I’ve only been playing golf regularly for the last 6 or so months but I’m playing most weekends and the occaisional mid-week round. Now that I’ve decided that I want to play more, join a club, etc, I’m looking to replace the cheapy set of Brosnans that I picked up just to see if I really liked the game.

I don’t have an official handicap yet, but I am consistently hitting in the 100-110 range with the occaisional blow-out that comes with being a bit of a newbie.

What I’m looking for is a set of solid, fairly forgiving game improvement irons that will see me through for a while – I don’t want to have to be looking for new clubs again in 12 months time when my game has (hopefully!) gotten better.

So far, the ones that have really stood out in the research I’ve done (i.e. reading these forums and talking to my mates) are the Callaway X20s and Big Berthas, and the Cleveland HiBores.

What’s the general opinion of these and what other suggestions would people have? I’m obviously going to go and hit a few in the shop before buying, but would like to know which clubs are worth checking out.

Cheers!

I’ve only been playing golf regularly for the last 6 or so months but I’m playing most weekends and the occaisional mid-week round. Now that I’ve decided that I want to play more, join a club, etc, I’m looking to replace the cheapy set of Brosnans that I picked up just to see if I really liked the game.

I don’t have an official handicap yet, but I am consistently hitting in the 100-110 range with the occaisional blow-out that comes with being a bit of a newbie.

What I’m looking for is a set of solid, fairly forgiving game improvement irons that will see me through for a while – I don’t want to have to be looking for new clubs again in 12 months time when my game has (hopefully!) gotten better.

So far, the ones that have really stood out in the research I’ve done (i.e. reading these forums and talking to my mates) are the Callaway X20s and Big Berthas, and the Cleveland HiBores.

What’s the general opinion of these and what other suggestions would people have? I’m obviously going to go and hit a few in the shop before buying, but would like to know which clubs are worth checking out.

Cheers!

Rather than the Cally X-20’s save yourself some cash and look for a set of run-out X-18’s as they are pretty much the same club! Most places have these at aound $799 3-SW in steel shafts, (cheaper still if you trust fleabay!?)

Save yourself even more money and stick with the Brosnans until you have broken 100 and staying in the 90’s. The money you have just saved, spend on some lessons. When all that has been completed GET FITTED.

nadg63: Thanks, I’ll have a look and see if I can find some. after reading through a few of the posts here, I’m a bit wary of eBay, but will check it out.

davego: I am getting lessons once a fortnight, and one of the reasons that I am looking for clubs is the pro I have been getting the lessons from has recommended that I look into some clubs with a bit more feel and forgiveness.

Will definitely get them fitted, though.

Seems like your on the right path campegg. Don’t want to push the barrow too hard, but if your looking for clubs, have a look at the Lind Golf site at the top of this forum. They have had some good reviews and if your looking for clubs with the same feel etc at TM’s and Callys, they may have the clubs for you at a more realistic price. If you’re in Sydney, check out their demo nights at Moore Park Golf Range.

Unfortunately, I’m in Melbourne, but I have had a look at the Lind site. Ideally, I’d love to have a hit before buying, but there seem to be quite a few satisfied customers in the forums here.

I suppose it’ll come down to trying as many different clubs as I can and if the Callaways or TaylorMade ones are the best for me, then I’ll have a look at the Lind equivalents.

I had a couple of people mention that the TaylorMade R7s might be worth checking out, but have also heard that they’re more suited to better players.

If you like the r7 but are looking for more forgiveness check out the r7 cgb (Lind has a blackhawk equivalent). I found these clubs excellent but probably would not suit you if you have a high swing speed.

I have r7’s and am definitely not a better player, since I got them I am a lot more confident with my irons but that could be because I had them fitted. And pricewise they are not bad, mine were about 950 for 4-SW.

Campegg,

Check out the R7 CGB MAX or the Mizuno MX-950’s. They are so forgiving and have great feel. You won’t be able to work the ball much, but I can’t do that anyway. I just bought a set of the Mizuno’s after hitting every club on the market (except the Lind) but couldn’t pick between the two. I went with them because they were a little cheaper. The 3-4 hybrid was also a selling point. I shoot about 90 and love these clubs. Good luck

I am a true believer in X20’s. They are sooo forgiving and will last you a long time unless you have realistic single figure aspirations. If you give them a try and like them have a look at the callaway pre-owned site for better deals than you can get in Oz. www.callawaygolfpreowned.com
Even with freight and exchange rates you will be well in front. There are a number of threads with very positive comments on Callaway pre-owned and so there is little or no risk.

I’d also suggest the Cobra S9’s or FP’s. I have the S9’s and love them to death. They have a very similar feel to the Callaway Big Berthas, but perhaps a tad softer. All of the suggestions here so far are going to be worthwile clubs, and you obviously are a step ahead of the game getting lessons, wanting to try every club yourself and understanding that getting fitted is imperative. Best of luck with the process!

Thanks for the advice everyone.

At the moment, my list of clubs to try is is starting to look at little like this:

• Callaway X20 (or X18)
• Cleveland HiBore
• TaylorMade R7 CGB MAX
• Cobra S9 (which won the Golf.com club test award for Max Game Improvement irons)
• Mizuno MX950

If I can’t find some clubs I like in there, there’s probably something seriously wrong going on. :)

Now I’ll just have to find out if there are demo days soon (much better than hitting in the shop!), bug the guys at Drummond and House of Golf and most importantly work out the budget…

mouldy: Thanks also for the Callaway pre-owned link. If I end up going for them, I’ll have a look there first.

I have the MX-900’s and my mate the MX-950’s. Both awesome clubs. The Hybrids for the 3 & 4 in the MX-950 are nice as well, and i think are a great cut off as once you get into the 5 and 6 a more traditional iron is better IMO.

Get some 06/07 Cleveland launchers. They also come in a low profile version (LP)

Im in the same boat as you, bought some cheap prolines but wanted somehting a little better to suit my handicap. Got 06 model cleveland launchers new from drummonds for 500$ , very easy to hit with and i was in the high 90’s after 3 games later.

The big bertha’s are pretty good too, the drummonds guys said they last until you have a handicap of about 12..

Otherwise try the Adams A3Os.

Hi campegg,
I am in the same position as yourself.
I have hit the R7’s and the S9’s and the S9’s win hands down.
I have not tried the new Cobra UFI’s but have heard very good reviews, although they are a bit pricier.
I am looking at the 08 S9’s myself.
You can still get the 06 S9’s pretty cheap as the new 08’s have just been released.
Good luck

Campegg, Seeing you are in Melb you might checkout the range in Cheltenham. They have a demo night once a month and i remember
Nike, Cobra & Tietlist and others i believe. May give you a chance to hit a few diff brands ect. Check the web site for exact dates.
Better than hitting into nets without seeing where your balls go.

Regards

You might have a look at a couple of the Ping irons too. G2’s or G5’s are forgiving and good enough to keep when you improve. I’ve hit both and prefer the G5’s and there are a few sets around secondhand now that the G10’s are out.

You might have a look at a couple of the Ping irons too. G2’s or G5’s are forgiving and good enough to keep when you improve. I’ve hit both and prefer the G5’s and there are a few sets around secondhand now that the G10’s are out.

I found the Pings had nowhere near the feel of the R7’s or Mizuno’s. I went actually wanting to buy the G10’s and they were the worst feeling club I hit! But that’s just my opinion.

Have a try of the Cobra FP’s, 2007 models are selling cheap as the 08 model’s been released, nice feel and forgiving, got mine a couple of weeks ago and love em!!!!

If you are after a good set of irons try Lind Sniper Perimeter Irons.Available from Lind Golf-Lind Golf

These clubs are incredible value for money,and I have no doubt will improve your game immensely as they have mine.

hey campegg have a look at www.golfwarehouseaustralia.com
they seem to have great stuff at great prices. i also have been looking for new clubs an like you i got a set of Brosnans to start with. i am looking to get a set of callys x20s from callaway preowned or Cobra Mens 2008 S9 Irons from golfwearhouseaustralia . it cost nothing to look well thats what i tell me wife

The Taylor Made r7 are no longer available (if fitting and ordering from TM) obviously there will be some sets still in pro shops, but the TM rep said they are discontinued.

Thanks for the link ottoneumann, the prices there are pretty good. The only problem with buying clubs online is that you can’t get them fitted when you buy. Where could I go to get that done later?

I’ve also never heard of them before. Has anyone bought clubs through them?

Also try the Titleist AP1 if you can. The ball comes off the face like butter and gives a nice penetrating flight path. It’s also just as forgiving as the Callay x-20s. Definitely worth a demo if you get a chance.

Clubtech in Coburg can do adjustments to lie angles etc at very reasonable cost once you have bought.