OT: Golf clubs needed, Picking up golf this year :) Options

[Kerrys914]

What is a good entry level club/set that will not kill the bank (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/smile.gif)

Since there are agazillion golf courses around here I am picking up golf..really I am....this year.

[riverman]

Oh yeah. Cavity-backs or perimeter weighted (same thing) are essential for the beginner. Far more forgiving on off-center hits. If you're going to spend some time looking at clubs and comparing, here are some features designed to help the beginner golfer.

Perimeter Wieghting: Raises the Moment of Inertia (MOI) of the clubhead causing it to react less to off-center hits (ball flies straighter).

Over-size heads: More forgiving because it gives you more clubface to contact the ball with.

Low Kick-Point Shafts: The kick-point of the shaft is the point on the shaft of maximum deflection (flex) during the swing. The closer to the bottom of the shaft the kick-point is the more positive loft it adds to the clubhead at the point of impact, making it easier to get the ball in the air.

Wide sole on irons: Does two things. Stops the club from digging into the turf (taking a divot is only for good golfers who are trying to put backspin on the ball) and it puts more wieght lower in the clubhead, lowering the center of gravity of the clubhead. A lower C of G helps get the ball in the air because the C of G of the clubhead is lower than the C of G of the ball.

Shafts: Shafts come in different flex. Stiffer flex for higher swing speeds and softer flex for lower swing speeds. Don't fall into the ego trap of getting shafts that are too stiff. For a beginner, regular stiff shafts will be just fine. The kick-points will be about right and the softer flex will actually help you hit the ball further. Don't go to stiffer shafts until you know you really need them. Stiff shafts transmit a lot of shock to the hands on off center hits which can be painful. Also, if your shafts are too firm for your swing speed, you will actually loose distance rather than gain it.

High Loft Driver: Gets the ball in the air easier and will give you better distance.

Remember: "Drive for show. Putt for dough." The short game is really where it's at if you want to score well.

Most of all, have fun. Tee it up in the fairway, throw your ball out of sandtraps, give yourself a better lie. Anything that removes the frustration out of learning and allows you to hit good shots will keep you coming back. No one really cares how well you play, they just want to enjoy being on the course with you. Keep it light, keep it fun. Get serious once you get good.