Need information on golf clubs for DH

[Minnie824]

DH doesn't really golf..he used to, but we've been busy, etc. Anyway, he wants to get back into it and get some new clubs. Since his birthday is next month, I figure...great gift! Here's the problem...I know nothing about golfing. Whats a good brand of clubs? Any recommendations? I'm thinking of spending $300-$400 on them...is this even reasonable? Too low? I have no idea how much they cost even. I just want a nice set w/the bag, etc. So, any suggestions are welcome. Thanks!

 

[tworkit]

A good set woods, irons, wedges etc.. Not goona happen for $400.00. Might wanna look for a good used set. I play titleist, callaway, and taylor made.

 

[Sarnia]

I don't know how much clubs cost over that side of the water, but what I can say is that it's very difficult to pick clubs for someone. Really he should be custom fitted, as there are a huge amount of options, and having the wrong clubs can make the game very difficult.

I know it's not as exciting, but maybe a voucher for some clubs so he can be custom fitted for the most suitable ones might be an idea.

It may also be worth going to a reputable golf shop and asking them for some ideas/advice.

As far as getting a used set goes, if you know what type he needs it's good advice, but you may end up buying a set of extra stiff shafted blades that he can't even get a ball off the ground with. Things like his height, posture, skill, swing speed, swing tempo all make an imprtant difference to what clubs he will need. As a general guide, a standard set of clubs is made for someone 5 feet 10 inches tall. Regular steel shafts in irons are for the average swing speed (a lot of people use shafts that are too stiff for them, it's a macho thing), and cavity backed clubs are the most forgiving. It does get pretty complicated i'm afraid

Hope that helps a little bit

 

[Bob Slydell]

For a beginning golfer, someone who plays a few times a year, you can pick up either a complete set (8 irons, 3 woods and a putter) plus bag for $250-$400 and get decent clubs. Try going to a place like Golf Galaxy and ask the folks there -- they can point you in the right direction for clubs that will suit his game (in other words, something easier for a new golfer to hit).

Or you can buy the irons separate from the woods and maybe let him go pick out a driver and 3 wood that he feels comfortable with.

 

[ducklite]

I would not buy him clubs. Tell him that's what his birthday present will be, perhaps buy the bag, and go with him to let him pick them out.

I gave DH clubs for Christmas. That means I told him to go find a set he liked and buy them. He ended up getting a set of custom made clubs for around $700--he loves them, they were built for him and his swing.

Brand name is only the beginning. You have to get the right length and grip as well. That's my full extent of golf club knowledge.

Anne

 

[salmoneous]

Maybe your DH is different, but here is my story: I needed new clubs. DW went out and researched and really poured her heart and soul into the search for just the perfect clubs. They made for a nice gift. But I'm picky as heck, especially with something as personal as golf clubs. And while they really are very nice clubs and it means the world to me that she bought them, they aren't *exactly* the clubs I would have gotten myself. And now I'm pretty much stuck with these clubs.

Again, your DH might not be so picky - you know him best. But if you aren't sure, perhaps it would be best to give him a gift of taking him shopping rather than having a bag of clubs to unwrap. Another option would be lessons.

But if you do go the club route - here's the deal: Yes, you can buy a decent set of clubs w/bag for $300-400. And for 98% of golfers, those clubs will be every bit as good as clubs costing 3-4x as much. But they won't be as "cool".

 

[Bob Slydell]

Brand name is only the beginning. You have to get the right length and grip as well. That's my full extent of golf club knowledge.

But your typical weekend hacker isn't going to need custom fit clubs, unless they're an unusual body type (e.g. really tall or really short). Most standard sets of clubs are fine for the golfer that plays once or twice every week or two, like most golfers. Once you get more serious about your game, custom fitting makes a difference.

 

[Nana Annie]

I would agree with the suggestion of getting a gift certificate. There are so many options out there, that even with the cheaper clubs, he really should hit them first to see if they are comfortable.

And go to a regular golf shop, not a sports store. Even if you don't buy them from there, your husband will know if he prefers steel vs. graphite, loft, etc.

After you find what is best for him, then do some research. There are some great online golf shops that often have better sales than the pro shops.

 

[ducklite]

But your typical weekend hacker isn't going to need custom fit clubs, unless they're an unusual body type (e.g. really tall or really short). Most standard sets of clubs are fine for the golfer that plays once or twice every week or two, like most golfers. Once you get more serious about your game, custom fitting makes a difference.

LOL! Trust me, he's a hack at best. It's embarassing how little he actually plays considering we live on a golf course LOL! He does feel that these clubs help his game. The guy who made them is local, and they really weren't much more than buying premade--I guess that was my point. I just asked, and he got the clubs with the bag and some balls and other odds and ends for a little under $700. They aren't a brand name, and he feels they were well worth the money.

His rationale for spending a little more now was that he does expect to play more moving forward, and would want to upgrade in a year or two. Now he's got clubs he loves as opposed to settled for, and feels that he'll probably never need to upgrade.

Anne

 

[Devil_Dog99]

I agree with having him pick out what he wants - buy him a bag (you can get him a decent all around bag for $50-75) and then go to a place like Golf Galaxy or Dick's. I think Golf Galaxy has a better selection. You don't necessarily need to buy top of the line clubs, especially if he is just getting back into it and you are not sure what you need. I was in a similar situation last year. I wanted to increase the amount I played so I splurged on a Callaway driver (on sale) but bought a set of Callaway clones for 1/4 what real Callaways cost. Send me a note and I can send you the website - the company is very good. You may want to have your husband go to a place where he can try out different kinds to see what he is comfortable with and then see if you can get the clones. Mine are very good and I hit them well. My handicap is 24. My boss is a 15 and he bought his clubs from teh same place. If cost is not an option, go with the names. But if it is, and hubby's family tree does not include any Tigers, Ernies or Phils, you could get away with some clones.

JMHO

 

[brerrabbit]

For $300 to $400 you can get a good set of mid range irons 3 thru PW and thats about it. If you do choose to get clubs for him make sure they are perimiter weighted and not blades. Blades are for the pros not us amatures. By the time you add a putter, a bag, woods, and a sand wedge, you could easily be looking at $700 to $800. You can buy complete sets for anywhere from $200 to $500 but they are definately lower end clubs. Standard sets will fit most people between 5'7" up to about 6'1" above or below that you have to look at shorter or longer shafts. If he is a do it yourselfer then you might consider a gift certificate to Golfsmith or a similar type place. There you buy the club heads, shafts and grips to fit yourself and can build the clubs on your own. My favorite driver is one I put together myself and it has a longer than normal shaft but works great. Last thing would be to go shopping with him and wander through a sporting goods store and see what he looks at and ask which clubs he likes. Thats usually how my wife operates. Then she knows exactly what I want without telling me she is going to get it.

 

[Bob Slydell]

If he is a do it yourselfer then you might consider a gift certificate to Golfsmith or a similar type place. There you buy the club heads, shafts and grips to fit yourself and can build the clubs on your own. My favorite driver is one I put together myself and it has a longer than normal shaft but works great.

My first set of irons were Golfsmith clubs (put together by a friend -- I'm not a do-it-yourself type). I passed those on to my brother when I got a new set of Tommy Armour irons for a gift -- he loves them too.