what would you consider a good setup for a person that is just starting to learn the game. I plan on playing a few times a year so I don't realy want to spend big $$$. Thanks in advance for your suggestions.

 

When I got started, I went to a secondhand sports equipment store and got a really nice complete set of Titleist irons, woods, etc. for around $500. If you're not playing alot, that would be my recommendation.

 

If you are only going to play a few times a year, I'd rent clubs at the course. When you get better and plan on playing more often, I'd go to the pro shop and get a consultation from the pro and fitted for clubs that are the right length and spec for you.

 

I just started playing last year. I had played in the past but wasn't real sure if it was something I could really get into. Once I realized I liked playing I decided to buy clubs. I bought a set from a sports authority. Anyway they were $150.00 set of Wilsons, everything was included even the bag. They do me just fine. Once I get better (if I get better) and upgrade I will give these to my nephew. But these will do me just fine for another year or so. I would say don't spend over $300.00 just starting out.....but the skys the limit!

 

Picked up mine, like new, at a pawnshop for 75 bucks.

 

Look on Ebay or pawn shops. You can get better clubs for a pretty good price. Look for something like Callaway or Ping, those are probably the most forgiving clubs.

On Ebay, you should look for something that is in good shape, but maybe a few blemishes so the price is low. Callaway X-14 or X-12's are old enough now where you should be able to get them for a pretty good price.

 

There are alot of good ideas here.

You may want to find a golf superstore in your area and buy a good set used. My choice is Cleveland but Titleist, Nike, Callaway are all good ones. Try to find some that are forgiving with cavity backs on the irons. Stay away from "blades" which are solid backs. They are great if you know what you are doing but can be very frustrating to use when starting out. If you think you may really get into then don't waste your money on a cheap starter set. You will want upgrade and the more expensive clubs do work better.

Beware of ebay and the like. You may be buying knock-offs. I've been to China and you cannot tell difference until you use them. I have known a couple unscroupulous individuals that use to travel there and sell them on ebay.

Good luck

 

When I first started playing golf I just bought a cheap set of clubs from Wal-Mart for about $100.
A few years after that when I was getting more serious I bought at set of Titleist DCI 981 irons and I actually like my cheapie clubs better than the Titleists.
Another thing is that you dont really need a full set. All you really need is a 3 wood, 5 to pitching wedge for irons, a sand wedge (56 degree is what I suggest) and a putter. When you are just starting out, you dont have enough to control to use a driver with any accuracy and you dont have enough clubhead speed to get the ball high enough in the air with a 3 iron or 4 iron.
Me personally, the only wood I carry is a 3 wood. I instead carry a 1 iron and 2 iron. I prefer those because you have better accuracy and a lower lofted iron is better on windy days, assuming you have enough power to get the ball off the ground with such a low-lofted club.
I still play with my old cheapie Wal-Mart clubs. I play in a league at a local golfcourse and some people with nice name-brand clubs scoff at my cheapie clubs, but they stop laughing once once I start kicking their butt with my cheapie clubs. You can have the best clubs money can buy, but if you dont know how to swing a golfclub you arent going to get low scores. I suggest buying a cheapie set of clubs for now and saving your money for golf lessons.

 

used Ping, Titleist, Callaway irons > new Walmart set

 

I'd agree, look around for a used set of clubs. I started out using a set of Dunlop clubs bought from Wal Mart for about $120. Got me started is about all I can say for them.. lol..
After about two years with those I bought a set of Lynx Black Cats.. HOLY CRAP!! What a difference!! Those set me back about $450 but I've had 'em for about 15 years now.

If you're having trouble driving, by that I mean slicing, and you feel the need to use a driver from the tee, then try a driver with a shorter shaft and tee the ball a little bit more forward. It helped me hit straighter.

If there isn't a GolfSmith store near you then go to www.golfsmith.com ... They can do anything you want, new clubs, used, custom, anything.. and very good prices.

For any player, new or not, there are two things I would recommend. One, have a golf shop fit your clubs for you. They will adjust the shaft length, lie angle, etc. to fit how you address the ball. Second, spend the $100 or so to have a professional teacher give you ONE lesson. Your buddies are drunk and full of weird theories, lol, I know mine are!.. One lesson at Golfsmith un-did two years of drunken BS advice and took 5 strokes off my game, money well spent!!

 

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I guess that I have some research to do and figure out what avenue, or is that fairway I want to go down.

 

Take a look at the new hybrid iron sets from Adams. The A2 Hybrids are what I am playing right now. It replaces the long irons with hybrid woods, which are much easier to use.

http://www.golfsmith.com/products/TL1100

http://www.adamsgolf.com/ir_idea_a2.htm

 

Tiny, the most important thing for any beginner is to get lessons early. The golf swing is a learned muscle/brain function and if you learn a bad swing on your own, very difficult to undo. Find a good teacher, get a series of lessons and learn the proper swing fundamentals. It will make the game a lot more fun for you. That, and properly fitted clubs make all the difference in the world.

 

+1000000000000000000000000000000

GET LESSONS EARLY!!! i wish i would have

 

we were supposed to take lessons?

that may explain my game!