Page 1 of Golf advise please

I`ve been to the local driving range a few times recently and really enjoyed it. I fancy buying some clubs and having a proper go, just after some advice. Should I buy a `starter kit` thats got a full selection of clubs in (seen them for about 200 quid inc bag and so on), or should I buy fewer clubs but better quality ? How much difference will the quality of the clubs make to a beginner ?

I don`t really want to spend a mint at this stage, happy to upgrade later if I really get into it.

Any other advice ?

Cheers
Wad.

I would buy some decent second hand ones myself. Some of the cheaper `Donnay` etc. can be OK but not really that good. The woods tend to be quite poor too. But you do look nice with a nice shiny new set of clubs.
Get a decent set of irons (cavity back) and learn how to hit them before you move onto woods..

Ste

I would have a look at bid-up.tv either online ir via the tele - few deals there I think.

I`ll get me coat...

Also try and get some lessons in and go to the driving range as often as you can so that the advice that you`re given eventually becomes a natural part of your swing.
I feel that I`ve made a mistake in not having lessons and have therefore taken the long route.

It also helps to have lessons so that you don`t get derogatory remarks about your swing i.e. I`ve had my swing compared to a broken gate although having seen my swing on video I feel that "old stiff" is more appropriate.

Also, once you start playing on courses and posting scores it becomes easy to expect to beat your best score or come close to it each time. In reality you`ll probably find that some days you`ll struggle to hit any decent shots and post much higher scores than you expect. There`s probably no other game that tests your patience in the way that golf does.

Good luck and stick with it.

Hi Wad,

I`m a keen golfer & can recommened a couple of really good sites for you:

http://www.golfbidder.co.uk/ - Good place to get 2nd hand clubs, bought my latest set of Callaways from them.

http://www.direct-golf.co.uk/

http://www.onlinegolf.co.uk/ - Check package sets within the irons section.

Personally, I would buy a good starter set about £200 that will last you several years before moving onto a top brand such as Taylor Made or Callaway.

My next set will be the Taylor Made RAC OS or HT for about £350, they are very well received.

Cheers.

Mark

Thanks everyone. Got myself a few lessons booked as suggested (4 for 40 quid with the local courses pro, seems pretty cool). Still unsure as to what to do about the clubs, can`t keep borrowing them. Might have to be an impulse purchase.

Well if you fancy going to Thailand, Pattya to be precise, and booking some lessons there with Ian Ashenden, feel free. At your expense of course. ;-)

He`s my brother and has been playing for years, now he teaches. Just thought I would give him a mention, just in case anyone is jetting out that way. :-D


See if the pro knows anyone who might be selling of thier clubs. Although he might just want to get you in his shop to buy from him.

I would get a set of irons from American Golf Discount, if you can find one near you, they also do second hand ones.

They have hitting nets in the store so you can swing as much as you like and try different sets before you decide what feels most comfortable. And they also offer a free fitting service (if memory serves) so you can go back after a few weeks and have them adjust the lofts for you if you want.

Get a set of irons, including a SW and a W, and a putter. Forget about woods for as long as you can, even after playing for a year they`ll still screw you over when you most want them to behave. :)

And of course, don`t buy any clubs until you have had a few lessons under your belt, and ask your instructer`s advice on whether carbon fibre might suit you better than steel shafts.

In the end you want a set of clubs (and a type of ball) you feel comfortable with, and is most predictable (unless predictable means slicing it into the trees every shot!).

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When I took up the game about..ooh..6 years ago(not till the last 2 years I`ve been playing more regularly)I bought a cheap full set from JJB sports for under 200 quid.
Before I bought them I went into a more `up-market` shop and told the assistant about the set I was thinking about buying from JJB.
I didn`t really like his attitude and he said I would be lucky to get a season out of them and I should go for this set blah blah....
Anyway,those sub 200 hundred quid clubs are still going strong and it`s only now I`m thinking of changing as I like to think I`ve learned the basics first before buying all the best/expensive gear.
Now I`m looking forward to seeing what they can add to my game and hitting distance.
I don`t consider myself that much of a big-hitter but can sometimes get 260yard from my cheapo 3-wood,so looking forward to seeing a difference now I`ve learned the basics.
Soemone mentioned American Golf Discount and I`d recommend them also.
They do a good brochure with advice on choosing clubs and some handy tips.

Enjoy the game. :)