purchasing new golf clubs

[Marcojb]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

[JMintzer]

My only advice is to get a proper club fitting, based on your swing speed, height, stance, etc...

Most of the larger shops (Edwin Watts, for example) will do a fitting...

[retiredguy123]

I don't think driving to Orlando would do any good. Golf clubs seem to have a relatively fixed price. You can buy them at stores in and around The Villages. Or, if you know what you want, you can probably buy them on Amazon. But, spending a lot of money on clubs will not make you a good golfer.

[retiredguy123]

My only advice is to get a proper club fitting, based on your swing speed, height, stance, etc...

Most of the larger shops (Edwin Watts, for example) will do a fitting...
It's nice to get the clubs fitted, but it will also not make you a good golfer. I don't play much anymore, but, when I have been asked to play, I dusted off my $75 set of Walmart clubs and was able to beat players who play every day with very expensive clubs.

[Laker14]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

A bit of information would be helpful.
Are you a beginner?
Golf clubs come in an almost limitless variety of skill level and price points. Sharing those with us would be useful.

[JMintzer]

It's nice to get the clubs fitted, but it will also not make you a good golfer. I don't play much anymore, but, when I have been asked to play, I dusted off my $75 set of Walmart clubs and was able to beat players who play every day with very expensive clubs.

There is certainly some truth to what you said...

When asked my handicap, I typically respond, "My swing"...

But... Not to take advantage of the new technology in clubs which make them easier to hit is just silly...

Steel shaft irons give me tendonitis in my left forearm. Graphite shafts fix that...

[NoMo50]

Golf Central in Brownwood is a good place to go. Their prices are competitive, and their service is outstanding. They will give you a free fitting, and put you on their swing analyzer to custom tailor the fitting. Friendly folks with a true customer service attitude.

[JMintzer]

Golf Central in Brownwood is a good place to go. Their prices are competitive, and their service is outstanding. They will give you a free fitting, and put you on their swing analyzer to custom tailor the fitting. Friendly folks with a true customer service attitude.

Good call. I forgot about them... I finally stopped in this Summer and was impressed by the staff...

[jedalton]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks
club champion will be opening at Colony Plaza very soon.

[mskaggs]

I got a fantastic set at Play It Again Sports in Leesburg. A full, nearly-new women’s set of Adams clubs with all new grips for $300.

[DrBrutyle109]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks
Don’t go to Sarasota Golf Shop. They’ll sell you the clubs and forget your name when you walk out the door

[l2ridehd]

None of the local places do a very good job doing a fitting. Golf Digest had an article about the ten best fitting places in the country. Moon Golf in Melbourne was one of them. I made the under 2 hour drive and it was worth the trip. Make an appointment. And you also save about 20% on the price. I found the local places wanted to sell you what they sold or had in stock. Moon had every club head, every shaft and could mix and match any combination. I ended up with Taylor Made club heads, a shaft flex between regular and senior and a kick point and lie slightly off from standard and a slightly oversized grip. Had to order them and go back 2 weeks later to get them. They charge you for the fitting which was excellent but give you that back against the club purchase.

[thevillages2013]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks
Just so you are aware The Villages golf shops sell clubs. The Sarasota Driving range location has several Pros that will do a fitting for you and you can order the clubs right there. They have demo sets that you can test at the range. If you are just going to wing it and buy clubs make sure the shafts are suited to your swing speed

[Joanne19335]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

My ONLY recommendation is to be custom fitted at the Sarasota Center. They analyze everything from your height, swing speed, swing plane and years of experience. You will not regret it. Edwin Watts is best for auxiliary clubs like lob wedges. They also do a great job putting on new grips. I would also use EW for balls, shoes, bags and other accessories.

[SHIBUMI]

I would recommend taking a golf lesson first. Have them solidify your golf swing so a fitting will be helpful. If anything in your swing changes, so does the fitting. Then what you buy will last longer..........you don't buy a car before you learn to drive, same with golf, if you just don't care, then just buy anything.......lesson first, fitting 2nd........better spent money.....

[Susan1234]

Sarasota has always been friendly and treat me great..

[Papa_lecki]

If you are an experienced golfer, and know what you want - go to Sarasota when the manufacturer reps are there. You get an hour with one of the reps who does club fittings for a living. They do a great job.

The other option is a fitting with the staff at Sarasota, where you can hit clubs from different manufacturers.

[Flyers999]

Get the senior flex, the ball goes farther. I bought Adam's clubs which are alright but the six iron is the lowest iron in the set. I never did learn to use the hybrids. My next set will be 2-SW.
The Arnold Palmer shop has a wide range and knowledgable staff.

[Joeint]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

I was fit at the golf festival it was ok at best. If I got a do-over I would go to true spec golf in Orlando. They are true fitters and carry every brand of clubhead and shaft.

[Ken D.]

Golf Central in Brownwood is a good place to go. Their prices are competitive, and their service is outstanding. They will give you a free fitting, and put you on their swing analyzer to custom tailor the fitting. Friendly folks with a true customer service attitude.
I agree with Central Golf in Brownwood for the reasons mentioned

[rlcooper70]

Have you considered simply going online and purchasing a set of slightly used Taylor Made clubs? Can't go wrong.

[nick demis]

Take a few lessons to find a pro that you feel good about and work with him to get a good set for you.

[pgettinger01]

I just bought a used set of golf clubs including bag for $100.00. A new set starts at $300+

[golfing eagles]

I just bought a used set of golf clubs including bag for $100.00. A new set starts at $300+

Set of WHAT???. Kiddie clubs????

Just regular Taylor made or Callaway"s, not PXG or custom made Hogan"s are a bout as follows (I'll use my Taylor Made's as an example, 2 years ago):

Driver Sim Max: $550
3 wood Sim Max $325
Hybrid $275

All 3 with upgraded shafts that were $250 additional each, pro shafts can go for over $1000 each.

Taylor P790 4-PW $1400
3 wedges Taylor $ 450
putter $300

Total $4050------kind of the + in the $300+:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Go into very high end clubs and you are looking at $10,000+

[DaleDivine]

Don’t go to Sarasota Golf Shop. They’ll sell you the clubs and forget your name when you walk out the door

Yesss. Friend of mine went there to get clubs. They showed him a set of Adams. Said these should do fine. NO FITTING. He didn't know much about golf equipment so they kind of stuck it to him. Grrrrrr...
:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

[golfing eagles]

My ONLY recommendation is to be custom fitted at the Sarasota Center. They analyze everything from your height, swing speed, swing plane and years of experience. You will not regret it. Edwin Watts is best for auxiliary clubs like lob wedges. They also do a great job putting on new grips. I would also use EW for balls, shoes, bags and other accessories.

Sarasota has always been friendly and treat me great..

If you are an experienced golfer, and know what you want - go to Sarasota when the manufacturer reps are there. You get an hour with one of the reps who does club fittings for a living. They do a great job.

The other option is a fitting with the staff at Sarasota, where you can hit clubs from different manufacturers.

Couldn't agree more---the staff and pros at Sarasota are the best, know what they are doing, can fit you for the right clubs, and have a pipeline to the manufacturer's reps if needed.

To those who trash talked Sarasota, I have just 2 words, but if I wrote them I would be put on vacation:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[DaleDivine]

Set of WHAT???. Kiddie clubs????

Just regular Taylor made or Callaway"s, not PXG or custom made Hogan"s are a bout as follows (I'll use my Taylor Made's as an example, 2 years ago):

Driver Sim Max: $550
3 wood Sim Max $325
Hybrid $275

All 3 with upgraded shafts that were $250 additional each, pro shafts can go for over $1000 each.

Taylor P790 4-PW $1400
3 wedges Taylor $ 450
putter $300

Total $4050------kind of the + in the $300+:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Go into very high end clubs and you are looking at $10,000+

I have a custom set of Titleist that I had a friend who owns a driving range in Virginia order for me. After a fitting he ordered them with upgraded FiberSteel shafts, 5-9, PW, GW, SW, LW irons, Titleist driver, 3 wood, 5 wood and 7 wood Winn drigrips.. Worth over $3500. I added a Scotty Cameron Studio putter. UMMM lets see, I think that's a little more than a $300 starter set from Walmart...
:bigbow::bigbow:

[golfing eagles]

I have a custom set of Titleist that I had a friend who owns a driving range in Virginia order for me. After a fitting he ordered them with upgraded FiberSteel shafts, 5-9, PW, GW, SW, LW irons, Titleist driver, 3 wood, 5 wood and 7 wood Winn drigrips.. Worth over $3500. I added a Scotty Cameron Studio putter. UMMM lets see, I think that's a little more than a $300 starter set from Walmart...
:bigbow::bigbow:

Just a bit:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Probably the difference between a golfer and someone who plays golf:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[I'm Popeye!]

Yesss. Friend of mine went there to get clubs. They showed him a set of Adams. Said these should do fine. NO FITTING. He didn't know much about golf equipment so they kind of stuck it to him. Grrrrrr...
:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:
You say, the buyer "didn't know much about golf equipment", which means he practically knows nothing about golf. Adams clubs are cheap in price clubs and probably better suited for him until he learns to swing and take care of clubs.

[celiarw]

I recently paid $25 to demo Calloway full bag and $25 to demo Tour Edge full bag. They both offer a special price during the demo day through Sarasota. It has been a good experience.

[Laker14]

y'all are talking about fittings, shaft flex, kick points... "fitting his golf swing"...

the OP hasn't even told us if he HAS a golf swing.

For all we know, a $100 set out of garage sale might be perfect for his/her needs.

[JMintzer]

Just so you are aware The Villages golf shops sell clubs. The Sarasota Driving range location has several Pros that will do a fitting for you and you can order the clubs right there. They have demo sets that you can test at the range. If you are just going to wing it and buy clubs make sure the shafts are suited to your swing speed

Has the Golf Expo (usually on the POLO Grounds) been scheduled yet?

I'd think that would be a great place to check out multiple manufacturers...

[JMintzer]

Yesss. Friend of mine went there to get clubs. They showed him a set of Adams. Said these should do fine. NO FITTING. He didn't know much about golf equipment so they kind of stuck it to him. Grrrrrr...
:ohdear::ohdear::ohdear:

For a beginner? Probably not a terrible idea. To spent well north of $1000 on a set of clubs before you know if you're gonna' stick with the game is foolish...

[NoMo50]

Hit up the folks at Golf Central. You can get into a very nice full set of Tour Edge clubs...Driver, 3 & 5 Wood, 4 & 5 Hybrid, 6 - SW Irons, Putter and bag for right at $1,000. Your fitting/swing analysis will put you into the proper flex, as well as set you up with the proper size grips. A setup like that would at least get you going in the right direction. Play those for a couple years, then trade up if you like. No one buys one set of clubs for life!

[yankygrl]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks
Birdie golf on 466, Johnny is a golf pro and all in the store are very helpful. The will measure you, have you hit a few balls out back and suggest what is best for you. Have new and used clubs.

[kkingston57]

There are a lot of unknown variables including your budget, skill level, experiece,height, arm length, senior vs non senior length swing speed etc.

Agree with most posters about getting fitted. A set of name brand clubs will cost you about 3K. If this is your budget, by all means get fitted. Good luck.

TOO many choices on everything.

[kkingston57]

Set of WHAT???. Kiddie clubs????

Just regular Taylor made or Callaway"s, not PXG or custom made Hogan"s are a bout as follows (I'll use my Taylor Made's as an example, 2 years ago):

Driver Sim Max: $550
3 wood Sim Max $325
Hybrid $275

All 3 with upgraded shafts that were $250 additional each, pro shafts can go for over $1000 each.

Taylor P790 4-PW $1400
3 wedges Taylor $ 450
putter $300

Total $4050------kind of the + in the $300+:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Go into very high end clubs and you are looking at $10,000+

Agree, but if you go with last years models cost will be 3K. You can go to Walmart and get a set for $300 +/-

[Laker14]

I just bought a used set of Apex irons from a friend. He wanted to charge me extra because the sweet spots had never been used.

[golfing eagles]

Agree, but if you go with last years models cost will be 3K. You can go to Walmart and get a set for $300 +/-

No, I couldn't. Well, I suppose I could, but I'd be vomiting for a week or two, maybe more. Besides, they're too big to use as a swizzle stick, and I can't think of any other purpose for them except maybe to fight off coyotes.:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

[Laker14]

Just a bit:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

Probably the difference between a golfer and someone who plays golf:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:

OK, Big Dog, I'm going to make a few bold predictions.
1. You got me on index
2. I got you on holes-in-one.
3. My current players (clubs) cost less than 1/2 of yours.

Want to play?

[VApeople]

Steel shaft irons give me tendonitis in my left forearm. Graphite shafts fix that...

I had the same experience. In 1995 when I was 50 years old, I used steel shafts and I had bad 'golfers elbow'. I changed to graphite shafts and the pain went away.

As long as I avoid hitting irons off hard mats, I have no pain. The mats at Sarasota are good, but the ones at the range on Rolling Acres Road are not.

[JMintzer]

I just bought a used set of Apex irons from a friend. He wanted to charge me extra because the sweet spots had never been used.

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

[Laker14]

:bigbow::bigbow::bigbow:

I just bought a used set of Apex irons from a friend. He wanted to charge me extra because the sweet spots had never been used.

The fallacy in his sales pitch being the idea that I would ever use that part of the face. I need sharp grooves on the toe.

[PoolBrews]

There is nobody in this area that will come close to fitting you like Club Champion will. They don't have the equipment that Club Champion does (for fitting), and for the most part do not have the experience or talent of the fitters hired by Club Champion. You won't save any money on clubs buying from Club Champion, but their fitting can't be beat.

Go there when they have one of the 50% fitting sales. Get the fitting, then decide where to buy clubs (online will ALWAYS be cheaper). There will be a Club Champion here soon, but right now I would go to Jacksonville and ask for Evan. He's awesome.

Club Champion got me 25 yards on my driver and 15 yards on my irons. All due to having the right head/shaft combination for my swing.

[decarlom]

Golf Central in Brownwood. If you’re concerned about a fitting, they can do that too. Ask for Hunter or Jimmy…great guys!

[retiredguy123]

Agree, but if you go with last years models cost will be 3K. You can go to Walmart and get a set for $300 +/-
You can buy a set of clubs at Walmart for $147. I think they are fine for an average golfer playing the executive courses. I doubt that they will score any better using a $3,000 set. But, maybe it is not about playing better golf.

[thevillages2013]

Has the Golf Expo (usually on the POLO Grounds) been scheduled yet?

I'd think that would be a great place to check out multiple manufacturers...

I can’t find any scheduling of the 2022 version of what they call the Golf Festival that is normally done on the Polo grounds. In the past it was usually in March . This year because of good old Covid they held it at the four driving ranges in TV.

[thevillages2013]

Just so you are aware The Villages golf shops sell clubs. The Sarasota Driving range location has several Pros that will do a fitting for you and you can order the clubs right there. They have demo sets that you can test at the range. If you are just going to wing it and buy clubs make sure the shafts are suited to your swing speed

I have to confess that when shopping for a new set of Pings for my grandson I got him fitted at Sarasota but ended up buying them online at TGW. I saved about $400. The big ape is 6’6” so had to get + 1-1/2” shafts. I was playing golf with him later on and told him he should hit a nine iron on an approach shot. He couldn’t because he had lost it somewhere in a previous round or at Top Golf. KIDS!

[DrBrutyle109]

My ONLY recommendation is to be custom fitted at the Sarasota Center. They analyze everything from your height, swing speed, swing plane and years of experience. You will not regret it. Edwin Watts is best for auxiliary clubs like lob wedges. They also do a great job putting on new grips. I would also use EW for balls, shoes, bags and other accessories.
Great place to get clubs.......just don’t go back and ask for help getting an extra club. Once you walk out the door.....they’re done with you

[fireman]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

Oxford Golf Academy has great pros. They offer the custom fitting in house. Every month they have events with the Manufactures and they do demos and fittings.
Great instructors for lessons also.
Golf Cart Accessible.

[Kelevision]

Just so you are aware The Villages golf shops sell clubs. The Sarasota Driving range location has several Pros that will do a fitting for you and you can order the clubs right there. They have demo sets that you can test at the range. If you are just going to wing it and buy clubs make sure the shafts are suited to your swing speed

I bought mine from the Sarasota shop after taking a class. Got a fitting, 10% off coupon and the exact same clubs online were $100 more than in the shop plus my 10% off.

[Marcojb]

A bit of information would be helpful.
Are you a beginner?
Golf clubs come in an almost limitless variety of skill level and price points. Sharing those with us would be useful.

I ma not a beginner but have a 20 handicap but having fitted clubs will hopefully make me a better golfer but looking for a good set that will last for years. thanks

[JMintzer]

The fallacy in his sales pitch being the idea that I would ever use that part of the face. I need sharp grooves on the toe.

You gotta' learn to love the hosel...

[Altavia]

You can buy a set of clubs at Walmart for $147. I think they are fine for an average golfer playing the executive courses. I doubt that they will score any better using a $3,000 set. But, maybe it is not about playing better golf.

As a beginner, that's what I did a year ago but spent more money on lessons in an attempt to start with decent mechanics. The Good Golf School was a big help also to be comfortable with the course etiquette.

No claims or desire to invest the time be a serious golfer. Just want to have a good time playing social golf from the greens on lower level exec courses with friends.

I am curious if/why/how fitted clubs could help a casual player?

[DaleDivine]

As a beginner, that's what I did a year ago but spent more money on lessons in an attempt to start with decent mechanics. The Good Golf School was a big help also to be comfortable with the course etiquette.

No claims or desire to invest the time be a serious golfer. Just want to have a good time playing social golf from the greens on lower level exec courses with friends.

I am curious if/why/how fitted clubs could help a casual player?

Save your money. You done the right thing if you're just gonna be a casual golfer...
:bigbow::bigbow:

[rjn5656]

Worth the drive to club champions.

[fcgiii]

Save your money. You done the right thing if you're just gonna be a casual golfer...
:bigbow::bigbow:

Wife and I just moved here. True beginners. What's the best approach to get an idea if we are even interested in becoming golfers?

[JMintzer]

Wife and I just moved here. True beginners. What's the best approach to get an idea if we are even interested in becoming golfers?

Take the Golf Academy course (5 days) at Sarasota... I know it's offered elsewhere, but my wife took the course there and loved it...

[kkingston57]

You gotta' learn to love the hosel...

When I had the shanks, I wore out the hosel.

[HRDave]

Check out the attached link and look at the Ping Color Code Chart. Ping has always used a colored dot on the iron to indicate the loft and lie appropriate for your height and arm length. See where you would be on the chart.

Attention Required! | Cloudflare (https://www.tgw.com/golf-guide/how-to-read-the-ping-color-code-chart/?SITE_ID=W8873&gclid=Cj0KCQjwt-6LBhDlARIsAIPRQcKt5MfAHLCJp03Mhw1txvjdFiyRquoxeagB cqdOwpaM0fmogq69upcaAkRvEALw_wcB)

Then find a used set of Ping Irons in Regular or Senior Flex Graphite shafts on eBay, Facebook Market or TOV Classifieds that are close, if not the correct color dot. If close they can be adjusted to the proper loft and lie by most shops.
If the shaft length needs adjustment the shops can adjust that as well.
You will have a high quality set of irons for hundreds less than a new set.
I bought a used set of Ping i3s Green Dots in the early 2000s and had them adjusted to White Dots with a 1/2” extension of the regular flex graphite shafts and love them to this day!! A true bargain!!

[Altavia]

Take the Golf Academy course (5 days) at Sarasota... I know it's offered elsewhere, but my wife took the course there and loved it...

Agree, great way to start.

They also take you 1 on 1 to a Championship course for 9 holes and show you around.

[thelegges]

Coming from Michigan I have always had my clubs fitted at Carl’s Golf. For me it makes a difference, from a young player, and as I age, my game has changed. Can I pickup any club and play with it sure, but if I am going to spend money to play at any course, why not have my best swing.

Every summer I play with their club fitter, at the club, still happy with the clubs from 5 years ago, but my swing has slowed, and may have some clubs tweaked this summer. My fitted clubs cost is not much more than buying off the rack.

[GypsyRN]

I just bought a used set of golf clubs including bag for $100.00. A new set starts at $300+

Buyer beware...when I finally got back into the game after 40 years of abstinence, I too (arrogantly and stupidly) bought a used set of clubs and started to immediately re-create the "Arnold Palmer" that I thought I had been in my youth. Without even considering lessons, I embarked upon my first set of courses with these clubs only to destroy my "once beautiful" swing and demoralize my ego. After a few embarrissing devastating years, and after finding the right "online" instruction, I finally ordered a set of "One Iron Golf" irons and have been exhuberantly satisfied with my play and performance. I strongly recommend.

[kcrazorbackfan]

The Sarasota Custom Club Shop will fit you with one of the top fitters in the nation, Tom Spargo, or you can get fit with one of the manufacturers Fit Days they have every month.

The New to Golf School is a great way to get started through the Golf Academy.

The Club Shop also has clubs to fit any budget.

[Lindaws]

There is a new business going to open at Colony. They are going to sell high quality clubs.
They have taken over the old Villages golf cart store.

[thevillages2013]

I bought mine from the Sarasota shop after taking a class. Got a fitting, 10% off coupon and the exact same clubs online were $100 more than in the shop plus my 10% off.
Not Pings though, right?

[Laker14]

Old golfer cliche regarding clubs: "It ain't the arrow, it's the Indian"...I'm pretty sure Tiger could beat me if he were playing with a coal shovel and a broom.

[kcrazorbackfan]

There is a new business going to open at Colony. They are going to sell high quality clubs.
They have taken over the old Villages golf cart store.

Ready to pay a couple of hundred bucks for a fitting?

[donfey]

I am in the process of relocating to The Villages this winter and am looking for recommendations of a business/s to purchase new sets of clubs. will consider driving to Orlando.Thanks

I agree with Mr. Mentzer, but do iy where you are, even if they have to ship them to you when the shop gets them. There's too much pressure here to get a "good deal."

[MrGolf]

Fellinger Custom Golf in Port St Lucie. He is one of the best in the business. Not cheap but you will leave there with the right clubs to best fit your game. It’s worth the drive. Look at his credentials before jumping into anything.

[VApeople]

my swing has slowed, and may have some clubs tweaked this summer.

I am 76 and my swing speed has definitely decreased over the years. I get my clubs from Golfworks in Ohio, so I had some made with a more flexible shaft. At first I thought I liked them, but after about a month I realized I didn't, so I put them in my closet. I will probably pull them out at some point in the future.

Over the years, I have experimented with increasing the swing weight of my clubs. Most of my clubs had a D-2 swing weight but one club that I liked was a D-5, so I added some lead tape to the other clubs to make them all D-5. I decided I didn't like the heavier clubheads, so I removed some of the lead tape to set them back to D-2.

A couple months ago, I made my grips thicker, and I definitely like that.