the proper clubs

[VinSanto]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?

[dewilson58]

Stop down at Golf Central.
They will fit you for free.
You can hit different sets for free.
They can show you all price level sets.
Visit them two or three times.......hitting clubs each time.

Buying a used set off the internet COULD impact you efforts negatively.
(wrong length, wrong shaft, wrong head angle)

Golf Central does carry used sets if you are not ready to jump in with both feet.

Good Luck.

[retiredguy123]

You can buy a new set of Nitro clubs from Amazon for about $220. In my opinion, there is not a lot of difference between an inexpensive beginner's set and name brand expensive clubs. You can always upgrade later or add individual specialty clubs to the set.

[VApeople]

If you are a right-hand male, I have some high quality clubs you can have for free. Just send me a private message.

I have a 5, 7, and 9 iron and a 3-wood. You would need to have new grips put on and they can do that at the Sarasota Golf Center.

[PJOHNS2654]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?
The first thing you should do is take a series of lessons.

[HIgolfers]

I would buy a used set in good condition and see if you really enjoy the game. If you do and are playing frequently upgrade in a year or two.

[retiredguy123]

I would buy a used set in good condition and see if you really enjoy the game. If you do and are playing frequently upgrade in a year or two.
If you buy used clubs, make sure they are new enough to incorporate the latest technology for the weight and shape of the clubs.

[dewilson58]

I would buy a used set in good condition and see if you really enjoy the game. If you do and are playing frequently upgrade in a year or two.

...

[Michael G.]

The first thing you should do is take a series of lessons.

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?


Don't go there.
Frustrating game, and you'll use words that Webster doesn't know about.

You'll pay good money to go on someone's land, to hit a little white ball,
then chase your white ball down the fare way.

Best to take up knitting with the red hat ladies.

[Altavia]

Stop down at Golf Central.
They will fit you for free.
You can hit different sets for free.
They can show you all price level sets.
Visit them two or three times.......hitting clubs each time.

Buying a used set off the internet COULD impact you efforts negatively.
(wrong length, wrong shaft, wrong head angle)

Golf Central does carry used sets if you are not ready to jump in with both feet.

Good Luck.

+1 for Golf Central, very knowledgeable/helpful people.

Start with a low cost set.

Direct money first towards at least a few lessons before more expensive clubs.

[npwalters]

+1 for Golf Central, very knowledgeable/helpful people.

Start with a low cost set.

Direct money first towards at least a few lessons before more expensive clubs.

Agree except I would determine basically what length fits you and then look on this site for used. A reasonable buy on $100 clubs is all a beginner needs . It's not the club that will make a good golfer. Its the swing.

[Rwirish]

Take lessons first and then purchase a set of beginner clubs. Your instructor and/or practice facility can help you with the proper beginner club selection.

[jedalton]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginners? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?
don't do a fitting until after a few lessons as your swing will change. I would recommend that you start with a cheap set and see if you will stay with the game. Continue your lessons and upgrade your clubs as you get better.

[dnobles]

Please Take the Good Golf Class. I believe everyone should take it when they start to golf in TV. It’s free.

[golfing eagles]

You can buy a new set of Nitro clubs from Amazon for about $220. In my opinion, there is not a lot of difference between an inexpensive beginner's set and name brand expensive clubs. You can always upgrade later or add individual specialty clubs to the set.

That's a joke, right??????

[NoMo50]

Another vote for Golf Central in Brownwood. While as a raw beginner, you don't want a full blown fitting yet, they will make sure to get you into a set with the right shaft flex (for now), and the proper grip size. Another good store is Johnnie's Birdie Golf on 466. They will offer the same services, and have a good selection of pre-owned clubs if that is the direction you choose.

As previously mentioned, spend some money on lessons. That will greatly help flatten out the learning curve, and make the game much more enjoyable. Above all else, get out and play.

[Andyb]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?
Get fitted and get more than one fitting, before buying. Unfortunately, there are several fitters out there that don’t properly fit correctly. Lessons a must. Bad habits are hard to fix. Do t skimp on cheap clubs. With golf your either all in or not, if you want to get half way decent.

[golfing eagles]

Get fitted and get more than one fitting, before buying. Unfortunately, there are several fitters out there that don’t properly fit correctly. Lessons a must. Bad habits are hard to fix. Do t skimp on cheap clubs. With golf your either all in or not, if you want to get half way decent.

Have to disagree. If the OP is a true beginner (other than the type of golf played through a windmill or clown's mouth:1rotfl::1rotfl::1rotfl:), he doesn't need a fitting or even moderate cost clubs until he develops something resembling a golf swing. Better off investing in a few lessons and attending good golf school.

Remember, Bobby Jones played with a "set" of clubs of which no 2 were matching, and by today's standards would be cheaper than cheap.

[retiredguy123]

That's a joke, right??????
I was referring to a beginner using an expensive set of clubs. It won't help much.

[rsmurano]

Visit golf central. They actually have the same price that Amazon has. I bought my new set from golf central and they measured me for the right size clubs. They spent some time with me before and after the sale. I think I spent $600 for a new set of clubs/bag and I got rid of a bunch of used clubs that I got piece meal for the past 25 years and during the last year in the villages. I would stay away from Johnny’s birdies, when we started golfing again this year after a 20 year layoff, we went to Johnny’s to buy a bunch of used clubs. For a mish mash of used clubs that were 20+ years old, we ended up paying almost 1/3 of what a new set would have been. I traded in these clubs for a new set at golf central and got 10 cents on a dollar for the trade in. I should have just bought a new set and if I didn’t like golf again, I would have got more money selling them

[golfing eagles]

I was referring to a beginner using an expensive set of clubs. It won't help much.

I misunderstood, sorry, my bad

[bowlingal]

go to garage sales and pick up a set for nearly nothing. Play the game for a while, talk to different people, see for yourself, before you spend money for something you do not need at the moment. THEN when you know what you need and like and want, THEN buy yourself a new set.

[Daxdog]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?
Ask your instructor

[villager7591]

I've been playing for 60 years and am a 'good' player. Please do NOT get fitted if you are just learning. That will be a huge waste of money. Get any inexpensive set, learn a swing with them. After your swing has become consistent in, say 5 years, then go get fitted, if you want. * I've never been fitted and am a single-digit handicap.

[DiandJay]

I’m a beginner as well. Was looking at an inexpensive beginner set, but was talked into a better set to “grow into” as I learned. I am so happy with my purchase. I do need to have a few of the clubs cut down as it turns out, but even this has been part of the learning curve.
In my opinion (as a newbie) golfing with helpful encouraging friends has made all the difference. Good golfing wishes to you!

[dewilson58]

After your swing has become consistent in, say 5 years,

That's a depressing thought.

:shocked:

[kcrazorbackfan]

Stop down at Golf Central.
They will fit you for free.
You can hit different sets for free.
They can show you all price level sets.
Visit them two or three times.......hitting clubs each time.

Buying a used set off the internet COULD impact you efforts negatively.
(wrong length, wrong shaft, wrong head angle)

Golf Central does carry used sets if you are not ready to jump in with both feet.

Good Luck.

The key word in that statement is “free”; you get what you pay for as in quality. Hitting into a net doesn’t show you ball flight or anything. And you do know those machines that are used to ‘“allegedly” show your results by the companies that only let you hit into a net can be manipulated to give you results a whole lot better than you are.

Free…..

[kcrazorbackfan]

Good gawd. Some of the advice you wannabe fitters are giving is a joke. Go to a garage sale and pick up some clubs? What about the person that has a slow swing speed and get a set of stiff flex clubs. Or the husband that passes his steel shafted clubs down to his wife to save money. Do yourself a service and get fit and get the right clubs.

[dewilson58]

Hitting into a net doesn’t show
you hit into a net can ..

No nets at Golf Central.

:MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

[BrianL99]

That's a joke, right??????


What's funny about that? The original poster is 100% correct.

For someone just learning the game, he doesn't need anything fancy. "Knock Off" clubs have the same shafts, grips & components as clubs sold by the big club suppliers.

Either Amazon or Johnny's Birdie Golf on 466 is probably the best source for a playable bag of clubs for a beginner.

To the original poster: Don't listen to the nonsense about "fitting" & "length", etc. 95% of all mens clubs are produced with generic specifications, that will fit most anyone of average height. Unless you're unusually tall or have a "sleeve length" that doesn't fall between 30" - 33", you'll be fine with a set of "standard" clubs to learn with. I've played 100 rounds of golf in The Villages, with 300 different people. I've yet to play with anyone good enough, they could significantly benefit from a "fitting".

[dewilson58]

I've played 100 rounds of golf in The Villages, with 300 different people.

What are the odds of that.................ALWAYS played in a foursome & NEVER played with the same person twice.

[Rodneysblue]

Don't go there.
Frustrating game, and you'll use words that Webster doesn't know about.

You'll pay good money to go on someone's land, to hit a little white ball,
then chase your white ball down the fare way.

Best to take up knitting with the red hat ladies.

I think the late Robin Williams said it best:

https://youtu.be/fui7yvebIdk

[kkingston57]

...

Looks like the set of put put clubs on a cruise ship.

[kkingston57]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?

Did not mention your budget. If you want a new club look into getting a year old model. They are usually 20-25% less than the newest model. Newest model(especially irons) are not very different As others state get fitted. Edwin Watts does have a very good supply of slightly used name brand clubs. The employees there are very knowledgable. Most of us are getting older and grip size is probably the most important part of the club. Putters have the most difference.

Noted comments about buying used. Just got back from Markets of Marion. Guy is selling 30-40 year old clubs with ORIGINAL grips and brands that I have never heard of for cheap prices that should have been thrown out years ago. If buying used, try to stick with a good brand name such as Calloway, Titleist, Taylor Made Ping etc. If you do not like them they can be re sold.

Lastly, for me, choose a forgiving golf club(with the recommendation of the fitter) and a club that looks good to you when you set up. Years ago Ping made a set of irons known as the Ping Zing. Personally, I did not like them. When looking down at the club, they looked like a mallett.

Good luck with any decision you make

[SHIBUMI]

STOP! go get a couple of golf lessons.......you don't buy a car without learning to drive.........let the teacher guide you on what you need
It's not the arrow its learning how to use the bow....learn right and you will be able to hit any club...they all work...if you now how to use them....develop a swing that repeats....if you get frustrated change teachers or take up shuffleboard....

[kcrazorbackfan]

No nets at Golf Central.

:MOJE_whot::MOJE_whot:

So you actually hit balls that you can see the flight on? Or is it just a static fitting?

[golfing eagles]

What's funny about that? The original poster is 100% correct.

For someone just learning the game, he doesn't need anything fancy. "Knock Off" clubs have the same shafts, grips & components as clubs sold by the big club suppliers.

Either Amazon or Johnny's Birdie Golf on 466 is probably the best source for a playable bag of clubs for a beginner.

To the original poster: Don't listen to the nonsense about "fitting" & "length", etc. 95% of all mens clubs are produced with generic specifications, that will fit most anyone of average height. Unless you're unusually tall or have a "sleeve length" that doesn't fall between 30" - 33", you'll be fine with a set of "standard" clubs to learn with. I've played 100 rounds of golf in The Villages, with 300 different people. I've yet to play with anyone good enough, they could significantly benefit from a "fitting".

read post #21

[Pat La Rosa]

I would like to tell you that if you don't get a couple of lessons before you start playing golf you will be sorry. Once you develop a bad habit in golf it is very hard to change. If you have a friend who is a pretty good golfer he can show you the grip and stance. He can then show you how to set up to swing at the ball. I would get an old club, like a 6 iron and practice your swing with that at the net. You can at least know if you like the game at that point. This game is very hard and frustrating so you need a lot of patience. I have been playing for about 70 years. I am not the best but I do know quite a bit about golf so if you would like to get some advise about the set up and swing call me and I would be glad to meet you at a net preferably at Bonifay or Belle Glade late in the day. I will bring some clubs that you can swing and see if you like the game. Give me a call if you would like to try hitting some balls. 732-674-7446 and we can make a date. I love helping people with their swing. Have a good day.

[dewilson58]

So you actually hit balls that you can see the flight on? Or is it just a static fitting?

Screen.

:ohdear:

[sloanst]

Get fitted for your clubs. They don't have to be expensive but you will enjoy the game much more and learn faster with a fitted set. The most important thing you need to do is TAKE LESSONS. They will pay for themselves with less frustration and much more enjoyment. Learn proper GOLF ETIQUETTE. That includes raking the traps, fixing your divots and fixing your ball marks. That is your responsibility, no one else's. Keep up with the pace of play. On average, a hole should be played in 9 minutes. A little more for a par 5 and less for a par 3. If you are consistently slow, pick up and move onto the next hole. A slow player isn't entitled to someone else's time. Above all, never get mad at a bad shot. Laugh at it. Anger will destroy whatever ability you have learned for the entire round. A bad shot is ancient history and a good recovery can be very satisfying. One must keep their head to recover and even the pros make bad shots. Besides, every mistake is a learning opportunity. That's the best advise I can give. Good Luck and have fun.

[llcarl84]

Take the New to Golf lessons at Sarasota. They have clubs you can use for the lessons. You will learn the basics, including etiquette for golf in The Villages. The instructors are fabulous, and they can fit you for clubs afterwards.

Also, as another poster recommended, take the free Good Golf School. The tips they provide for using the tee time system are very helpful.

[kcrazorbackfan]

Screen.

:ohdear:

Same as a net and the results can still be manipulated; simulated wind from a persons back can be increased to show a lot more distance. Right to left and left to right wind can also be adjusted to overcome a fade or draw.

How do I know this? I caught a fitter at Golf Galaxy in St. LouIs doing this.

[dewilson58]

Same as a net and the results can still be manipulated; simulated wind from a persons back can be increased to show a lot more distance. Right to left and left to right wind can also be adjusted to overcome a fade or draw.

How do I know this? I caught a fitter at Golf Galaxy in St. LouIs doing this.

Toto, We are not in Kansas anymore.

[npwalters]

I recommended earlier that if you know basically what length club you need then go look for a inexpensive set. This site often has clubs for sale.

I failed to mention that some sites like Ping have charts where you enter your height, age, sex, and level and they will suggest a length and shaft type for you. This is not a professional fitting but it is a good starting point for a true beginner.

[villager7591]

just trying to dissuade him from fitting right now...

[DaleDivine]

I've been playing for 60 years and am a 'good' player. Please do NOT get fitted if you are just learning. That will be a huge waste of money. Get any inexpensive set, learn a swing with them. After your swing has become consistent in, say 5 years, then go get fitted, if you want. * I've never been fitted and am a single-digit handicap.

Same with me. Over 60 years golfing, never fitted, no lessons and got to a 4 USGA handicap... Grew up next to a golf course and caddied in summers. Learned on my own...

:bigbow::bigbow:

[DaleDivine]

Take the New to Golf lessons at Sarasota. They have clubs you can use for the lessons. You will learn the basics, including etiquette for golf in The Villages. The instructors are fabulous, and they can fit you for clubs afterwards.

Also, as another poster recommended, take the free Good Golf School. The tips they provide for using the tee time system are very helpful.

This should be a prerequisite for ALL NEW BEGINNER golfers. LEARN GOLF ETIQUETTE..

:coolsmiley::pray::a040::ho::welcome:

[nn0wheremann]

I will be starting the learning process for golfing here in the villages.My main question is about choosing the first set of clubs. Do I find a set strictly for beginers as opposed to intermediate clubs to grow into? Are there certain brands that suit beginners? Are there brands to avoid for beginers? Should I go for a fitting before I buy anything or would this be a waste of time and money? I'm average height and weight. Anyone made mistakes and would care to share?
Go to a thrift shop and select a set of clubs that feel comfortable to you. I got my wife a set of Pings with lightweight shafts, left handed, for $3 a club. If you later find you like the game, and can use something better, go for it. Otherwise your custom fitted $500 set of clubs will end up at a thrift shop 20 years from now, and some nice volunteer will have to clean the dust off them.

[kkingston57]

Go to a thrift shop and select a set of clubs that feel comfortable to you. I got my wife a set of Pings with lightweight shafts, left handed, for $3 a club. If you later find you like the game, and can use something better, go for it. Otherwise your custom fitted $500 set of clubs will end up at a thrift shop 20 years from now, and some nice volunteer will have to clean the dust off them.

You were lucky to find a good set of clubs at a thrift store. Wife goes to them a lot and told me that she saw a Titeliest driver at a thrift store which sounded like a newer model. Went to the store and it was the exact model of a club that donated to the local driving range which taught handicapped children to play 10+ years ago. It did have the old smaller head

If buying from a thrift shop, probably need to figure in cost(s) of new grips which start at about $7.00 a club installed.

[rsimpson]

Get a free set from the guy on this post (clubs make minimal difference for beginners as long as clubs are no more that 5-6 years old.) Lessons First. Then driving range several times, 8-10 buckets. Then Pitch and Putt courses for 6-8 rounds. Then head to Sarasota course with larger holes. (4-5 rounds there) . Enjoy - please play quickly, 1 or 2 practice swings, then hit it, get to your ball, repeat...