I am new to golf and only started playing around 7 months ago, collecting the typical handful of clubs that a beginner usually does (the cheap ones!)

Now, after looking around the web and in several stores I am still finding it hard to figure out what would be the best buy for me now that I am fully commited, ready to take the game more seriously and improve as much as I can.

I have kind of figured out what the best manuafactorers are, but I (or rather my wallet) are not really ready for those prices and am still happy to look at the lower end of the range.

Now here is my problem - Do I go out and buy one of the "package sets" like the ones that Ram, Wilson, and Ben Sayer ones (normally range from £150 - £199) which normally include a Driver, 5/5W then 5iron down to sW (onlinegolf etc)

or

Do I keep the bag that I currently have (nothing wrong with it) and then buy a collection of clubs individually of better quality of around the same price (Total £150-£200?) And then which ones ( i gather the minimum would be 5 Wood, 5iron, 7iron, 9iron, PW, SW, Putter.

Anyway I hope that you guys have a few views on this as I would think that alot of new people to the sport are probably in the same situation as me.

Thanks

Hi Rob, good to see you have the golf bug.

I started with a half set and worked my way up to a full set, then to a 5 wood then a 3 wood and finally driver. No real reason to but I found it easier that way.

Personaly I would get a good set of game improvement (cavity backed) irons from any golf manufacturer - so long as you try them and like them you won't go wrong. The high street shops such as American Golf and the online retailers like onlinegolf and golfonline offer the best bang for your buck.

I'd steer clear of general sporting manufacturers though such as Donnay, Slazenger etc - they tend to be pretty shite clubs.

I'd also go for a 3 wood over a driver.

Solong as you try them you won't go wrong - you'll soon know which ones feel best for you and if you go to an american golf shop they will fit and advise as needed.

Hope you know what you're getting yourself into Rob!

The first set of clubs I was given were Rams and on the strength of that I bought a Ram Concept II graphite set.  Although I now (attempt) to use a set of custom built clubs, they were (and still are) really good value for money, the only duffer really was the driver.  I still use the supplied Zebra putter and have gone back to using the carry/stand bag which has outlasted two brand new ones.  The newer sets have hybrids instead of long irons so should be ideal.  I'd certainly recommend them, just get yourself some decent balls (Srixon soft feels worked well with them).

Don't suppose you want them?

Keep the clubs you have and invest in some good wedges or a decent putter. I find being a high handicapper that i recover my shots close to the green and everybody knows that putting is where you loose or gain shots the most. Get one of your more experienced golfing buddies to hit your irons and show you what they are capable of. When you can hit thema as well as they can then you should think about getting some new ones.

Bags are a personal thing and you will realise in time what you require from one. If you are happy with the one you have then stick with it and spend the money on increasing the arsenal of shots you store in it.

hi for my tupence worth,

Depending on what irons you currently have, i would advise that you look into getting a good set of cavity backs from a known club manufacturer, by this i dont mean an expensive name either, the likes of Wilson, Adams or MD golf make very good clubs and for the beginner you cant go far wrong.

But as said above, one of the best things to do is to got to one of the local superstores, american golf, nevada bobs etc, and give the irons in your price range a good practice. Dont feel presured into buying leading brands but buy what you feel comfortable with. Also like everything sont be put off by second hand irons, you can get some realy good deals for good condition irons with plenty of life left in them.

What ever you go for, make sure they feel right and most of all enjoy!

I've got a set of Srixon I-403 (18mths old) which I'm letting go for £100 if your interested Rob.

And if you are I can give them to Colin Astbury at the North vs South comp to get them to you as your in Essex, or I can post them!!! pm me mate and don't feel obliged to say yes.

Rob, Thanks for asking the question. I started playing golf a few months ago and now find myself in the same position.

I've asked my golf pro for advice as some clubs have a degree written on them rather than a normal number - (I'm easily confused).

When I'm ready I think I'll ask my pro..... unless anyone knows differently?

If looking to buy some new equipment always look for a brand that will custom fit the clubs to you. So many people just buy clubs off the shelf and end up with a set of clubs that doesn't suit them. Get everything set up correct for you from shaft material, length and flex to lie angle and loft of the heads and even the grip size. If you're going to spend money you might as well get the job done right.

 When getting custom fit try to do it somewhere that has a range so you can see how the ball flies and where its landing. Don't do the American Golf thing of hitting into a net with a launch monitor, they aren't accurate and don't give you the correct feedback.