I'm just starting out and looking at some clubs?

I would take accuracy over distance any day... go to costco and buy a set of Nickalus golf clubs set...its cheep until you know what you want. Golfer are always changing there minds in what to buy.... ask anyone we all have stuff that we bought and don't use anymore... even if it was just purchased a week ago....

The comment the salesman made is one of the most common equipment related ones you will hear. I believe if you do an Internet search on golf shafts you will find it repeated.

Otherwise you are getting some good answers. Get a quality starter set of irons and get a consistent swing. Buy the driver that is on sale that was hot stuff 3 years ago. You might want a basic fitting to see if you need an off of the shelf tweak like longer or stiffer shafts (whether graphite or steel).

The comment about developing a short game and learning to putt is right on. You will use both much more (like 18 times a round) than trying to pound that driver. Get a consistent full swing, learn the short game and practice putting.

Someone said once you are below 90 get fitted for a better set. I will say base that on your handicap. Either get an official USGA one or use Yahoo's handicap tracker. Once you are at a 25 or lower handicap and appear to be heading lower, then go get fitted for a quality set. Get fitted for all you clubs including driver and putter.

Buy a nice moderately priced set for around 200 bucks. Play with them then when you feel like this is something you want to do for a while, upgrade to a set that fits your game. Right now your aim should be hitting the ball straight, developing a short game and putting. When you start to shoot under 90, then think about upgrading. If you are thinking about graphite shafts, don't be scared off by a know nothing salesman. Lots of folks use graphite - I use graphite.

But the key is your skill, not your equipment. Average equipment to start is a good choice.

Well there are really no wrong clubs to get, no matter personal opinions. I have been golfing now for 10 years and I feel that Callaway, Titlest, TaylorMade, Nike are great clubs. Graphite shafts are more flexible and tend to be less effective for most people. Steel shafts are the way to go in my opinion. If you swing hard or have a fast club head spead, steel all the way. If your swing is more silky smooth and slower, graphite would be the way to go. It all depends on preference. You have to play with each to really pinpoint what you want. I think if you want distance and accuracy, then steel would be the way to go, they are more responsive. If you just want accuracy, then graphite might be better because of the feel. If you want distance, go for the steel.

I understand your dilemma. I prefer steel shafts as i can "feel" it due to the fact it is heavier than graphite and I can feel where it is during my swing. Graphite can be hit further but if u r just starting out...Id be inclined to get to know how clubs should feel b4 worrying about how far I can hit them.

I've been playing (constantly) since April 06 and when I started I had a no-name set of sticks which did a gr8 job of teaching me the basics. But just today...I upgraded to a set of Taylor Made r7's.

Give yourself a few months playing with steel shafts and then u will be able to decide exactly what it is u need out of a set of sticks. :)

Oh by the way...my new sticks are mens regs ( just to clear up the "women" thing...LOL)

I have personally used both. I find I can be a little more accurate with the steel shaft clubs but I definitely get more distance with the graphite.

i'm in the game just over a year and am using a 'complete set' by woodbury. if you are athletic go steel. the first thing to remember is to work on getting a swing that is consistant and can his the ball (straigt is better.) get used to even a low-end set prior to upgrading to a pricy set.