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My son is 12 years old, not big for his age and has decent athletic ability. I've had him using the US Kids line of clubs for the past few years but he's now outgrown their standard line. (There is a line of US Kids clubs now available that seems suitable for kids his age but I've yet to see it available from Canadian Retailers). Does anyone have any advice/experience to share in getting kids of this age group set up with a decent set of clubs without breaking the bank?
how tall is he? that would be the better indicator. If he is due for a good growth spurt in the next year or 2 you might want to factor that in.
Is he too short for men's clubs? (insert Jarred joke here).
I'm no expert, but could he use a ladies set? At least one that is not pink and purple?
Yep - women's clubs seem to be a good option but I picked up a ladies sand wedge for him this summer and was surprised to see just how feminine the branding/graphics/colouring/etc is on basic women's clubs. The complete 11 piece sets seem to be particularly silly. I'm thinking about marketing an over-sized Ball-Buster driver for women ... could be a big seller :-)
My current plan is to pick up a decent set of heads at GW or GS, take a few static measurements and then assemble a partial set with women's or senior flex shafts. That way I can extend and change out the shafts over time. I now wish I hadn't sold those old Hogan H40 Oversize irons earlier this summer. Maybe he can use my old Hogan Apex Plus or Apex PC irons ... that'll teach him!
What I did was take one of my old sets that was sitting around and "split" it for my son and wife. My son got the odd numbered clubs and the wife got the even.
I shafted them with some very soft shafts and the Grip One kids grips.
Thanks jvincent! Can you tell me what shafts you used? I don't have any experience with really soft shafts (please let that go without the obvious comments :) ) but I was very impressed with the graphite shafts that were in his old US Kids clubs so I'd like to get something decent ... your experience may help me avoid a few mistakes ...
When I did it I used the TT Release shafts.
These are now discontinued but I believe you can still get them from Golfworks or Golfsmith.
I have a set (5,7 & 9) of Jazz Omni. They are made for beginners. Wide sole, cavity back, large offset, graphite R flex shafts. I started Golf with them four years ago. Very easy to hit for instant gradification but not much feel. The shafts are yellow.
You can try them for free, if you want to keep them then pay me $25.
I have some 39" fst ladies shafts which are a .580 butt and would be an excellent choice for a junior.
Check this out
http://www.ravengolfclubs.com/index....&id=64&Itemid=
Raven is one of the few component companies that offer help online fitting Juniors.
LMK if I can help.
If you are still looking, I was in Golfworks today and they and some junior steel shafts in their discount bin, under $6 per shaft.
Sources for golf equipment for Jr.'s:
Kent Golf: Lightest highest quality heads I have found
Precision Golf: Junior golf shafts
M.L. Wilson: Apollo Steel Jr. Shafts
Precise Grips, Star Grips, Golfsmith XPC grips
Hireko Golf: Driver heads and putters
If you are willing to assemble the clubs yourself and shop prudently you can do this for $10.00 a club.
Myron