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  1. #1
    Titanic Struggles Caveat Emperor's Avatar
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    Golf Clubbing

    Now that I'm out of school and settling into my first full year as a member of working America, I've decided to do what so many in my position before me have done: attempt to take up golf as a hobby.

    I've played off-and-on since I was 15, but never with any real seriousness. Part of the issue was finding decent equipment for a man of my stature -- I know from speaking with pros that I'll be needing extended length clubs (probably 2" additional). I am looking to buy a new set of irons here in the very near future so that I can start playing this spring.

    So -- To the members of RZ who play regularly: whats in your bag? Any good brand recommendations? I'm especially interested in anyone who has had clubs either modified or custom made, as I may be heading down that route myself.

    Shoot away!
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  2. #2
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    I bought my clubs off of gigagolf.com. I got mine an extra 1" or 1.5" longer than the standard length. You can customize length, grips, shafts, etc. They have been great clubs for me and I bought a discontinued model and got all my irons for about $100 on sale. They are a lot better than my walmart clubs I bought a few years before. They would be great for you just starting out.

  3. #3
    Pre-tty, pre-tty good!! MWM's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    I play Cleveland irons and woods and wedges. I love them.
    Grape works as a soda. Sort of as a gum. I wonder why it doesn't work as a pie. Grape pie? There's no grape pie. - Larry David

  4. #4
    Puffy 3:16 Puffy's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by MWM View Post
    I play Cleveland irons and woods and wedges.
    "I came here to kick ass and chew bubble gum... and I'm all out of bubble gum."
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  5. #5
    Member Redhook's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor View Post
    I've played off-and-on since I was 15, but never with any real seriousness. Part of the issue was finding decent equipment for a man of my stature -- I know from speaking with pros that I'll be needing extended length clubs (probably 2" additional). I am looking to buy a new set of irons here in the very near future so that I can start playing this spring.

    So -- To the members of RZ who play regularly: whats in your bag? Any good brand recommendations? I'm especially interested in anyone who has had clubs either modified or custom made, as I may be heading down that route myself.

    Shoot away!
    First, you need to decide approximately how much you want to spend. You can probably get a good set of used irons around $250...give or take a bit. To get a new set of good irons you will have to spend $500+, up to $800. However, when you buy a good brand you will be able to resell them 5 years down the road for $200 which you can then put down on a new set. So, first, figure out a budget and go from there.

    Second, you must get fitted. You really need to go to a driving range that has clubs you can demo for fitting. You will need a pro there with you so he can put tape on the clubs and use a plastic hitting mat. The tape and mat will determine what lie you will need for your clubs. Very important! I highly doubt you'll need clubs 2" long. Unless you're Yao Ming, you probably won't need more than a 1/2" for your clubs. Your posture at impact, not necessarily address, is the determining factor for length and lie of clubs.

    Either way, small or big budget, you need to take an hour to get fitted. Getting fitted will give you the confidence knowing you have the proper clubs. And you don't have to buy the clubs from where you got fitted from. You can get the specs and order them from a cheaper place if that's the route you want to go. Or, you can buy a cheaper set and bring them to a local club fitter, and have them match the new set to the specs you need. There are a lot of options, but the common denominator is you need to get fitted.

    I am an assistant pro in Cincinnati. I know that Meadow Links Golf Academy (Winton Woods) has atleast 5 sets to demo from with plenty of pros to fit you. They have Ping, Titleist, Cleveland, Cobra, and Callaway. All great brands. I would recommend Cobra or Callaway for the average player and the other brands better players.

    BTW, I play Cleveland TA1 irons. They're a blade iron which means they're the hardest to hit, but they also give the player the most feel and feedback. I also play Cleveland wedges. Still the best, but others are closing the gap (by copying....lol). Wilson 8802 blade putter. Taylor Made Retro Spoon 3-wood. And a Tommy Armour, don't laugh, driver.

    Hope that helped. Feel free to ask more questions in this thread or even PM me if you'd like to. I'd be glad to help.
    "....the two players I liked watching the most were Barry Larkin and Eric Davis. I was suitably entertained by their effortless skill that I didn't need them crashing into walls like a squirrel on a coke binge." - dsmith421

  6. #6
    Titanic Struggles Caveat Emperor's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    I've done some reading on the whole fitting process, and it seems to me (and I could definately be wrong) that in-depth fitting really only benefits experienced players because they have a repeatable swing that doesn't really differ from stroke to stroke. Someone like me, without as much time on the course, grips and swings differently with every approach. Would that affect the fitting?

    Also, any feelings on component clubs v. OEM stuff? I'm pretty certain going used isn't going to be too big a savings, given that I'll be likely forced to pay to have the clubs adjusted on top of the cost of just buying them -- probably better off just ordering them to spec new.

    (BTW -- I'm not Yao Ming, but I am 6'10", so he's only got a few inches on me )
    Cincinnati Reds: Farm System Champions 2022

  7. #7
    SERP Emeritus paintmered's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor View Post
    I've done some reading on the whole fitting process, and it seems to me (and I could definately be wrong) that in-depth fitting really only benefits experienced players because they have a repeatable swing that doesn't really differ from stroke to stroke. Someone like me, without as much time on the course, grips and swings differently with every approach. Would that affect the fitting?

    Also, any feelings on component clubs v. OEM stuff? I'm pretty certain going used isn't going to be too big a savings, given that I'll be likely forced to pay to have the clubs adjusted on top of the cost of just buying them -- probably better off just ordering them to spec new.

    (BTW -- I'm not Yao Ming, but I am 6'10", so he's only got a few inches on me )
    I wouldn't recommend getting custom-made clubs unless you are a solid single digit handicap. Also, if you know how your height changes the shaft length and lie angle of the clubs then you can order them straight from the manufacturer. Most club manufacturers have club fitting advice on their website. All you need is a measuring tape to figure out a few key lengths.

    I play Hogan irons and Cleveland wedges. Highly recommend both.
    Last edited by paintmered; 03-12-2007 at 12:40 AM.
    All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.

  8. #8
    Member Redhook's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by paintmered View Post
    Most club manufacturers have club fitting advice on their website. All you need is a measuring tape to figure out a few key lengths.
    This is a very inaccurate way of fitting someone's clubs. Yes, it could work, and for an average man it could work well, sometimes. However, with CE, he's very tall, so for him, getting a proper set is not nearly as easy. Here's one analogy that I can think of that would compare to measuring your height, arms, etc. for buying golf clubs.....

    Imagine that you're going to buy a new car. You have the money and you're really excited about it. But, with this car, you cannot test drive it and the seat is locked into it's position. You can't slide the seat back and forth. You can adjust how much it leans up and back (lie angle), but you are hoping the length you ordered will fit you properly. Key word: hoping. So you guess at where the seat should be, but when you get into the car you are too close to the pedal. It's very cramped with now leg room, but you are stuck with that seat position. What do you do?

    If you're going to spend more than a few hundred dollars for a set of clubs, getting a proper fit is imperative. Personally, I couldn't imagine spending $500-$1000 hoping that I guessed correctly in what I was ordering.
    "....the two players I liked watching the most were Barry Larkin and Eric Davis. I was suitably entertained by their effortless skill that I didn't need them crashing into walls like a squirrel on a coke binge." - dsmith421

  9. #9
    SERP Emeritus paintmered's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Redhook View Post
    This is a very inaccurate way of fitting someone's clubs. Yes, it could work, and for an average man it could work well, sometimes. However, with CE, he's very tall, so for him, getting a proper set is not nearly as easy. Here's one analogy that I can think of that would compare to measuring your height, arms, etc. for buying golf clubs.....

    Imagine that you're going to buy a new car. You have the money and you're really excited about it. But, with this car, you cannot test drive it and the seat is locked into it's position. You can't slide the seat back and forth. You can adjust how much it leans up and back (lie angle), but you are hoping the length you ordered will fit you properly. Key word: hoping. So you guess at where the seat should be, but when you get into the car you are too close to the pedal. It's very cramped with now leg room, but you are stuck with that seat position. What do you do?

    If you're going to spend more than a few hundred dollars for a set of clubs, getting a proper fit is imperative. Personally, I couldn't imagine spending $500-$1000 hoping that I guessed correctly in what I was ordering.
    My thoughts were for him to start out with a $300-$500 set of irons. After his game develops for a few seasons, then the $500-$1000 is a more reasonable option.
    All models are wrong. Some of them are useful.

  10. #10
    Smells Like Teen Spirit jmcclain19's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor View Post
    I've done some reading on the whole fitting process, and it seems to me (and I could definately be wrong) that in-depth fitting really only benefits experienced players because they have a repeatable swing that doesn't really differ from stroke to stroke. Someone like me, without as much time on the course, grips and swings differently with every approach. Would that affect the fitting?

    Also, any feelings on component clubs v. OEM stuff? I'm pretty certain going used isn't going to be too big a savings, given that I'll be likely forced to pay to have the clubs adjusted on top of the cost of just buying them -- probably better off just ordering them to spec new.

    (BTW -- I'm not Yao Ming, but I am 6'10", so he's only got a few inches on me )
    Usually - most big shops include the fitting w/ the cost of buying new clubs.

    Most big makers, like Mizuno, Nike, Ping, Callaway, etc - have huge Kiosk looking racks with dozens of clubs. With some special tape on the bottom & on the face of your club, it won't take long for anyone worth their salt to figure you out (you need x long shafts and x deg lie angle) and you can work from their on each mfg.

    Also CE - Golf Digest did a huge feature a few months back on big golf companies traveling tour vans. Check out several websites and look for when the "fitting van" will be nearby. I know Cleveland always emails me when they are in town since I got my 3&5 wood that way. I went to a course one afternoon and the Cleveland Van was there. The guy was on the range, let me hit a few with some testers - dialed in exactly what I should use & the settings I needed, and bought both on site from the van for half price that day.

  11. #11
    Member Redhook's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor View Post
    I've done some reading on the whole fitting process, and it seems to me (and I could definately be wrong) that in-depth fitting really only benefits experienced players because they have a repeatable swing that doesn't really differ from stroke to stroke. Someone like me, without as much time on the course, grips and swings differently with every approach. Would that affect the fitting?

    Also, any feelings on component clubs v. OEM stuff? I'm pretty certain going used isn't going to be too big a savings, given that I'll be likely forced to pay to have the clubs adjusted on top of the cost of just buying them -- probably better off just ordering them to spec new.

    (BTW -- I'm not Yao Ming, but I am 6'10", so he's only got a few inches on me )
    Wow, you are tall. Since you are that tall and most of today's golf sets are made for people around 6'0" it is even more important to get fitted. You need to have an idea of how long your clubs need to be, what type of shaft would be best for you, what type of lie your clubs will need, how thick the grip needs to be, swing weight, etc. Just guessing at 2" long will be a waste of money.

    Many driving ranges have fitting carts with tons of clubs in them. Some of these ranges may offer a free fitting or it could cost up to $50, but that is knocked off the price if you order the set from them. Even though your swing doesn't repeat good shots all the time, it will have some consistent elements to it on each swing. Fitting is definitely not just for single handicaps. It can help average golfers immensely. On top of that, the pro will probably give you a couple of tips during the fitting which should help your game.

    The actual club head isn't very important at all. The shaft is almost everything. Some club heads do have a lower center of gravity that help get the ball in the air which definitely benefits some.

    If I was you, I would call a few ranges and see what their fitting program is. Ask them about older models that would be less expensive. Go to an outdoor range too. You'll want to see the difference in ball flights where going to a place like Golf Galaxy would not let you see the real ball flight.

    It all really depends on how much you want to spend. It would be total luck if you just ordered a set and it fit you well. Once you have an idea of what your specs need to be you can spend and order whatever you want. Used clubs can definitely be a great way to go. Some shops can adjust them for you at a discounted price if you buy the used set there. Just have your spec information with you and they can do that.

    Last, get some hybrids. They're fantastic. They're much easier to hit than the long irons. Almost every pro is carrying one, with many carrying 2. With that being said, most amateurs would benefit carrying 2-3 hybrids, if not more.
    "....the two players I liked watching the most were Barry Larkin and Eric Davis. I was suitably entertained by their effortless skill that I didn't need them crashing into walls like a squirrel on a coke binge." - dsmith421

  12. #12
    Mon chou Choo vaticanplum's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Redhook View Post
    The actual club head isn't very important at all. The shaft is almost everything. Some club heads do have a lower center of gravity that help get the ball in the air which definitely benefits some.
    I'll say

    (That is absolutely as much as I can contribute to a thread about golf.)
    There is no such thing as a pitching prospect.

  13. #13
    Manliness Personified HumnHilghtFreel's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by vaticanplum View Post
    I'll say

    (That is absolutely as much as I can contribute to a thread about golf.)
    Well said. I would have thrown something in about making sure to get the timing of the windmill's blades down before you make your shot.

  14. #14
    ColoradoHigh
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by Caveat Emperor View Post
    I've done some reading on the whole fitting process, and it seems to me (and I could definately be wrong) that in-depth fitting really only benefits experienced players because they have a repeatable swing that doesn't really differ from stroke to stroke. Someone like me, without as much time on the course, grips and swings differently with every approach. Would that affect the fitting?

    Also, any feelings on component clubs v. OEM stuff? I'm pretty certain going used isn't going to be too big a savings, given that I'll be likely forced to pay to have the clubs adjusted on top of the cost of just buying them -- probably better off just ordering them to spec new.

    (BTW -- I'm not Yao Ming, but I am 6'10", so he's only got a few inches on me )
    You are tall enough to play a real sport. Why golf. If I were 6'10", one I'd be a really tall girl, two I'd play a sport that used my physical abilities. Again, Why golf. Name one golfer that is successful (PGA Wins) that is your height. I dated an NBA player who said "golf was a recreation for guys that don't look good in a ballet outfit". Charles Barkley is admittedly "pathetic" and Jordan has reportedly lost millions in his golf betting exploits. Is there a Gym nearby?

  15. #15
    Strategery RFS62's Avatar
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    Re: Golf Clubbing

    Quote Originally Posted by ColoradoHigh View Post
    You are tall enough to play a real sport. Why golf. If I were 6'10", one I'd be a really tall girl, two I'd play a sport that used my physical abilities. Again, Why golf. Name one golfer that is successful (PGA Wins) that is your height. I dated an NBA player who said "golf was a recreation for guys that don't look good in a ballet outfit".


    Cool. I usually defer to Billy Ray Cyrus for my heavy life philosophy, but hey, an NBA player.... that's right up there.

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