buy a set of used clubs in good condition( most sets would include a driver and/or 3 wood, some irons, a wedge or two and a putter), not some brand new top name overpriced clubs, do not get brand new clubs just to start out with, what if you don't like golfing...or have physical restrictions (bad back etc...) once you develop a swing (get lessons, period...otherwise you're probably wasting your time) then get fitted properly with clubs...
well, first I look over the reviews on the net, golf digest, golf review, golf magazines, etc. Reviews from stores: TGW or Golfsmith. Find the brand that i like both prize wise and look wise. And then I go try them out at local store, hit a few balls, if possible take them out for a round. Golfsmith has 90 day guarantee. And of course I know what sort of thing I want to begin with, forged vs. cast, graphite or metal shaft, blade vs. cavity back vs. muscle back.
At the end of the day it's how the clubs fit your swing.
I had half a mind looking for a new driver. I had been trying out new drivers on and off for the last year to replace my aging Callaway that I had for 4 years. One time I tried a pre-owned Nike Sumo NexTi 460 and loved it, hit it straight, great feel, great exploding sound, the loft is good, the condition superb for only 120 bucks. So I bought it right on the spot. You can buy 500 bucks driver, but if it does nothing for your game, it is useless.
Mixing brands is no big deal. What you need to do is go to a golf store and try out everything they have in your price range and see what you like the best. They can also set you up on a launch monitor and make sure you're hitting them like you're supposed to be.
Generally you should go with well respected brands, but you can take reviews and things with a grain of salt. Different clubs play differently for certain people, so just because one brand is great for a reviewer does not mean it is great for you.
If you have the budget for top name brands ($450 or more for irons, $125 or more for fairway woods, $200 or more for driver) you should seriously consider custom made clubs. Many custom made clubs play as well or better than top name brands (especially irons) and can be bought for the same amount and sometimes less. Almost my entire bag is a brand called KZ Golf (http://kzgolf.com) and they were considerably cheaper and are of equal or better quality than comparable name brand, off the rack clubs (like Mizuno Irons and Callaway woods).
No matter what you go with, make sure you get them custom fit if you're serious about playing your best. Many name brands can be custom fit, and even a mediocre set of custom fit clubs will outperform a top of the line set bought off the rack.
Choose a brand of golf clubs... You wouldn't go wrong with any of the ones you mentioned. I am partial to Nike. Get rid of your long irons and get hybrids. If possible 18, 21 and 24 degrees or get a 7 wood. I have this new theory I'm going to try. On short chips and out of the bunker I use sand wedge 99% of the time. If the lie allows it I will use a pitching wedge that other 1%. So for me, there is no use in having a gap and lob wedge. I use the gap wedge sparingly and rarely touch a lob wedge. I can hit a variety of shots with my pitching wedge so it won't hurt my short game removing the other 2. I am considering going with a strong 3 wood hoping to get some more distance since the loft is 13 degrees as opposed to 15. I have a 16, 18, and 21 degree hybrid clubs. My irons will be 4-9. Of course there will be driver and putter. We'll see how it goes. Hybrids are so sweet. I hit them so well. I won't fret about being 200 yards away at all. That is what I'm going to do. Product wise, I use a Nike Forged Driver(I had a squared, but it was too much loft. I liked it and may get another) Nike Sasquatch 3 wood, Nike CPR Iron Wood 16(1), 18(2), & 21(3) degrees, Nike Pro Combo irons 4-SW(The original Pro Combos). I've played them since 2004. Love them. I would also look at Mizuno as a possible choice. They make excellent clubs. I played a set of Mizuno irons before I got my Pro Combos.
