My buddy and I have decided to take up golf. That being said, can anyone out there either tell me what brands/sets etc. I should be using as a beginner?
You should definitely look into a second-hand set to save money. Brand-wise, there's a lot to choose from, but you should just focus on keeping costs low. As a beginner, the brand of clubs shouldn't make too much of a difference for your game.
If you're just messing around or trying out the sport for size, ask around for a hand-me-down set, many golfers have an old set lying around for no good reason.
If you're pretty sure this is going to be your new passion, look for a golf store (preferably not a national chain), someone there should be able to show you some options and set you up with a decent set of clubs that fits your budget.
If price is no object (and golf is a sport where you can find a product for whatever amount of money you care to spend), look for a course that has a pro shop and teachers on staff. If you're just starting to play, a few lessons to get you going wouldn't hurt - before you pick up all the bad habits ;)
Do you know any experienced golfers who don't mind playing with a beginner? You should trying to go out for a round with one. There are a lot of little things regarding golf etiquette that you will need to know, like where it is OK to stand on the tee box and not to walk on people's putting line and stuff like that. A lot of times if you sign up for a twosome you will get paired with another couple of guys and go out as four, and you don't want to be unaware of that stuff because there are some guys who take it way too seriously.
Holy fuck shit motherfucker shit. Read comics. Fuck shit shit fuck shit I sold out when I did my job. Fuck fuck fuck shit fuck. Sorry had to do it....
*snip*
Revenge of the Sith = one thumb up from me. Fuck shit. I want to tittie fuck your ass. -- The Guinness. to Cerebus
1) As far as equipment, pretty much what the others have said. Look for a set of used clubs or a basic starter set available at any sporting good store. Make sure you enjoy the game before you invest any significant money on your equipment. Along those lines, check out used golf balls available online so you don't waste money on new golf balls. If you are just starting, prepare to lose plenty of balls.
2) As JJD said, take some time to learn course etiquette before you head out there. While some guys do take the whole etiquette thing way to seriously, you will enjoy yourself more if you have a basic understanding of the basics & avoid any potential run-ins with the uptight types. The main point of etiquette for any beginner is to understand when & how to let a faster group play through. Forget the macho impulse to not let anyone go past you. You will enjoy yourself more if you let the faster player through, as you won't have them on your tail the whole round, & the other group(s) will appreciate your courtesy. (when I started playing, that act actually got me a beer in the clubhouse from an appreciative foursome)
3) Most golfers I know do not mind beginners or poor players, but lose their mind with slow players. As I said before, if there's no way for you to speed up & there is a faster group behind you just let them play through. But the two quickest ways for you to play quicker even as a total newbie is to play ready-golf & to never spend too much time looking for a ball. You won't be able to help playing poorly to start, but you can control maintaining the pace of play.
4) If you can, take a lesson to start. Just learning the correct grip, stance, & proper ball contact right from the start, will go a long way to your long-term enjoyment of the game.
Have fun with the game. It will drive you crazy & you may want to break your clubs at various points, but it's a great test of yourself and it's a great bonding experience with friends and family. I wouldn't give up my rounds with my Dad for anything...
1. Take a lesson - the 30-50 bucks will be worth it. 2. Get a net and hit a lot of balls into it. A lot. 3. Find a cheap course and play - look for twilight green fees - for example, I can play 9 after 6PM (9 is enough for old guys like me/ for 7.50. 4. Walk. It encourages you to hit it straight. 5.
We'll be back right after order has been restored here in the Omni Center.
“That the universe was formed by a fortuitous concourse of atoms, I will no more believe than that the accidental jumbling of the alphabet would fall into a most ingenious treatise of philosophy” - Swift
Welcome home, men of the 2nd Bn, 127th Inf, 32d "Red Arrow" Brigade, WI Army Nat'l Guard! Good luck to those down south.
When the 2004 PGA Championship came to Wisconsin, it inspired me to get into golf. I found a complete set of RAM clubs at Wal-Mart, bag included, for around $150.
Just used 'em Sunday to play my 1st round in 2 years. +42 over par. :-(
Not a Pawn Shop - Garage sales! Get a set real chap at a garage sale - hit a while - then decide if you like it and move up.
My first set: 15 bucks at a garage sale, second set was about 175 new without the bag.
We'll be back right after order has been restored here in the Omni Center.
“That the universe was formed by a fortuitous concourse of atoms, I will no more believe than that the accidental jumbling of the alphabet would fall into a most ingenious treatise of philosophy” - Swift
If you are concerned about the price of buying the longer shafts, most places will adjust the angle on the club heads, which accomplishes the same thing, at a fraction of the cost.
Originally posted by brickIf you are concerned about the price of buying the longer shafts, most places will adjust the angle on the club heads, which accomplishes the same thing, at a fraction of the cost.
I'm 6'2" and it has worked fine for my clubs.
Agreed - I am 6'5" - same thing - although I worked with regular clubs just fine for years before I had that done.
We'll be back right after order has been restored here in the Omni Center.
“That the universe was formed by a fortuitous concourse of atoms, I will no more believe than that the accidental jumbling of the alphabet would fall into a most ingenious treatise of philosophy” - Swift
I am pumped! I can't wait for the Fedor/Crocop match. Crocop by Liver Kick! No wait, I wish. Oh, and get Tank's fatass off the damned card, how can he still draw people.