Conference 7.286::golf

    Fred,
    
    Welcome back.  I would say that Nevada Bob's is as good a place as any. 
    They have used or consignment clubs...I play with a set of Prima Copper
    Berylium's that I got for $225.  Some guy brought them in and sold them
    thru consignment.  Since you will be experimenting a lot, used clubs
    cause no problem.  If you have  Roger Dunne's, they do the same. 
    Remember, the sales people want to sell store brand, new clubs.. Act
    like you know what you are after, just seeking opinions and you can get
    a lot of info without the sales pitch.
    
    As for Taylor Mades...you are starting at the top of the list.  Great
    clubs, some feel they are hard to hit,  but most companies make a
    Taylor made clone...they are that popular.  You may want to look at
    Lynx drivers because of the offset (good for slicers).  But, if you can
    fidnd a used driver or two ($50) get them.  New drivers usually cost
    $100 plus, and after one round they have lost 30% of there value but
    are still playable.
    
    As for lessons, ask around with some golf buddies and see what they
    say.  If you an get lessons from a pro at a local Country Club
    (private) they are great lessons...because they have their own practice
    facilities and it is quiet and easier for learning.  Many pros at
    private clubs will teach non-members.  Some places have group lessons.
    and even break lessons down into areas, i.e. Basics, Short Game,
    Driving and even a playing lessons.
    
    Good  luck, and by the way, the Hogan Edge is a great club to beak back
    into the game with.  Many of us noters wish we could do so well.
    
    SCD

    
    	The  Hogan Edge are great clubs! You MAY even see a difference
    	from the 'hand me down, ladies clubs' your aunt gave you..
    
    		:^)..... couldn't resist Fred...
    
    	Smitty
    

    If you're looking to take lessons, (private or in a clinic), I can
    suggest an excellent pro, depending on where you live/work.
    
    Send me mail if you're interested.
    
    -Dotti.

    Just a suggestion when you look for that Teaching Pro - find one that
    is similar to you in stature, age and tempermant, if you can.  I've
    seen more success with golfers that more closely match the teacher.  My
    wife had far more success with a woman pro, and I did better with a pro
    that was 6'5" - 230lbs - over 25 years old ( I am 6'4"-240lbs - over 25
    years old).  I guess its like walking in someone else's mocassins,
    there is an empathy and understanding.  I like the private courses that
    So Cal Dandy suggested - I've found Pros that operated at the private
    club who also ran public courses in the same town and the facilities
    were better.  Try it.
    
    On the woods.  I love my Yonnex driver.  A fella that I played with on
    Sunday said he saw a Yonnex driver, three and five woods for sale in
    one of the Super Market ads for $250 - he investigated and bought them
    His driver was the same as mine and a lot cheaper considering he has
    three clubs.  Try it - you might get lucky.
    
    Big Mac

    Re: .4
    
    Sounds like .3 knows my clone, but he doesn't make house calls to
    California from his home in Mass.! :-) Mac, I wouldn't want to get
    in the way when you or your pro were hitting the ball! Are your Yonex's
    specially built to withstand the torque you can get with a 6'4"-240lb
    frame?!? :-) Thanks to all for the suggestions,
    
    Fred

    re .5:  ...missed the ball one day on the first tee, and the back wash
    on the Yonnex started balls rolling on the practice tee, golfers began
    to fall as they stumbled, slipped, rolled, etc. and then they all began 
    falling - you may have heard about their violent collision with the
    Earth - in San Fran it was called Loma Prieata...

    Re: last
    
    You and my brother both! He was the #1 shot putter on his high school
    track team and dings the bell at the amusment park sledge hammer towers
    without even winding up! They oughtta make 200-compression balls for
    you guys!
    
    Fred

    Update:
    
    I picked up the Taylor Made woods (#1,3,5), a Sun Mountain golf bag
    and a pair of Nike golf shoes at a pretty decent price at a local
    golf course pro shop. I was very happy with the way the guys at the
    shop handled my sale, and feel that they cut me a decent deal on the
    whole package. (In fact, the pricing was much better than at Nevada Bob's).
    So, with the new gear I joined two friends last night for our first
    golf lesson. What an eye opener! The instructor was excellent and by
    midway through the 1 hr. lesson he had all three of us hitting consistently
    nice shots with 9 irons. To me, it weas an absolute pleasure to be able
    to hit a ball straight and long, because I had never been able to do it
    back when I was golfing in high school. For me, the two keys that did it
    were to drive my knees through toward the target, and roll my wrists with
    the swing. (I had been swinging with all arms, and blocking the clubface
    out; hitting it way right). I'm actually starting to believe that I can
    do this crazy sport! Thanks for all the replys to the original note,
    
    Fred 

     Fred, if you can hit it as well as you fly fish, you'll be just fine !
    
    --Jack (Who will be back in San Jose 10/1/91)

    I wish, Jack, I wish!! :-)
    
    Fred