by George Krebs

Created on: February 10, 2008

The best golf clubs for beginners? Inexpensive ones.

But, before you even think of investing in your own set of "sticks", borrow some clubs and play the game a few times to be sure you like it. Golf, like a good single malt scotch, is an acquired taste. Unlike most other sports, you are not really playing an opponent; you are playing yourself. Golf can be incredibly frustrating yet it takes but one good shot to have you clamoring for more.

If you indeed decide you want to play this game then the next stop would be the driving range for a lesson or two. You could be using a the most expensive set of clubs in the world as a beginner and playing a low handicapper armed with only a pick and shovel and he would still beat you. Invest a few bucks into some introductory lessons where a qualified and understanding teaching pro will show you the proper stance, grip and swing. Then practice the way you were taught. You don't even need golf balls to practice; I combine yard work with swing practice every spring. I'll take an iron out in the yard and clip all the flowering dandelions out of the lawn. By the time the lawn is presentable my swing is tuned up!

So now you're hooked and you're tired of borrowing your neighbor's clubs. It's time to go shopping. The first place to look is the For Sale classified ads in your local newspaper. There are lots of clubs for sale there at deep discounts because the owners did not follow the advice contained within and quickly got frustrated with the game. The Internet represents another target rich environment for buying clubs well below retail. Of course you can always go to one of the many sporting goods outlet sin your locale.

In a beginner's set look for steel shafts which are easier to control. Concentrate on clubs you can actually hit well at times and not the more difficult 2,3 and 4 irons. A good starter set should include the 5-9 irons, a pitching and sand wedge, a driver and a utility club like a 7 wood. One area where you will not want to cut corner is in choosing a putter. Pick one out that feels comfortable to you and is sized properly to your height. There is an old adage that goes " drive for show but putt for dough". Truer words were never spoken.

Expensive clubs will help a good golfer get better but will only frustrate and bankrupt a beginner. Now get out there and practice!

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