Beginner to Intermedite

[MCJC]

Hi All, I have taken a few classes(still learning). Currently I can hit only 60-80 yard on avg which is low. I want to build my Club set as I use an old one for learning and understood a new one would help me do better. I use a Taylormade Firesole from the 90's. What would be your advise for someone who is learning to have in the bag. I prefer buying individually as I felt some in package irons look good but the driver does not suit me. Can you provide your list of 13 clubs. I would I like it to be at a reasonable price and use it for next few years. Thanks!

[JAYER38]

39 minutes ago, MCJC said:

Hi All, I have taken a few classes(still learning). Currently I can hit only 60-80 yard on avg which is low. I want to build my Club set as I use an old one for learning and understood a new one would help me do better. I use a Taylormade Firesole from the 90's. What would be your advise for someone who is learning to have in the bag. I prefer buying individually as I felt some in package irons look good but the driver does not suit me. Can you provide your list of 13 clubs. I would I like it to be at a reasonable price and use it for next few years. Thanks!

Find somewhere that has used clubs... Go hit them all in multiple trips to that or difference places hitting as many clubs as you can. Once you find something you enjoy the look and feel of that provide good performance for you then buy them. This goes for every club in your bag. We have a place here that allows you to buy clubs with a 30 day return policy for same value as long as they are not damaged so you can buy something and keep swapping them until you find something you enjoy.

Here is my list of clubs...

[MCJC]

Will do! Thanks @JAYER38

 

[Wolfstrum]

Finding a place where you can hit a variety of options is a good place to start. Even if the ones you hit are new, it gives you a way to narrow down used options. Like you I started playing golf seriously this year, decided to invest in clubs, and stop using 20 year old hand me downs. As a lefty I did not have a lot of options for testing out clubs.

I did a lot of research online.  I am also very frugally minded. I searched a lot of used options but ultimately opted for a Direct to Consumer option that was even lower cost than most used options of bigger brands and fit my needs.

I went with the Maltby STi2 irons 4-9, PW, GW (for $235 including custom assembly) and then filled in my wedges with used wedges I found locally on marketplace for a great price. My 52 and 56 degree wedges are both Mizuno MP series wedges that were used but in excellent condition. The two of them cost me $80 total. I found a 60 degree Yonex wedge at Goodwill for $5 (almost never use it but it is there if needed).  I then picked up the 2022 Callaway Mavrik driver from Golf Galaxy for $250.  Putter was also a Goodwill find for under $20 (Nomad mallet putter clone of the Odyssey 2 Ball Mallet putter). I did add a Sub 70 driving iron for $85 (20% off sale).

That put me at $675 total cost and I have been more than thrilled with my selection. There are other irons on my upgrade wishlist but that seems to be the case for all golfers.

Note: most people would opt for  fairway wood or hybrid over a driving iron. For whatever reason I hit my long irons better than hybrids so I have a 3i driving iron rather than hybrids or fairway woods. Some people don’t go higher than the 5i or 6 I and use hybrids for longer distances. Definitely test what works best for you above the 6i before buying. 

Edited October 17 by Wolfstrum

[Josh Parker]

On 10/15/2024 at 10:37 PM, MCJC said:

Hi All, I have taken a few classes(still learning). Currently I can hit only 60-80 yard on avg which is low. I want to build my Club set as I use an old one for learning and understood a new one would help me do better. I use a Taylormade Firesole from the 90's. What would be your advise for someone who is learning to have in the bag. I prefer buying individually as I felt some in package irons look good but the driver does not suit me. Can you provide your list of 13 clubs. I would I like it to be at a reasonable price and use it for next few years. Thanks!

You could look at the DTC brands to keep cost down or go used.  You really have a ton of options.  You mentioned taking some classes which is a great start.  I would try and go cheap until you have your swing established and then a fitting would be really beneficial, so you know what your specs are. (shaft, loft/lie, etc)  

These are all items that will help your ball striking and you can either change your current club specs or upgrade at that time.  Maltby is a great option to get in at a great price. (Golfworks). Sub70, Stix, Takomo are a few DTC brands you can look at.  

Hope this helps and welcome to golf and the forum!

[cnosil]

On 10/15/2024 at 11:37 PM, MCJC said:

Currently I can hit only 60-80 yard on avg which is low.

I use a Taylormade Firesole from the 90's. 

but the driver does not suit me.

Can you provide your list of 13 clubs.

Looking at these points I have some questions/comments 

while the Firesole irons aren’t considered the most forgiving and designed for more of a mid handicapper they aren’t necessarily bad.  Club age isn’t necessarily bad,  people play scratch golf with older clubs.  What club are you hitting 60-80 yards?   What does the instructor you are working with say?   What issues do you have with your swing? 

why don’t you think the driver in a box set will suit you?   

I could provide you a list of clubs but that list would probably be meaningless because we know nothing about your swing.

[The TXBexar]

1 hour ago, cnosil said:

Looking at these points I have some questions/comments 

while the Firesole irons aren’t considered the most forgiving and designed for more of a mid handicapper they aren’t necessarily bad.  Club age isn’t necessarily bad,  people play scratch golf with older clubs.  What club are you hitting 60-80 yards?   What does the instructor you are working with say?   What issues do you have with your swing? 

why don’t you think the driver in a box set will suit you?   

I could provide you a list of clubs but that list would probably be meaningless because we know nothing about your swing.

Yeah, this is critical info that would help them get a lot better guidance.

If that 80yds is with a PW, then that's not bad at all and a good start. If it's with a 3iron though, then I'd even recommend they just stick with what they got until they get more comfortable and consistent in their swing, then look to updating your set to something that is more modern and a Forgiving Game Improvement set.

[Rob Person]

Welcome to the site! 

Have a budget in mind.  The cheaper option isn't always best, but it can be a great intro to improvement and knowing what works best for you .

Remember, A set that is used, and in good condition, was in play 5 , 10, 15 years ago, and can still produce a quality result!

If you must have new, there are some great options out there. 

As was mentioned,  DTC companies offer sets ranging from individual irons, wedges, woods, etc, to full package deals.  They also most of the time have clearance sections too!

I inherited a 25 year old set, and as golf became an addiction, I found myself going to thrift stores, goodwill, etc looking for deals. While you may not find a full set, you could end up with some great individual clubs!

Also,  check with private and big box golf specific stores. Most have individual sets for sale from trade ins.

The biggest thing is being able to hit them to test out if possible. 

As you are just starting out,  I think it's important to state that not every club is a good fit, BUT... I do believe that anyone can learn to play with the equipment  they have access too.

Find a way to a simulator,  get some data on things like swing speed, etc

There are a ton of members here for more knowledgeable than I am,  and having more information about your abilities can narrow down some choices

Sites to browse, and check their pre-owned and clearance sections!

Callaway  pre-owned

Golf etail

Golf Galaxy

Dicks sporting goods 

Sub70

Lazrus

Stix 

Rock Bottom Golf

2nd swing 

And there are dozen more out there !

 

 

 

 

[MCJC]

Thank You @Wolfstrum, @Josh Parker, @cnosil and @The TXBexar

These are great inputs. I am kind of juggling between the options of Packaged sets and Building my own.

- 80 was with a 7 and this happened after I switched to Taylormade with the steel I was able to do 100+ . I am 5.5 ft RH in mid 30's if that helps

Reason:

- Most of these set are tall and I need a fitting which In addition to buy I will have to spend. I am open to both but with packaged set either Irons are good but driver is bad or vice versa

- I have used 2 clubs one which my coach loaned which were steel and taylormade which is a graphite and I feel confident for steel as I like the stiffness. While the forgiveness is great I want to learn the basics throughly

I have made consistent effort for the past 3 month to get a weekly practice to improve my golf and this would be investment for few years considering the price of these equipments and going forward I would be using a Indoor to practice during winter 

Again I really grateful for all the input if you all suggest a packaged box is the ways to go considering my profile. I would seriously consider it

 

 

 

[Rob Person]

3 minutes ago, MCJC said:

Thank You @Wolfstrum, @Josh Parker, @cnosil and @The TXBexar

These are great inputs. I am kind of juggling between the options of Packaged sets and Building my own.

- 80 was with a 7 and this happened after I switched to Taylormade with the steel I was able to do 100+ . I am 5.5 ft RH in mid 30's if that helps

Reason:

- Most of these set are tall and I need a fitting which In addition to buy I will have to spend. I am open to both but with packaged set either Irons are good but driver is bad or vice versa

- I have used 2 clubs one which my coach loaned which were steel and taylormade which is a graphite and I feel confident for steel as I like the stiffness. While the forgiveness is great I want to learn the basics throughly

I have made consistent effort for the past 3 month to get a weekly practice to improve my golf and this would be investment for few years considering the price of these equipments and going forward I would be using a Indoor to practice during winter 

Again I really grateful for all the input if you all suggest a packaged box is the ways to go considering my profile. I would seriously consider it

 

 

 

Only speaking from personal experience,  but Stix offers some custom options,  one of them being that you can select a shorter shaft length.

If you go into a semi private golf store and find a set, new or used, usually they will be able to cut them down for you (for a fee probably)

You don't mention in your profile where you are from, so can't help with suggestions or options in your area.

 

[MCJC]

@Rob Person Toronto, Update the profile. Thanks!

[cnosil]

1 minute ago, MCJC said:

- 80 was with a 7 and this happened after I switched to Taylormade with the steel I was able to do 100+ . I am 5.5 ft RH in mid 30's if that helps

Reason:

- Most of these set are tall and I need a fitting which In addition to buy I will have to spend. I am open to both but with packaged set either Irons are good but driver is bad or vice versa

- I have used 2 clubs one which my coach loaned which were steel and taylormade which is a graphite and I feel confident for steel as I like the stiffness. While the forgiveness is great I want to learn the basics throughly

I have made consistent effort for the past 3 month to get a weekly practice to improve my golf and this would be investment for few years considering the price of these equipments and going forward I would be using a Indoor to practice during winter 

Again I really grateful for all the input if you all suggest a packaged box is the ways to go considering my profile. I would seriously consider it

1.  At your height you will probably need some kind of fitting for any set of clubs.  I don’t understand what you mean by in the packages sets either irons or driver are bad.   
2.  A little education on graphite and steel shafts.   Graphite shafts can be significantly stiffer than steel.  The profile of the steel shaft and the clubhead could have just been a better fit for you which is why you hit it better.  When buying irons, steel options will be more plentiful and probably cheaper.   
3.  I would work with your instructor to get input on what to get.  With your current swing I’d probably not purchase anything unless the instructor says the current clubs are a terrible fit and causing issues.   The advantage of buying things separately versus a packaged set is you can space out the cost and you can find used clubs easier.  

[MCJC]

@cnosil 

12 minutes ago, cnosil said:

 At your height you will probably need some kind of fitting for any set of clubs.  I don’t understand what you mean by in the packages sets either irons or driver are bad.   
2.  A little education on graphite and steel shafts.   Graphite shafts can be significantly stiffer than steel.  The profile of the steel shaft and the clubhead could have just been a better fit for you which is why you hit it better.  When buying irons, steel options will be more plentiful and probably cheaper.   
3.  I would work with your instructor to get input on what to get.  With your current swing I’d probably not purchase anything unless the instructor says the current clubs are a terrible fit and causing issues.   The advantage of buying things separately versus a packaged set is you can space out the cost and you can find used clubs easier

My coach has advised me to buy a new set and mentioned the taylormade was old. So I wanted to more have more understanding before I choose one. 

To the packaged set I liked the Irons of Cobra Fly XL but I liked the Driver of Wilson Player Fit. These both come as complete package set
 

Edited October 17 by MCJC

[cnosil]

22 minutes ago, MCJC said:

My coach has advised me to buy a new set and mentioned the taylormade was old. So I wanted to more have more understanding before I choose one. 

To the packaged set I liked the Irons of Cobra Fly XL but I liked the Driver of Wilson Player Fit. These both come as complete package set
 

What clubs did your coach suggest? If he didn’t suggest any then you should ask for suggestions since he sees your swing 

what do you mean you by like them better?  Is it simply a looks thing or have you hit them?  If it is look then don’t buy the packaged set and buy individually.   I would personally recommend evaluating clubs by how they perform and not how they look.  

[Rob Person]

35 minutes ago, MCJC said:

@cnosil 

My coach has advised me to buy a new set and mentioned the taylormade was old. So I wanted to more have more understanding before I choose one. 

To the packaged set I liked the Irons of Cobra Fly XL but I liked the Driver of Wilson Player Fit. These both come as complete package set
 

You won't know until you actually hit them, which driver is better suited. Many have been surprised by what they want vs what works best!

[The TXBexar]

1 hour ago, Rob Person said:

There are a ton of members here for more knowledgeable than I am,  and having more information about your abilities can narrow down some choices

Sites to browse, and check their pre-owned and clearance sections!

Callaway  pre-owned

Golf etail

Golf Galaxy

Dicks sporting goods 

Sub70

Lazrus

Stix 

Rock Bottom Golf

2nd swing 

And there are dozen more out there !

 

I'm going to suggest adding Carl's GolfLand to this list of sites to look for good used & new equipment. They have great customer service & return polices, and have a lot of sales/clearances happening year round to get rid of older inventory that they are definitely worth looking at for gear at a great price. 

[MCJC]

@cnosil My coach asked me to tryout and I did try them but did not suggest anything specific. Given my course is over. I believe I have to decide now and continue with my practice.

Edited October 17 by MCJC

[cnosil]

19 minutes ago, MCJC said:

@cnosil My coach asked me to tryout and I did try them but did not suggest anything specific. Given my course is over. I believe I have to decide now and continue with my practice.

Can’t you reach out and ask?   

[MCJC]

@cnosil Like I will make a final call after reaching out to him but as mentioned earlier I will but would love get additional input. I am reachout because I made a mistake of getting the old set that did not fit me.

Edited October 17 by MCJC

[Erin B]

@MCJC welcome and glad to hear you’re learning to play!!! Your coach should be able to at least recognize where your swing is and get you started on a set of clubs to match your physique. I agree with what @cnosil and @Josh Parker commented on. They’re wise in their ways of the golf force! At 5’5” you may want to look into a fitting after your swing is good. My daughter is 5’6” and needs 1/2” short clubs, but each player is different. Honestly your coach should know enough to get you started. eBay is a great place to buy used clubs. I’d think you’d want some pretty forgiving clubs so I’d research MGS on those. Go back a few years and buy a used set. I’d personally go with Ping as a driver as they are pretty forgiving in my humble opinion. I’m a Callaway guy but do have a ping when I’m a little out of wack on my drives. I’d not even worry about a driver until you get your swing in good working order. 

[The TXBexar]

42 minutes ago, MCJC said:

@cnosil 

My coach has advised me to buy a new set and mentioned the taylormade was old. So I wanted to more have more understanding before I choose one. 

To the packaged set I liked the Irons of Cobra Fly XL but I liked the Driver of Wilson Player Fit. These both come as complete package set
 

To add on to what @cnosil had said, It honestly sounds like it would be worth the $100 or so to go get a fitting before you start buying, and to not buy a complete club set, but part & piece a set together that feels and works the best for you.

What I mean by that is, think of it like going to a Tailor and getting your suit measurements precisely measured for what you would need to get the perfect fit for a suit, just for you. Then, instead of buying a bespoke tailored suit that's a prefect fit for you but expensive and costly, you go and buy the pants, shirt, jacket, tie, etc. all as separate pieces over time, because you shopped around and found the individual pieces that matched the measurements you need for you, and got ones that look good to you and saved you money since you bought them as separate pieces. 

You don't need to buy anything at a club fitting, just set one up a good fitter service (avoiding the big box stores will, most times, help potential avoid any sales pressure if your worried about that) and let them know you just want to find out what club set-ups & lengths work best for you currently. They should easily be able to get this info for you with about an hour of measurements & trial swings. It will greatly help you understand what you should be looking for to get the best possible club set-up that'll work great for you.

You mentioned previously that you felt the club sets were tool long for you, but do you know how long? Unfortunately, club lengths are not an industry standard so one brands +0.5" length might be the next brands standard length. Knowing how long of a Driver, hybrid, iron, and wedge length you should be using will help a lot with bettering your swing mechanics. Additionally, lofts of club heads ain't a standard either, so the older model 7iron you were swinging going around 100+ yds sounds short compared to today's standards, but the honest truth is that 7 iron might be today's 9iron or PW equivalent (which would be a high 30 * loft to low 40 * loft). if that's the case 100yd on a 9i aint bad, and 100yds on a PW is pretty solid distance, if the ball is going where you are aiming. 

Also, in a fitting, they'll help you figure out whether you are truly better with Steel shafts or graphite shafts. Do you know what kind of shaft stiffness works best for you right now? Would a more flexible shaft get you some better yardage, or would a stiff or X-Stiff shaft get you better ball flight and accuracy/control of your shot?  You probably currently don't know that info, but you can figure that info out pretty easily during a fitting. 

Getting the Club length, Lie (the angle between the club head & Shaft), whether you need something to help correct an In-to-Out swing (which will result in slicing the ball away from you during the ball flight) or an Out-to-In swing (which will result in hooking the ball back towards you during the ball flight), whether a heavier shaft or light shaft feels better while you swing the club, or if you prefer to feel the club head more during your swing so you want a heavy feeling club head during your swing, etc. All this info is factors that will impact which type of used clubs you should get to play with. And by just having this base line of info, that you should be provided during your fitting session, provides you with everything that you need to know to make sure you are going to get a club that best fits you, and drastically improve your club selection on the individual clubs that you end up buying. Which is also why Fittings Aren't A Scam, or a waste of money to get early on while your getting into golf. 

[Rob Person]

@MCJC. Also, maybe there is also  spies nearby that can help you out as well?

If not already,  post up an intro here and see who else is nearby?

 

 

[funkyjudge]

On 10/15/2024 at 11:37 PM, MCJC said:

Hi All, I have taken a few classes(still learning). Currently I can hit only 60-80 yard on avg which is low. I want to build my Club set as I use an old one for learning and understood a new one would help me do better. I use a Taylormade Firesole from the 90's. What would be your advise for someone who is learning to have in the bag. I prefer buying individually as I felt some in package irons look good but the driver does not suit me. Can you provide your list of 13 clubs. I would I like it to be at a reasonable price and use it for next few years. Thanks!

First, welcome to MyGolfSpy, @MCJC! You will find that this forum has a great group of members who are extremely helpful, and not at all judgmental when offering advice.

I am a Professional Clubfitter (semi-retired, but I still do some fitting and golf club work and keep up with all of the latest golf equipment and technology), and I have been fitting golfers and working in the industry for more than 30 years. Based on what you have said in your posts here, I have the following advice:

• You do need to be fitted for your golf clubs, particularly considering your height.
• It may not be necessary to go to an independent clubfitting location right away, if your golf instructor is able to provide solid advice regarding club length, shaft flex and material, grip size, etc.
• I would suggest getting a set of irons, with no iron longer than a 5-iron, one or two hybrid clubs, and a lofted fairway wood (maybe a 5-wood), plus a sand wedge and a putter — all at playing lengths that fit your height, arm length, swing, etc. — and learning / developing a readable consistent golf swing while using these clubs.
• Your initial clubs do not need to be the “latest and greatest” models. Instead, they must be clubs that fit you and your swing as you develop some consistency and confidence. Used clubs of “recent vintage” (up to 5-10 years old), in good condition should be more than adequate!
• It may be necessary to have alterations (shortened lengths, smaller or larger grips, etc.) made to these clubs, but you shouldn’t buy clubs that need major changes made in order to fit you properly.
• By all means, you should be looking at “game improvement” or “super game improvement” clubs for this initial purchase.
• Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with these used clubs, and decide to keep them for a few years after your initial learning experience with them. If they are still in decent shape, all that you would really need at this point is to add a driver that fits your body and your swing.

 I only know of one “independent” clubfitting organization in the Toronto area, TXG (Tour Experience Golf), which is now known as Club Champion Canada. Ian Fraser (Founder/Owner/General Manager of Club Champion Canada) and Mike Martysiewicz (Director of Club Building/Fitting at their Toronto and Mississauga locations) are great guys, and they really — and I mean REALLY — know their stuff when it comes to golf equipment and golf club fitting. However, your experience with them would be very expensive and I don’t think that you are ready for that …. Not yet!

I hope that this advice is helpful and provides you with a better understanding and foundation for your golf equipment quest and your growth in the wonderful game of golf (OK, also a passion and sometimes an obsession or “sickness”, but in a mostly good way).

Doug Mael (a/k/a funkyjudge)

Doug’s Custom Clubs / Tour Quality Golf

 

Edited October 17 by funkyjudge
added/corrected data

[Erin B]

9 minutes ago, funkyjudge said:

First, welcome to MyGolfSpy, @MCJC! You will find that this forum has a great group of members who are extremely helpful, and not at all judgmental when offering advice.

I am a Professional Clubfitter (semi-retired, but I still do some fitting and golf club work and keep up with all of the latest golf equipment and technology), and I have been fitting golfers and working in the industry for more than 30 years. Based on what you have said in your posts here, I have the following advice:

• You do need to be fitted for your golf clubs, particularly considering your height.
• It may not be necessary to go to an independent clubfitting location right away, if your golf instructor is able to provide solid advice regarding club length, shaft flex and material, grip size, etc.
• I would suggest getting a set of irons, with no iron longer than a 5-iron, one or two hybrid clubs, and a lofted fairway wood (maybe a 5-wood), plus a sand wedge and a putter — all at playing lengths that fit your height, arm length, swing, etc. — and learning / developing a readable consistent golf swing while using these clubs.
• Your initial clubs do not need to be the “latest and greatest” models. Instead, they must be clubs that fit you and your swing as you develop some consistency and confidence. Used clubs of “recent vintage” (up to 5-10 years old), in good condition should be more than adequate!
• It may be necessary to have alterations (shortened lengths, smaller or larger grips, etc.) made to these clubs, but you shouldn’t buy clubs that need major changes made in order to fit you properly.
• By all means, you should be looking at “game improvement” or “super game improvement” clubs for this initial purchase.
• Don’t be surprised if you fall in love with these used clubs, and decide to keep them for a few years after your initial learning experience with them. If they are still in decent shape, all that you would really need at this point is to add a driver that fits your body and your swing.

 I only know of one “independent” clubfitting organization in the Toronto area, TXG (Tour Experience Golf), which is now known as Club Champion. Ian Fraser (Founder/Owner/General Manager of Club Champion Canada) and Mike Martysiewicz (Director of Club Building/Fitting at their Toronto and Mississauga locations) are great guys, and they really — and I mean REALLY — know their stuff when it comes to golf equipment and golf club fitting. However, your experience with them would be very expensive and I don’t think that you are ready for that …. Not yet!

I hope that this advice is helpful and provides you with a better understanding and foundation for your golf equipment quest and your growth in the wonderful game of golf (OK, also a passion and sometimes an obsession or “sickness”, but in a mostly good way).

Doug Mael (a/k/a funkyjudge)

Doug’s Custom Clubs / Tour Quality Golf

 

Very well said! 

[MCJC]

Thanks @Wolfstrum, @Rob Person , @cnosil, @Erin B for the all wonderful input!

@The TXBexar Sure Will do as advised. Thank again!!!

@funkyjudge That was great insight. Will definitely help me a long way!!!

Edited October 18 by MCJC

[Rob Person]

5 minutes ago, MCJC said:

Thanks @Wolfstrum, @Rob Person , @cnosil, @Erin B for the all wonderful input!

@The TXBexar Sure Will do as advised. Thank again!!!

@funkyjudge That was great insight. Will definitely help me a long way!!!

Keep us updated on how your journey goes!

[schooner44]

There is not going to be any one correct (or incorrect) answer to your question. As you learn the game, your swing and needs are going to change. I would highly suggest a local shop that has a selection of used clubs that you can hit to see what works for you. For me, that's a Golfmart but I would NOT suggest Dick's Sporting Goods as I find that their staff just isn't knowledgeable enough in golf. You may even want to keep an eye at thrift shops/flea markets/facebook marketplace...I picked up a full set of Tour Edge for my step son for $30 at a Goodwill! Even if you don't end up liking something from a thrift shop, you can likely trade them in for some value at a local golf shop. I grew up in Buffalo and that's not too far from you...I bet that you could make the drive over the border and find something there if you can't find anything in Canada.

I'm on my 4th set of irons, 3rd driver and second set of wedges since 2016. I think I may be at a point where I can say that I'm comfortable enough with my selection of clubs vs my game development but it took a lot to get here and I believe that golf is a game that you are always learning.