Needing recommendations on a set

Darrell_KC

Hey guys, it's been awhile for me. This year due to a job promotion, I am hoping to get out and play some more golf and be able to compete in our company tournament. My boss golfs, so I figured this could be a good chance to have fun and build on a work relationship.

I am looking to buy my first ever set of OEM clubs. Money isn't a huge concern. Is the best thing to do to go to a Golf Galaxy or golf store and try hitting a bunch of sets off of a monitor to see what fits best? Are there any pitfalls or sales techniques or gimmicks to be aware of?

For starters, I used to be a mid handicapper, but I haven't even golfed in 2 years so I am expecting to be very rusty. I was figuring my set will be along the game improvement variety. I like the Ping 425 driver, and was thinking maybe Titliest t300 irons? What sorts of wedges should I look for?

I don't need everything to be brand matching, I just want a nice set that will perform on the course, look good in the bag and be good for long term quality. I am not rich, but this purchase is the result of a bonus I earned so I am ok with splurging a bit if that's the cost for a good set. I am looking for driver all the way down to putter.

Walterjn

Darrell_KC if you go the fitting route, talk to the fitter and have him hand you the club grip first. Just hit the thing, see how well you do with it. The ones you hit well go in one pile, the ones you don't hit well go away. Then you can see about looking at them and hit them again and see what you like the best...
Most everything will look pretty darn good in the bag, and be good for years... The big thing is that they work for you.
I'm sure that someone else here will be able to give you better advice than this, I am still learning this game. Take this advice for what you paid for it. 😁

ode

Darrell_KC I like the Ping 425 driver, and was thinking maybe Titliest t300 irons?

Can't go wrong with either. Ping, since the G series has even great with there drivers. I've heard the new titleist irons are a step up from previous generations.

Welcome back to the wonderful game....congrats on your promotion, the fact that it will allow some golf is a nice bonus!

brownmoose13

my 2 cents..start with the Ping G400Max driver

sdandrea1

They're all good, Darrell. A good fitter will help you decide what works best for you. Out of those that fit, pick the ones that look and feel the best. Welcome back to the game!

Tcafla

Check out sub70 golf. Great products and no one can beat there customer service .

ode

Tcafla agreed if you wanted to support the little guy, they would be a good start and you could get some demos from them without the big $ commitment. The 699 and 699pro have been a big hit.

hobbit

Its it been that long since you have golfed - maybe hit the range for a session before going to get fit. Shake off the rust before a fitter starts matching to your rust 😇

Many places have gotten much better at fitting in the last 5-10 years. I don't think you have much to fear or be cautious about - but maybe don't tell them money is no object either 😛

pellmell

Have a look at the GEN3 0311XP. Relatively thin topline and forgiving.
https://www.golfdigest.com/hot-list/golf-clubs/game-improvement-irons/pxg-0311-xp-gen3
https://www.pxg.com/en-us/clubs/irons/gen3

scotts33

Discount store trying out clubs is not fitting it's marketing. Get some clubs in your hands outdoors and try them in a real world golf.

KCee

If you've never been for a fitting and can afford it, I recommend it. And with a good fitter and not at DSG. If you've had a fitting in the past and know your specs then a DTC like Sub 70 might be a great choice.

Darrell_KC

Thanks for everyone's responses. I am planning on setting out this weekend to do some shopping. That was a really good tip to go hit the range for awhile and at least loosen up before going for a fitting. I was actually thinking my first few swings could be quite embarrassing. Last time I didn't play golf for 2 years and came back to play, I outright wiffed the ball on the first tee...

I can at least shop around a bit, see what inventory is even available, hit some shots and see what looks and feels best to me.

mikeintopeka

Darrell_KC - refresh my memory and intuitive reasoning skills: you are in the Kansas City area, right?

I'd meet you somewhere for a round when you are going to knock some rust off your game. I'm more fun than getting paired up with 'PGA Tour Emulator', his neighbor 'Igetta Mulligan Wherever', and 'Kathy Chatty' (but some would say by not much 😆).

Dufferman

No one has mentioned it yet, but after being away from the game for a while may want to look into Single Length irons. I started playing some at the end of last summer and gotta say, they work pretty well for me. Might be an option?

Darrell_KC

My current set is actually Pinhawk SL irons. I like them, but after using a friend's standard set my last time out, they just felt more comfortable for me. He has a nice set of Titlist irons and Vokey wedges, and I really liked hitting those. That's what got me on this path.

Dufferman

Darrell_KC Ah, ok. I haven't hit the Pinhawks, I bought some Wishon Sterlings from a garage sale this summer and that is my only experience with SL irons.

wishbone

For someone getting back into the game and an infrequent player, maybe something like the Cleveland HB Turbo hybrid or Wilson Launch Pad would be an option.

I am going to try them this spring as well, as soon as I knock some rust off my swing, as well as the Ping G425's, Mizuno Hot Metal's, Cobra RAD Speed, etc.

I hit FW well always, irons hit or miss, short game is decent when I start playing regularly again. My biggest concern on the hybrid irons is I have never found a hybrid I liked as a long iron replacement ( but I carry a 7 wood now so all is good, I can choke that down and swing easy and get decent results)

Darrell_KC

Just as an FYI, first off thanks again for the advice. Hobbit, your advice was spot on. I went to get fitted, and was hitting everything like crap. They did fit me for Callway's driver and irons, and the set would've cost me about 2k. Considering that I would be spending that much on something I may get to use once a week if I am lucky, and I didn't notice any real difference hitting them versus hitting my own clubs, I decided against it. I did opt for the PING putter though, loved how it felt.

I decided to instead hit the range a few times and practice, and take some lessons if I am playing good. I've hit the range twice. The first time was pretty awful, but the second time I found myself hitting a lot better. I got my son a starter set of Top Flite Gamer X clubs, and hit those pretty well with him. I also tried hitting my brother in laws old Callaway clones and liked those as well, and hit all of those sets side by side. I will say I think it's time to step down to a regular flex shaft, that seemed to work a lot better for my swing versus my current stiff shafted irons. At any rate, it's been good to get outside and hit the ball around some, and my son seems to be getting bit by the golf bug. I am hoping to go play some rounds with him once he gets more confidence and hitting the ball a little more consistent.