Pelican Golfers, newbie needs advice

[adamred]

I think it is time I took up the great game of golf....So help me out fellars (and ladies)....I have a really nice 9 hole course nearby

See this link
Hyatt Hills

that offers lessons, driving range, etc...

So I started researching clubs, etc and I'm already a bit confused, what would be an ideal starter set of clubs and what do you do about sizing? I stand 6'4" and everytime I have gone to a driving range and borrowed a driver, iron, etc I have to stoop over (not good!) I already perused ebay and have no way of figuring out if any of the clubs are going to be long enough for me and what is actually decent for a beginner.

The course will do a fitting in their proshop but I don't really feel like getting suckered into a set that is above my ability and price range just because I'm there...

If you perused the website their lessons rates seem decent, group lesson, 3 90 minute sessions are $129 (for all 3 within each level) and there are 3 levels of lessons, the final is 2 lessons but longer and on the course, so all in would be around $400...

Then there are shoes, balls, gloves, oh man....someone set this beginner straight....

Adam

[Moses]

If money is not an object, get fitted and buy a nice set of irons. There is no extra fee for custom fitted clubs by the big makers.

I would buy a good used driver. You can have the shaft changed to a longer one for about $80.

For golf balls, hit anything as a beginner. Used balls on e-Bay are a great deal. As your game improves, you will use better balls.

[adamred]

So the big makers will take an order based on your size?

Almost like getting a suit off the rack tailored to your size if I understand correctly?

Adam

[Moses]

Originally posted by adamred
So the big makers will take an order based on your size?

Almost like getting a suit off the rack tailored to your size if I understand correctly?

Adam

Not really. Go to a good pro shop and get fitted. They will determine proper length and more importantly, lie. The angle of the bottom of the club should be flat when you hit the ground. A good fitter will have you swing several clubs with different lies till he finds the right one. They will also measure swing speed to determine what type of shaft you should have.

After you get fitted, write down the #'s (length. lie, shaft type) and now you can order your clubs online or buy them from the pro shop.

[mattdavis11]

Ditto Moses post.

If you have retail store (Golfsmith, Nevada Bobs, etc..) I'd get fitted there, most likely the prices on full sets will be lower than the local course pro shop. They simply move more volume.

[86 911]

I was fitted for a set of clubs, and the one's I have now are fine. Nothing fancy, so it doesn't matter if they get a scratch. I have once used a glove, but do not really prefer them. I like the natural feeling of your hand on the club when hitting the ball. Although if you golf a lot and don't get a glove, you most likely will get calases and blisters. It's a fun game for lesiure and very peaceful, which is why I like it. As for the balls, you can use any golf ball that is in good shape. I have at least 500 used golf balls that my mom and I have found, so if you lived closer I would be happy to give some of them to you.
When you get fitted, be sure to tell the guy if you are right handed or left handed. The clubs are positioned differently for people who are right and left handed.

Hope this helps.

[dweymer]

Here is the closest golfsmith store(by using zip of Hyatt Hills):

Livingston
464 W Mount Pleasant Ave (Route 10 West)
Livingston, NJ 07039

973.535.0836

They will be able to fit you, they can also measure your hands to ensure proper grip size. With your height, the "lie" of most clubs will have to be changed, more vertical, and probably +1" on shaft length. The lie angle is the angle of the shaft in relation to a flat face. I am just getting ready to assemble my own set so I have lots of info on this.
Also, I have just started playing again after 10 years off, and just bought 2 books: Dave Pelz's short game bible, lots of good info I had not considered before, and practice drills; and David leadbetter's "perfect practice". Which is great for helping to focus your practice. I also recommend taking lessons, it is easier to learn proper form etc now, then redo your game in 2 years to play better. Price does not always mean it is a better club.

[mede8er]

Go to your local shop and buy a new set of "knock off's"....these are off brands that are cast to look like name brands at a fraction of the cost. Get a complete fitting and stick with a good quality regular flex shaft....the shaft is more important than the club head....

Spend your money on lessons now and you won't be spending thousands in the years to come trying to 'buy your game'.......

[adamred]

Great advice guys and thanks for the shop research, my wife commented last night, "so you're finally going to do it, have fun" so I'm off to the races....hmmm, maybe a long lunch today to get fitted, I brought the Porsche to work, nice drive......

Adam

[dweymer]

Oh yea, one more thing. You have no doubt seen all the hype about longer distance yada yada yada, and the push to drive longer, and all the guys at the range smacking balls; but consider this: you will use your driver 18 times at the most, usually 14-16. It is more important to have a solid short game and putting, than to drive 300yards. I'm not saying that isn't good for the ego, but it really won't shave as many strokes as the last 100 yards to the pin being played well.

[Jims5543]

Originally posted by dweymer
Oh yea, one more thing. You have no doubt seen all the hype about longer distance yada yada yada, and the push to drive longer, and all the guys at the range smacking balls; but consider this: you will use your driver 18 times at the most, usually 14-16. It is more important to have a solid short game and putting, than to drive 300yards. I'm not saying that isn't good for the ego, but it really won't shave as many strokes as the last 100 yards to the pin being played well.

Excellent advise!!

When I first started out I got some free lessons from a good friend / Co-worker who really knew his stuff. We spent a LOT of time working with the Irons over the Drivers. My first few rounds were on executive courses where you only use Irons. Your short game is criticle. That last 100 yards and the putting will make or break a hole.

I used to play with a couple of guys that could crush the ball off the tee I sometimes could only drive 1/2 the distance they could. I would beat them every hole as they 3 putted every green and duffed the approach.

Almost as important is good beer selection, do not neglect the beer.

[adamred]

Thanks again great advice!

I went during lunch to the new Golfsmith in Livingston....Got sized, I need a "jumbo" grip and a 1" club extension....They had a couple of nice sets of more beginner clubs for around $300-400 a brand called "tiger" I assume they are the discounted version of some bigger brand but didn't dig too deep.
They were very nice there and even gave me the most basic of pointers on my swing, including the one handed with the head of the club in your hand trick inside there little range. Can't wait to get started!

Adam

[Moses]

Originally posted by Jims5543
Excellent advise!!

When I first started out I got some free lessons from a good friend / Co-worker who really knew his stuff. We spent a LOT of time working with the Irons over the Drivers. My first few rounds were on executive courses where you only use Irons. Your short game is criticle. That last 100 yards and the putting will make or break a hole.

I used to play with a couple of guys that could crush the ball off the tee I sometimes could only drive 1/2 the distance they could. I would beat them every hole as they 3 putted every green and duffed the approach.

Almost as important is good beer selection, do not neglect the beer.

Hell, forget most of the irons! If I could control a sand wedge and putter, I'd be in business. All of golf happens around the greens. I bang my driver pretty good, but get killed by anybody with a good short game.

[lendaddy]

I would not pay anywhere near $400 for something named "Tiger". Off brands are a bad purchase in my opinion. Some like em, I do not. For $400-$500- you can get quality name brand stuff. Get some Tommy Armour 845's for $200 or so new. These are good solid neme brand clubs. They are condsidered one of the most forgiving. If you can't hit them you won't be able to hit anything else either. There are countless other clubs in that same price/quality range that will give you years of service and you won't feel like a hump when the bag boy takes a polish rag to your "Tigers" I know that sounded snobbish, but it's really not. I'm saying $400 for a set of knockoffs is robbery. The "clubfitting" shops push these knock offs, as they make much more off them. It is not a coincidence that the majority of knock=off sets are sold to first timers....think about it. JMHO.

P.S. The equipment is really unimportant at this stage, don't get causght up in the "buy your game" hype and you'll be a much happier player in the end

[adamred]

Thanks Len-
I totally agree with you, I can't stand the push at a retail outlet like that. Was happy for some free advice and given their proximity to me will likely use them for the smaller stuff, but will be doing some shopping for a better set at less $$
I saw in my first online shopping attempt yesterday the Tommy Armour brand and it appealed to my cheap bahhstad side, so will likely go that route...
Going to spend my money on some good lessons and time on the course (off time so I don't piss the good players off....)


Adam

[lendaddy]

Also, getting the length and grip size done is good advice, loft and lie....I would disagree. You're far to green to have "your swing" yet. When you feel natural swinging your sticks, then get em bent. Until then, you're gonna be all over the place and the last thing affecting your ballflight will be the lack of a 2° upright bend on your 7 iron, if you know what I mean.

[adamred]

Yep, they actually refused to "fit" me, they really just did a sizing, length and grip, come back when you can actually hit the ball for a real fitting....
Adam

[lendaddy]

Originally posted by adamred
Yep, they actually refused to "fit" me, they really just did a sizing, length and grip, come back when you can actually hit the ball for a real fitting....
Adam

Sounds like they're doing ok by you then. My advice would be to buy a good set of used or new high quality (game improvement) clubs and just have them reshafted/gripped to my specs. Sounds like that's the way you're headed anyway. Good luck!

[Jims5543]

Just remember to have a good time. I look at golf as my time away from the BS. I have some fun with my friends, drink some beers, and leave the cel phone in the car or turned off.

I have not golfed in a while, I might skip one day of Autocrossing this weekend and go hit the local course now with all this talk.

[Superman]

There are lots of excellent golf club sets out there everywhere, particularly compared to the clubs a few years old. Experts like forged heads, but most other folks will prefer cast heads. The ball comes off the cast head a little spunkier, and the sweet spot is often larger.

Take lessons. Before you develop the bad habits. The early lessons are the most important. Stance. Grip. The basics. That's where it's at. In your first two lessons, you will receive 93% of all you will ever really need to know to play excellent golf. Ball striking. That's what makes a good golfer.

Don't worry about your balls. You get another dozen each birthday, Fathers Day, etc.