Next Purchase Advice

Hi all, I've been recently upgrading my bag and was interested to get people's thoughts on what I should do next.

Having gotten back into the sport seriously again after a few years lay-off (apart from the odd round here or there), I obtained a handicap of 16. I made the decision to upgrade my irons given the fact my old ones were somewhere between 10 and 15 years old.

My current bag looks as follows:

- Driver: Nike SQ Sumo2

- Irons: TaylorMade M6 4-PW

- Wedge: RAM Wizard 60°

- Putter: Odyssey White Hot 2-Ball

The debate I'm having with myself is whether I should invest in a longer club (somewhere from a 3 wood down to possibly a hybrid the equivalent of a 3 iron) or a couple of wedges (between 48° and 58°). My home course isn't particularly long and is only 9 holes with 7 out of 9 tee shots only requiring a 3 iron. A 4 iron would probably be too short off all but a couple of tees. Given the recent upgrade in irons, I no longer have the 3 iron hence the consideration to try and replace it somehow. Also, driving is by far the worst part of my game and very inconsistent so it would be good to have a go to club to use off the tee that will give me the same, if not more, distance than my 3 iron currently does and is something I can rely on when the driver isn't working. Despite this temptation I know how important the game is from inside 100-120 yards and feel a couple of different wedges for different situations may be of more benefit.

It would be good to get opinions on this to help me going forward and maybe even a recommendation as to a particular club they would suggest (brand/make).

What is your budget? If you are okay buying used you could pick up a couple to fill some gaps at the top and bottom of the bag.

If you're looking for a tee club, a 5w might actually be a better choice than a 3h. The lofted fairway will provide more forgiveness and will likely be less prone to hooks. For most (including myself) it acts as an alternative to the driver.

I also agree however that you need a wedge or two to complete the set. If you like you 60, maybe just get a reasonably-priced GW of some sort. You might even go with an AW if one is available in the M6 line?

> @earleyrc said:

> What is your budget? If you are okay buying used you could pick up a couple to fill some gaps at the top and bottom of the bag.

Budget isn't really an issue as I have some spare change I'm looking to invest in my bag. I was thinking a couple of new wedges would equate to the same price as a new hybrid or wood (obviously depending on brand).

> @MelloYello said:

> If you're looking for a tee club, a 5w might actually be a better choice than a 3h. The lofted fairway will provide more forgiveness and will likely be less prone to hooks. For most (including myself) it acts as an alternative to the driver.

>

> I also agree however that you need a wedge or two to complete the set. If you like you 60, maybe just get a reasonably-priced GW of some sort. You might even go with an AW if one is available in the M6 line?

I never really considered a 5 wood, interesting suggestion. Would you recommend one over a hybrid?

Find a new driver since the tee ball is the weakest part of your game. I was in the same boat until I found the Ping G400 Max and now the G410 Plus, total game changers.

Go to any local store that has a simulator, bring your driver with you, and compare it with a few others. If you don't find a new driver that's consistently better than your Nike SQ2, then go look at wedges or a hybrid. If you find something you like and price is an issue, look at the classifieds on here, I'm sure one of my fellow club ho's will have it for sale.

I would say get the matching gap wedge that comes with your M6 set that @MelloYello suggested and look for a larger headed 4/21* hybrid like the Rogue (which can be had for a good price now) or PING G400.

> @AG12 said:

> I would say get the matching gap wedge that comes with your M6 set that @MelloYello suggested and look for a larger headed 4/21* hybrid like the Rogue (which can be had for a good price now) or PING G400.

I agree with this. You still have a couple of spaces spare for later purchases which could be a 5W and a wedge around 54/56*. Your course doesn’t sound long enough for a 5W currently, the hybrid will prove more useful.

Agree with the sentiments of finding at least one wedge to put in between your PW & 60. Something to better gap your 4i to driver should be up for consideration... I use a 3h quite a bit because it's a versatile from tee/fairway/rough.

Appreciate all the advice! I think based on all the above I'll go for a 48 or 50° wedge and something to fill the gap between my 3 iron and driver. Thanks again

@ChubbsPetterson Looks like you have gaps right where you don't need them. Since you need a club slightly longer than the 4iron off of the tee I suggest you use something with a wood shape and slightly longer in length than the 4 iron. I'd suggest you drop either the 4 or 5 iron chances are really good they are redundant and will not impact your score at all. Also suggest you look into dealing with the serious gaps in your wedges easiest way would be to get hit both your 60 and PW and find out how far your comfortable distances are with them and maybe just buy one club that goes inbetween Let's take a ball park guess. That you hit your LW 90 yards and your PW 120 105 is your target and that's probably going to be a nice 50º Plenty of great 50 wedges around. Good news is you can replace all of your clubs that are messing up your gaps with tour level clubs for nominal cost. HTH's

Three most important clubs in your bag...

Driver

Wedge

Putter

All the rest is fluff. Kidding not kidding.

Get a driver you can hit more consistent and a wedge to fill that gap. Preferably something that becomes a trusty pitching and chipping tool. Your game will thank you

You can find a really good driver for $150 or less and a great wedge for $60 or less. If you want a top end gap filler find a good 5 wood for another $50-60. You’re out $200 and improved your bag