By which I mean making the most of your credits from hack to master and minimising the amout of wastage. Here wastage meaning any time you have to trade in a redundant club for the 25% buy back price.
I did things the hard way, bought a lot of stuff that I eventually replaced and spent a lot more than I needed to. So here's my guide for purchasing equipment (not including balls which are an on-going expense and a completely personal thing).
DISCLAIMER: The following is just my opinion, you are entitled to yours.
Hack -
You should not be purchasing equipment at this level. Attempt to reach Amateur with the Starter clubs.
Amateur -
You should not be purchasing equipment at this level. Attempt to reach Pro with the Starter clubs.
Pro -
Ok, you've got to Pro and things are getting a bit difficult. Now is the time to look into getting a few new clubs:
1) Daytona Rossa Putter (Cost $7.50)
2) Tour Pro 9.5deg Driver (Cost $3.00)
3) TM Z Satin TP Pro 64deg wedge (Cost $2.50)
4) TM Z Satin TP Pro 60deg wedge (Cost $2.00)
The Daytona will make a huge difference to your scores and can be taken to master level with no problems. I should mention that some prefer the Redwood putter, but I am a Daytona man. The Driver will eventually be replaced so that is why I recommend a modest cost here, but at 245 yards this driver should be good enough for reaching master level with sufficient practice.
The 64deg wedge is a must but the other is a personal choice. The pair I listed give distances of 50 yards and 77 yards.
Master -
Phew, master level. And it hurts right? But you've got wedges and a putter to handle the faster greens, it's just that distance off the tee is now a problem. Time to finish your set:
1) R9 TP Master 8.5deg Driver (Cost $8.00 and replaces the Tour Pro)
2) G10 Master Iron Set (Cost $12.00)
3) G10 Master 3 Fairway Wood (Cost $3.00)
4) TM Z Satin TP Master 60deg wedge (Cost $2.50 AND REPLACES YOUR HYBRID)
Trade in value on the Tour Pro Driver - $3 x 25% = $0.75
The R9 Master driver is great value and one of the furthest hitting in the game. The G10 irons have high ball flight and great precision and spin. They are a firm favourite among many masters. The wedge is the one I use, giving a distance spread of 50, 77, 90 but again, it is a personal choice. Just make sure you get one with plenty of spin and precision.
Overall -
Total cost is $39.75 which includes the money back for the Tour Pro Driver. Total wastage is $2.25.
ComplexP