Just starting out and many ?'s

I am just staring out and have little idea where to start. I have been researching a bit on good starter clubs but would like some actual opinions. What would be some quality irons and/or woods or even sets for a beginner such as me. I'm a 6'2" college kid. So being an averag size person what are some things I should be looking for in a quality set? Or should I go with seperate iron set and seperate woods? I don't want to go real expensive but still want a long-lasting, decent set. I was looking at some wilsons...?? I really have no idea where to start and am looking for any bits -and -pieces of information I can get to help me out....

considering you're 6'2", i would definately go to a shop and get fitted for clubs. i'm the same height as you and i hit clubs that are +1" on the length and 2 degree upright on the lie (the club fitter will explain to you what that means if you need it). the fitting is usually included in the price of the clubs. they should also check your swing speed which will also tell you what kind of shafts (graphite or steel) you need and what flex (regular or stiff - regular with slower swing speeds, stiff for fast swing speeds). tell the shop what price range your looking to spend and they should be able to help you out and show you an assortment of clubs to choose from. but i would definately get fitted, you dont want to start playing with clubs that dont suit you. you want to make sure you get started on the right foot.

And six two is not average. A bit on towards the tall side of average. Get thee to a pro shop and get some advice. You'll be starting off on the right foot and avoiding advice from some folks whose only desire is to sell their goods or screw you up.

AC:

Agreed that you should go ahead and at least [B]conside[/B]r longer clubs. I believe that the average American male is about 5'9" - so you're about five inches up there..You don't want to develop swing flaws based on being too stooped over. On the other hand, I am certain there are 6'2" golfers out there with standard length clubs.

I play with a 6'7" golfer all the time and his are +2.

We cannot - without looking at your set up and swing - make this decision. Only a clubfitter can do this. Highly recommended.

The good news is that this does not have to be expensive. Retailers are used to beginners and an ethical one will be able to help you in a reasonable way.

I set of irons I [B]recommend that you consider [/B] are Tommy Armour 845s. These clubs help you hit the ball straight and are known for being very very reasonably priced. You could buy a set for about $200. If you need to have them reshafted, (of course) this would be an additional expense.

Learning how to buy golf equipment is a lesson in itself. The keywords are "try before you buy". Golfers are notorious for buying equipment they have not tested (enough) and then putting the clubs in the closet because they do not like them after playing with them. So don't take my word for it on the 845s, you need to hit them (or any clubs) you are considering buying, no matter how inexpensive. Money is money.

One last thought - don't hesitate to consider used clubs. Used golf clubs (unless they have been obviously abused) will play perfectly well. So just know this and keep it in mind as it will expand your options....

i bought my clubs used off ebay and i think they are great. They work well for me. I've been playing since i was in 7th grade (i am about to grad college) and this is only my second set of irons..i only bought them after i started getting more serious about playing. They are Top Flite Tour Ti.

My bro-in-law bought his first set of golf clubs last year. They were Armour 845's i think, and they look great. he hit them fairly well for a beginner also. They place he bought them let him take them out to the range for 2 or 3 days to see how he liked them. i recommend that you test them not on a range but on the course....the range is very very different from the course. If you buy them at golfsmith they have a good program where you can test them for 90 days and if you don't like them bring them back in for a 90% credit towards a new set.

If you find a set you like and you test them out, don't be afraid to scour ebay or a used shop to find the same set. Could save you even as much as $100 if you look hard enough. Whatever you go with, nothing can replace just good ol hard work and dedication to the craft. Good luck with your conquests.

Can't speak to the height/club length issue (5"7" here) but I concur with others on the Tommy Armour suggestion. Played them for a year with good results and they're now hitting the clearance bins at around $180 for the 3-PW set. I received a set of Wilson Fat Shaft irons (2000 model year) as a gift last year and I'm thoroughly impressed with them as game improvement clubs.

I got lucky with the Wilsons but emphatically... get to a decent shop and don't buy anything until you've played at least a full round with the clubs you're considering. At a minimum you want to negotiate full credit on whatever you buy after a certain number of rounds if you're dissatisfied. Better still get the shop to give you the clubs for a weekend with your credit card as a guarantee. My local shop in New Hampshire doesn't advertise this policy but if you ask they'll do it with a smile.

Disclaimer: These suggestions come from a 23 handicap so take them with a grain of salt!

I began about 6 months ago and started with a set of Tommy Armour irons and have LOVED them. Easy to hit with a lot of forgiveness. For me, that was the solution because I didn't want to spend a fortune at first either. Also, the Callaway big bertha irons have a lot of forgiveness as well from what i researched.

Use ebay to save $.

I too started out about 6 months ago and with the TA 845FS irons. After becomming a golf fanatic, I have replaced all of the other original clubs in my bag except for the 845FS irons (much to my wife's disliking). I still like them. Try ebay and you can find great deals on all kinds of golf equipment (around $200 for brand new 845fs sets). I would choose steel over graphite even with fairway woods, and regular flex over stiff unless you have a high swing speed (95 mph +)

I would however suggest replacing the 3 and 4 irons (unless you have a high swing speed, 95 mph+, golfsmith will test it for free) with a hybid club like a Nike CPR 22 and 26 or a Perfect Club 21 and 24. I have the CPR club and everyone who hits with it likes it.

The Cleveland TA6 set would be great for a beginner, but a little pricey.

The Nike CPR full set seems interesting too. (This may be the best deal out there in my opinion) It includes the hybrids (22, 26 and 5-PW). It has good reviews from golf digest. I've seen these sets go on ebay in the $350 - 400 range. Quite a deal for a beginner. (I know others will say no, but we are talking about clubs that are designed for a beginner, and you would probably be happy with them as you improve). Why not get those lower scores starting out instead of having to struggle with some older technology that you will have to grow into.

Be careful with the Callaway big bertha irons in steel (very pricey new). The clubs are very heavy. If you have strong wrists it won't be a problem, but these are the heaviest clubs i've demoed.

Driver wise, well good luck there... Tee the ball up high. I have upgraded to a Titleist 983K driver and 980f 3 and 5 wood. Pricey even on ebay. The Adams 363GT Driver and GT model fairway woods are priced right and seem to get good reviews.