|
||||||||
Question for golfers |
![]() |
|
|
Thread Tools | Search this Thread |
|
|
#1 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South
Posts: 10,839
|
Question for golfers
Hi,
How much do you reckon is a reasonable amount to pay for a set of golf clubs for a casual player? Someone who is pushing for a 28 handicap but hasn't quite got there yet. I mean full set - bag as well. Does anyone have advice on the best value place to buy them from? How important do you think it is to get them fitted? Thanks |
|
|
|
|
Please sign in or register to remove this advertisement.
|
|
|
#2 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 19,936
|
Is a 28 handicap good or bad? I have a feeling it's at the bad end of the range.
So it sounds like someone who thinks that expensive equipment will improve his/her game. And I don't really think it will, to be honest, based on my experience in other fields. Expensive or advanced equipment can give you an edge when you're expecting to be in the top half dozen in a major event, but that's the only time. For example, I'm happy with my £80 camera. I appreciate I could get better pictures by improving my knowledge and technique, but simply buying a £2000 camera wouldn't work. If anything, it could, in my opinion (i.e. based on absolutely no expertise), make my photos worse. |
|
|
|
|
|
#3 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,981
|
Pop into central London and stroll down Oxford Street. If you're really lucky there might be a golf sale going on, flagged up by a man with a big sign.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#4 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 14,234
|
In answer to your question about price OP, a quick look on American Golf suggests they charge around £250-£300 for a full set of clubs. This is about right for a basic set to be honest. Of course, you could look on eBay for second hand sets and get a much better deal.
As general advice, I'd think carefully about how much you intend to play golf in the future. If you only ever intend to play occasionally and aren't bothered about improving much beyond a handicap of 28, then a set from American Golf (or wherever) of £250-£300 would do you adequately. However, if you intend to play a lot and are really looking to improve your game, buying a set like that could be "false economy". They'll do you fine for the short term, but you'll find you need to invest in better equipment as time goes on. I took up golf properly a few years back. I knew how to play and could swing a club as I'd learnt on the pitch and putt courses as a kid. I bought a full set for about £250 from American Golf. After a couple of years of playing occasionally, I found I wanted to improve my game. The thing I read over and over again from the pros was that the value of getting properly fitted for clubs can't be overestimated. So I bit the bullet and bought a whole new set. Now it didn't turn me into a single figure handicapper overnight - but the difference was immediate. With a better set of clubs that you've been fitted for, you'll find your "margin of error" when playing your shots is much bigger and your "duff shots" become fewer and fewer. However, I do stress that better equipment is not an instant cure for bad golf even though I'd bet that a lot of people go into it thinking that way! The best thing you can do if you want to improve is to get a series of lessons with a pro and spend lots of time at the range. I read in a book once about a pro complaining about these people who go out and spend several hundred quid on a new driver thinking it will improve their game - had they stuck with the existing driver and spent the equivalent money on lessons instead, they'd be far better off! Oh and when you do go to the range, don't just reach for your driver and bang 100 balls with it! Perfect your swing with the lower clubs first. Sorry, this turned into a longer reply than I set out to do! I'm a golf bore! ![]() In summary - a "cheap" set is fine if you're only playing occasionally and don't want to improve greatly. Or if you do want to improve - treat this cheap set as a "temporary" set until you decide it's worth investing more into a properly fitted set. Enjoy anyway! It's the best sport there is - as well as being the most bloody frustrating!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#5 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South
Posts: 10,839
|
Quote:
In answer to your question about price OP, a quick look on American Golf suggests they charge around £250-£300 for a full set of clubs. This is about right for a basic set to be honest. Of course, you could look on eBay for second hand sets and get a much better deal.
As general advice, I'd think carefully about how much you intend to play golf in the future. If you only ever intend to play occasionally and aren't bothered about improving much beyond a handicap of 28, then a set from American Golf (or wherever) of £250-£300 would do you adequately. However, if you intend to play a lot and are really looking to improve your game, buying a set like that could be "false economy". They'll do you fine for the short term, but you'll find you need to invest in better equipment as time goes on. I took up golf properly a few years back. I knew how to play and could swing a club as I'd learnt on the pitch and putt courses as a kid. I bought a full set for about £250 from American Golf. After a couple of years of playing occasionally, I found I wanted to improve my game. The thing I read over and over again from the pros was that the value of getting properly fitted for clubs can't be overestimated. So I bit the bullet and bought a whole new set. Now it didn't turn me into a single figure handicapper overnight - but the difference was immediate. With a better set of clubs that you've been fitted for, you'll find your "margin of error" when playing your shots is much bigger and your "duff shots" become fewer and fewer. However, I do stress that better equipment is not an instant cure for bad golf even though I'd bet that a lot of people go into it thinking that way! The best thing you can do if you want to improve is to get a series of lessons with a pro and spend lots of time at the range. I read in a book once about a pro complaining about these people who go out and spend several hundred quid on a new driver thinking it will improve their game - had they stuck with the existing driver and spent the equivalent money on lessons instead, they'd be far better off! Oh and when you do go to the range, don't just reach for your driver and bang 100 balls with it! Perfect your swing with the lower clubs first. Sorry, this turned into a longer reply than I set out to do! I'm a golf bore! ![]() In summary - a "cheap" set is fine if you're only playing occasionally and don't want to improve greatly. Or if you do want to improve - treat this cheap set as a "temporary" set until you decide it's worth investing more into a properly fitted set. Enjoy anyway! It's the best sport there is - as well as being the most bloody frustrating! ![]() To give some background - i've been playing on and off for about 20 years. I've gone through phases where i've played multiple times a week and others (such as last year) where I play barely once a month. I was a member of a golf club a few years ago and so played 18 holes at least once a week but struggled to improve. My best ever score was 102 and my typical score was around 107-8. My current set is a bit of an amalgamation. My friend gave me a set of irons and driver he didn't want anymore - I bought a putter and recovery wood brand new and got a bag off ebay. So basically i'm looking to replace the lot and start (for the first time in my life) with a full set of new clubs. I I struggle to see how you can by anything of quality at the £250-300 mark given that bags alone cost £100. But then I'm obviously not good enough to worry too much about clubs that will save me shots here or there. I just want something that I can finally break the 100 with. Out of interest - how much did you spend on your 'updated' set? I am aiming to take lessons as soon as I get the new clubs. |
|
|
|
|
|
#6 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brackley, UK
Posts: 16,649
|
A set of clubs, bag and even a trolley can be had for less than £200 quid on Amazon and would be perfectly adequate for a 28 handicapper.
But if you think you're going to take it seriously then I'd recommend a set of Callaway RAZRs. They are designed to be more forgiving and to increase backspin which helps the ball into the air and reduces slicing and hooking (a bit anyway). I bought a set of these just over a year ago and they knocked ten strokes off my fairway play within a few rounds. The downside is that they aren't particularly cheap. For a full set including driver you could be knocking on a grand. But since I bought mine (October '14) I've gone from scoring in the mid 100s to the low 90s. I did a side by side test late last summer at the range and the RAZRs were definitely helping. Straighter shorts and the occasional topped shot usually goes at least 100 yds whereas the Amazon set I was comparing with sometimes only went 20 yds. It's true that a good set of clubs won't turn you from a weekend duffer into a PGA pro but what I have found is that they can: * Reduce the severity of a bad shot. I can't remember the last time a miss-hit only dribbled the ball a dozen yards. * Reduce wayward hits. Sure I slice and even hook occasionally but it rarely gets me into trouble. I hit with confidence now and in my side by side test was quite shocked at how bad some of my hits were with the old set. * Make you feel good. Given that golf is a psychological game this is good on its own. I can stride out to a tee with Callaway plastered over my clubs and know that no-one is going to smirk ![]() Oh and lastly: Practice, practice, practice. I found this out last year when a new job meant I could get 18 holes in any weekday evening I wanted on the way home from work. Two evenings a week had me down to the mid- to high- 80s. Sadly the effect has worn off a bit over winter but I'm still staying below 100 most of the time. |
|
|
|
|
|
#7 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 14,234
|
Quote:
Out of interest - how much did you spend on your 'updated' set?
For a while I carried on using the putter and hybrids from my old set. I gave up using a driver or 3W at all, as I was all over the bloody place with them! Then I got a putting lesson and it was pointed out that my putter was way too long. I invested in a shorter one and that cost me around £100. Then later I went and got fitted for a new hybrid and new driver. Around £300 for both I think. Oh and during that time, the legs on my original bag went, so I bought a new one. Again, can't remember exact price but probably around £100. So all told, nearing the £1000 mark! ![]() I saw an internet meme once which said "My biggest fear if I die is my wife selling my guns for the price I told her I paid". Same thing applies with my clubs! ![]() As an aside, the best thing I ever did for my golf game was getting a putting lesson. Your putter is the club you'll probably play most strokes with. If you're scoring above 100, you're probably leaking shots with the putter and it's the easiest area of your game to improve. Make sure you get a lesson in putting as well! Given the fact that you've played a lot before, I'd actually tell you to go and get fitted for a set of clubs rather than buy a "cheap" set. As long as you can personally justify the cost though. I probably sound like I'm better than I am! I talk a good game, but I'm crap! I do enjoy it though. I don't play anything like as often as I'd like to. That's having young kids for you!
|
|
|
|
|
|
#8 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South
Posts: 10,839
|
Quote:
A set of clubs, bag and even a trolley can be had for less than £200 quid on Amazon and would be perfectly adequate for a 28 handicapper.
But if you think you're going to take it seriously then I'd recommend a set of Callaway RAZRs. They are designed to be more forgiving and to increase backspin which helps the ball into the air and reduces slicing and hooking (a bit anyway). I bought a set of these just over a year ago and they knocked ten strokes off my fairway play within a few rounds. The downside is that they aren't particularly cheap. For a full set including driver you could be knocking on a grand. But since I bought mine (October '14) I've gone from scoring in the mid 100s to the low 90s. I did a side by side test late last summer at the range and the RAZRs were definitely helping. Straighter shorts and the occasional topped shot usually goes at least 100 yds whereas the Amazon set I was comparing with sometimes only went 20 yds. It's true that a good set of clubs won't turn you from a weekend duffer into a PGA pro but what I have found is that they can: * Reduce the severity of a bad shot. I can't remember the last time a miss-hit only dribbled the ball a dozen yards. * Reduce wayward hits. Sure I slice and even hook occasionally but it rarely gets me into trouble. I hit with confidence now and in my side by side test was quite shocked at how bad some of my hits were with the old set. * Make you feel good. Given that golf is a psychological game this is good on its own. I can stride out to a tee with Callaway plastered over my clubs and know that no-one is going to smirk ![]() Oh and lastly: Practice, practice, practice. I found this out last year when a new job meant I could get 18 holes in any weekday evening I wanted on the way home from work. Two evenings a week had me down to the mid- to high- 80s. Sadly the effect has worn off a bit over winter but I'm still staying below 100 most of the time. Did you get your clubs fitted? I think the issue is that I want to try and find a bargain online rather than risk being ripped off in America Golf, but then obviously they won't be fitted. |
|
|
|
|
|
#9 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brackley, UK
Posts: 16,649
|
Oh and two other good golf rules. The two most important I think: * Drive for show, put for dough. Never neglect putting. What happens on the fairway rarely matters unless it's truly horrible. But a one putt nearly always wins the hole(*) ![]() * Play the percentages. Resist the temptation to hope for the best. Play what you know you stand a good chance of achieving. Forget about the long distance approach shot that looks really cool but rarely ever works. If you can't reach the green with a 7 iron or higher don't try. Lay up so that your next shot is an easy pitch or bump-and-run on. Quote:
Did you get your clubs fitted? I think the issue is that I want to try and find a bargain online rather than risk being ripped off in America Golf, but then obviously they won't be fitted.
(*)Plus putting is something you can practice at home. Even on wooden floors if you don't mind the noise. Practice it while watching TV and it'll even help you deal with distractions. |
|
|
|
|
|
#10 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Hebrides
Posts: 28,130
|
Most golf clubs pro shop sell quality second hand clubs. That would be my first stop.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#11 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: South
Posts: 10,839
|
Quote:
I bought a full set of irons/wedges first - SW, gap wedge, PW, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5. I can't remember exact figures but I seem to recall that each one cost around the 50 to 60 quid mark. So between 400 and £500 I think.
For a while I carried on using the putter and hybrids from my old set. I gave up using a driver or 3W at all, as I was all over the bloody place with them! Then I got a putting lesson and it was pointed out that my putter was way too long. I invested in a shorter one and that cost me around £100. Then later I went and got fitted for a new hybrid and new driver. Around £300 for both I think. Oh and during that time, the legs on my original bag went, so I bought a new one. Again, can't remember exact price but probably around £100. So all told, nearing the £1000 mark! ![]() I saw an internet meme once which said "My biggest fear if I die is my wife selling my guns for the price I told her I paid". Same thing applies with my clubs! ![]() As an aside, the best thing I ever did for my golf game was getting a putting lesson. Your putter is the club you'll probably play most strokes with. If you're scoring above 100, you're probably leaking shots with the putter and it's the easiest area of your game to improve. Make sure you get a lesson in putting as well! Given the fact that you've played a lot before, I'd actually tell you to go and get fitted for a set of clubs rather than buy a "cheap" set. As long as you can personally justify the cost though. I probably sound like I'm better than I am! I talk a good game, but I'm crap! I do enjoy it though. I don't play anything like as often as I'd like to. That's having young kids for you!My putting is surprisingly good for my score; i'm a pretty solid two putter on the types of greens I play. Also i'm not bad at iron shots up to about 150 yards. It's my driving from the tee that's poor and my short game around the green is absolutely dreadful. My typical par 4 involves me hitting 180 yards into the rough, hitting out on to fairway, hitting a nice iron to within 10 yards of the green, then either duffing the shot or hitting it over the green. Then getting on to the edge of the green at the second attempt and two putting for 7. |
|
|
|
|
|
#12 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brackley, UK
Posts: 16,649
|
Quote:
My putting is surprisingly good for my score; i'm a pretty solid two putter on the types of greens I play. Also i'm not bad at iron shots up to about 150 yards. It's my driving from the tee that's poor and my short game around the green is absolutely dreadful.
For the short game are you familiar with 'bump-and-run'? It's safer than chipping and a better choice unless there's a bunker in the way. Basically it's like putting only with a mid-iron. I'd far rather my ball be on the fringe so that I can use my 8-iron than it be a long putt from the green. Quote:
My typical par 4 involves me hitting 180 yards into the rough, hitting out on to fairway, hitting a nice iron to within 10 yards of the green, then either duffing the shot or hitting it over the green. Then getting on to the edge of the green at the second attempt and two putting for 7.
Yup. You need to learn bump-and-run. You can't miss hit it that badly. You might end up a yard or two shorter or longer than you wanted but that's usually as bad as it gets. It's even better if you're already good at putting.
|
|
|
|
|
|
#13 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
|
I started a few years back and bought a set of clubs from AG with no idea of what I was hoping to achieve.
Two years later I traded up with help from my Pro and an Internet matched price (which he'll always do). I'd be very tempted to buy a used set off Gumtree which should be quite local to you. It's awash with sets and bags. Before you spend big money ensure you're enjoying the game and determined to improve - golf can eat your money once you get the bug. The big names bring out "improved" clubs so often it's ridiculous. The fact is that the average golfer will improve marginally over a few years and. £500 set of irons will not lift his game. Take lessons. If you get serious buy a golf "yardage" watch and learn how far you hit a ball with every club. It was by far the best thing I bought to improve my game. Prior to that I was clueless about club selection on each shot. Take on board HughJ and Andrue's advice. Especially - don't just smack a driver on a practice range and remember that you use a putter more than any other club - probably at least twice on every hole whereas you may only use a driver 10/12 times in a round.When you're ready I see a DS four ball in the offing
|
|
|
|
|
|
#14 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: May 2006
Location: London
Posts: 3,580
|
This is a good site if you decide to go down the 2nd hand route (they also sell new clubs) http://www.golfbidder.co.uk/
|
|
|
|
|
|
#15 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brackley, UK
Posts: 16,649
|
Quote:
If you get serious buy a golf "yardage" watch and learn how far you hit a ball with every club.
And yeah I'm always up for a round with new partners. I talk a good game but I'm not what I call a serious golfer. If I lose a ball I'll have a quick look but life is too short for the 'five minute search' and I ain't going back to take it again either. I'm happy to just drop a new ball, take a penalty and continue down the fairway. Not that it happens all that often anyway. I can usually make a box of three balls last a round and last weekend went round Cherwell Edge in 93 and didn't lose any balls. Would've been 89 but I had a horrible 18th :-/ There's several good clubs around here and with easy access to the M40 I can get further afield easily enough
|
|
|
|
|
|
#16 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 21,747
|
Quote:
Most golf clubs pro shop sell quality second hand clubs. That would be my first stop.
dont just buy a set of clubs based on make or model or cost as well imo see how they feel when you grip them , how they sit when you are in your stance. it might be all in the head but feeling comfortable with how your clubs look and feel is important. dont just buy the woods that go with your irons as well , or the wedge/SW imo. i would always buy them separately if you can. same with putters , weight and shape of a putter and how it allows you to align yourself when putting, some people like the "branding iron" style huge headed putters, some dont. best putter i ever had was one i picked up for a few quid out of a second hand rack in a pro shop. you will have a set of clubs for a few years so taking some time to get something that suits you and that you feel comfortable with is important. |
|
|
|
|
|
#17 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
|
Quote:
Oh yes, good call. I bought one after a golfing trip to Morocco. At one course we had to have a caddy and he soon knew my distances better than me! After I started to trust him my scores improved. As soon as I got back home I bought a Garmin Approach G3. Now a couple of years later I probably don't need it but it's a nice way to keep the score and it gives me confidence.
) and my GolfBuddy is essential at away courses. But.... I now feel "naked" without it on my home course.It's not uncommon to find four golfers look at their watches and argue over their readings of 3/5 yds to pin when I'm thinking "Just hit the bluddy green"
|
|
|
|
|
|
#18 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 9,197
|
Quote:
I can usually make a box of three balls last a round and last weekend went round Cherwell Edge in 93 and didn't lose any balls. Would've been 89 but I had a horrible 18th :-/ When I was then asked what my score was I said "Bugger that, I finished with the ball I started with!" - and I was genuinely chuffed
|
|
|
|
|
|
#19 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2006
Posts: 23,463
|
Quote:
Is a 28 handicap good or bad? I have a feeling it's at the bad end of the range.
So it sounds like someone who thinks that expensive equipment will improve his/her game. And I don't really think it will, to be honest, based on my experience in other fields. Expensive or advanced equipment can give you an edge when you're expecting to be in the top half dozen in a major event, but that's the only time. For example, I'm happy with my £80 camera. I appreciate I could get better pictures by improving my knowledge and technique, but simply buying a £2000 camera wouldn't work. If anything, it could, in my opinion (i.e. based on absolutely no expertise), make my photos worse. |
|
|
|
|
|
#20 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: sheffield
Posts: 791
|
Quote:
Hi,
How much do you reckon is a reasonable amount to pay for a set of golf clubs for a casual player? Someone who is pushing for a 28 handicap but hasn't quite got there yet. I mean full set - bag as well. Does anyone have advice on the best value place to buy them from? How important do you think it is to get them fitted? Thanks In the left column look for and click on the "town" nearest to you then "sports" then "golf" Click here http://www.localbargainfinder.com/ |
|
|
|
|
|
#21 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 14,234
|
Quote:
(*)Plus putting is something you can practice at home. Even on wooden floors if you don't mind the noise. Practice it while watching TV and it'll even help you deal with distractions.
With putting, I personally found that hitting with the right power was more of an issue for me than direction. In my lounge, I therefore set up markers at 5 feet and 10 feet away and practised just hitting with the right power to finish around those distances, without worrying too much about direction. I found this really helped. My view is that if you're hitting it with the right power, you're rarely going to finish too far from the hole - unless you have a really bad mis-read of the slope of the green! |
|
|
|
|
|
#22 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,981
|
Quote:
I had this in the lounge at my previous house, but in my new house my lounge carpet is much faster!
![]() Nothing to offer on golf bats, other than an observation that it seems to be very closely related to cycling in terms of extras, gadgets, improvements and unexpected ways for manufacturers to separate us from our cash in the chase to be better. Good luck with the search. |
|
|
|
|
|
#23 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 14,234
|
Quote:
You know you're a proper golfist when the speed of your carpets becomes an issue.
![]() ![]() But the carpet is being changed in a few months. Before buying anything, I will be making sure I try out my putting on it first! |
|
|
|
|
|
#24 |
|
Inactive Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 5,981
|
March into the carpet outlet. Swatches for curtain & furniture matching? Check. Measurements? Check. Putter & golf ball. Yup, right here mate. Stand back a sec...
|
|
|
|
|
|
#25 |
|
Forum Member
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Brackley, UK
Posts: 16,649
|
Quote:
I found this really helped. My view is that if you're hitting it with the right power, you're rarely going to finish too far from the hole - unless you have a really bad mis-read of the slope of the green!
Quote:
March into the carpet outlet. Swatches for curtain & furniture matching? Check. Measurements? Check. Putter & golf ball. Yup, right here mate. Stand back a sec...
|
|
|
|
![]() |
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 11:03.






whereas you may only use a driver 10/12 times in a round.