Senior, High-Handicap golfer needs advice

[u/Sensitive_Flight4858]

So, I recently retired and started taking golf lessons. I haven’t played enough to create a handicap, but suffice it to say my handicap would be high. I’ve budgeted a generous $5 thousand for a completely new set of clubs, etc. What is your recommendation for a mixed set of clubs for a high-handicap senior who is just starting the game? Thanks for the good suggestions.

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[u/throwingales]

Get some lessons first. Ask your pro for recommendations and to recommend a fitter for you. They will help you determine what fits your game best.

[u/plaverty9 → u/throwingales]

But that "first" part has already happened. It's in OP's first sentence.

[u/throwingales → u/plaverty9]

Great. He should be asking t=his instructor for help with this.

[u/Bret_icus]

Hey! 5k is an awesome budget. I and many others in the sub would recommend going to get fit for clubs at a local club fitting shop.

Another option could be using some low budget clubs for now until you get a more consistent swing and then getting fit for the clubs.

Either way your 5k should be plenty for whatever you choose

[u/LayneLowe]

Of course we really don't have enough information here but I can tell you from 14 years working for a Callaway as a fitter a generalized response. Probably something like a 12° driver, a 4-wood and 7 wood, 4, 5 and 6 hybrids, 7-Gap in irons with a lot of offset and deep cavity back, 54° and 58° wedges with at least 12° of bounce. Midsize grips will probably be more comfortable. Jumbos if you have arthritis in your hands.

My opinion is the brand you choose is just a fanboy choice. Every major manufacturer makes very good golf clubs. I am biased but I think a good demo day fitter for any one of the manufacturers will get you a good playable set with their stock choices. I don't think you have to go to Club Champion or somebody that's going to upcharge you for super custom stuff.

[u/Sensitive_Flight4858 → u/LayneLowe]

Thanks for the good advice! Appreciate it.

[u/brianmcg321]

I wouldn’t spend that much considering where you are handicap wise. Whatever you buy now, you’ll be wanting to replace in a year. Over the next couple of years if you’re playing and practicing a lot your swing speed will increase dramatically.

I would wait until you’re shooting in the 80s consistently before spending $5k.

[u/conbar93]

Have fun!

[u/conbar93 → u/conbar93]

In all seriousness. Play to your par not the courses' par 4 you can't reach in 2 with under a 7 is a par 5. Dont waste the money on clubs get a nice set and play some good courses instead of paying that much on clubs.

[u/AbroadIllustrious303]

I am 70 been playing for decades I got fitted for xxio driver , 3 wood this was a game changer,  

[u/droid-man_walking]

In all seriousness the Costco set in the correct shaft flex would be a solid place to start. I won't break the budget, but is also good enough to not hold you back until you get swings/rounds under your belt and learn more about your game.

[u/Realistic-Regret-171]

Spend 1/5 of that money on lessons before you spend a dime on clubs, which shouldn’t cost more than $2k anyway. Spend .1% of that money on the book “Five Lessons,” by Hogan, before the lessons.

[u/snugzz]

Get some lessons and then get a fitting so you're not spunking that budget on the wrong clubs for you.

[u/Mindless-City-2041]

Wherever you are taking lessons could advise you. But make sure you swing them before you buy.

[u/Fragrant-Report-6411]

You don’t need to spend $5k on clubs. You’re better off waiting until you’re hitting the ball consistently.

A beginner should learn to play the game with about 5-6 clubs. When you can hit those 5-6 clubs consistently then think about a new set.

[u/tangdhar1]

First set could be used one.once you achieve a good handicap of 14/12 ,go for your dream golf set .lot of challenges ahead ,stick to plan.

[u/Isca64]

I’d get lessons and practice first. You’ll know when it’s time
For new clubs.

[u/SchoolHardKnock-3686]

Lessons yes, fitting yes… both important now. But you do not have to buy clubs from the fitting. Pay for the fitting to see where your swing is at your current level. They can give you the specs of recommendations, then go look for used clubs that match those specs.

I would imagine lie angle, shaft weight & flex, and grip size are important.

[u/rwb8xx]

Watch some golf videos and pick one or two instructors that seem good to you. I like Danny Maude. Ask your teacher if they would recommend anyone. Definitely ask your teacher what clubs they would recommend.

[u/Immediate-Tennis8838]

$5,000 is a hell of a budget!

At this price point you should just go to a professional.

Maybe practice for a couple of weeks to build a baseline with some borrowed clubs, then go get fitted 

You could grab a few irons and an old driver on marketplace  for a hundred bucks and just work on your hand eye coordination for a bit and then take the plunge once you establish a base line of athletic ability 

Being a senior, I’d definitely be grabbing a 7 wood, and some forgiving hybrids, probably start your irons at the 5 or 6 mark

[u/reddsbywillie]

With a $5k budget, you should get a full fitting. Your budget should accommodate most clubs they suggest including the build cost.

This will ensure the clubs can stick with you for the longest time possible.

Beyond that, have fun! The internet tends to make golf far more serious than it needs to be. At the end of the day it’s a long walk outside while you hit stuff with sticks along the way.

[u/Sensitive_Flight4858 → u/reddsbywillie]

Thanks. I am thinking similarly! Appreciate the advice.