Golf question

[tblech]

I used to golf, daily, many years ago but really haven't golfed in 15 years. I don't own clubs but would like to get back into the game, though I am uninterested in spending huge sums of money. I found a set of clubs on line that I have also seen in person, has anyone got any experience or has anyone heard about these clubs? http://www.dunhamssports.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3439175&cp=761.714659

[homebrewer]

I have never used the Dunham clubs, nor have I seen them in person, so I can't comment specifically on them. But if you haven't played in 15 years, you don't really need the top of the line stuff....

If you are looking for inexpensive equipment just to get back into the game, I'd check out Master Grip (http://www.mggolf.com/home.asp?ru=0&v=&f=h). My father uses their clubs almost exclusively, and I have to say that they are excellent for the price. Basically they buy the name brand stuff when it comes out, reverse engineer it, and sell it for dirt cheap. Most of my clubs are Ping and Callaway, but every one of my father's clubs that I've tried have been every bit as good.

Actually, their "Great Escape wedge" is outstanding, and worth buying whatever set of clubs you buy. I also happen to LOVE their putter and fairway woods. Honestly, for an amateur player like myself, they are every bit as good as the expensive stuff.

[strat1117]

If you were a serious golfer, I doubt you will be happy with those kinds of clubs. I would rather see you buy a second hand set of pro-line clubs. Golfsmith, for one, always has loads of used sets for sale, often in near new condition.

Good luck!

:badger:

[Walter Sobchak]

I agree completely with both of the first posts here. Usually the sets like those Dunhams are subpar (no pun). You can probably go to a place like a Golfsmith, or another independent club maker, and buy a better set of clubs either new or used that will be in or around the figure you want to spend. You'll even be able to get a set that's a bit more suited to your swing speed and measurements. I have hit some of those off-brand replica clubs and they've played very well FWIW.

[Walter Sobchak]

Another thought, go check out a Golfsmith type place for used clubs that would suit you, and then check out Craigslist. There are a lot of people who run out and buy outrageously nice setups as beginners who think the nice equipment will instantly make them 'players'. After a few months of deep frustration, they've got semi-new gear up for sale on Craigslist while they go out and look for a top of the line guitar that will magically allow them to hit every chord without practicing. :wink:

[mgarbell]

I agree with the previous posters. If you had never played before, you might have been able to use a cheap set like the Dunhams for a little while. But, hopefully it will come back to you pretty quickly, and if that's the case, you'll be sorry you didn't get a better set.

I've had great luck with used clubs from Golfsmith myself, and I've also found the knock off brands to be pretty good as well.

You might even want to check out your local Goodwill. Sometimes they get pretty decent sets of clubs. You have to be lucky though. There's even Play It Again Sports, but you'd get a better deal if you can find them on Craigslist or in the classifieds. If you have something like Pennysaver, you can find them in there as well.

[sup909]

People, fifteen years is a long time, heck it is eternity in the sports equipment world. Unless he was spending an exhorbent amount like $2000 back then the $150 set you can purchase on Amazon is probably going to be better than your high quality set from years ago.

I say buy something cheap now to make sure you want to get back into the game. Then if you are into it you can spend the money on something higher.

The only thing in any cheap set that will really be inferior is the putter. If you have your old one from 15 years ago use that, but if you stick with it now I would say save up and spend $100 and get an Odyssey putter. IMO a $200 set with a $100 putter is going to get you farther than a $600 complete package. The putter is the most important club in your bag.

[tblech]

People, fifteen years is a long time, heck it is eternity in the sports equipment world. Unless he was spending an exhorbent amount like $2000 back then the $150 set you can purchase on Amazon is probably going to be better than your high quality set from years ago.

I say buy something cheap now to make sure you want to get back into the game. Then if you are into it you can spend the money on something higher.

The only thing in any cheap set that will really be inferior is the putter. If you have your old one from 15 years ago use that, but if you stick with it now I would say save up and spend $100 and get an Odyssey putter. IMO a $200 set with a $100 putter is going to get you farther than a $600 complete package. The putter is the most important club in your bag.

15 years ago I was playing with clubs that had leather grips and the woods were just that, wood! Anything I buy today would be an improvement over those old things...

I like some of the ideas here, we have a very nice pro golf shop, one if the custom places that some have spoken about and it is one of the places I need to check out before I make a final desision. I also couldn't agree more about the putter, I think your best money is spent on putter first, driver second then all of the rest of your clubs. Being something I am looking to get into price is an issue and I will look around and carefully make an informed desision. Keep the suggestions coming if you have them!

[Walter Sobchak]

People, fifteen years is a long time, heck it is eternity in the sports equipment world. Unless he was spending an exhorbent amount like $2000 back then the $150 set you can purchase on Amazon is probably going to be better than your high quality set from years ago.

I say buy something cheap now to make sure you want to get back into the game. Then if you are into it you can spend the money on something higher.

The only thing in any cheap set that will really be inferior is the putter. If you have your old one from 15 years ago use that, but if you stick with it now I would say save up and spend $100 and get an Odyssey putter. IMO a $200 set with a $100 putter is going to get you farther than a $600 complete package. The putter is the most important club in your bag.

I think the point we were trying to make is that he can get a BETTER set than those $200 Dunhams for about the same money.

It's important to go to a local golf shop and have your swing looked at. You'll want to buy the proper shaft flex for your swing speed. One of those shops that make the 'replica' clubs is a good place to start. While a new set of the latest and greatest knock-offs will still run you a fairly high price, these places frequently have decent prices on trade-ins and last year's models and they'll take the time to look closely at your measurements and swing speed. Even if you don't buy anything and choose to go the second-hand route, you'll know what shaft flex to be looking for.

I might avoid a REAL pro shop. The more upscale proshops are good at the upsell and will tell you all about the latest cavity-backs that will get you an extra 30 yards with your eyes closed, or the $200 putter that will do all the work for you. While it's true that technology has done impressive things to lessen the learning curve, you still need to know how to use a golf club if you want to the club to perform for you.

FWIW, there's still a HUGE number of players, weekenders and pros alike, who use classic 45+ year old designs when it comes to putters. Just look at how many people still use a classic Ping Anser style putter on the PGA tour. The thing works great IF you know how to use it. Kinda like razors! :001_smile

[TimmyBoston]

Buy a used set of clubs. That's your best value. There are a lot of people out there like my dad and most of CC buddies who buy an entirely new set every year or two and sell the old set which is in perfect condition.

Around here there is a shop called Second Swing, which I believe is a national chain which sells secondhand clubs, check it out.