My sisters turning 50

[Dr Rangelove]

club recomendations wanted

My sisters turning 50 and I'd like to get her a new set of sticks. She'll be fairly new to the game, has had some lessons and is eager to continue but has been quite busy with a divorce and selling the house. Her BD isn't for a while but I've got to start thinking what to get her and a quality set of clubs might be just the ticket. She's only 5' even so can I get standard length, loft and lie in a womens flex? And what recomended brands. I'm thinking along the lines of Cobra and can buy these or Bridgestone with pro shop script of which I've got plenty (I think).

[Debit]

Gosh, wanna adopt a new sibling? My advice is like a broken record, and especially for a petite woman -- take her to a good pro and get her properly measured and fit. For most golfers, the brand doesn't matter as any bent thing that conforms to USGA will work about as well as anything else. What will work for her is based on a whole lot of variables from height to how athletic she might be. As she is new to the game, she doesn't have as many prejudices as some of us who have been haunting the courses for a while. I'm 10 years older and have been playing steel, regular flex since I took up the game about 20 years ago. As I haven't lost length, I'm not convinced that graphite is necessarily enough of an advantage to warrant replacing my irons. Based on her abilities (like did she play softball?) she may be happier with a senior vs. a lady's flex. Brand name doesn't really matter IMHO -- just is she comfortable with the look of the club, length, lie, and flex. Everything else comes with practice and familiarity with her own game.

[Dr Rangelove]

I think once purchased I can probably haver them tweaked to her although I may also be able to order them with a close fit, ie: length, lie, flex.

She's not really an athlete. Are there different flexes for women? I think that is going to be the tough one all others are adjustable. Are there any good sites with womens clubs ratings?

[Aimee]

If your sis is only 5'-0 and not too "athletic", you probably need to stick with Ladies Flex graphite shafts. She probably won't generate enough swing speed for Men's Senior Flex. And yes, there is only one "Ladies Flex". Getting her fitted is a good idea, because she is on the more petite size and might feel more comfortable with slightly shorter shafts. There's not a whole lot of reviews out there for women's clubs as compared to men's, but Golf for Women magazine probably has some articles archived online. I used to get the magazine and they did club comparisons.

[Debit]

Aimee is correct in both recommending a graphite in a lady's flex as well as there isn't a whole lot of information out there that makes much sense about women's clubs. Writers and manufacturers all seem to assume that virtually one size fits all. Not all women enjoy the look of pink clubs and tapestry bags. We vary in ability and talent just as you men. However, if you believe even Golf for Women, we should all be playing these game improvement clubs that have nothing stronger than a 7I then choke the bag with hybrids and high-lofted fairway woods. It's just not necessarily true.

 

I would strongly recommend that you have your sis probably fit for length before you drop those clubs into her hands. There is nothing that makes a good swing and solid contact more difficult than trying to choke down on some stick. As a neophyte, she just doesn't have the knowledge and finesse to carry it off well. The clubs will be relegated to the basement. The best advise that I received when I took up the game was to get lessons from a qualified teaching pro. The justification was that I wouldn't be struggling to unlearn bad habits. The basics of a good game is a good set up. Women are different (duh) -- your stance and swing mechanics may or may not work for her. Although women are the largest group each year of new golfers, they also give it up almost as quickly. Generally, it's cause somebody handed them or cut down an old set and sort of shoved them out there. You try playing with clubs built for a guy that's 6'5" and see how well you contact the ball. Then be sure you play with her be gently encouraging. Just remember what it was like when your Dad taught you to drive...she probably isn't as motivated as you were. Too much advise or criticism and she will be history on the course.

[Dr Rangelove]

Good imput here. I think I'll order a set, maybe a half inch under standard. As I said earlier I've got more then enough pro shop script to buy a set & bag outright. One of the members recommended Adams so that may be the set of choice. In addition following the recommendations of members here I'll also get her a certificate for some lessons near her house. I think that should be a good start to her second half century.

[Aimee]

Adams has a good reputation as a solid choice for beginners. I'm a big fan of Callaway; went to a demo day this weekend and confirmed that they make really easy to hit clubs. Take a look at the Big Bertha irons for women. I demo'd the new X hybrid and it was easier to hit than any others I tried (Nike Slingshot; Ping G2).