by Robert Cooper

Created on: July 26, 2008

First of all, buying golf equipment is much like buying computer equipment in that the manufacturers are constantly changing the so called " state of the art " in golf technology and quality. If you're the first guy on the block to purchase the latest improvement it's usually quite pricey, but if you wait, the price will come down.

The cost of outfitting someone for golf can range from $ 150.00 to $ 2500.00, sometimes even more in exclusive situations. Since you have to have a bag to carry your clubs around, let's start there. If you are the physically fit and want golf to become a form of workout, you might want to purchase a light weight bag that's easy to carry when you are walking. Personally, I like the light weight bag because it's easy to load in and out of my car. And heaven forbid you leave today's golf clubs in your car overnight so I bring them in at home. Bags are like cars, cheap to ultra-expensive. Some people like having a bag made out of suede leather or even alligator skin. Usually the bigger, prettier bags will hold more extras like your golf shoes, towels, golf balls, snacks J, windbreakers, and the list goes on. Golf bags usually cost about $75.00 to $300.00.

Before you decide which brand of golf clubs you want, you have to which type of shaft you want in your clubs. Basically, there are three: Regular, which is limber for seniors or average women. Stiff, hence the name for stronger, longer hitting players, and last, extra stiff, for experts or pro's if you will. The shafts are made mostly of either graphite or steel. Personal preference for either.

The next part is the "irons". The manufacturers have made so many different models, it's really hard to decide until you put the right one in your hands, then you know it. Most of the newer golf shops have an indoor net to try the clubs out. Depending upon the mechanics of your swing, an experienced salesman or better yet, a teaching pro can guide you to a club that better suits your needs. Their price range is probably $100-2000.

Many people like the "woods", most are made of metal now, to match their irons, but it is equally accepted to have a special driver or #1 wood etc. These monsters much bigger than their predecessors, have a much larger " sweet spot " to hit a good shot. These like the irons depend much on personal preference to esthetics and price. The putter like the driver is really what appeals to you. A set of woods will range in price from $100.- 1000.

Lastly, there is the world of golf balls. They too are rated by the player's strength. The weakest players should use and 80 compression ball, the competitive longer hitters should use a 90 compression ball and finally, experts should use a 100 compression ball.

No golf bag would be complete without a golf umbrella! Great when you're 700 yards from the nearest shelter. There is one more item that makes golf much easier and that is a sattelite rangefinder that via a " sattelite" tells you exactly how far you are from your target. Besides a price tag of $300-500, personally I think our founding fathers would roll over in their grave at the thought of using one of these devices. Now get some clubs, maybe a lesson or two, a couple of trips to the driving range, and as we say at the links, " grip it and rip it !"

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