Questions & Answers Responses from PGA/LPGA Teachers on FINDaLESSON.com                                                                                  << BACK From Paul, golfer: I'm in the market for buying a new set of clubs. What brand and model would you recommend? And how much should I spend? Also, I have a set that I'm playing with now - it's the Dunlop brand, sort of looks like the Callaway X-14's. I play these clubs well, but I think I just need to upgrade. Should I just stick with these sticks? PGA/LPGA TEACHING PROFESSIONAL RESPONSES: California "Paul - If you are playing well, don't change. When you do become dissatisfied, find a reputable club-fitter (check with friends, good players, etc) or go to one of the top of the line companies and they will fit you. You will then take the specs and order from a local golf shop. Although most of my business is in generic brands or component clubs, they are just that -- copies.  The technology, care, performance factors, and quality are compromised in generic brands. If they weren't, the price would be higher. The most important factor-regardless of price-is if they are fit to you, they look good to you, and they perform to your satisfaction. Good Golfing." - Kati Biszantz, Teaching Professional  California "Why fix it if it is not broken? However, I do understand that we all like to upgrade. Stay with what you have until you can find a deal on a nice set that you like. Remember, the golf industry is ever changing and most brand names are like computers, "you think you have a great up-to-date system" only to find out that a year later it is an old out dated system. And once the new products appear on the market the old stuff is greatly reduced to clear the inventory! The system you did buy works very well and with proper care and a few replacement parts (new grips), you will find that it can last five years or more. I have an Itoh 10-speed bicycle that I have had for 22 years. My objective is to ride it for exercise. If I was a professional bicyclist I know that I would upgrade with the competition to the $20,000.00 Italian made bicycles." - David Ruvolo, Teaching Professional Florida "Whether or not you stick with what you have, I would hold onto them until you're sure what you buy is going to make you happy.  Probably the cheapest way to go about a new set that fits your game is to look up a reputable club fitter and have him build you a set that matches the playing characteristics of your present set." - John Brott, Teaching Professional Illinois "Paul, if you are in the market for a new set of clubs, I recommend you do it right. Check out www. henry-griffitts.com and find the fitter nearest you. The only way to insure that you will play as well or better with a new set of clubs is to get a set that fits your swing.  At the very least, test drive clubs before you buy. You wouldn't make an investment in a car without test driving it first?!  Treat your golf game the same way. Best of luck.  Thank you for your inquiry. Keep swingin'." - Ryan Graff, Teaching Professional Missouri "Paul, a new set of clubs is always nice. Not always necessary. What you need to do is find a facility that will let you demo different clubs. Never buy a set without hitting the club. There are facilities that have what is called a demo day once or twice a year. Find such a place and spend 2 hours hitting every club you can try. You will have a preference, just as you have a preference on the make of car that you buy." - BJ Miller, Teaching Professional Nevada "See a professionally-trained, certified Master Club Builder and a Certified Master Teaching Professional and ask them both this same question. But see both of them! If I were playing well with a certain set of clubs, I would stick with them and take a few good lessons. See those two golf professionals!" - Karl Fischer, Teaching Professional New York "It could be that you could stick with your old set, however trying and testing is the best answer. Your best bet is to go somewhere where you can try 3-4 sets. Hit several shots using a 7 iron, and maybe a 4 iron. Have them put face tape on the clubs so you can not only see and feel which clubs you like the best but which you are hitting on the center. Put tape on your clubs as well. The results should not lie.  Technology is a good thing but not absolute. Be patient with the process as this will be a purchase for several years." - James Weiss, Teaching Professional North Carolina "It depends on your handicap and what you are looking for. There is so much to choose from in today's market. If you are a mid to higher handicap player I would suggest looking for something offset and oversize. This would be more forgiving. Take a look at the Titleist 880 OS , the new Callaway iron that is the original big bertha iron revamped, the ping I3 iron in the oversize. Try these clubs and hit them before your purchase. Playability as well as how they look to you are extremely important factors."  - Ben Hynson, Teaching Professional South Carolina "Paul: It is hard to recommend any particular brand of club, without giving an advertising endorsement.  It is also hard to recommend a type or brand of club, because everyone has there own set of specific needs in a golf club or set of clubs. My suggestion would be to try different brands and models of clubs, to find out what you like to look at, what club feels good to you, and what clubs are within your price range. Once you have narrowed your choices, seek the guidance of a certified club fitter for the particular brand in which you are interested in. You can find lists of these professionals on most all of the manufacturers' websites. A fitted set of clubs makes all the difference in the world. And there is this last thought, if it is not broken, why fix it? If you current set of clubs are working well, and are fit, why switch? Sometimes making a switch can disrupt your enjoyment of the game. Good Luck." - John Hughes, Teaching Professional South Carolina "It's never the clubs. Clubs make you feel better, but they will not improve your scores. Instruction will." - Mel Sole, Teaching Professional Texas "Paul: Get a certified club fitter to fit you. There are lots in Houston or come see me in Austin. Then based on how much the ball flight improves you can make an educated decision." - Dave Baron, Teaching Professional Washington "Golf is 90% mental and if your thinking about upgrading you should just upgrade. Also with all the fittings systems around you should be able to get fitted and hit almost every club that out their. When I fit players, I'm looking for the club that they hit the best, has a good ball flight, and goes as far as it can without trying to kill it. Hope this helps." - C. Jon Knight, Teaching Professional