to wait until the start of next season to buy, and just get by with mine for now, but I really think a good (or at least decent) set of clubs would help improve my game somewhat. I'm not sure if my clubs are cavity back or not, I don't think they are though. Thanks again for all the helpful info!

 

[MichaelM]

You will have trouble finding a decent set for under $200. A good putter would run you $200 new. I would recommend checking out craigslist. You can find some pretty good deals from rich people that buy a set use them once or twice and decide its not for them. Good luck! It is a very frustrating game :cheers:

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

I've seen a lot of boxed sets under $200, mainly ones made by Dunlop, Wilson, Top Flite, etc. The set my co-worker has is the Dunlop DDH, I believe it was $140 from Wal-Mart. Until I start playing more, I'm not spending more on a set. I don't want to end up with $500 sitting on a shelf not being used. I just know even a "cheap" set will be better than my current one that's 10+ years old. If this would be a waste of money, just say so and I'll make due, but to me it seems even one of the boxed sets under $200 would be considered an "upgrade". Thanks!

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

What do you guys think about a set of Taylormade Burners? I've found a set locally for $175, that according to the seller includes "everything from a 90 degree trouble wedge to a 3 iron, also a 5 wood, Driver, and bag". It's sat in his shop for two years, just needs a little cleaning and it's ready to hit the course. So, good deal?

 

[MichaelM]

What do you guys think about a set of Taylormade Burners? I've found a set locally for $175, that according to the seller includes "everything from a 90 degree trouble wedge to a 3 iron, also a 5 wood, Driver, and bag". It's sat in his shop for two years, just needs a little cleaning and it's ready to hit the course. So, good deal?

I would recommend that. You would be surprised how much better they are than a box set. Golf clubs are mainly personal preference though. If you hit them well who cares where they came from or how much they cost.

 

[Duhockey]

What do you guys think about a set of Taylormade Burners? I've found a set locally for $175, that according to the seller includes "everything from a 90 degree trouble wedge to a 3 iron, also a 5 wood, Driver, and bag". It's sat in his shop for two years, just needs a little cleaning and it's ready to hit the course. So, good deal?

sounds like a good set, I am a huge Taylormade fan, were they new 2 years ago though or are they older, cuz the burner line goes back quite a few years, did he buy them used from someone else that had them for 10 years?

also a good way to decide on whether a club is priced well

PGA.com Value Guide, the National Standard For Golf Club Values and Information

used it when I was buying clubs, helps a ton. edit: also remember to hit the resell button to see how much they are worth reselling, trade in value is much lower than resale value, just like cars.

 

[ARK_SWAMP_RIDER]

The clubs are about 5-6 years old according to him.