New to golf.....need some advice

[sp3GT]

After going golfing a few times with my buddies, I've decided to look into getting my own set of clubs, take lessons and learn the game. The only problem is I know nothing about the differences in brands and what I really need as a beginner.

I'm looking to spend $500 - 700 on a set of irons, preferably ones with 3H & 4H so I don't have to buy drivers yet?
That's what my friends are suggesting?

Should I go to golftown?

How is a set like this for starters http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Callaway-X-20-Combo-Irons-Graphite-P11832C23.aspx

Thanks guys

[bluntman]

With any iron set you will also need a driver, a putter, a couple of wedges and probably a fairway wood (you might be able to get by with the set's 3H or 4H in lieu of the fairway wood). It looks like a good set, especially seeing that it used to sell for 2x the price it is currently being offered at.

If you don't want to spend too much money or want a complete set for about the same price, try your local Costco and look for their Top Flite set which includes all clubs (driver all the way to the putter) and includes a bag.

Of course GT also has this set that is within your price range and all that you will need is a putter: http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Wilson-Deep-Red-10pc-Package-Set-P14202C26.aspx

[PCLoadLetter]

Can't go wrong with that Wilson set being a beginner.

Anyone down for a TM3 golf meet?! :chuckle

[sp3GT]

In terms of brands, is there one better then the other? Everyone's telling me to get Callaway

[KenYork]

+1 on the Wilson set.

Callaway X's and Big Birtha's are very forgiving clubs so they're always recommended.

The Callaway X-20's you linked to will last you almost a lifetime unless the want to get something new, fairly forgiving club. With the Callaway set(3-pw) you'll also need to get a putter and a bag to start. Later a driver and a wedge or two (54 and/or 58).
Start you game with cheap balls(about $1 a ball) till you get better. Most I've lost in a round is over 20. I've played two years and only once I havn't lost a ball.

I always recommend using iron shafted irons compared to graphite but it's a personal preference.

I'm down for a TM3 golf meet.

[S.F.W.]

Costco has what seems like a decent Top Flite set for $300. For a beginer seems like a good value:
http://www.costco.ca/Browse/ProductSet.aspx?Prodid=10335603&search=golf%20club&Mo=11&cm_re=1_en-_-Top_Left_Nav-_-Top_search&lang=en-CA&Nr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Sp=S&N=0&whse=BCCA&Dx=mode+matchallpartial&Ntk=Text_Search&Dr=P_CatalogName:BCCA&Ne=4000000&D=golf%20club&Ntt=golf%20club&No=9&Ntx=mode+matchallpartial&Nty=1&topnav=&s=1

[Donutz]

Go to Golftown grab a sales guy and tell him you want to try all of the 7 irons from sets in your price range. Go into the simulator and hit balls until you find the club you like and hit best with. I was set on a brand when I bought mine (can remember the brand now), but after hitting balls for an hour I was extremely surprised that I came out with a completely different brand. Also, do your research about clubs. For example with irons blades are nice looking but are generally more difficult to use compared to cavity backs. At the end of the day you will want the clubs that help you hit the ball best (and easiest); after all golf is supposed to be relaxing.

I forgot to mention that you might want to consider getting a 3w; compared to a 2i the 3w is far easier to hit consistently with. I have trouble with my long irons, but I can hit with woods. This is also something worth testing out at Golftown.

[sp3GT]

+1 on the Wilson set.

Callaway X's and Big Birtha's are very forgiving clubs so they're always recommended.

The Callaway X-20's you linked to will last you almost a lifetime unless the want to get something new, fairly forgiving club. With the Callaway set(3-pw) you'll also need to get a putter and a bag to start. Later a driver and a wedge or two (54 and/or 58).
Start you game with cheap balls(about $1 a ball) till you get better. Most I've lost in a round is over 20. I've played two years and only once I havn't lost a ball.

I always recommend using iron shafted irons compared to graphite but it's a personal preference.

I'm down for a TM3 golf meet.

How does that Wilson set compare to the Callaway X-20s?
Right now I'm kind of set on the X-20s cause I've golfed with them a few times and I can hit fairly easily with the 3 and 5wood. The only difference would be the set I've used is a few seasons older and it doesn't have the hybrids like the set I've linked to.

Looking at the price the Wilson's seem to be a better deal cause it's a full set.

[PearlM3]

My experience with callaway is that they are not the most forgiving. When u hit the ball right you can't ask for a Better club but if u have quirks in your swing you may have probs. It all comes down to personal preference. Make sure to try out the clubs at golf town before buying and if you like them get them.

[froggy]

I haven't golfed much in a while, but we have/had a golf team where I work and his best advice when it comes to clubs is twofold. First make sure the clubs "lie" is right for you. At golf town they will cut the lie for you in shop so that they fit perfectly. and Secondly go into the simulator and let them measure your swing speed. This will tell them (don't laugh) how stiff your shaft should be for you to have a proper swing

[Donutz]

^^ You said stiff shaft! ha ha!... Carry on...

[whodilly]

The set you've linked is for graphite shafts, the steel set is cheaper which if you have a faster swing speed, will suit you better. Not a bad set, beginner to intermediate level.
http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Callaway-X-20-Combo-Irons-Steel-P8666C394.aspx
Taylor made burner hybrid set (beginner to intermediate set)
http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/TaylorMade-Burner-Plus-Combo-Irons-Graphite-Steel-P9394C394.aspx
Callaway x-tour (more advanced less forgiving but will feel much better)
http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Callaway-X-20-Tour-Irons-P4282C394.aspx
Callaway big bertha (beginner, super forgiving)
http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Callaway-Big-Bertha-2008-Irons-Steel-P6772C394.aspx

I suggest you go try them out, see how they look when you address the club. Some have larger heads than others and depending on your preference, you may like one over the other just by that. Used to work at golf town and that is usually the best advice for a beginner. If you feel like you can hit the ball with it, then go with that one.
If you're just a recreational golfer and don't plan to practice too much then I would go with the big bertha. If you're planning on playing semi-regularly then go with either the x-20's or taylor mades. If you plan on playing alot then get the x-tours. Yes they will be difficult to hit initially but with practice they will be awesome.

[bluntman]

How does that Wilson set compare to the Callaway X-20s?
Right now I'm kind of set on the X-20s cause I've golfed with them a few times and I can hit fairly easily with the 3 and 5wood. The only difference would be the set I've used is a few seasons older and it doesn't have the hybrids like the set I've linked to.

Looking at the price the Wilson's seem to be a better deal cause it's a full set.

Don't spend too much money right away. If you really start enjoying the game and improving your swing, trade up and buy a better set. As you improve the only thing that you may keep from you first set may be the putter! Don't just look at the specifications of the clubs or by other people's recommendations, go to the store, check them out, give them a swing and notice the subtle differences between the sets.

Just remember, your clubs won't be your only purchase, you'll also need balls, a glove and shoes (most courses require you to wear proper golf shoes).

[MistaChin]

Totally down for a TM3 Golf Meet!!!!

Wow kelvin $500-$700 for an iron set as a beginner? Pretty big spender. When I started some years ago I picked up a full set of Founders Club (irons, putter, and driver) from Golf Town for $315 after taxes (clearance sale). I didn't like the driver so I spent $400 on a new nike sumo driver. The Sumo's are very forgiving and has an awesome feel to it. You also can't go wrong with a Callaway Big Bertha.

[bluntman]

Sign me up for a golf meet too!

[sp3GT]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I 'm going to the driving range a few more times before I head to golftown. It's cause I still miss the ball time to time, I don't want to look like an idiot at the simulator lol.

The reason why my price range is like that is cause I'm looking to buy 1 set that will last me a long long time. But I'll look into the links you guys posted before i really commit.

[KVS17]

+1 for the golf meet! i have been trying to go to the range for the past few weeks, and it keeps raining! lol (during the week)

[Impressive]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I 'm going to the driving range a few more times before I head to golftown. It's cause I still miss the ball time to time, I don't want to look like an idiot at the simulator lol.

The reason why my price range is like that is cause I'm looking to buy 1 set that will last me a long long time. But I'll look into the links you guys posted before i really commit.

Kelvin, don't go to Golftown or Nevada Bobs...their products are RIDICULOUSLY priced. This might sound like a blatent advertisement but come visit Sport Chek for a set of clubs before you end up dropping hundreds, maybe thousands at Golftown.

[Unoriginalusername]

Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I 'm going to the driving range a few more times before I head to golftown. It's cause I still miss the ball time to time, I don't want to look like an idiot at the simulator lol.

The reason why my price range is like that is cause I'm looking to buy 1 set that will last me a long long time. But I'll look into the links you guys posted before i really commit.

I agree with buying something once, you spend less that way. I bought a set of Callaway Replica Irons and woods for $499 vs. the real deal at 1500 at the time which I am now selling and hoping to get a set of Titleist AP1's (799 golftown).

I would deffinetly recommend a cavity backed club like the AP1, Burners, Nikes, Callaway's etc. vs. a blade. I have lots of buddies that play 80+ rounds a year and still struggle to find consitancy with bladed irons so unless you intent to go pro stay away.

Don't worry about a graphite shaft for your irons either, a steel shaft, great grip and more forgiving club face found on a cavity backed club will give you all you need to build a good foundation for your golf game (along with either a book/dvd or actual lessons)

[bluntman]

Once you go blade you'll never go back! :D

[PCLoadLetter]

Wow I didn't know how many people actually golfed here. Looks like we need at least 2 foursomes.

Anyone wanna make this happen? Somewhere decent and reasonably priced. No later than 9 A.M. start time!

[MistaChin]

Looks like we need at least 2 foursomes.

No homo! hahaha

[PCLoadLetter]

No homo! hahaha
I knew that was cumming.

But seriously, TM3 golf meet!

[KenYork]

Check out the Nickent clubs, they've gone out of business and can be purchased at a reasonable price. I'm loving my 3DX 3&7 fairway utility wood(under $40each after tax), I'm still looking for a 5 but they sure fill in the gap after my 5iron.

[strakz]

It's a very simple decision. The two top ranked iron sets at the moment seem to be the rTaylormade Burner (http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/TaylorMade-Burner-2009-Irons-Steel-P10808C23.aspx) and the Titleist AP1's. (http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Titleist-AP1-Irons-Steel-P12465C23.aspx) I've hit both, along with X-22's and they just didn't give me the same feeling. These should be your top decisions though.

[bluntman]

I knew that was cumming.

But seriously, TM3 golf meet!

And not too far away either...preferably on the weekend.

[aZuMi]

You might want to check out ebay also. There's some pretty reputable dealers there that sell brand new clubs. I got my Mizuno MP600 driver there and it's legit for only $100.

This is an example of Callaway X-22's
You can get it from ebay for $292 USD + 15.99 UPS Ground + ~$40 duties = ~$348 --> sub $400 CAD for iron set
http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-RH-SET-CALLAWAY-X22-X-22-IRONS-4-PW-UNIFLEX-STEEL-/400126163508?cmd=ViewItem&pt=Golf_Clubs&hash=item5d2960ba34

As compared to golftown which sells for $848.00 x 1.13 = $958.24
http://www.golftown.com/gtcommerce/stores/1/Callaway-X-22-Irons-Graphite-P9530C23.aspx


Thanks for all the suggestions guys, I 'm going to the driving range a few more times before I head to golftown. It's cause I still miss the ball time to time, I don't want to look like an idiot at the simulator lol.

The reason why my price range is like that is cause I'm looking to buy 1 set that will last me a long long time. But I'll look into the links you guys posted before i really commit.

[S.F.W.]

You might want to check out ebay also. There's some pretty reputable dealers there that sell brand new clubs. I got my Mizuno MP600 driver there and it's legit for only $100.

This is an example of Callaway X-22's
You can get it from ebay for $292 USD + 15.99 UPS Ground + ~$40 duties = ~$348 --> sub $400 CAD for iron set


$40 duties, and UPS no chance. It would actually be $40 handling, $40 processing, duties, + 13% tax. However, the $39.99 USPS shipping option would be a good way to go.

[aZuMi]

Yea, USPS is the way to go for shipping. But regardless, it's much less than $950 for the same set!


$40 duties, and UPS no chance. It would actually be $40 handling, $40 processing, duties, + 13% tax. However, the $39.99 USPS shipping option would be a good way to go.

[sp3GT]

^ How trustable is it to buy Golf clubs on ebay? And wouldn't there be a certain length that I'm looking for to fit my height?

[froggy]

That and also there are a lot and I mean a lot of counterfeight golf clubs on e bay you end up speding big bucks on what you think is a callaway but it ends up being some piece of crap knock off I'd stay clear away from ebay for anything golf related

[bluntman]

I've only bought one club through eBay, it was a Taylormade R7 Superquad from a retailer that was located in Montreal. I was hesitant when buying it, but their feedback was excellent and so was the price. The club was great and everything appeared legitimate, however, there have been reports of certain brands of clubs being reproduced and being sold as legitimate so do your research thoroughly. Clubs are standard length and lie, if you need a taller or shortened shaft just take it to a pro shop or GT to have it fitted.

[aZuMi]

^ How trustable is it to buy Golf clubs on ebay? And wouldn't there be a certain length that I'm looking for to fit my height?

The driver I got was legit and my dad purchased Mizuno irons from there also. He tried it at Golftown, then bought it in Ebay - got the exact same clubs - saved a few hundred dollars. In an old transaction I had though, I received a knock off 3 wood. I simply returned it back to the seller without any issues.

If you plan on buying in ebay, make sure you do your due diligence. You can use those savings to customize the clubs to your height also.

Caveat emptor


^ How trustable is it to buy Golf clubs on ebay? And wouldn't there be a certain length that I'm looking for to fit my height?