Question:
With all that in mind, I can recommend a couple of brands/models that I believe fit the model of "generic cavity backs", which would be suitable for a wide range of players and should be available at a good price. Look for used iron sets of Tommy Armour 845’s or the Cleveland TA line (either TA-4 or TA-5). These are both reputable but second tier manufacturers (at least for irons), which should give you a price break over the "name" brands. Probably "regular" flex, steel shafts are your best bet.
I’ll second the recommendation for Tommy Armour 845 irons. There have been several slight variations all with that name but any of them make just about as good a beginner’s set as you’d ever want. Unless they have some very obvious damage (like big chunks missing out of the heads or bent shafts) you can buy a well-used set and still get years and years more service out of it. The Tommy Armours seem to be available used quite widely here in the US. Whatever brand and model of irons you get, be sure they have steel shafts. There’s very little effective difference in the "regular" and "stiff" flexes of standard-weight steel shafts, so while the "regular" is probably best, either one will play just fine for you. If you don’t see TA845 irons, look up a picture of them somewhere and aim for anything in that general style. You want a stainless-steel, cavity-back iron head with some offset (although the exact amount is purely personal preference) and with not too bulky and heavy a sole it. There are some cheapo irons around with soles so thick and curved that the leading edge of the club sits way above the ground. I’d hate to see a beginner start with that because it will be frustrating if you ever play a crummy golf course with hard, bare patches of ground to hit off of in places. The sole on a TA845 or Titleist DCI or any of the Cleveland irons is a good place to start. Don’t buy a whole set of woods. Start with one, prefereably a 5-wood or maybe a 7-wood or 3-wood. Something you can hit both off the tee and occasionally try using off the fairway. A graphite shaft in a metalwood is probably good but not necessary. If you can find one with a steel shaft that feels reasonably light to swing. Also, no need to get two or three wedges (in addition to the pitching wedge that comes with your irons). If you want a sand wedge, buy one with plenty of loft and that’ll do you fine for a while. Putters can be literally anything you like to putt with. There is no right or wrong style of putter, different people find that different ones work best. Brent Hutto
Response:
It’s tough to recommend specific models since it’s so much a matter of personal preferences (also I’m not sure of the market in the UK). I’ve had good luck with used equipment … golf clubs don’t wear out very fast as long as they’re not abused, and it’s a great way to get good equipment and save money. I’ve had good luck with Ebay, but I can understand your reluctance. There should be shops with used equipment available too. With all that in mind, I can recommend a couple of brands/models that I believe fit the model of "generic cavity backs", which would be suitable for a wide range of players and should be available at a good price. Look for used iron sets of Tommy Armour 845’s or the Cleveland TA line (either TA-4 or TA-5). These are both reputable but second tier manufacturers (at least for irons), which should give you a price break over the "name" brands. Probably "regular" flex, steel shafts are your best bet. Rob – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Hi everyone I recently started taking courses, with a set lent by a friend. I truly loved it, apparently showing good potential for it, and i would now like to buy a reasonably good set. And as usual I don’t want to spend much, but in the mean time I don’t want to buy too a cheap set that would quickly hinder my progression… My teaching pro advised me to buy from the club’s shop, of course… Ebay is not an option for I don’t know what to buy, and I would like to see, touch, feel the set, and talk to someone competent, before buying. Could you recommend me a specific set, or at least a brand with good value for money sets to begin with? Also, I’d appreciate addresses of shops in the London or Midlands area with very reasonable prices. Thanks very much in advance Giles
Response:
Hi everyone I recently started taking courses, with a set lent by a friend. I truly loved it, apparently showing good potential for it, and i would now like to buy a reasonably good set. And as usual I don’t want to spend much, but in the mean time I don’t want to buy too a cheap set that would quickly hinder my progression… My teaching pro advised me to buy from the club’s shop, of course… Ebay is not an option for I don’t know what to buy, and I would like to see, touch, feel the set, and talk to someone competent, before buying. Could you recommend me a specific set, or at least a brand with good value for money sets to begin with? Also, I’d appreciate addresses of shops in the London or Midlands area with very reasonable prices. Thanks very much in advance Giles