New Golfer. What clubs to carry?

[samson66]

In my 50's and finally decided to get into golf. Took some lessons. Attempted to play a couple times at courses.

Simple question. I currently have a 20+ year old set of clubs. Time to replace/upgrade.

What clubs do people carry these days? I'm new the the whole hybrid thing. Even fairway woods are sort of new to me.

I have a brand new driver. Can someone point me to what clubs to carry other than the driver and putter? Seems like most iron sets go from PW to 5. I guess hybrids are taking the place of long irons now?

Confusing. Can you recommend what clubs a novice 50 y/o+ golfer like myself have in my bag these days?

[Rad22]

I’d recommend getting fitted. Many shops offer the service. Not sure where you are located, but I’d say clubchampion is a great option with multiple locations throughout the US.


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[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by samson66

In my 50's and finally decided to get into golf. Took some lessons. Attempted to play a couple times at courses.

Simple question. I currently have a 20+ year old set of clubs. Time to replace/upgrade.

What clubs do people carry these days? I'm new the the whole hybrid thing. Even fairway woods are sort of new to me.

I have a brand new driver. Can someone point me to what clubs to carry other than the driver and putter? Seems like most iron sets go from PW to 5. I guess hybrids are taking the place of long irons now?

Confusing. Can you recommend what clubs a novice 50 y/o+ golfer like myself have in my bag these days?

Your clubs may very well be viable, the thing to check out first though would be your grips. 20 year old grips need to be replaced. At 50 you can't grip-and-rip like you could in your 30's so I would regrip these, play a few rounds and then if you still have the the "fire" after a month or two, then look to demo some clubs before you spend the cash. JMHO

[twitch54]

Do you like the person you took your lessons from ? if so and you feel he/she is doing you a good service then that is who you should seek guidance, not a bunch of internet amateurs !! LOL !!

[samson66]

Can you give a list of clubs a new golfer should have in the bag from putter up to driver? I'm confused where hybrids and fairway woods fall. Also confused what takes the place of long irons.

[HHIslander]

Originally Posted by Rad22

I’d recommend getting fitted. Many shops offer the service. Not sure where you are located, but I’d say clubchampion is a great option with multiple locations throughout the US.


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I strongly second the custom full service route. It's well worth it. Find a pro and tell them what you want/need and they will take care of you and tell you where you need to go and what to do. It will save you some time going down the rabbithole. Leave it to the pros.

[Rad22]

Originally Posted by samson66

Can you give a list of clubs a new golfer should have in the bag from putter up to driver? I'm confused where hybrids and fairway woods fall. Also confused what takes the place of long irons.

I’m assuming you would need more forgiving clubs since you are just starting. 14 clubs in the bag include:

1. Driver
2. 3 wood
3. 5 wood (some carry a 2 iron)
4. A 3 and 4 hybrid in place of a 3/4 iron.
5. 5 iron - PW. These will usually be in a set.
6. 2 Wedges of your choosing.
7. Putter.

Brands and specifics are countless. Best get fitted to see what works best for you. I currently have a driver, 3 wood, 2 iron, 4-PW set, 3 additional wedges and a putter.


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[Pangit]

If you are just getting into the game I wouldn't invest too much in a set of clubs. I would look for a second hand set around 3-4 years old. A standard set would normally have a driver, 3 and 5 wood. Irons 3-9, a pitching and sand wedge and a putter. The reality is that most beginners are probably only using 4-5 of these clubs anyway.

[TheHulk]

Clubs have evolved by leaps and bounds in the last 20 years. Being you are new, updated equip will make this much more easy/fun. Other than maybe the putter, I’d get all new equipment. Definitely get fit by a professional. Good luck

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Rad22

I’m assuming you would need more forgiving clubs since you are just starting. 14 clubs in the bag include:

1. Driver
2. 3 wood
3. 5 wood (some carry a 2 iron)
4. A 3 and 4 hybrid in place of a 3/4 iron.
5. 5 iron - PW. These will usually be in a set.
6. 2 Wedges of your choosing.
7. Putter.

Brands and specifics are countless. Best get fitted to see what works best for you. I currently have a driver, 3 wood, 2 iron, 4-PW set, 3 additional wedges and a putter.


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If only initially getting one hybrid which would be the best to get?

I currently have a 3 and 5 wood from an old set. I will probably stick with those until I'm good enough to make it worth buying new ones. I do need at least one hybrid though

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by samson66

If only initially getting one hybrid which would be the best to get?

I currently have a 3 and 5 wood from an old set. I will probably stick with those until I'm good enough to make it worth buying new ones. I do need at least one hybrid though

3 for me, my 3 hybrid is a goto club for sure!! YMMV

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by samson66

if only initially getting one hybrid which would be the best to get?

4h...

edit: that's assuming you have a 3 and 5W.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by Rad22

I’m assuming you would need more forgiving clubs since you are just starting. 14 clubs in the bag include:

1. Driver
2. 3 wood
3. 5 wood (some carry a 2 iron)
4. A 3 and 4 hybrid in place of a 3/4 iron.
5. 5 iron - PW. These will usually be in a set.
6. 2 Wedges of your choosing.
7. Putter.

Brands and specifics are countless. Best get fitted to see what works best for you. I currently have a driver, 3 wood, 2 iron, 4-PW set, 3 additional wedges and a putter.


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My spin (on the suggestion above) as a 64 yr old golfer:

2/3. Probably only need one fairway wood. A 3 or 4 or 5 wood. Used also for teeing off on shorter or tighter holes. (I carry only a 5 wood)

4. 3 and 4 and maybe even a 5 hybrid. I might go this route when I get a new set. (replace my 5 iron with a 5 hybrid)

6. Carry 3 wedges ilo 2. I use 52, 56 and 60 degree.

Most important is to space out/coordinate the lofts of your hybrids and wedges with your main set of irons. For example, my 5 wood is 18 and my hybrids are 20 and 23. Same on the other end. My PW is 48.

Focus your practice on 100 yards and in - your wedges and putting!! Have fun!!

[mjm700]

Personally I would hold off a bit before getting fitted clubs, which by their nature are going to be new and likely pricey. Clubs have evolved a ton, but for a novice you are fine with anything that has been made in the last couple of years.

Really just need the right size (length) and type (game improvement plus) for a novice. Look for a set that is in good shape a couple years old in that category. Your local pro or a good golf shop can help.

You dont need every club either. Trend for beginners is to go for more of the hybrids rather than the traditional long irons. You can decide what you prefer. Get a 5-PW/SW set and you can add some hybrids etc. Ping and Callaway have lots of used sets around and have popular choices for game improvement clubs.

Once you have a better sense what you like and start to better develop your swing then i would go for the fitted route. I played for 40+ years before i ever had a club fitted for me.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by -dustin

4h...

edit: that's assuming you have a 3 and 5W.

I believe the new iron set I will be getting will have 5-PW

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by samson66

Can you give a list of clubs a new golfer should have in the bag from putter up to driver? I'm confused where hybrids and fairway woods fall. Also confused what takes the place of long irons.

Since you’re a new golfer Mike, I’d go with a forgiving set of clubs with irons from SW - 7 iron and everything else hybrid up to your driver.

I also wouldn’t go hog wild and buy the best.

Golf really does come down to the swing and making contact with the ball.

As they say, it’s not the tools it’s the carpenter

I golf with a few guys who have waaaay more in their bag than they’ll ever need or benefit from. Golf clubs are a rabbit hole, and when you’re just starting out, go with the basics first is my advice

[samson66]

Originally Posted by brandrea

Since you’re a new golfer Mike, I’d go with a forgiving set of clubs with irons from SW - 7 iron and everything else hybrid up to your driver.

I also wouldn’t go hog wild and buy the best.

Golf really does come down to the swing and making contact with the ball.

As they say, it’s not the tools it’s the carpenter

I golf with a few guys who have waaaay more in their bag than they’ll ever need or benefit from. Golf clubs are a rabbit hole, and when you’re just starting out, go with the basics first is my advice

Thanks Brian. Yeah I think it's the hybrids that are really throwing me. They didn't have hybrids back in my 20's and 30's so when I started seeing iron sets with nothing higher than a 5 I was like uhhh what??? Now I understand hybrids have for the most part replaced long irons. But they are also pretty freaking expensive so I'm not buying two or three hybrids at $150 a pop. I just want one for now. Guess maybe 3 is the way to go

[samson66]

Originally Posted by rmagoo57

My spin (on the suggestion above) as a 64 yr old golfer:

2/3. Probably only need one fairway wood. A 3 or 4 or 5 wood. Used also for teeing off on shorter or tighter holes. (I carry only a 5 wood)

4. 3 and 4 and maybe even a 5 hybrid. I might go this route when I get a new set. (replace my 5 iron with a 5 hybrid)

6. Carry 3 wedges ilo 2. I use 52, 56 and 60 degree.

Most important is to space out/coordinate the lofts of your hybrids and wedges with your main set of irons. For example, my 5 wood is 18 and my hybrids are 20 and 23. Same on the other end. My PW is 48.

Focus your practice on 100 yards and in - your wedges and putting!! Have fun!!

This sounds pretty close to my initial thoughts

Driver, 5W, 3H, 5-PW, SW, putter

Sound about right? Add more hybrids down the road eventually

[Chewbacca]

Carry a full set but replace the low irons (I 1-I 5with hybrids) and get forgivable wedges which have a wide base which won’t get caught in turf. You want bounce when starting out.

Also add a chipper which is popular in Europe and a great scoring and save club.

5w - 1w are more about feel and flex. Any will do but a 1w is more about how it looks to your eye on a tee box.

While on the course you should focus on using the same 4-5 clubs and adjusting swing for yardage.

Have fun.

[-dustin]

Originally Posted by samson66

Driver, 5W, 3H, 5-PW, SW, putter

Sound about right? Add more hybrids down the road eventually

I kinda see that as leaving a gap between D and 5W and overlap between 5W and 3H.

But...at the end of the day, you'll adapt to whatever you get.

I still don't carry anything more than a 56* wedge. And use a 10* Callaway Warbird as my 3W. Whatever you do, don't get into a situation where you have to muscle a shot because you've got a gap between clubs.

[rmagoo57]

Originally Posted by samson66

This sounds pretty close to my initial thoughts

Driver, 5W, 3H, 5-PW, SW, putter

Sound about right? Add more hybrids down the road eventually

Yes but figure out the lofts of the 5-PW irons and choose your hybrid and SW lofts accordingly. I would add another wedge between your PW and SW.

Not all companies make all the various degrees of loft so don't be afraid to cross shop brands. I have Taylor Made, Callaway, Titleist, Nike and more in my bag right now!

[samson66]

Originally Posted by -dustin

I kinda see that as leaving a gap between D and 5W and overlap between 5W and 3H.

But...at the end of the day, you'll adapt to whatever you get.

I still don't carry anything more than a 56* wedge. And use a 10* Callaway Warbird as my 3W. Whatever you do, don't get into a situation where you have to muscle a shot because you've got a gap between clubs.

Would a driver, 3W, 3H work better? I have both a 3 and 5 wood now from an old set. I don't plan on upgrading either until down the road. Mainly trying to figure out which hybrid or hybrids to add to the 5-PW iron set. Thanks

[GB-man]

I would go for a set of callaway apex dcb and be sure to get fitted.

[Texans93]

Originally Posted by samson66

I believe the new iron set I will be getting will have 5-PW

Before buying a hybrid check the loft and length of your 5 iron and compare it to the loft and length of the hybrid you're looking at. Depending on the manufacturer sometimes a 4 hybrid will have almost the same loft/length as a 5 iron. You don't want to buy one that is too close, you're trying to bridge the distance gap between your 5 iron and your 3 or 5 wood. I'd do as others have suggested and get a fitting done. Golf Galaxy/Dick's or your local pro shop can all do this for you. Usually the cost of the fitting is credited if you purchase clubs from them. Just my .02, have fun!

[Texans93]

My current setup is:

Taylor Made SIM2 Max driver, 3W, and 3 Hybrid
Irons-Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal 5-GW
Wedges-Titleist Vokey 54 and 56 loft
Putter-Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2

You thought watches were a "rabbit hole", buckle up.

Enjoy!

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Texans93

My current setup is:

Taylor Made SIM2 Max driver, 3W, and 3 Hybrid
Irons-Mizuno JPX 900 Hot Metal 5-GW
Wedges-Titleist Vokey 54 and 56 loft
Putter-Scotty Cameron Select Newport 2!

This is very helpful, thanks!

Originally Posted by Texans93

You thought watches were a "rabbit hole", buckle up.

Enjoy!

Yes I'm definitely starting to get that impression

[samson66]

And I will make a point to get them sized. I've already talked to Dick's about this. They credit some or all of the fitting charge back if you buy the clubs there. I'm just waiting for the iron set and hybrid I'm interested in to be in stock at the same time so I can buy them together and get fitted at the same time.

I think I'll start out with a 3 hybrid and see how much I like it, then pick up a 4H later.

I'm god awful with fairway woods at the moment so I believe I'll stick to the old 3W and 5W I inherited 10+ years ago from my father in law. When (if) I get proficient with them I'll purchase some new woods for myself.

[Blansky]

New to golf.?

Don't forget a machete and a compass.

[samson66]

Originally Posted by Blansky

New to golf.?

Don't forget a machete and a compass.

Ha!

I do it a different way and buy balls by the bucket full.

[Chewbacca]

I think Mike is in the simulator. Heard some serious cussing and “Get a grip, Mike! You’re lifting your damn head!”

:justkidd i