Quote:Khanm- by clones I mean legally produced imitations ("compare to the Taylormade Rescue clubs") as opposed to illegally made and misbranded knockoffs ("hey buddy, want some cheap Nike clubs?").

 

The avenue mentioned, buying used clubs on Ebay is another possibility but I find the whole array of clubs available absolutely daunting plus dealing with shafts, grips, custom fitting, etc. For short money I got all of that through Pinemeadow and cut 10 strokes off my game. Durability of the clubs is the next issue- to see if they stand up to 30 rounds/year.

 

There is also the age factor, if I were 30, I think I would want the best clubs I could afford, especially if I was a decent player. But at my age and playing level it matters much less. I've also been able to buy 4 of their inexpensive wedges- a 45-50-55 and 60 degree and have become pretty good with all of them...I don't know how I ever lived without a lob wedge. what a beautiful thing when you hit it right.

 

Just that alone would have me thinking "I did the right thing." 

 

Now, when you get a consistent single digit handicap, it might be time to spend the money on a custom fitting by Ping or Mizuno and take it to the next level. 

 

I promised myself I'd spend real money on clubs when I'm consistently under 90.   I only play about 10 times a year the past couple years, so...

:teehee: Might be a while before I retire my ebay clubs  :teehee:

 

I'm with you on the wedges.  My wonderful lady bought me a Titlest Vokey 56 degree sand wedge for my B-Day 2 years ago.  (again - I found it for her on ebay - a demo model at a pro shop for $80)  I love it. I open it up to lob with and carry a gap wedge too.  PW- 48 , GW - 52, SW - 56.   My short game and scrambling has salvaged many a bogey after horrendous drives or approaches since I added the GW and got a great SW. 

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