Returning to Golf - need new clubs - advice?

[lenny007]

Evening all.

I've decided as i approach 40 and the rugrats are getting bigger that i can now finally afford (both time and money-wise!) to restart playing golf. Seeing as i bought my last set of clubs when i was 16 (!) it seems to be sensible to be looking at new clubs.

I'm torn between either buying a reasonably priced set of clubs for not a lot of cash i.e

http://www.americangolf.co.uk/WilsonStaff/Wilson-P...

or, buying a higher quality but second hand set of irons. I'm looking at things such as Ping G5 - G10 irons, Taylor Made Burner irons or Wilson Ci9 or Ci11's or Di11's.

This would be with a view to adding drivers, etc as i go. It's been about 12 years since i last played and back then i was a mid handicapper - about 16.

Any advice on what would be best?

Cheers in advance.

[JamesNotJim]

The Ping irons are by far and away the best irons you've listed. They maybe an old model but they are very nice irons that will see you into single figures if needed. (Lee westwood played G10's until he switched over to i20's)

My advice would be to buy your clubs off ebay, but take your time and research what you are buying. The whole G10 range would be a great set up to start again with.

[lenny007]

Cheers for the advice. Trying to find G5 or G10's at a reasonable price and condition will be the hard bit.

Bearing that in mind, any suggestions on alternatives other than those i listed?

Also, a bit concerned that the clubs might be "too much" for me - i.e. more suitable for a lower handicapper than i will be until i get up to speed. Do you think they'll be suitable whilst i get back to where i was?

[Skii]

Good thing about Pings is the dot system that ensures you buy clubs that have the right lie angle for your height & build. Use the Ping dot calculator on their website to find out what colour code you are.

http://www.ping.com/fitting/nflightweb.aspx

[Phud]

Best £50 I spend on my golf was going down to a (in my case Callaway) fitting center.

I really would suggest that anybody buying clubs goes to one.

They analyse your swing stance, establish the full details of club length, loft and shaft

[Yell_M3]

Having your swing analysed is good but if you're just starting you won't be grooved yet. Go to american golf, and try out all the irons you can on their range, to get an idea of what type suits you. They will help. If they're too expensive, head off to ebay.

[lenny007]

Truth be told, ebay Pings are in my price range - bought new Pings aren't. So i'm pretty limited to whats available with respect to the colour coding system.

My original thoughts were to get a set of black dot irons and play them for a while to get my game back and then, in the future, perhaps invest in a set which i've been fitted for.

It seems a bit pointless to be hacking my way round with a set of fully fitted irons at about £500 or more. I'd rather spend the extra cash on playing to be honest.

But, if anyone thinks this is an arse first way of doing it, i'm certainly up for having my mind changed!

[Yell_M3]

lenny007 said:

My original thoughts were to get a set of black dot irons and play them for a while to get my game back and then, in the future, perhaps invest in a set which i've been fitted for.

Most ping irons can be altered so going for black is a good idea. If you need them changed a pro shop can do that for you.

[JamesNotJim]

You can only have the irons moved 3 dot colours max. If you buy ping irons with the wrong colour dot (Lie angle), just send them to ping and they will adjust them for free. (You may have to pay delivery charges depending on the proshop you use)

Another couple of handy websites for second hand clubs:

http://www.usedping.co.uk
http://www.golfbidder.co.uk - Can be pricey but usually have a very good variety of clubs.

You will find it very hard to find a better club than the pings, they are the UK's leading brand.

[Mustang Baz]

Useful thread this. I am in the market for my first set of new irons for nearly 20 years, having used an ancient set of cavity backs during this time and getting down at one stage to a 16 handicap (playing weekly). I am regrettably no longer at this level (playing much less regularly now), probably 21/22 at best, but keen to improve again.

I have used Taylor Made rescue irons before and really like them. Their irons therefore appeal, notably the new Rocketbladz. I equally appreciate that Ping have a superb reputation and that Callaway have also continued to produce quality irons for some time.

At a price point of c£450-£800, I would therefore value any guidance and PH thoughts from experienced high-mid handicappers. I would be looking to purchase from American Golf (have a good value £ voucher to use), try a number of options, would have the clubs fitted to me, and would follow up with some refresher lessons if required thereafter.

Edited by Mustang Baz on Tuesday 20th August 15:43