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NEW
After practicing with old used clubs, it was clear I needed to buy clubs if I was going to play.
The investigation associated with buying clubs can make your head swim. I initially ended up buying an inexpensive complete starter set (see club acquisitions). I would recommend this for beginners on a budget (around $250) but get a brand name like Wilson or at least get a
good warranty and don't lose the receipt.
Another idea is park your macho thing and hold off on buying woods until you get good with the irons.
Good starter (and mid handicapper) Iron sets I've read about are Topflite XL2000, Cleveland TA5, Callaway Big Bertha 2002-03.
Search EBAY for good deals. There are also clones out there by clubmakers for a fraction of the $$ of name brands but these
makers and components should be carefully checked first. Some places offer a 100 day playability guarantee to try them or
change them for something else. Many unsponsored good players don't have the same brand of woods and irons.
I just (8/03) bought a new set to try. It's the Cleveland TA5 with a 100 day playability guarantee so if I don't like them
I'll get the Big Berthas or some Ping i3OS irons.
Putter
Everything I've heard from the Pros or instructors, is it's mostly personal preference and confidence. I usually putt pretty
well with my $20 Dunlop mallet head but I felt I could do better if I got a head that resists twist a bit and was a little
easier to aim. So, I got the Odyssey 2 Ball and liked it from the start. And no, it isn't a magic wand, I still have to practice
with it just as much as the other one. Will I make more putts with it - yes.
The Driver
I couldn't hit the Driver that came with the set worth a darn so I wouldn't play with it. I also asked the PGA Pro
and Uncle Vince to try it. Neither of them liked it. Vince gave me a Callaway VFT (now $199 at Golfsmith). I immediately did
well with it. One time out, I drove a green at 270 yds. Now, if I don't make a good shot, I know it's
me and not the club.
NEW
I have been testing a Redline 460cc driver and the 10.5* seems to keep me in the fairway more than the 9* VFT, requires
less swing speed and has a larger head. The VFT is longer but needs a good hit.
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What's In My Bag?
As of 8/16/03 NEW
- Driver #1: Adams 460cc Redline Driver 10.5*
- 3 & 5 Woods: South Bay
- Fairway wood: 23* Jackaroo II
- 3-PW: Cleveland TA5 GunMetal
- Wedges: 52*, 56*, 60* - Pure Spin
- Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball
- Bag: Brighton IDS - Datrek
- Balls: Titleist Pro V1x, Yellow Topflite XL for easy distinction from others, and 3 Nitelite balls.
I swap the 3 and 4 irons, fairway & 5 woods based on course requirements. My Big Bertha
Hawkeye VFT - Callaway 9* is my backup driver.
Good News-Bad News
The Good News
My buddy also got a starter set of clubs at a great price from a local store.
The Bad News
On several occasions, he has had to stop all play at the driving range to retrieve the heads after flying
off his shafts.
FYI: He also lost his purchase receipt.
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