Thread: Golf anyone?

My friend bought some of those also! They are fine clubs. I decided I will buy a new set when I feel like I have gotten better than my clubs.. That was five years ago and now I hit my clubs too well to give them up! I have a set of... Affinities I believe. Got them from academy. Over time, I won a few clubs, bought a few clubs. My current bag includes the following:

Nickent Driver
Old Hogan 2 Iron
Taylor-Made 3 Iron
5 Iron
6 Iron
8 Iron (my 7 broke )
9 Iron
Titleist 52 Degree
Sand Iron
Golfmate 60 Degree
Odyssey Putter

I recently splurged on some Callaway golf shoes that make me feel like I am nailed to the course.

I play golf occasionaly. I just love the game.
I started playing in '97 when the first golf course (and still the only one) in my home town opened. My Dad decided to give it a go and my brother an I went along. My Dad got completely hooked ever since and I think he actually dreams about the game. He got so involved that he is even a referee in amateur competitions. He hopes to be able to graduate the St. Andrews referee course next year a be able to ref professional tournaments. As a side job, he's a lawyer...
My brother and I also love the game and we play whenever we can. But it's been months since I played my last 18 holes. I generaly play with my father. But eing in Belgium now, I don't really have the chances to play... Maybe sometime I'll get back to it. Seems that I'm a cyclist now...

My clubs are an assortment of stuff that my Dad no longer uses. I have a Cougar cheap set (SW to 3 iron) that suits me fine because they're mid-size and do the job fine. I have a 7+ wood that, apparently, nobody uses anymore (the thing has been replaced by the Rescue club). I also have a Howsson 3 wood (cheap, as well) that does the job fine. I don't even have a driver. I hate the bloody things. Sure, sure... distance is cool on the driving range, but on the course accuracy in the short game is far more important than distance. The crown jewel is my Titleist bullseye putter. I've had it for years and I still haven't mastered it... But I'll never surrender!

Golf is a great game. But it can only be enjoyed, in my view, if you exclude the competition factor. I like it for what it is.

I play golf as much as time and season will allow May till September.
been doing it for about 15 years now.

I only wish I had started in my youth.
I'm afraid I'm never gonna get that smooth swing i've always trained for.

As for clubs, pick up some used game improvement clubs, no need to buy any fancy stuff before your technique improves. Take a few lessons, and have your pro fit your clubs. It's not expencive and will help your game!
Take it from someone who owns six complete sets, it's not about the clubs

I managed to get to a single digit handicap a couple years back, and immediately bought me some blades.. They look great but didn't do my game any good. those things are hard to hit right

Good luck with your efforts, Golf is a lot fun and very addictive once you start to get the hang of it.

I always try & get a few games in during the summer / fall.

Golf is VERY simple & easy. It's the instructors & the billion dollar equipment industry who make you beleive it's hard.

Grab the club how YOU feel comfortable, swing the smoothest you can with the least effort.

Very similar to the philosphy behind shaving with a straight.

Gillette salesman: A straight razor is just about impossible to master, and it doesn't do a good job. Buy my 5-blade razor, this fantastic gel foam, plenty of cartidges and you'll be well on your way.

Golf instructor: A simple swing that works for you is just about impossible. Take 20 lessons from me and I'll show you the 300 basic steps to swing the club, buy some expensive clubs & you'll be on your way.

I started having fun playing golf when I forgot about what I was supposed to do & did what my body was telling me to do. I have an unconventional swing, but oh boy does it feel smooth & I send the ball far & straight. (Well, most of the time... )

OK, first off, go to your local course and speak to the pro there. He will fit you for clubs. This is important. Have him fit you, they do it for free. Also, PGA pros offer a free short term lesson. Take advantage of this as it will start you off in the right direction. No, you don't need expensive clubs. Chances are, your local course will have a loaner set you can borrow that will fit you. Once you know your proper fit, look at Craigslist, ebay, local yard sales, newspapers etc for used sets. Often you can find premium clubs at a price that's lower than buying a brand new "starter" set. Try and find "Game Improvement" irons as they will assist you in any off center hits, have a wider sole and are easier to hit with than a blade style iron.

Your first and most important step however should be going to your local course and speaking with the pro there. Let them do their job and get you started off correctly.

I tried it once -- even took lessons. But the last time I played, I took a mighty swing and apparently didn't have a firm enough grip because the club went farther than the ball. Luckily, the flying club didn't hit anyone, but I decided that my golfing career was over.

Originally Posted by Kees

I don't play golf, still hesitant as they say it is incompatible with sex life.

My friend's wife agreed with that sentiment, she took off with her dancing teacher and left him to his golf.
An American comedian, I can't remember who, said: "You know you are getting old when you prefer playing a round of golf to sex".

Originally Posted by Glenn24

I always try & get a few games in during the summer / fall.

Golf is VERY simple & easy. It's the instructors & the billion dollar equipment industry who make you beleive it's hard.

Grab the club how YOU feel comfortable, swing the smoothest you can with the least effort.

Very similar to the philosphy behind shaving with a straight.

Gillette salesman: A straight razor is just about impossible to master, and it doesn't do a good job. Buy my 5-blade razor, this fantastic gel foam, plenty of cartidges and you'll be well on your way.

Golf instructor: A simple swing that works for you is just about impossible. Take 20 lessons from me and I'll show you the 300 basic steps to swing the club, buy some expensive clubs & you'll be on your way.

I started having fun playing golf when I forgot about what I was supposed to do & did what my body was telling me to do. I have an unconventional swing, but oh boy does it feel smooth & I send the ball far & straight. (Well, most of the time... )

I agree with this. Golf and other things in life should be fun and simple. No need to over complicate it with all the fancy things.

In the end we are all trying to have some fun.

I have been playing for the past several years and am currently swinging a set of Taylor Made R7's SW thru 4 iron, R7 driver, burner 3 wood, Maxfli lob wedge and Oddessy 2 ball. Originally I bought a starter set of Maxfli's but not much more then a year later i upgraded to the R7's. The upgrade was not really necessary but as i was playing more often, and the R7's went discontinued, so i was able to get them at a killer price.

For recommendations i would say it is well worth finding a shop that will allow you to test clubs before you buy. Cavity back irons are of course a must and most good brands will do you fine. Drivers, woods, and putters on the other hand should be tested before commitment. I personally wish i went with something lighter then the 2 ball but doubt i will upgrade anytime soon.

I can only speak to what i have used thus far. Taylor Made makes great clubs and the R7's and R9's are worth it. Mizuno is another favorite of mine. My brother has a full set of MX-17's which are fantastic and i have a friend who bought the MX-200's last year and loves them.

I would also take JHenry's suggestion and work on Woods, Irons, and putting before the big driver. 4 years later and i am just now becoming a little consistent with my 460cc. The 3 wood burner on the other hand is one of my favorite clubs in my bag. Twice yesterday i put my ball on the green from 220ish yards out... Still shot a 95 though

I've been playing recreationally for the past 3 years, and for the last several months, have been taking lessons at Golftec. I can't recommend them enough. If you want to improve your game, taking lessons is a must. You have to find an instructor you are comfortable with, and expect to commit to some serious hours of practice.

In terms of equipment for a beginner, I would recommend buying an inexpensive set. Golfsmith has a set of Lynx clubs, the major sports chains have various sets by Wilson, etc, some endorsed by prominent players like Jack Nicklaus. I believe any of them will do for a beginner, you can get a full set anywhere from $150-300. Thanksgiving and post-Christmas sales will get you the best deals on those. Most of the places will have an indoor bay where you can tape the clubhead and try out the clubs. I myself started off with a set of TaylorMade rac os irons, and for over a year, played with just those, using a 3 iron off the tee. I also had a Callaway white hot putter. Eventually, I added 3H, 3W, driver, and sand wedge.

Learn the basics of grip and setup, and swing the club comfortably. Use short to mid irons to begin with. Most players try to whack the ball out of the ballpark, overswing, and end up hitting a crappy shot. Spend a lot of time at the range. Find a local muni course, or 9-hole executive course if possible, those are great for beginners.

After a few months, if you still think you will stick with it, start taking lessons. This will be a committment, because lessons are useless unless you practice and apply what you've learnt. This can take several weeks, or months, to change one move. Pros talk about taking 12-18 months before they are comfortable with a swing change, those are the sort of timeframes you should expect (or more).

Hope that helps somewhat.