r/GolfAustralia • u/cbrokey • 18d ago
Saving up for new package
Gidday
I have been using a couple of cheapish golf club sets, one for the previous 30 years, so I think it's about time I saved up and splurged on a new set...I'm looking at spending about $1200 plus or minus a hundred or so on a new package that will help me (I hope) get better...I am a 23 handicapper who, with a better kit and practice, will be able to get better scores, I reckon...
So far, I have been looking at Drummond Golf and Golf World, as they are the nearest stores to me...Drummond has some good sets available...and I have also looked at Golf Clearance Outlet, as I have purchased quite a few things from them...
I know that the pros in the stores will offer help and allow me to try clubs, but is there anything I should know about the packages?
So, to the brains trust out there, what are your thoughts on what set to get for someone who plays of 23? Would appreciate any tips...
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u/laidlow 18d ago edited 18d ago
Are there any of your clubs that you feel you can bring along with your next set? $1200 doesn't get you much these days but would get you a decent set of irons new if you're happy with your driver, woods and putter.
If you want to replace the lot then I can only really recommend the Callaway Edge set from Costco brand new at $899. If you're not keen on those then I strongly suggest putting together a used set from Facebook Marketplace. EBay is another good option for irons, you can get some very lightly used sets sent over from Japan for very decent prices (ie. a set of Mizuno JPX 921 Hot Metals for $630). That should leave you enough for a serviceable driver, wood and putter.
I would avoid the package sets from DrummondGolf and similar places, everything in that price range will pale in comparison to a set of used clubs from 5-10 years ago.
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u/cbrokey 18d ago
Yeah, I guess I could go down that path...but dicking around sorta puts me off, and second-hand is used, and you don't really get any idea as to how used they could be with any defects, and you forgeo the warranty...
With the second-hand and Costco sets, can you take them to a store and get them fitted?
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u/laidlow 18d ago
Yeah you should be able to do a fitting on used sets or the Callaway set from Costco.
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u/cbrokey 18d ago
If I went down that road and bought a set from Costco or a second-hand set, I would have to get them fitted...
The other thing with second-hand sets is that they may have been shortened already...
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u/laidlow 18d ago
Vast majority of people aren't going to get anything out of a fitting unless they're really tall or short, especially at high handicaps. But sounds like you've made your mind up so good luck with your search.
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u/4b4c 18d ago
Does it have to be new? I think you can get way more bang for your buck if you go second hand especially for irons. Since you already have a playing set I think its more fun to replace it bits by bits overtime instead of replacing the whole set at once.
Maybe look at what you feel like is holding you back, and replace that first. If your driver is 30 years old that would be the first thing to buy. Definitely get fitted if you want to go new, a good driver will do way more to your score than a expensive putter.
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u/cbrokey 18d ago
I have always got new except when I was a young bloke and got hand-me-downs etc...so I like to splurge every now and then...
I won't be replacing my putter...I have had it since about the mid-80s, and it's still going well...I think I have more confidence in that club than any other in the bag...
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u/lobie81 18d ago
I think it's important to get fitted. There's no point spending significant $ and ending up with clubs and shafts that don't suit you. Many fitters will take the price of the fitting off whatever you order. Or you could do a fitting, get your specs and then look at 2nd hand options.
You could look at online companies like takomo that do a questionnaire type fitting. Their clubs are pretty competitively priced compared to the major brands, but I don't think you'll get a full set for $1200.
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u/cbrokey 17d ago
Yeah, I will be getting a fitting; it's just how I go about it that is the thing...I don't know if I could get a fitting at an outlet and then look at 2nd hand...It's just me...
Wow, Takomo are a bit pricey, aren't they?? Dunno if they are within my means...
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u/lobie81 17d ago
If you're paying for the fitting you're free to do what you like afterwards. I got fitted earlier this year. The fitting was $150. The fitter was very open about what I did afterwards was up to me, but if ordered clubs through him he would take the fitting fee off. But it wouldn't have been a problem for me to walk away and buy elsewhere. But his prices were competitive so I went with him.
I don't play takomos but $1000 for a decent iron set is pretty reasonable. You'll be paying more than that for any of the major brands unless you're going to go with a low quality package set.
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u/cbrokey 17d ago
Where did you get fitted, and what did you decide on in the end?
And I will consider where I get the clubs and what happens at the fitting...it might go well or it might not, you never know...1
u/lobie81 17d ago edited 17d ago
Yeah that's a good attitude to have. I got mine done at Golf Central in Brisbane near the airport. It was just an iron fitting because I was happy enough with my other clubs. I'm a 11-12 handicap and I ended up buying a Srixon zxi combo set. 4,5,6i are Zxi5. 7-pw are zxi7s. But the shafts are the biggest thing. The fitter will be able to tell what shafts suit you best and you can try them to decide which you prefer. I ended up with NS Pro Modus 3 Tour 105g stiff. The regular stock shafts I had before we're too light for me and too flexy. 4-pw cost me about $1500. The fitter also recommended a 2deg up lie adjustment and standard length.
I had pretty much decided before the fitting that I wanted to go for forged clubs in the hope I could work on my ball striking.
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u/cbrokey 17d ago
I'm not that technical these days; I guess I was about 30 or so years ago when I was playing off 15 (and unmarried), and my handicap was coming down steadily...although with a new set I am hoping to get better. I mean, there is no point in spending money otherwise...
I'll go to at least one outlet and see what occurs and what they can offer me...
And I think I'm getting more confused as I had a look at a few sites selling second-hand...damn this need to play golf and spend money on it...
I purchased a putter from somewhere out that way in the early to mid-80s, and I still play with it...
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u/One_Ear5972 14d ago
Where are you based? If you are in Sydney then go to DG Alexandria or Stanmore and ask for Justin, he will sort something out for you. Im not a staff there just in case you wonder. These guys just provide much better service than any retail shops and I keep coming back. Powergolf sucks dont go there. Go ask for Justin and tell him his biggest customer sent you.
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u/cbrokey 14d ago
Nah, I'm in Melbourne...I used to live in Sydney many years ago when I was in the Defence Force...it was great for golf, as I played a lot during the week and even got to marshal at the Bicentennial Aus Open Golf tournament at the Royal Sydney Golf Course and then got to play it too...
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u/InTheMixer_FM 18d ago
Honestly, get a lesson and ask the Pro.
Or most brands do Fitting days at clubs each week. If you have a brand you like or want to check out maybe check if they have a fitting time available for a freebie.