Calling all golfers!

[Fuzz]

It's been a long time since I hit the links, but recently I went out and played around with a mate. Was a really good game (the next day, not so thrilled) considering it had been something like 5 years since I last played. 15 years ago I used to play fairly regularly, probably once every 2-3 weeks. It was funny, we swapped drivers at the end, as neither of us could hit for shit with our own driver but did far better with the other's. So I gave him my RBZ, and I got his Ping G10.

My mate was talking to me about a month back about getting some new clubs, and he was debating whether to get a set of TaylorMade P790 irons, or the Takomo 101 irons. Never heard of Takomo, so we went back and forth debating whether they were comparable or not. Eventually, I talked him into buying not the TaylorMade P790...but the aged copper version of the P790! (Sucker!!! )

But then here comes the rub...I'm now thinking of replacing my old Powerbilt Grand Slam irons. Been reading up on all the Direct To Consumer (DTC) brands like Takomo, Caley, Sub70, Heywood etc. Kind of thinking to go with the Takomo 101, but wanted to hear anyone else's opinions. If you have a set of DTC clubs, which brand did you buy and how are you liking them?

 I did see the Kirkland Signature irons at Costco the other day. Heard that they were currently in a lawsuit with TaylorMade over the design. They are marginally more expensive than the Takomo. Heard both good and bad things about the Kirkland.

[Jackdani7401]

As a former club professional and club fitter, my recommendation is to ALWAYS get fit for clubs. Not all places charge for the fitting. Sure the difference in options could be minimal, but that difference might mean hitting 2 more greens in regulation per round. What sounds and feels better, 79 or 81?

With that being said, go the route that suits your budget the best. If I recall correctly, some of the DTC brands offer a money back guarantee. Might be worth taking your best guess on one of those sets to take them to a fitting against the big boys. 🤷🏼‍♂️

Coming from Grand Slams, anything made in the last 10 years will be a substantial improvement. 😂

[Fuzz]

Hehehe! Yeah, my Grand Slams are old as all heck, just a shade under 20 years old. I used to be a mid to high handicapper, but of course that has changed with being so out of practice.

For my mates and I, we know we have no skill. We all know the Gods of Golf are a fickle and capricious bunch. If you don't sacrifice a ball to the water on the first hole, the rest of your game is gonna suck.

[gormag38]

11 hours ago, Fuzz said:

Heard both good and bad things about the Kirkland.

Surprisingly I have heard mostly good things about Kirkland. I think it would certainly be an improvement over the Powerbilts in your bag. Could be a realistic option that would be a little cheaper than other routes. 

I don't know very much about the DTC clubs. Haven't talked to anyone at the range or courses I frequent that play with any that I know of. 

10 hours ago, Jackdani7401 said:

ALWAYS get fit for clubs

This statement was probably the most important factor in me becoming a golfer. (eg. an improvement from my status as a 'bad golfer' 😆). I'm 6'4" so having a set of clubs that actually fit me was a instrumental in coming up with a more consistent swing. Have a shaft that fits your swing speed helps too. It is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your game. I'd check around at some of your local pro shops or larger golf stores and see if they can help. I've found that if you're buying an iron set they'll give you a fitting on the house. 

[chasy]

My guess is avoid the DTC clubs. There’s a lot of tech and manufacturing know how that goes into clubs. The big boy brands have the budget and get to amortize that investment over a much higher volume of clubs. Also, these DTC brands are around one day and bust the next, so any concern around customer service or product warranty are increased with them.

I’m currently playing a 15 year old set of Titleist AP1’s. I’m getting fit for new clubs this year. If you compare how much you spend on golf over 10 years vs the cost of new clubs, you’ll probably realize it’s a worthy investment.

[Chibearsv]

If you're not planning on playing a lot more, no need for brand new clubs or a fitting.  If you're looking for an upgrade, find a shop with used clubs and grab a set of cavity backs or game improvement irons that look and feel good to you. You'll need the money you save for golf balls. 😁

[LordAnubis]

While I wouldn’t otherwise recommend new clubs, I’d recommend updating from what you got. I updated my set of 15 year old hand me down clubs to a newer set of hand me downs. I took them to the range I was consistently hitting 20m further with the new clubs than old. I don’t think you need anything high end. Just get second hand stuff off marketplace. 

[dicko]

On 12/3/2024 at 11:00 PM, LordAnubis said:

While I wouldn’t otherwise recommend new clubs, I’d recommend updating from what you got. I updated my set of 15 year old hand me down clubs to a newer set of hand me downs. I took them to the range I was consistently hitting 20m further with the new clubs than old. I don’t think you need anything high end. Just get second hand stuff off marketplace. 

You defo needed a new driver after I sent yours down range at Wembley.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk
 

[LordAnubis]

On 12/5/2024 at 4:19 PM, dicko said:

You defo needed a new driver after I sent yours down range at Wembley.

Sent from my SM-G986B using Tapatalk
 

15 years I had this driver. And ten hits with you and it snaps clean in half. Bloody can’t trust NC smokers with anything. 😂
 

Had an interesting round on on Sunday. 4 over, 2 over (my standard), par, birdie, par,  par,4 over, 3 over, par. Also after 12 rounds broke your wooden tee. 

[Blazer]

Professional club builder here. If you are thinking DTC brands, Sub70 or New Level would be my recommendations for performance, build quality and customer support. 

[Fuzz]

Ended up picking up a set of Takomo 101. Now to get on the driving range for a test drive!

[Ken Gargett]

33 minutes ago, Fuzz said:

Ended up picking up a set of Takomo 101. Now to get on the driving range for a test drive!

like you, fuzz. used to play a lot but have not for years.

but fuzz, if they are fitting you out for clubs, do you buy kids' clubs? normal ones would be way too big. 

best golf story - i assume one can google this - is Warnie telling the story of taking KP for a round before the 05 Ashes because KP wanted to know what the Ashes was like. brilliant stuff. 

[Fuzz]

On 12/19/2024 at 5:52 PM, Ken Gargett said:

like you, fuzz. used to play a lot but have not for years.

but fuzz, if they are fitting you out for clubs, do you buy kids' clubs? normal ones would be way too big. 

best golf story - i assume one can google this - is Warnie telling the story of taking KP for a round before the 05 Ashes because KP wanted to know what the Ashes was like. brilliant stuff. 

I use standard length clubs! No point getting fit for clubs when all I do is re-distribute the fairway.

[LordAnubis]

I’m waiting to hear what you hit with your clubs compared to what you currently hit. 

[Fuzz]

I'd be interested to find out too. There's gonna be an adjustment period, seeing as my old set were graphite shafts and these are steel.