New Golfer Looking to Upgrade from 20-Year-Old Clubs – Seeking Advice!

[Jsoul]

Hey everyone,

I've been playing golf for about 4 months now, and I’m absolutely loving it. However, I've been using a set of 20-year-old clubs that I inherited, and I think it's time for an upgrade.

Since I'm fairly new to the game, I want to invest in a nicer set of clubs that will not only improve my game now but also last me as I continue to develop my skills. I'm looking for something that offers a good mix of durability, performance, and value.

Any recommendations on brands, specific models, or features that I should be looking for? Also, any tips on where to purchase or get fitted for these new clubs would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions!

[GolfSpy_APH]

I think one of the best things you could do is look up if there are any demo days around and in your area. Head over to one and see if you can try some clubs, normally it is free and it can give you a chance to try different clubs and models, but also talk to the reps and hear what they could recommend for you and your swing. Low risk, lots of fun and often help give you a bit more knowledge going in. 

Hard to go wrong with any of the major brands, big part will be your budget and what you want to spend. 

Hope that helps a little bit and welcome to the forum!

[Josh Parker]

I agree with @GolfSpy_APH in getting out to a demo day to try some clubs out.  They will also be able to guide you a little bit on type of club needed. 

One other suggestion I would make if it's in the budget would be to go do a fitting.  I waited for years and finally did it, and I could kick myself for not doing it a lot sooner.  It made a world of difference and my game and scores improved.  

Good luck and welcome to the forum

[Rob Person]

Welcome to the MGS forums.

Without any location details, I can't guide you for what may be in your area. 

Have you hit any other type of clubs from friends?

What clubs are you using at the moment? (aka -what's in the bag?)

I too play a 25+ year old set of clubs, and recently acquired a 10 year old driver and matching woods, plus am testing some Stix irons as well.

while I haven't been fitted, I agree that a demo day is a good start to get some feel and numbers as a reference. 

[Jean D]

Welcome to the forums!  

I will also echo what others have said- try and get to a demo day either at your local retailer or one of the local golf courses (the free option) or book a fitting with a local fitter- most times, they wave the fee if you buy a set from them. Without knowing where you are located, we can’t give you more detailed recommendations, sorry.

Have a budget range you are willing to spend and keep an open mind- what I thought I was going to buy (Mizuno JPx923) vs what I was fit for (TaylorMade Qi10)…2 totally different items  And “latest and greatest” doesn’t always equate to “better” for your particular golf swing.  I’ve recently gotten fitted for fairway woods and surprising myself, I was better off with brand new , never played (2022 model) Cobra LTDx 3 & 5 FW’s than the 2024 crop of FW’s…they were also about 1/2 the price of the 2024 crop of FW’s which was very nice on the wallet!

Good luck in your search, let us know how it turns out!

Jean 

 

Edited June 22 by Jean D

[JDHolmes]

Get fit. PGA tour superstore or Golf Galaxy are reasonable. Based on results, get a used set that meets the specs you need. I oftem recommend Sim2, sim2 max, ping g400, g700 or other g sets based on budget. You probably need game improvement since you're just starting.

If you've been bitten by the golf bug, see a local pro and get a few lessons. Self taught is the poorest means of learning and improving. Good luck and welcome to the obsession.

[Cfhandyman]

10 hours ago, Jsoul said:

Hey everyone,

I've been playing golf for about 4 months now, and I’m absolutely loving it. However, I've been using a set of 20-year-old clubs that I inherited, and I think it's time for an upgrade.

Since I'm fairly new to the game, I want to invest in a nicer set of clubs that will not only improve my game now but also last me as I continue to develop my skills. I'm looking for something that offers a good mix of durability, performance, and value.

Any recommendations on brands, specific models, or features that I should be looking for? Also, any tips on where to purchase or get fitted for these new clubs would be really helpful.

Thanks in advance for your advice and suggestions!

@Jsoul Welcome to the forum. Like @GolfSpy_APH and others have suggested, demo days are a good way to try different clubs and figure out what you like or don’t like. I would recommend booking a fitting to help you get clubs that work well for you.  Lessons are another way to help you play better. Have fun in the process. 

[musicalmedicine]

I would emphasize what @Josh Parker said about going for a fitting. My uncle suggested I do one when I was first looking for my current clubs and I am very happy I did. I ended up with clubs that hadn’t been on my radar while I was doing research. During the fitting we tried the clubs that I likely would have purchased if I had made a purchase without doing a fitting and would have ended up very disappointed after spending significant money on clubs that I could not hit well.

 

I’m such a believer in the value of formal fittings now that I did another one two weeks ago with Ping for a lob wedge to complete my bag. 
 

The big retailers like 2nd Swing and PGATSS generally take the cost of the fitting off the price of your purchase of clubs if you purchase from them. I like this option because it gives you the opportunity to try a broad selection instead of a single brand’s offerings.

[Wolfstrum]

For me value has been the leading factor in gear choices. I just can’t convince myself to pay the prices the OEMs are charging for their current season offerings. 
 

I have found some great value buying used thru Facebook marketplace. I picked up a like new Mizuno 52 wedge last week for $30. I have also found great value from the DTC brands. Maltby and Sub 70 are my favorite DTCs at the moment. Only down side with this approach is the inability to hit them first.  Sub 70 does have a really nice demo program. And for the price Maltby charges it is extremely affordable to by a 7i in a few sets to hit before picking which set to buy and you will still save $1000 over the OEMs and have clubs of equal or better quality and performance. 

Edited June 24 by Wolfstrum

[Haile]

Okay, demo days are amazing. You get to try a little bit of everything. I personally really like Golftec. I've had all my fittings done there and also take lessons there when time and budget allow. If you have one near you, I highly recommend them. If not, golf galaxy is an okay fitting but it's very dependent on the fitter. But that's the case just about anywhere I suppose. I went with a friend who got fitted for a couple clubs there. If budget is a concern, then you could let the fitter know that you're not buying that day up front. Ebay is a great source for getting slightly used clubs at decent prices. I've bought a lot of my bag makeup from ebay and I'm more than happy with it. From my personal experience(starting in 2020), I wish I would have stayed away from the so called game improvement clubs. I have since moved to a players distance. The difference is crazy even without any swing changes. Last, I want to wish you the best of luck with this super crazy game. 

[Captain3484]

I recommend a fitting.  Find someone that might also do lessons and fittings in a one stop shop.  Just depends on your area and cost of course.  

I have been playing for over 30 years and have only had 4 sets of irons that entire time.  Had Ping Eye 2 (black dot) for all of my junior golf through college graduation.  Then did a Golf Galaxy type fitting (would not recommend) and decided on Mizuno MP-67's.  I then had those for 13 years, not really considering an upgrade until I realized how much new technology there was out there and the fact that I felt I was losing a significant amount of distance due to my swing changing and the clubs not keeping up.  

That being said, have a completely open mind with zero lean towards any particular brand or model.  I made the mistake of concentrating too much on the distance lost and despite hitting a couple of sets much better/flush, went with TM P790's because the feel and distance were so much of an improvement.  Fast forward 18 months later and I had to part ways with the P790s due to the notorious low spinner flyers.  I could hit the same shot 10 times with the 7iron and it might fly 20-30 yards further 2-3 of those swings.  I couldn't manage what I couldn't control due to the hot face of the P790s.  I then got fitted with my pro, going through what my goals, strengths, weaknesses, etc.  He was able to take what he knew of my swing and where he wanted to go with it and try a wide assortment of combinations.  I finally settled on the Titleist T100 (2019) with Nippon Modus 120 shafts and have never looked back.  I love those things.  

One piece of advice, which has served me well.  Never buy from the fitter or pro if you are trying to save money.  The last 2 times I got fitted, I then found those clubs barely used.  There are so many people that buy golf clubs without even trying them only to realize they aren't a good fit; the amount you save would probably cover any adjustments needed based on your fitting with shaft, lie, etc.  

 

Edited June 25 by Captain3484

[John W Sutch]

Check out the PXG 0211 excors. Great price. Great performance.

[RaRa Golf]

Fitting is the way to go, but it's pricey, and your game may not be in a place yet where spending a ton of money on clubs makes sense.

If your swing changes a lot over the next year or so (and it most likely will), you may not be suited for the clubs you invested in.

IMHO, I suggest you look for a nice set of used forgiving Ping irons (any G series really), or look for some Adams game improvement irons.

Once you have a decent set of forgiving irons, then go for a lesson or 2, and start working on technique.

Good luck, welcome to the sport, and I hope you have an understanding wife!