I am just about to buy my own 1/2 set of clubs after using my Dad's for the past 2 years. I'm 15 but 5'9 so I'll need a full size set.

Can anyone recommend what I should look for?

I'll probably have to buy secondhand and have seen a Henry Cotton set advertised at a good price. Can anyone recommend these?

Any advice would be appreciated.

David, one (i think anyway) thing to look for, depending on your experience and handicap, is to go for a cavity back set, these are much more forgiving to any player, even the tour pro's are switching to cavity backed clubs. You have to be off single figure to play with blades. One of the best things to do, is visit your club pro or local pro and let him fit/custom make a set, this is a lot less expesive as people think. My set (Custom Made TM's) only cost me £320 New, but this is a big brand name. I had a set made for my daughter who is 11 but like you very tall, and each club cost only £11, i bought her the whole set of irons for £90 and that was custom made.

With reference to woods, i think most woods are very good today, but if you can afford them (even 2nd hand) the callaway steelheads are brill.

I think the henry Cotton clubs are blades, but i am not sure.

Good hunting and have a great new year

Phil.

Phil is dead right. Cavity backed any day. I'd recommend second hand clubs as a possible cheaper alternative (although from what Phil has said above) it looks like custom fitted clubs could be good value too. Maybe there's something in the classifieds section of this site?

On the subject of blades - do all Pro's use them?

Alex, no. I know Monty and many others now use cavity backed clubs. Monty i think still uses callaway x12's.

David, have you looked int eh classifieds section on GOLFmagic? There seems to be a few sets in there for you to buy...just take a look and see what you fancy...a lot cheraper than buying new and you will get a better club. I would say that stadard length loft and lies will be perfect for you, seeing as you are 5'9. Most men's clubs are made for that height anyway. I am 6'4" and i only need 3/4 of an inch longer than standard, so a normal loft and lie angle will be fine for you I think.

If in doubt, talk to your pro, he will be happy to oblige you in fitting you up...and once you have the measurements, go shopping for a good second hand set!

Best of luck, let us know how you got on!