More Club Selection Questions

[cloleson]

I've been out of the game for 10+ years. My son has recently taken a big interest in the game, so I bought him a starter set and pulled the clubs out of the attic and away we went. I still have the same clubs I bought in college, ie cheap discount store junk.

I shot low 90's at my best. I've played three times in the last few weeks and am shooting in the mid 120's. I'm hitting my irons surprisingly well, even the long ones. My driving is horrible, and of course my work around the greens is bad.

Long story, but I want to upgrade my clubs. So I start doing my research and was very close to pulling the trigger on some clones from a web site. Then I started reading in this forum, and now I am really confused as to which direction to go.

So instead of starting flame wars, I would like to pose this question. If you had $500 to buy a driver, 3 & 5 woods, and irons 3-PW, what would you do.

Here's the options I've been looking at:
1. I have looked locally, and could buy a complete set of Adams with GT-500 irons, RPM low profile woods, and RPM 460 driver in this price range. 2. There is also a Wilson set with irons, woods, and drivers for about the same cost. I think they are Pi-5's.
3. I could go used from a site like this one, or ebay, etc.
4. Get a set of clones built from a site like giga.

So what would you do with a $500 budget?

[bryank]

Personally, I'd be looking at a set of name brand irons about 2-4 years old....Taylormades, Callaways, Pings, etc. With help from the pros on here, you can probably find a set that will at least hold its value...where as clones are worth squat once you hit them as far as re-sale.

There are also a couple great builders on here that may have some goodies stashed for a guy returning to the game

Also, you may think about just snagging a 5 wood thats between 1-3 years old and get nice and consistent with it. Should be fine to get you 200-250 out and in much less trouble than a driver. Then, once your swing is grooved again, and your back to the low 90's, upper 80's start thinking about 3 wood or Driver.

Just my quick thoughts, others will chime in I'm sure.

Anyhow, welcome back to the game.
Peace, Bryan

[Johnny Par]

Wilson Di-5's can be had for less than $200 brand new. Great irons for the price.

As for Driver, can't go wrong with a TM R5 which you can get used from Global Golf (see banner above) for less than $100.

Not sure if I would get a 5 wood though, just my opinion, I usually just go with my hybrid for that.

[Dannykos]

Yeah - i'd start out with just a 3 wood - 3 iron hybrid - then go 5-SW irons.

I think ebay, or some part-ex's at a local golf shop would do the trick, but definitely go for an established name, but 2-3 years old.

i.e.
Taylormade 300 series 3 wood = $60 max??
Cleveland Halo 3 iron hybrid = $75 max??
Mizuno MX20 irons 5-SW = $175 max??

There's loads of ways of doing it really... but don't forget to get fit for loft/lie/length etc. Best to start out on the right foot.

good luck!

[zaphod]

Another vote used. What Danny said to start. Step away from the driver. 3w hybrid 5-sw. Good GI irons. And some range time to get that 90s swing back. Also play with a modern ball Topfite D2 feel distance or straight is a good start and good value.

[Stanters]

I too would drop the driver and the 5 wood. A 4 wood is easy to hit and covers a lot of options. A 23* hybrid and 5-PW and a SW would be my choice

Some examples from our sponsor - no need to go to $500, this lot is just $265!!!! (I envy you US guys)

Cleveland 4 wood $40
Cleveland Launcher Fairway Wood 3+ Wood 13 Degree Used Golf Club at GlobalGolf.com

Taylor Made 22 deg Hybrid $70
Taylor Made RESCUE MID Hybrid/Utility 3 19 Degree Used Golf Club at GlobalGolf.com EDit: Use the drop down menu to see the 4 hybrid - that is the one I mean.

Tommy Armour 845 OS Irons $105
Tommy Armour 845s OVERSIZE Iron Set 3-PW Used Golf Club at GlobalGolf.com

Sand Wedge - Cleveland CG10 $50
Cleveland CG10 Black Pearl Wedge Sand Wedge 56 Degree Used Golf Club at GlobalGolf.com

Putter - try a few if you need to - do you already have one you like?

I would say that the wood, hybrid and wedge are solid choices but you could go for Mizuno MX17 Irons or similar if the $500 is well within your budgetary limits.

[cloleson]

Thanks for all the replys so far.

I have never picked up a hybrid. One of the guys I played with over the weekend tried to get me to hit his. I guess I should have.

He also tried to get me to hit his 460 cc driver. I was afraid if I tried some of those newer clubs, I wouldn't be able to contain myself, and would make a knee-jerk purchase.

At any rate, I'm going to try some different clubs this weekend. I sure appreciate all of the good advice.

[robereno]

First of all Stanters thanks for the Global Golf recommendations! Cloleson if you decide to go with any of Stanters suggestions then send me a PM and I will work out a shottalk discount for you on the clubs you choose! and Welcome to the forum!

[Bubble Head]

I like the Adams plan. Good basic stuff that works without the mark up for paying Tiger or VJ to play it.

[Eracer]

+1 on Stanters ideas (and everyone else's)

I can only second the notion of a driverless bag.

The 845 OS is a superb low-cost iron.

Adams FW woods are great for players looking for max forgiveness.

I have replaced my 3, 4, and 5-irons with hybrids. I'll never look back.

[SplooGe]

If you do go through Global make sure to use the proshop link at the top of the page so sling gets credit for it.

[indacup]

Where the hell is Lyle in this discussion?...LOL...do I need to go it alone?

Oh well, here we go from a clubmakers point of view....

I strongly recommend you get fitted for clubs made to your static and dynamic needs...Sure, I'd love to do it and make a sale...but what you REALLY need is someone locally to look at you, and design a set to fit your swing.

Too many people buy clubs and try to adjust their swing to fit the clubs.

Since you've played before and have a budget....I would look at irons like Infiniti or KZG PCIII that are very low cost, tremendous feel and fitted to you, they would run circles around top name brands off the rack.

The Infiniti XS Hybrids are about as good as you'll find (with honorable mention going to Wishon)....the best 3 wood on the market....OEM or component is the Geek.

Bar none.

I also see no reason not to take advantage of the items offered at Global...and get them adjusted by a clubfitter to fit your swing.

I'll tell ya, those Tommy Armors are about the best deal you'll ever find...but if youneed to swap out shafts to fit your swing, it may not be.

Finally, in my opinion the best VALUE in OEM/off the rack offerings are from Nicklaus Golf.

Their stuff is great.

Quality wise, very consistent....but for some reason, very much overlooked in the industry...probably because their prices are so low, people don't take them seriously.

We've seen zillions of clubs from zillions of companies...and I can tell you that when we break down OEM products and see how they're made...adhearance to declared specs....as well as the little things that define attention to detail, I would take Nicklaus over Titleist or Callaway any day.

What ever you do...make sure you get something made to you....if you have any questions when dealing with a store or local club fitter, feel free to contact me to make sure you are taken care of from those you're buying from.

No charge for questions! (even when buying elsewhere).