Question:
As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
Hey, that sounds like a nice gift and besides, your scores will improve dependent on your dedication to wanting them to. Whether are not they are a top of the line or a lower price club, I would recommend talking with a club pro or someone that knows your swing to make sure that the clubs and especially the shafts in them are appropriate for your swing. Golf clubs in many cases now are not just a purchase, they are an investment with the price of many of them now. Enjoy the gift.
Response:
Hello, Joe. The problem you are going to have is that the clubs you were given are certainly very nice, but they are probably off-the-shelf clubs that have not properly fitted to your physical and swing characteristics. Even the best clubs aren’t going to play well if they do not fit properly. You should talk to a good club fitter and see what your options are. You would probably be better off selling/trading-in the Callaways on a properly fitted set of slightly less expensive irons/wedges such as Top Flite Tour or Tommy Armour 845s. At the very least, replace the staff bag with something a little less conspicuous. :) And don’t forget to take those lessons! Neal says… As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them.
. . .
Response:
Such a problem you have 
Two things came to mind when I read your post. First, I’d ask whether the clubs are well suited for you. Have they been fit to your swing? Are the shafts the right flex? What about the lies of the clubs? If not, it would be worth, IMO, going to a certified clubfitter or perhaps your pro to see if they are correct for you. If they are not correct for you, then the second thing–your desire to improve through lessons–will probably be wasted. Frankly, I don’t think better or worse of anyone on the course because of the clubs they use. What is worthy of respect is the approach they bring to the game (are they considerate, do they know and employ golf etiquette, do they avoid delaying others through slow play), and their desired goal: either to score well or have a good time. And, of course, there are many like me whose goals are both of those at the same time. If anyone gave me a hard time about my clubs, I’d ask them why they care, and further, why they’d think I’d care what they think. Good luck with them! Mike Dalecki – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
When I started playing Callaways three years ago, I did so knowing that Big Berthas are the ultimate game-improvement clubs. It always seemed like a perfect fit, since my game was in need of the ultimate in improvement. I’ve gotten better in the three years since, which has little to do with the clubs, and alot to do with what I’ve learned about the golf swing. Don’t worry about it. Randy NEWLY UPDATED AND EXPANDED!!! One of the web’s most-visited personal golf websites Featured in USA TODAY, and in the USGA’s official publication, "Golf Journal" http://wwwgolfer.home.mindspring.com Now with more pages of instruction, golf news, links, essays, information and other cool stuff RSG Roll Call profile: http://u1.netgate.net/~kirby34/rsg/brownr.htm
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
Why would you be embarrassed to play these? You have a very fine set of golf clubs and NOBODY is going to care what you play based on your score. With these clubs you may be able to score lower, X-12’s are Designed for the high handicapper and are extremely forgiving.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them.
Hey, Joe…do *you* *like* the clubs? I.e., have you tried them on the range….have a go with them before you decide to monkey around with modifying them or whatever…maybe this is how the universe is interacting with your golfing pleasure :-) If you don’t like them or don’t have success with them, Zen do sumpin different…enjoy them! JPH
Response:
I’ve seen a LOT worse players than you play really expensive clubs. I got paired with a guy just a few weeks ago that was all decked out in Taylor Made Firesoles and he probably shot about 115. The score on his card was a lot lower than that, but he shot a 115. Don’t worry about it. If you like the clubs, play them. Chris – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
Joe, No, you are not good enough for the clubs. Send them to me because I can put them to better use. I’ll even pay for the shiping (hehe). AKA, be appreciative of the nice gift and enjoy them. Brad Swanson
Response:
Joe, first make sure the clubs are fitted for your size and swingspeed. When all said and done, play them and don’t be embarrassed, your new clubs are a good choice for the higher handicapped player. In time, with working with your swing and your new clubs, your game will improve and your handicap will drop. Just remember, it isn’t the clubs that plays the game, it’s the player that plays the game! btw, congratulations on your big sales order…keep it up! kenny – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Response:
Most off the shelf clubs fit average sized people reasonably well. About the only thing that really makes clubs unworkable for less expert players is if their lie is more than a degree too flat or shafts are more than a grade too stiff. And personally, I don’t see anything wrong with a nice big golf bag! Lots of room for all your golf stuff! -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hello, Joe. The problem you are going to have is that the clubs you were given are certainly very nice, but they are probably off-the-shelf clubs that have not properly fitted to your physical and swing characteristics. Even the best clubs aren’t going to play well if they do not fit properly. You should talk to a good club fitter and see what your options are. You would probably be better off selling/trading-in the Callaways on a properly fitted set of slightly less expensive irons/wedges such as Top Flite Tour or Tommy Armour 845s. At the very least, replace the staff bag with something a little less conspicuous. :) And don’t forget to take those lessons!h
Response:
Callaway – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Good clubs are for mediocre players – like you and I! I am about as bad a golfer as you, i.e. on a really good day I might make 95, and me X-12 help me a lot. My boss, however, with handicap 5 (used to be 2…), uses forged clubs that would very difficult to use for players like us. He frowns upon my Calloways. I have the feeling that the really good clubs –such as Calloways– are for the amateurs. They are forgiving and they help our game a lot. The pros use more classic designs that allow them to shape their shots. Give your boss a big hug. I think he has given you exactly the clubs you need. And regard is as a proof of appreciation!
Response:
Good clubs are for mediocre players – like you and I! I am about as bad a golfer as you, i.e. on a really good day I might make 95, and me X-12 help me a lot. My boss, however, with handicap 5 (used to be 2…), uses forged clubs that would very difficult to use for players like us. He frowns upon my Calloways. I have the feeling that the really good clubs –such as Calloways– are for the amateurs. They are forgiving and they help our game a lot. The pros use more classic designs that allow them to shape their shots. Give your boss a big hug. I think he has given you exactly the clubs you need. And regard is as a proof of appreciation!
Response:
And personally, I don’t see anything wrong with a nice big golf bag! Lots of room for all your golf stuff!
Sure, and it can double as a hanger for a small plane or a two car garage. :) I recently saw a great example of the benefit of custom fitted clubs. I have a friend who bought a set of used Ping’s at a yard sale about 15 years ago. He consistently shot in the mid 80’s with them. A good day for him was about 81-82. A bad day was around 90. The best score he ever shot with them was a 79. About a month ago he ordered a set of fitted Top Flite Tour irons. Nothing fancy – oversize stainless steel heads, regular flex steel shafts, standard size grips. Added 1/2" to the shafts and made the lie 1* upright. Cost was $399. They came in 8 days later and he headed for the course the following day and shot a 74. The best score he had ever shot in his life. He’s played about 6 rounds since then at a couple of different courses and the worst score he’s shot has been a 78 — 1 shot better than his best ever score with his old Pings. I’m sure you can probably guess that he likes his new Top Flites quite a bit. He would probably give you his wife before he would give you those clubs. :) He’s even talking about trying to make it on the Senior Tour one day. But he’s only 38, so he’s still got a few years to practice. Neal
Response:
I think it’s funny how some people say they’re going to try to make the senior tour. Just remember that there are PGA pros turning 50 all the time trying to make it. The chances of an amateur (Jay Siegel excluded) or even a club pro (OK, some do) making it are slim. It’s tougher to make the senior tour than the regular tour unless you’ve made a lot of money on the regular tour. I’m pretty sure that there are fewer qualifying spots from the Q-school. I will say that I’m sure that there are plenty of amateur golfers out there who never had time to dedicate themselves to golf or who picked up the game late that have the talent and drive to make it. I’m 38 also, and if it weren’t for that damned job, maybe I could make it too — Jon G. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – He’s even talking about trying to make it on the Senior Tour one day. But he’s only 38, so he’s still got a few years to practice. Neal
Response:
One other thing, Callaway will adjust the lie of the clubs for you free of charge, and I bet that if you decide you need a different shaft flex and explain that they were a gift, they will change that for you as well. They are great clubs for someone with your skill level. If you play often with them, you will be "worthy" of them soon. -joseph – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them.w
Response:
I think it’s funny how some people say they’re going to try to make the senior tour. Just remember that there are PGA pros turning 50 all the time trying to make it. The chances of an amateur (Jay Siegel excluded) or even a club pro (OK, some do) making it are slim. It’s tougher to make the senior tour than the regular tour unless you’ve made a lot of money on the regular tour. I’m pretty sure that there are fewer qualifying spots from the Q-school.
When my non-golfing friends kid me about going on the senior tour, I point out that I’m 6 weeks older than Fred Couples (who will be turning forty in 6 weeks). I tell’em that its not worth pushing myself for that small a window of opportunity Ya gotta wonder, though, how many of these multi-millionaires will still want to do all that travel after 25+ years of it. rick
Response:
Enjoy the clubs. Who care what someone else thinks. Not that I have not on occasion wondered at the clubs some people have in their bag, but for me it is usually out of frustration at slow play..but in any event, who cares what I think! Rob
Response:
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – As compensation for a large sales order I acquired, my boss presented me with a new set of golf clubs. Problem is that I feel embarrassed to be seen playing them because I’m not a very good player (95 – 105) and I know many good players who would give anything to play them. The set is composed of Callaway X-12 irons, 1,3 and 5 Callaway Hawkeye woods and a staff bag with "Callaway Golf" embroidered on the side in BIG white letters. Do you guys think I’m being foolish to think this way? I think good will come of this because it’s given me the incentive to improve my came and I’m going to take a series of lessons. Joe Mauceri To reply please remove "NOSPAM" from my email address
Joe, I hate to tell you this, but if you have any doubts about your new clubs, they will hurt your game rather than helping. I think the best thing you could do in this case is to carefully pack them up, add at least three dozen new top line balls to the package (a sacrifice to the golf gods) and IMMEDIATELY ship them to me. :) Please email for my shipping address. Dave Smith Dave’s Custom Clubs P.S. In all seriousness, have a club fitter check to be sure that they are at least a decent fit for you and enjoy them. http://home.earthlink.net/~dave4golf Share what you know. Learn what you don’t.