Buying Golf Clubs - Advice, Please!

[Fuyuzora]

Looking to purchase my first all-mine set of golf clubs and hoping TM3 can help me choose or offer some advice so I can select which suits me best.

Background: I am a novice golfer who has very little experience under my belt, largely because I've been borrowing my dad's clubs when I've had the chance to play, often in social events such as company tournaments or whatnot. That said, some members of my family are avid golfers while others are starting to get into it as well. As I've enjoyed golfing previously and would like to start to seriously get into it, I'm looking at picking up my own set of clubs.

Before anyone suggests talking to family members - worry not, I have done so already. Just looking to get some neutral 3rd party thoughts!

After looking at many complete sets (mostly disappointing) and iron sets (often too expensive or not impressed by them), the two big contenders I have so far are:

#1 - Adams a7OS Complete Set
http://www.adamsgolf.com/products/sets/a7os_set.php

Liked the graphite shafts on the driver and hybrids, liked the feel of the grips and overall balance of most of the clubs. Liked the fact it's a complete set and is quite affordable ($750 I think?). Also liked the fact the Adams clubs seem to target high-handicappers and the game-improvement market. Wasn't totally thrilled with the driver, and wasn't a fan of the steel-shafted irons though. Also didn't like the bag much (lol).

Seems good 'value' for a novice, though.

#2 - Callaway X-22 Irons
http://www.callawaygolfpreowned.com/x-22-irons/irons-x-22,default,pd.html

Looking at the set with hybrid 3, 4; and irons 5-PW, all with graphite shafts. Loved the feel of these as soon as I picked one up. Can get a nice driver, putter, and bag to suit my tastes so I shouldn't have any issues there. Downside is the irons themselves are $600 or so I think, so the all-in price would probably be 25-50% more than if I went the Adams route.

I would imagine this would last longer and serve me better, but the initial outlay is considerably higher, particularly for a novice.

* * * * *

Anyone care to weigh in? :)

[Fuyuzora]

Forgot to mention - I don't want to pick up a used set. Maybe snobbish, maybe wasting money, but I don't really want to go this route.

Also, strangely enough, I just found this post (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?54642-Recommendation-for-beginner-golf-clubs&p=788348&viewfull=1#post788348) by Gian talking about these two exact options. I swear I hadn't seen it previously! :P

Other details which I neglected to mention - right-handed, average height (5'10").

[London3]

Being an experienced golfer I would recommend the callaways, and also possibly look into steel shafts if you are looking for something to last you, as you become a better golfer the flex in the graphite will begin to hinder your abilities.

[aZuMi]

Forgot to mention - I don't want to pick up a used set. Maybe snobbish, maybe wasting money, but I don't really want to go this route.

Also, strangely enough, I just found this post (http://www.torontomazda3.ca/forum/showthread.php?54642-Recommendation-for-beginner-golf-clubs&p=788348&viewfull=1#post788348) by Gian talking about these two exact options. I swear I hadn't seen it previously! :P

Other details which I neglected to mention - right-handed, average height (5'10").

Lol, sure sure :) (j/k)

The two choices you have are both very good sets, but I prefer the Callaway X-22's over Adams a70S any day. Adams is definitely a great value with everything you need. But if you're looking to improve over time, it's best to get a nice set of irons. I think it's still better to have different types of clubs to match your game, X-22's with a nice insert your own choices(White Hot putter, Taylormade R11 stiff driver, R11 3/5 wood and hybrids.


Being an experienced golfer I would recommend the callaways, and also possibly look into steel shafts if you are looking for something to last you, as you become a better golfer the flex in the graphite will begin to hinder your abilities.

+1 Unless you can't produce a fast enough swing speed, steel shaft is usually always better than graphite.

[cwp_sedan]

Lol, sure sure :) (j/k)

The two choices you have are both very good sets, but I prefer the Callaway X-22's over Adams a70S any day. Adams is definitely a great value with everything you need. But if you're looking to improve over time, it's best to get a nice set of irons. I think it's still better to have different types of clubs to match your game, X-22's with a nice insert your own choices(White Hot putter, Taylormade R11 stiff driver, R11 3/5 wood and hybrids.

+1 Unless you can't produce a fast enough swing speed, steel shaft is usually always better than graphite.

Good advice in general.

Steel is always more forgiving. I myself still have steel shafts for my irons but I do like the graphite shafts also even though I consider my swing pretty fast. It's really a personal choice.

[aZuMi]

Good advice in general.

Steel is always more forgiving. I myself still have steel shafts for my irons but I do like the graphite shafts also even though I consider my swing pretty fast. It's really a personal choice.

Btw, Ryan...I tried Taylormade Burner 2.0....that thing is a beast. My shot is 10-12 yards longer than normal...

[cwp_sedan]

Btw, Ryan...I tried Taylormade Burner 2.0....that thing is a beast. My shot is 10-12 yards longer than normal...

Maybe I should upgrade? :chuckle

[aZuMi]

:thumbsup:thumbsup $600 is a sick deal! I was sooo tempted to pick one up, but I'm still searching...

http://www.golftown.com/TaylorMade-Burner-20-Irons-Steel-P1484.aspx

Fuyuzora, I suggest you try this one too :)

[cwp_sedan]

:thumbsup:thumbsup $600 is a sick deal! I was sooo tempted to pick one up, but I'm still searching...

http://www.golftown.com/TaylorMade-Burner-20-Irons-Steel-P1484.aspx

Fuyuzora, I suggest you try this one too :)

I have a "test" 6 iron of the 2.0 and it works very well. That price is great for the clubs but a little high for more of a starter/early set.

[aZuMi]

I have a "test" 6 iron of the 2.0 and it works very well. That price is great for the clubs but a little high for more of a starter/early set.

True, Ryan - it's time for an upgrade. This would definitely fit your game.

[London3]

honestly some good advice is just go into golf town and start trying out clubs in the simulator. It will tell you your swing speed and therefore if you should be using graphite or steel, stiff or regular shafts. And I find they are flexible on their prices if you some in with a smile and whatnot. Just got myself some new Callaway Diablo 2 woods and driver at the beginning of the summer, and for the price I couldn't be happier.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

As a beginner, just get a cheaper set of clubs that you feel comfortable with. Then, invest your money into practice and taking some golf swing fundamentals classes and lessons. Once you can swing with some consistency and approach, then look at upgrading your equipment. Mainly, because despite what the marketing BS tries to tell you, if you can't swing properly or consistently, there isn't a club or ball out there that is going to significantly help you. Work on the fundamentals first. If you have those, you can swing and hit well with almost any club.

[PearlM3]

My suggestion would be taylormade burners. I bought a set this summer and man are they great. Very forgiving clubs!

[bluntman]

time to get some forged blades!

[Fuyuzora]

Thanks for the replies so far, everyone. Lots of good information for me to keep in mind when I go poke around some more! :thumbsup


As a beginner, just get a cheaper set of clubs that you feel comfortable with. Then, invest your money into practice and taking some golf swing fundamentals classes and lessons. Once you can swing with some consistency and approach, then look at upgrading your equipment. Mainly, because despite what the marketing BS tries to tell you, if you can't swing properly or consistently, there isn't a club or ball out there that is going to significantly help you. Work on the fundamentals first. If you have those, you can swing and hit well with almost any club.

Emphasis my own; explanation below.

This is pretty much the exact mindset I started my search with. The thing is, once I started picking up and actually trying out the cheaper clubs, I found many of them unwieldy, uncomfortable or just plain cheap. I tried a few Wilsons, Nicklaus and a few house house brands but none felt nice when actually in my hands. I'm green enough to golf mumbo-jumbo that most of my observations so far have come from wandering around and picking up/trying out clubs rather than hunting brand names. :)

The X22s I developed an interest in simply because I picked one up out of idle interest and immediately went "wow!" as soon as it was in my hand and I started to swing it a bit. The "Callaway" logo on the side was just a nice bonus.

As for the Adams- as mentioned, I overall liked the feel of them when I was playing with them in the store... Part of the reason I didn't pick them up was because I knew nothing of the Adams brand (lol) and it wasn't until after I got home and read some forums that I was happy to discover it was a reputable manufacturer and that my intuition wasn't leading me astray.


My suggestion would be taylormade burners. I bought a set this summer and man are they great. Very forgiving clubs!

I remember seeing the TaylorMade Burners in store, but can't recall what they felt like. I think I saw a set near the Adams, but got distracted when I tried out the latter and forgot to go back to them. I'll be sure to give them a shot to see how I like it.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Understood. Like I said, find something at least reasonably priced that is comfortable for you. Then go from there. Adams is a solid brand.

[Slade]

time to get some forged blades!

I have a set of Wilson Blades, if you want to learn how to golf blades will make you learn in a hurry, a lot of people don't like them but so far so good for me (I've been golfing for 16 years and I'm only 26, cousin and uncle are both club champs....)

Good luck on deciding what irons to go with!

[aZuMi]

time to get some forged blades!


I have a set of Wilson Blades, if you want to learn how to golf blades will make you learn in a hurry, a lot of people don't like them but so far so good for me (I've been golfing for 16 years and I'm only 26, cousin and uncle are both club champs....)

Good luck on deciding what irons to go with!

Sorry Arthur, I agree with Slade. I tried out a few forged blades and I can definitely tell it's not for someone starting out. lol.

[Donshaw]

Being a golf professional I cant help but put my two cents in :chuckle

Ill start with a couple things that I have read in the responses that Im not sure come across right (no offense meant to the poster of the comments)

Graphite shafts are perfect for novice to intermediate golfers ... because you golf swing is not consistant and your kick point would differ every swing getting a shaft with the proper kick point for your swing is Ideal.This will allow you to have a consistent ball flight and consistent contact! Graphite shafts are looked at like there are only for senior, ladies and junior golfers however I believe anyone could benefit from graphite shafts IF THEY ARE FITTED PROPERLY!

Secondly yes blades will make you learn how to hit it in the centre not even the best players in the world use blades. Take K.J. Choi for example he uses hybrids from 5-3 iron and the rest of his set from 6-9 are full cavity back. Why make the hardest game in the world harder than it has to be? The benefits of blades don't even come close to the negatives for anyone.

For the clubs you have posted, I personally would stay away from callaway we had them in our pro shop last year and very bad experiences with their customer service department when members had issues with their clubs. The best thing that callaway offers is the Project X shaft however you can now get these in any clubs.

Adams on the other hand is the best up and coming company in golf hands down . Only had a few encounters with the company but everything I have found is awesome.

Outside the box of what you put up. If you are wiling to take the time and get clubs fitted I highly recommend PING. With any purchase of their clubs you can go to their headquarters in oakville and have them personally fit yourself a set of clubs. Their clubs are top notch and they offer a very wide selection of clubs and shafts for players of your ability.

Also lessons can make any player with any clubs better however nothing better than seeing a student come to a lesson with a proper set of clubs that suit that player.

Again no offense meant just my experiences and two cents

[Jackal]

Great information. Didn't know Ping HQ was in Oakville and that one can get them fitted there. I am also a proponent of cavity back irons. So much easier to hit than blades.

[Default User]

I think I've spent more money in golf balls, than I have in the set of clubs you guys are talking about.

My 2 cents - just have fun playing the game. You're not in it to win the tour - so why spend the extra hundreds of dollars to gain 10 yards on your drive? Spend that money on the beer cart.