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Subject: OT: golf club recommendations
Posted by: rockafellerskank
- [450122417] Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:07
I'm looking for some advice. I'm a horrible golfer, but....
a) Sometimes my job requires me to golf with clients and I am tired of embarrassing myself. Many of conference I attend put on scrambles/best ball.
AND
b) I can initiate as much golf as I want with clients and the company will pay for it (nice courses too)
So, to some extent, I'd be (a) dumb(ass) not to take advantage of these opportunities.
So, here's my question: I'm going to take some lessons and buy new (or used) clubs. I don't mind spending $500 to $1000, but don;t feel the need to buy more than what is 'adequate' for my game which at it's best will become bogey golf. I'm not opposed to new or used clubs. Any recommendations of what a hack like me should look for?
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| 1 | rockafellerskank
ID: 450122417
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:11
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If it matters, I should mention that I live in Phoenix, so I can golf year-round if I like. Don't know if the type of course I will be on (desert) makes difference as to the type of clubs I should seek?
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| 2 | Sludge
ID: 16109168
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:24
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I've never had a complaint about the set of Ping G2's that I have. Very forgiving. Checking Ping's website, I see that there's newer models (of course). As a hack you aren't worried about "shaping" your shots (hitting draws and fades on demand), so something like that is what you're looking for. If you're not wanting/needing something brand name, then there are clones that perform just or nearly as well. (I know it's sometimes a consideration when you might be playing with clients that actually care about something like that... as annoyingly shallow as that is... but then golf is an elitist game anyway... but I digress.)
Also, don't overlook getting them fitted properly. That makes a HUGE difference. Head down to your local golf shop and ask for the most forgiving clubs they have. Hit some of their demos. Generally clubs that have the face weighted around the edge and bottom of the club (cavity back) are your more forgiving clubs. DO NOT buy blades.
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| 3 | blue hen
Leader
ID: 710321114
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:27
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It's very hard to embarass yourself in a scramble. Go get some cheap-ish clubs and good putter, and put them in a nice bag.
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| 4 | Boxman
ID: 571114225
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:32
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Just some friendly advice.
Get yourself a good retriever. Go out to a park and whack a golf ball and then have the dog go get it and bring it back.
There's no point to hitting a ball 400 yards and then chasing after it.
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| 5 | rockafellerskank
ID: 450122417
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 18:46
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Sludge, Thanks. That helps. Yes, looking the part is part of what I need to do. I just need to get to the 19th hole with some credibility.
BH, t's very hard to embarrass yourself in a scramble. Go get some cheap-ish clubs and good putter, and put them in a nice bag. I played a scramble in early March. We finished 10 OVER 9not a typo-o); thus the need for the lessons! I beg to differ. I have cheap clubs now. Not all of my outings are scrambles.
Boxman, There's no point to hitting a ball 400 yards and then chasing after it. Yes, there is if itg gets me more business. But, thanks for adding the friendly advice.
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| 6 | blue hen
Leader
ID: 710321114
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 19:14
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You can hit a bar 400 yards? Man, I gotta start practicing.
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| 7 | StLCards
Dude
ID: 31010716
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 19:25
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Get a driver with an oversized head and a huge 'sweet spot'. Don't go for a low lofted driver unless you generate a lot of club head speed either. You'll actually get more distance with a 12 degree driver if you aren't generating high club head speed and the ball will go much straighter as a rule also.
You should also look into the hybrid clubs. The most important club might be the putter and they came in every conceivable size and shape, so spend some time on getting one that feels good to you. If you don't have confidence in it you will never putt well with it.
You don't have to carry a 'set' from a single manufacturer either. You can go with a Ping putter, Callaway Woods, Titelist Irons, or whatever suits your fancy. I have a Ben Hogan Wedge that I like a lot.
As far as 'image' on the course, any name brand club will do fine. Of course then you are taking away a conversation topic with your clients too ;) You can always blame your bad game on your sticks and let them 'recommend' what you should be using ;-)
I would certainly take a few lessons. I would also consider buying used clubs or get 'last years' model as you can get a big savings that way. Definitely try them out or a similar brand before buying. Some shops will let you play the clubs if you give them a deposit. That allows you to try several different models before deciding. Some shops have a driving range where you can try out clubs too. If nothing else, most courses will have a sample driver you can try out for a round.
Definitely go for a 'forgiving' club. There is a huge difference when you hit it off center with a forgiving club as you might actually still get a playable ball. You'll also need to decide on what shaft to use. Personally I like a steel shaft on my irons and graphite woods.
Enjoy!
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| 8 | Nuclear Gophers
ID: 48235264
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 19:53
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Buy a set for 150 to 200 dollars. And spend 800 dollars worth of lessons.
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| 9 | Slowhand
SuperDude
ID: 056744223
Mon, Mar 26, 2007, 23:37
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Just to reinforce what Sludge said.... I don't know how tall you are but if you are over 6 ft., make sure your clubs are the right length. I'm 6'4" and it helped tremendously to have my clubs lengthened. I also worked with a pro who builds clubs and had a driver custom built ($400,but well worth it IMO) with the head a bit offset that totally cured a horrible slice I fought for years.Knocked 8-10 strokes off my game within weeks.
And like StLCards I prefer steel on my irons and graphite on my woods but don't be afraid to try out alot of clubs till you find the "right ones".
Good Luck!
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| 10 | Texas Flood
ID: 132162015
Tue, Mar 27, 2007, 08:45
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#8, best adivce yet. Also hit tons of balls, and play a lot of golf.
A few years ago I got into playing with vintage clubs. Its amazing how little difference there is between my hadicap with old equipement vs new.
Don't worry about being a great player. In reality no one cares but you. Play along, don't hold up the game and don't bitch everytime you miss a shot. Most of all have fun and you'll be respected by players of all abilities.
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| 11 | GoatLocker
Sustainer
ID: 060151121
Tue, Mar 27, 2007, 09:04
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STL really hit it on the head - pun intended.
Forgiving is the biggest element to pay attention too.
Also, as has been pointed out, hit a lot of different clubs and figure out what works for you and is the most comfortable for you.
Shafts and grips can really impact how you play.
Do not be afraid to buy a new or used set of clubs and then immediately have all of the grips replaced.
In fact, if I were to buy used, that would be the first thing I do.
In fact, have done in the past.
Practice, practice, practice.
And always do so with a purpose knowing which part of your game you are working on.
Most people find it very hard to hit longer irons, 1, 2, 3 irons.
So, don't feel bad about going to 5 or 7 fairway woods.
Above all else, have fun.
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| 12 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Tue, Mar 27, 2007, 18:06
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Buy a set for 150 to 200 dollars. And spend 800 dollars worth of lessons.
By far, thats the best advice I've ever seen offered re this general query.
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| 13 | Boxman
ID: 571114225
Tue, Mar 27, 2007, 18:29
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Better than getting a retriever Sarge? I still don't see the point to this sport.
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| 14 | sarge33rd
ID: 99331714
Tue, Mar 27, 2007, 18:55
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Nor do I see the point in talking funny and driving in circles. But some people seem to feel it is one. *shrug* Different strokes...no pun intended.
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