Lets Discuss Golf...

[oobiecoo]

I''m giving DH some golf lessons for Christmas but I was thinking about also getting him a new bag and clubs.... his are really old and were hand-me-downs. I''ve seen some really great deals on individual clubs but he seems to want a matching set since he thinks thats what most people have. Is this true? I want him to feel confident and have the right equipment so I don''t want to get him mix match clubs if thats not the *norm*.

Is there anything else he should really have for his lessons? Gloves? Those club covers?

He used to play often but has only been a couple of times since we met... so he''s definitely still a beginner.

 

[girlie-girl]

My husband is a golf FANATIC! I think typically golfers will buy the irons as a set and perhaps even the woods as a set, but typically pick out the driver separately. Be careful though as all golf clubs are not the same. They are actually designed based on the type of play of the person who uses them.

Immediate essentials would be: clubs, bag, tees, balls, ball marker, divot replacer/fixer, glove, etc. Head covers are nice because they protect your clubs, most drivers and woods come with them.

As I was typing this I decided to contact my husband at work and ask him for some input on the topic. This is what he said:

"She should buy him the lessons and a store credit at the local golf shop. Then she could set him up an appointment to get fitted. That would make him feel more like they are "his" clubs. She can also have him get his swing analyzed at the same time to get a "perfect" fit. lol

Sometimes, depending on the shop and the deals they have running, you can get a matched set of irons and woods. Most people typically have a separate brand of driver and 3 wood than their irons. The driver and the putter are the two things that should be left up to the individual to pick out, because the putter is the most personal club in the bag. It's not uncommon for guys to have a set of irons all the same, a different brand driver, and yet a different brand 3 wood, and putter."

Hope this helps! He said for me to let him know if we have more questions.

 

[Ellen]

oobie, I think the clubs are a great gift idea, and really sweet, but I would recommend rethinking it. Here''s why. I have discussed this very thing in the past with my golfer hubby. Apparently guys are very particular about their clubs, kind of like we are about certain things we wouldn''t want someone to buy for us. He said clubs are a rather personal choice, and listed some things about clubs that made the point. i.e. there are different heights, weights, quality, some just have a better "feel" than others (which is something only they can decide), plus, there are only a zillion types out there.

So, I don''t mean to rain on your parade at all, but thought I''d throw this out there, from a real golf guy.

What you could do is construct a really cute coupon on your computer, a certain amount good towards a new set. I''m sure he would love that, and it would allow him to pick them out. I didn''t suggest a GC from a real golf store, as what he eventually decided he wanted, might not be sold there. Plus, he might find them cheaper online.

HTH!

 

[NewEnglandLady]

I''m a golfer (so is DH) and I would definitely recommend getting the irons as a set. In fact, I think he should have his swing analyzed before being fitted for clubs because that is going to affect how stiff his shafts should be, his swing weight, etc. I''d hate for you to spend $1,000 + on a set of irons and it be a bad fit for him. The woods (and possibly hybrids) can be purchased separately and often have completely different shafts and swing weights.

I know it''s not nearly romantic, but is it possible for you to get him a gift certificate to get his own clubs? Overall I think that would just help him to get the right clubs for him.

 

[Erin]

I''m a golfer and so is my bf. I think the lessons are a grand idea.
Giving him a credit toward buying new clubs would be good. Being ''fitted'' for clubs is regal but only once you''ve been playing enough to where to have a consistent swing (good, bad or otherwise.)

Other things you could put in your lessons pack are a new glove (hint, if he''s right handed the glove goes on his left hand), new balls, new golf shoes!!!, a hat with a built in magnet for a ball marker, or a nice sweater vest zip up with plenty of pockets for the cool weather golf.

 

[Elmorton]

DH is a golfer (I''m the beginner). He seconds Starset about not getting fitted until he''s been playing a little longer and has a consistent swing. If he''s taking lessons, this is also something that the pro could help him with.

DH''s suggestions for gifts are a nice stand bag (more versatile than a cart bag), glove, marker, tees, balls, shoes (DH and his friends tend to wear the all dark leather ones that look like somewhat sportier dress shoes), etc.

I''ve purchased items before from Golfsmith.com - great service.

 

[Kaleigh]

Let him pick out what he wants once he knows what he needs or what will suit him at his level of play. I could never buy hubby clubs, just like I don''t let hubby pick out my diamonds.. The lessons are a great gift You can give him a card saying a set of clubs has his name on it once he knows what he wants.

 

[oobiecoo]

Alrighty guys... thanks for the replies! I bought some balls, tees, and a glove for DH today... oh and also a bag. Its one of the lightweight ones though so I''m not 100% sure about it.

I''ve talked to him about clubs before so I know which ones he uses the most and the types. I also got some of his measurements and game info which I entered into this online thing and it told me the length and flex he would probably need. I''m not looking to spend $1000... MUCH less actually. We''ve discussed this and he really doesn''t seem to care if I purchase clubs for him instead of him picking them out... he''s just happy to have new ones. So shouldn''t I be able to find some good ones for him using his just measurements and flex info?

 

[oobiecoo]

*bump*

 

[meresal]

Date: 12/10/2008 9:08:34 AM
Author: Ellen
oobie, I think the clubs are a great gift idea, and really sweet, but I would recommend rethinking it. Here's why. I have discussed this very thing in the past with my golfer hubby. Apparently guys are very particular about their clubs, kind of like we are about certain things we wouldn't want someone to buy for us. He said clubs are a rather personal choice, and listed some things about clubs that made the point. i.e. there are different heights, weights, quality, some just have a better 'feel' than others (which is something only they can decide), plus, there are only a zillion types out there.

So, I don't mean to rain on your parade at all, but thought I'd throw this out there, from a real golf guy.

What you could do is construct a really cute coupon on your computer, a certain amount good towards a new set. I'm sure he would love that, and it would allow him to pick them out. I didn't suggest a GC from a real golf store, as what he eventually decided he wanted, might not be sold there. Plus, he might find them cheaper online.

HTH!

Not just guys Ellen...

I played growing up and in college and clubs as a gift are a great idea, if you know what he wants, or if he's not very good. Anytime I asked for clubs, it was something that I had already hit with and decided I liked. I'm not insuinating that he's not good, I'm just saying that a golf swing is like a hair style. They make look alike, but nothing about a persons hair is the same as the next. If he's a decent player, then maybe giving him an "IOU" for clubs would be a good idea, and set up an appointment for him to get fitted for the set he needs/likes. Most golf shops in your area should offer this. You can probably find a few places online. If he's not very good and just wants something that isn't a "hand-me-down", then I would suggest finding a club maker in your area, usually they can make GREAT sets that are exactly like the original (Ping, Mizzuno, etc.) for half the price. Or go to a second hand golf store and pick up a great set that some "golfer" used for 2 months, and then decided it was the clubs fault he couldn't make par.

My FI is just getting into golf, and a teammate of mine is a pro at a country club and turned me onto a guy that makes great clubs and fits them exactly for the person, and half the price of a name brand.

If you decide to get a new set of clubs, and he is a newer golfer, I would make sure to get a regular sized head on ALL the irons and a set that has significant bounce. (that is the width of the bottom of the club head) You want to buy the irons as a set, and then he can mix and match with woods and a driver as he likes. I've got 2 Cleveland woods, and adams, and a nike driver. The ones you can buy as a set, I wouldn't really recommend. In this case it is definietly worth it to shell out a little bit of cash. Also, if you find a second hand store, you can still buy brand new 3 woods and 5 woods for like 50 or 60% a big time store like GolfSm***.

If he's a good golfer (shoots 80's or below), i would let him pick them out. Sorry if that's overload... I can get carried away when it comes to golf

ETA: Just read your update...
If he's fine with you buying them and he just wants a new set, I would reccomend getting them made. As opposed to a big store where clubs will run you and avg of $40-50 per club, and over $100 per fairway wood (I'm being generous, good ones are around $200), a club maker can cost around $20-25/club. FI's brand new set (3-PW), with 2 woods was like $400. They are made from the exact same mold as the Ping G-10's, and sometimes you can pick out your own shaft at a much cheaper price as well.

However, if you want something new and name brand, then I would suggest Ping or Callaway. They are great for beginners. They have large face on the head (large sweetspot makes for better misses) and good bounce for new golfers.