[GreggC69]

Now that we have moved to The Villages, I am getting back into golf in a big way. Have not played for many years and finding it more challenging on some of my irons. Hit the ball a few times with hybrids of playing partners and really like them. So I am looking to buy a set. I wondered how much more technology and benefit is there from the high end clubs than other cheaper sets like Lazarus. My current set of irons are some knock off brand and have served me well. Curious if there is that much difference in performance between something like Callaway's to those, especially for a "non professional" golfer.

[Foxtrot]

I would suggest to go to a Callaway fitting and see what they suggest for you. You can call the golf store at Pinellas and Morse and ask when the next fitting will be.

I have a 4 and 5 hybrid and I love them.

[ThirdOfFive]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Now that we have moved to The Villages, I am getting back into golf in a big way. Have not played for many years and finding it more challenging on some of my irons. Hit the ball a few times with hybrids of playing partners and really like them. So I am looking to buy a set. I wondered how much more technology and benefit is there from the high end clubs than other cheaper sets like Lazarus. My current set of irons are some knock off brand and have served me well. Curious if there is that much difference in performance between something like Callaway's to those, especially for a "non professional" golfer.

I went with all hybrids this past winter and have not regretted it. My set (3-9 plus pitching wedge) are "Majek" Senior Men's Clubs, $329 (Amazon) for the set. At that price undoubtedly not marketed to the ultra-serious golfer but with my age and level of play I doubt my game would improve if I had spent more. I like them. It does take awhile to get used to swinging them (you will get worse before you get better). But as I've gotten acclimated to them my accuracy has improved (modestly) and distance pretty significantly.

[Two Bills]

Knock offs.
Spend the saved money on some good Pro lessons, and when you are shooting rounds in the 80's on a regular basis, go for the more techno advanced clubs.
JMHO.

[BrianL99]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Now that we have moved to The Villages, I am getting back into golf in a big way. Have not played for many years and finding it more challenging on some of my irons. Hit the ball a few times with hybrids of playing partners and really like them. So I am looking to buy a set. I wondered how much more technology and benefit is there from the high end clubs than other cheaper sets like Lazarus. My current set of irons are some knock off brand and have served me well. Curious if there is that much difference in performance between something like Callaway's to those, especially for a "non professional" golfer.

There's a wide variance in the quality of clubs, from "store brands" to the Big 5.

First off, forget the "fitting" baloney. That's a complete waste of time, energy and money, unless you have really odd physical characteristics (6' 7" tall, with short arms).

The best deal on new golf clubs right now, are 2 different options.

Costco has Kirkland brand golf clubs in stock, this week. They've been out of inventory for most of the year, but they're back. (look up info @ mygolfspy.com)

Also, there are number of DTC (Direct To Consumer) brands available, that are offering great pricing on high quality clubs. A few that I'd recommend: Sub70, MacGregor, Ram, BenHogan. Again, go to Golfspy.com and you'll get steered in the right direction.

Or ... go to Johnny's Birdie shop on Rt. 4666 (near Morse) and Johnny's staff will put you into a good get of clubs, reasonably.

[Packer Fan]

Sign up for a Taylormade fitting at Sarasota golf center. You will pay no more than at Dicks sporting goods, they will put you in the right clubs, and you will get some free balls and swag. They took 10 strokes off my scores this year. Very happy.

[dewilson58]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Now that we have moved to The Villages, I am getting back into golf in a big way.

Go to Golf Central in Brownwood.

They have new and used clubs.

You can hit them, before you buy them.

[dtennent]

Originally Posted by dewilson58

Go to Golf Central in Brownwood.

They have new and used clubs.

You can hit them, before you buy them.

I would second Golf Central. In addition to different manufacturers, there is a range of shaft flexes which they can help you try. While you might find a cheaper set on line, this is a small investment in the next 10-15 years of your golf game.

[PGApromike]

Wow some interesting advice so far. 30 plus years as PGA pro and fitter with both TaylorMade and Callaway. Get fitting! Why? I'm sure people think it's not needed don't go to the show store and grab a box of shoes and go pay for them and walk out. With that said fittings will have you hit a club that not only works better than others, but maybe fits your eye, feels better whatever gives YOU, more confidence. 2 companies that pioneered hybrid irons in the beginning were Cleveland Golf and Tour Edge. Both are great clubs and generally cost less. Try and hit one out both during a fitting. Could save you enough to get a new bag or shoes? Good luck and hopefully you do get a fitting either in the villages or even the newer PGA Superstore.

[lpkruege1]

Originally Posted by GreggC69

Now that we have moved to The Villages, I am getting back into golf in a big way. Have not played for many years and finding it more challenging on some of my irons. Hit the ball a few times with hybrids of playing partners and really like them. So I am looking to buy a set. I wondered how much more technology and benefit is there from the high end clubs than other cheaper sets like Lazarus. My current set of irons are some knock off brand and have served me well. Curious if there is that much difference in performance between something like Callaway's to those, especially for a "non professional" golfer.

Go down to the golf store in Brownwood and try out several different brands. They set me up with a different angle, the correct shaft, and a mix of irons and hybrids. But if you want to go cheap, just buy some sticks and tape rocks to them, cause does it really make a difference?

[admiral72]

Get fitted. It is worth it.

[Papa_lecki]

Originally Posted by PGApromike

Get fitting! Why? I'm sure people think it's not needed don't go to the show store and grab a box of shoes and go pay for them and walk out. With that said fittings will have you hit a club that not only works better than others, but maybe fits your eye, feels better whatever gives YOU, more confidence. 2 companies that pioneered hybrid irons in the beginning were Cleveland Golf and Tour Edge. Both are great clubs and generally cost less. Try and hit one out both during a fitting. Could save you enough to get a new bag or shoes? Good luck and hopefully you do get a fitting either in the villages or even the newer PGA Superstore.

Agree - what’s your swing speed?
What type of shafts should you get?

I’ve always been a fan of fittings.
My wife had an off the rack set of Calloways, she could not hit them at all; got her fitted with a set of Taylor Mades, it’s like magic. Still some flaws in the swing, but she is making solid contact.

[HORNET]

Never tell people how to spend their money, but you get what you pay for!

[Two Bills]

Originally Posted by Papa_lecki

Agree - what’s your swing speed?
What type of shafts should you get?

I’ve always been a fan of fittings.
My wife had an off the rack set of Calloways, she could not hit them at all; got her fitted with a set of Taylor Mades, it’s like magic. Still some flaws in the swing, but she is making solid contact.

Should have got the Calloway's fitted and saved a bundle!

[JerryLBell]

I went to PGA Superstore down in Orlando before the one opened in The Villages. I tried several kinds of clubs in their simulator and was able to compare them with my own clubs (which I had brought in). I went in thinking hybrids with senior flex shafts and got non-hybrids with stiff shafts. My game improved. I took those new clubs to Golf at the Next Level in Lady Lake and had the shafts tested and the few substandard ones replaced. My game improved. I then went back to Golf at the Next Level for a private lesson on addressing the ball, something I had never actually been taught. He didn't try to change my swing at all, figuring a guy in his late 60s insn't going to learn a whole new swing like some young athlete. I hit the sweet spot now with much greater consistency. I'm still not a GREAT golfer, but my game is better (or was before I messed up my back and shoulder in completely unrelated activities) and I enjoy it more. By the way, the guy at Golf at the Next Level does putting classes that are better than anything I've ever had with any other instructors. The guy is an engineer by training and takes a scientific, measurable approach to everything but keeps it straightforward and simple enough for old duffers like us to learn. Highly recommended!

So should you get new clubs, get your current clubs fitted to you or take lessons? I recommend all three.