If you're just starting to play golf, you shouldn't buy a new set of clubs right away. You might find out later that you don't like it. Also, you haven't found the right golf clubs for you yet while you're still learning. The best way to start is with inexpensive used golf clubs. And here are some guidelines to help you to hunt down your first used golf club set:
Golf Clubs for Rent
First, you may want to play with the rental clubs at a driving range. Don't be afraid to ask your friends or other golfers to try out their clubs on the range during this time. This is a good opportunity for you to judge which type of clubs is right for you. If you've hit at the driving range for a while and think it's time to get your own clubs, then....
Rely on golf expert
When you go out to buy used golf clubs, you should always rely on people who know golf equipment well. You can get information and advice from your local pro at your local municipal course. Or you can consult the experts at the golf shop or even your friend who plays well or who knows anything about golf clubs. You can also do a search on the Internet for reviews of used golf clubs. You can always ask people for advice but keep in mind that what suits them may not necessary prove good in your hands. Therefore, it is more important to identify the golf club set that suitable to your ability yourself.
Golf beginner's half set
As a novice golfer, you are advised to learn with a half set of clubs with all matching iron of the same model. The half-set could be made up from a few combinations of clubs. In general, the half set combination consists of five iron clubs, including 4, 6, 8, pitching wedge and sand iron, in addition to 3 and 5 woods plus a putter. The driver is not recommended in the beginner's half set because it is the hardest club to control. Most beginners would do better off the tee if they used a 3-wood. Also, beginners shouldn't use 1, 2, or 3 irons because each of these long irons requires a precise hit from the middle of the clubface and a lot of club head speed to get good results. In contrast, a 5 wood with distance almost equivalent of the 2 iron - the ball can still travel a fair distance despite being hit off-center. Besides, a lofted wood is more forgiving than the thin blade of an iron club heads.
The half set combination not only sufficient for most novice golfers on the golf course for every situation but also makes club selection much easier. It is a good combination of clubs to help the novice to improve their swing technique until they are good enough before they advance to the full set golf clubs. Therefore, you have to make sure to select a golf model for your half set from a reputable manufacturer that can be added to at a later stage.
Golf Feels
The best way to purchase a used golf clubs is to actually hold them in your hand and swing them to get a feel for what you want. The feel of a golf club clearly seems to be all-important. But, what is 'feel'? There is no scientific formula that defines it. In general, feel is how a golfer feels a club when he or she swings it. This depends on how heavy the club is and how flexible the shaft is.
Iron Head of Club
Look for a club head made of stainless steel and stay away from cheap heads made of alloy. For a beginner, you should choose a golf club with a "heel-and-toe" (or perimeter-weighted) club head, a hollow back, and a larger size. You should get bigger club heads because they are more forgiving and have a bigger "sweet spot" that allows you to get the most distance even if you hit the ball off-center.
Golf Shafts
Graphite shafts is ideal for beginner even though it is more expensive that steel shafts. Its lighter overall weight allows beginner to swing the club faster even with enlarged clubhead.
Golf Grips
If you have purchased used golf clubs where the condition of the grips could be less than perfect or the grips don't fit properly for you, then make sure you replace them. Grips are fairly easy and inexpensive to change by a pro or club repairman. Ensure all the grips are replaced with same size and design.
Finally, if you are just starting out with golf, chances are your swing is more likely to let you down rather than the golf clubs itself. Having said that, it is still important to try out the golf clubs before buying them in order to find a golf club set that suits your swing, body and game. Most importantly, makes you feel confident when you use it.
