Golf Clubs: New Clones or Used Name-brand?

I can't speak for the clones, but the service and condition of the clubs I got from callawaypreownedgolf last month were excellent. I bought form them based on a recommendation from a friend. I got X-18s as well, and am very happy with them. I also ordered golf balls at the same time and only these failed to make the shipment, so I phoned up and they shipped them without quibble the very next day. It's not often that I praise a company, but Callaway were very good, so much so that I recommended them to a friend and he bought some for his wife and is also very happy with the service. You're probably not going to get the X-18s for your budget, but I did see that Callaway online do have a <a href="http://shop.callawaygolf.com/Complete_Sets/Top-Flite_XL_Mens_Set.html">beginner's set</a> for $200. This might get you started and then you could always trade in as you improve.  more

As far as I'm concerned, the only lie adjustment that helps in golf is the one you make when someone asks you "How'd you do?" I've been golfing for 16 years. I am mediocre at best. I have always used basic, off-the-shelf clubs (current set picked up at Dick's Sporting Goods). I pay less and still have fun and don't obsess over my score. Listen to Ben Hogan. If you're any good, you'll do fine with what you have, just avoid the cheapest garbage. If you're a pro and looking to shave a stroke off to qualify for the Masters, have something custom-made. Look at it this way: My $100 running shoes don't hurt my feet. While I'm sure that $200 shoes wouldn't hurt either, at my skill level they also won't make me any faster: so I stick with the ones I can afford.  more