Golf experts. Question about golf clubs from a n00b.

[psteng19]

My gf is taking a golf class and I'd like to buy her a golf club as a gift
But I'm clueless when it comes to this sport, if I dare call it one

I think I want to get her an iron, something she can use at the driving range with good control (no putters or drivers).
I went to the local sporting goods store and was overwhelmed.

From sets, to individual clubs, to different brands and price ranges.

I'm just looking for something cheap, because she says she doesn't want to eff up an expensive one, so something in the $20 - $40 range.

Just need a recommendation on a decent brand and type... I've noticed the letters S, H, L and varying degress <-- what do these mean?

TIA

 

[911paramedic]

S sandwedge
L lobwedge
H ??

You can find a decent club, one that is, for that price. A good club would be a 5 or 8, both clubs that I use more than others.

 

[minendo]

You cant go wrong with a seven or nine iron or a pitching wedge.

 

[ChinamanatNCSU]

yeah the higher the numbered iron, the easier it is to hit IMO. I use 8 and 9's alot. If I'm not mistaken the degrees are the degrees of pitch or loft, which ever the correct term it is.
You should check out secondhand sporting good stores too. We have Play It Again Sports around here (NC) and they sell used clubs for pretty cheap. Though if she's just starting out, one brand new club should suffice.

and I'd call golf a sport. It is HARD to play!

 

[DaiShan]

Get her a wedge, those are good from around 100 yards in and will provide the most accuracy, and are also the easiest to hit because they are more lofted, you don't have to hit the ball as hard to get it off the ground.

 

[Soccer55]

<< I've noticed the letters S, H, L and varying degress <-- what do these mean? >>

The degree measurement is the degree at which the club face is set. So a 58 degree wedge is 8 degrees more open than a 50 degree wedge. The higher the degree of the wedge, the higher the trajectory of the ball and the shorter the distance it will travel.

-Tom

 

[Dedpuhl]

<< You cant go wrong with a seven or nine iron or a pitching wedge. >>



I'd go w/ the 7.

 

[Rarr]

I have played golf regularly (weekly) for a little over a year now. As a woman, I find my woods to be my favorite clubs. I have a 3-wood that I bought before I got my new set in December, and it is still my favorite club.

Does she have any clubs of her own already? A 5-iron is always great to start out w/ because it is right in the middle. A pitching wedge is good to test accuracy. It really depends on her main focus.

Go to your local golf store and check out the used clubs- you can get some great deals! Since she is just beginning it doesn't make much sense to go out and get her a really expensive club.

 

[psteng19]

She's a little less n00b than I am, only because she's taking classes now.
So she doesn't own any clubs.

Are there differences between mens and womens clubs, besides height/weight?
Also, are there any particular brands I should stick to or stay away from?

TIA

 

[schmedy]

Best bet, which I did was borrow some or buy some cheap ones out of the paper till you get ok, then go demo clubs to find what you like, well have her do that. Golf Club Exchange is a good site, I got my Taylor Made's off there, kinda like a ebay site, but they handle the money so you don't get trolled, and you get a 72 hour time to check them out ot make sure they are what they are supposed to be. Another place, pawn shops, play it again sports, or even the golf pro shop will have some ok used ones at ok prices. I'd say go for at least a set of cheap irons instead of one club, so she can learn how to use them all.