Putter or Driver or both

I'll be 43 tomorrow and will be treating myself to a new club or two either this or next weekend.

I had thought I'd splash out on a new putter but since over the last few weeks my driving seems to have improved somewhat I wonder whether I should go with a new driver instead.  I would think the driver would benefit my game more.  I appreciate a driver would cost rather more than a putter.  Maybe I should get both!

I was going to spend an afternoon at Golf in One in Rayleigh in Essex.  They seem to be set up with a driving area and all the kit to advise and custom fit and speaking to the guy there they should be hard to beat on price as he says they sell at internet prices.

Anybody any experience of Golf in One?  I guess Colin and Simon know of it as Colin for one lives in the area.

I was looking at The Mizuno MX700 last time I was there.  £180 ish.  Drawn to Mizuno only cos my irons are Mizuno too.  Not fused on the make.  Any recommendations on good value driver?  What loft should I be looking at? Current loft is 10.5 deg I think. 

Hi Andy

As tempting as the nice new driver would be, I would have to disagree with your statement of thinking it would benefit your game more than a new putter.  Personally I would suggest spending some time in a shop choosing a fancy new putter that you like the feel/weight/length of and go for that.  Then dedicate 90% of your practice time over the next couple of months just on putting.  I reckon your handicap would drop to around the 20 mark by end of year if you did that.

You may find that with a nice new driver you would spend lots of practice time using that and yes would hit some lovely and very pleasing drives, but your handicap wouldn't drop as much as a result...

Putting is the way forward - gotta practice it more myself as well though!!

Driving for show putting for dough springs to mind............

Personally I went the putter and wedges route and then bought my decent driver later...

One important point to remember is that we cannot buy a decent game so don't forget the boring old issue of lessons.......

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANDY

FOR SATURDAY

p.s its also my birthday i will be 36

Andy,

I'm going to disagree with everybody & advise you to spend your money on lessons. As John P will tell you, if you have a sound swing then changes clubs will only make a small difference.

John.

Wow John, you really wanted to get your point across

Thanks for the comments guys.

Re lessons - had a couple last year and don't really feel they did me much good (I hear you all disagreeing).  It screwed me up (yes it screws everybody up) and I've just got back intoplaying comfortably.  He did point out a few basics that I have changed - grip and swing path but to be honest I've been working myself on weight distribution and setup of late and has worked wonders.  I've slowed my swing right back down again and feel good about my golf.  I shall leave the lessons for a bit.

Re Golf in One - my impression was good so will give them a whirl. They stock Yes, Oddesy, TaylorMade and Mizuno putters to name a few.  I really like the look and feel of the TM Rossa Spider but will go and try a few out one weekday.  The Mizuno Bettinardi(?) putters look nice too (and are a little cheaper).  My putting has been improving too.  I'm reading the greens better.  Whilst I only rarely track my stats on here I do count the putts - 34 yesterday which I was happy with.

Re Bithdays - I remember being 36.  Wish I still was.  Happy birthday to you too Darren.

Consensus id definately on putter then though I will not be doing anything before this weekend so we'll see how we get on over the weekend and go from there.  I could always put the prize money toward it  

Both.  And some irons, a couple of wedges, a new Motocaddy S5, a new bag........

Seriously, which do you feel needs changing the most?  Obviously everyone thinks 'driver', but you will use your putter almost three times as much.  I would say a putter, especially if you are happy enough with your driving at the moment. 

What I will say is get fitted for your putter as getting the wrong length can cause you problems too.  After that, decide whether you prefer the feel of an inserted face or not, then whether you prefer a mallet, half-mallet or blade.  That will significantly narrow things down and you will end up only having two or three to choose between. 

I play this game because I love it and if buying new kit is your thing then just do it, whats the worst that can happen.

 I would say that putter is the most important club, get one you are happy with and practice.

I should know, my putting is crap and I out drive most with my 4 iron! doh!

Cheers Paul.  I will most likely go the putter route for the mo - it was my first inclination.

Don't get me wrong though about the driver.  I was leaving it at home until a week or two ago when I thought I had to get it out again and try it.  It is just that since I got it out it seems to be working pretty well - mainly cos of the better swing path grip, and weight distribution I'm having.  My driver is the one I got when I bought a club set from JJB - it is nothing special - and I was considering 'investing' in a decent one, striking while the iron (and game) was (relatively) hot.

We shall see what the morning, and the weekends golf brings..