I was in the outer banks this past weekend for a wedding and the groomsmen all played golf.. I've never played in my life, but figured what the hell, and I was GOOD! I hit par on half the holes, and if you took putting out of the equation (and moved a few houses back), I'd have been under. I sunk one from the sand box (?) and got on the green twice on a par 4 (dumb luck Im sure)

So now I want some clubs. My biz partner who is an avid golfer said I want to look at "cavity backed" clubs, and a super expensive set may be more challenging for me to learn with than a good beginner set.

I want to get a driver immediately and start taking some lessons, does anyone have a driver for sale? Or can you point me towards a good, forgiving one for a beginner?

I was thinking maybe something like this:

https://www.globalgolf.com/gol...Ia00JVgaArt-EALw_wcB

then I just need a driver and putter.

What's everyone think?

quote:

Originally posted by cmr076:
I was in the outer banks this past weekend for a wedding and the groomsmen all played golf.. I've never played in my life, but figured what the hell, and I was GOOD! I hit par on half the holes, and if you took putting out of the equation (and moved a few houses back), I'd have been under. I sunk one from the sand box (?) and got on the green twice on a par 4 (dumb luck Im sure)

So now I want some clubs. My biz partner who is an avid golfer said I want to look at "cavity backed" clubs, and a super expensive set may be more challenging for me to learn with than a good beginner set.

I want to get a driver immediately and start taking some lessons, does anyone have a driver for sale? Or can you point me towards a good, forgiving one for a beginner?

I was thinking maybe something like this:

https://www.globalgolf.com/gol...Ia00JVgaArt-EALw_wcB

then I just need a driver and putter.

What's everyone think?

It only gets worse from here.

quote:

It only gets worse from here.

LOL
Yep.... it's a fun game that will suck you in.
My Dad played all the time until shoulder surgery and it became too painful.
I play occasionally, but could easily get hooked.
It's fun to be outside, on a pretty golf course. It makes for a pleasant day.

If you made par on a number of holes the first time you golfed, you are either a natural or the luckiest SOB on the planet. Seriously!

As has already been mentioned, it will only go down hill from there until you get lessons and practice a few times a week.

As far as clubs go, have a pro help out. You won't need high end, expensive clubs for quite awhile until you have developed a consistent swing. Work on that first.

Good luck.

Jim

Second hand sporting goods shop.

Taylor Made is the most popular driver, but any of the big makers make a fine driver. Callaway. Ping. Cobra. Titleist. Mizuno. You don't know what you like yet. Many golf stores have a section of used clubs, so perhaps buying a used driver is a good option, as a new premium driver is $400 to $500. Golfers are always trading equipment, hoping that it turns out to be the equipment after all, so there will be a good selection of used clubs.

Same for irons. Used is a good option. Or last years model. They bring out new clubs at least once a year and the irons from last year will sell for 75% of the cost of the latest and greatest. Ebay can be a good source if you know what you want.

I'd find a good locally owned shop, and go in and ask for some help. They will be able to help you find something that will suit you, at least physically, since you don't really have a golf swing yet. A standard set will fit most people well enough. Unless you are very tall or short or have some other odd physique, a standard set will be pretty close to right.

And take some lessons. Let me say it again. Take some lessons. A good teaching pro will be more help that buying any particular clubs.

I would suggest to go to a place where you can be professionally fitted for clubs that are best suited to you. Do not be afraid to try various manufacturers clubs. Do not let the design of a particular club influence your decision. Play the clubs that look good to you but more importantly play the clubs that give you the best results. I was once fitted at a Golfsmith facility for my particular set of clubs and it was a great experience. I finally decided on one brand of irons, another brand on hybrids and a driver.

In other words do not get hung up on the cosmetics but the results a club can offer you as an individual. What works for me might not be a great fit for you.

Hit them straight and long!

quote:

Originally posted by Jimbo54:
If you made par on a number of holes the first time you golfed, you are either a natural or the luckiest SOB on the planet. Seriously!

Jim

I'm going with luck! I am good at some really random stuff though.

This was a drive on a par 4 (if I recall correctly)



I got stuck in this sand box



and chipped it to within 3" of the hole.





the rest of the wedding party weren't happy


I DID whack a few houses though.

quote:

Originally posted by jhe888:

And take some lessons. Let me say it again. Take some lessons. A good teaching pro will be more help that buying any particular clubs.

oh I'm 100% going to take a lesson a week (time permitting)

from this past weekend it seems like I could get away with a driver, 5 hybrid (I think thats what it was called) a couple irons, and a putter. I can't see myself using 14, or even 10 clubs in the immediate future

I have a putter purchasing problem. I can quit anytime. The nice part about golf is that if you hit a ball in the woods, the odds of finding it are slim but the odds of walking out of the woods with a pocket full of other golfers balls are amazing. That came out wrong.

I would look for a nice set of cavity backs, last years models will be available for about the same pricing. I would personally go to store and try them out then look online for the deal.

I like Golf Deals and Steals for shopping for drivers. Sign up for their deal of the day email and about once every 2 weeks some really good deals pop up.

http://golfdealsandsteals.com/deal-of-the-day/

If you think your going to like the game then don't buy a cheap putter, Look at a custom fitted Bettanardi. they are a bit more money but you will not be sorry.

https://bettinardi.com

I know going to the factory and being fitted is probably not a option, but there are dealers that are available for the same experience. When I did it cost me 350 or so, i think it has gone up a little one the past couple of years. One of the cool things about Bettinardi is they are made here in the USA and are a pro2A company. i actually think part of their business is GOV contracts.

hope this helps.

Shawn

Glad you had fun! Golf is the sport for a lifetime. I assume that you are younger than middle age and are fit. Average height. Shop a golf specialty shop and the golf department of a large sporting goods chain, such as Dick's. Tell them you want a starter set. If you are tall (74"), you should use a longer shafted iron set. Learn the rules and etiquette. Dress neatly (no cargo shorts, please). If you continue to hit houses, get a fake ID and pay cash. When you break 90 (count all the misses and penalties!), you are on your way to golf nirvana and can buy a better set.

Thank you all for the recommendations. I could see myself sticking with it, I get invited all the time by my clients, so this will be good for networking too (after I figure out how to stop whacking peoples houses)

::edit:: im 6', so 72" and 32 years old in november

Here is the true story of another legendary first round of golf:

http://www.golf.com/golf-plus/...ls-famous-round-golf

There is a phone number you should have, 1-800-JUSTSAYNO.

When you have an urge to go to a golf course, or a golf gear shop, etc, give them a call. Someone will help you. It’s not cheap, but far less expensive than golf.

What you have experienced is how they reel you in. Your first round, you are wondering why those guys make fortunes playing such an easy game that even a beginner like you can do easily. It’s only after thousands of dollars in equipment, and more thousands in green fees that you begin to realize that it isn’t as easy as it first seemed. Then you feel like a fool, and worse, you are stuck with all those weird clothes! Now, you have no choice but to join the guys like you and entice others, to “network.”

Run, while you still can!

The reason it's named "Golf" is because all the other four letter words were taken.

I wish I'd never picked up the game. I'm never as good as I think I should be, nor will I ever be. But that doesn't stop me from being pissed at myself for not hitting a shot only a PGA professional could hit.

Seriously, stop now. Before it sucks you in and never lets you go!

Go to your local course as soon as possible, rent a set of clubs, and play another round. You will most likely suck wildly and curse profusely. This will hopefully satiate your desires to continue down a fool's path.

On the other hand, if you do the above and have the same result as your first round I suggest you quit your job and go at golf full time as you are surely decended from Titleist, the almighty God of golf.

quote:

I've never played in my life,....... I hit par on half the holes

Like everyone says ~ Go get fitted and get a couple lessons too.
Virtually every major brand is good but you want some clubs to maximize your physical capabilities.
So don't get hung up on Taylormade vs Titleist vs Cleveland vs .....etc > ALL GOOD if properly matched.

PS looking at those Titlist clubs in the first post:
Don't do it.
A fitter will measure for length, lie, proper shaft flex, correct grip size and texture and put you in an optimal head (those will be more of a weighted cavity back aka game improvement clubs).
I would forgo the 3I and maybe a 4I for utility woods (metal actually).
Then they will put you in a putter that works for you although trial and error on putters is quite common (just ask me how many I have been through).

I hit Taylor Made. They're not true cavity backs but feel like them. Maybe try renting a couple of different sets and see which one you like best. Short of renting most golf shops (at least in my area) have indoor driving ranges where you can demo many different types. Clubs are like guns, pick the ones that feel good to YOU.