Well, I guess I'd better respond to your pleas or I'll never hear the end of it!/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif
As you mentioned Mike, there are a large number of different brands of golf clubs. If you kind of keep your tractor comparing hat on, you can apply some of the basic principles to golf equipment.
First, you need to decide just what level of golfer do you aspire to be? If you want to get really serious, and you expect you'll be playing more than a couple times of week, then that will impact your decision process.
Secondly, how much are you willing to spend on your equipment? Some guys seem to think that they need to get that newest driver every year, while other guys are still happily hitting a persimmon driver.
Third, you need to realistically evaluate your ability to play the game, and determine how much effort you're willing to put into improving.
Based on what you said about your experience, I'd guess that what you're looking for is to just be able to go out with your buddies and have a good time every so often, without totally humiliating yourself. Is this right?
I don't think you need to go out and spend a whole pile of money on your equipment, unless, of course, you
have a whole pile to spend!/w3tcompact/icons/wink.gif The most important thing about club selection is to get clubs that fit your physical size, i.e long enough (or short enough!) shafts. For a very reasonable amount of money, generally $150.00 to $300.00, you can custom fitted "knock off" clubs made to fit you. Knock off clubs are exactly what you think they are. They're clubs that are made to "imitate" a well known brand such as Calloway, Titliest, Taylor-Made, etc. but for a lot less money. For example, I purchased a knock off Cleveland lob wedge last year for $45.00. The real Cleveland wedge would've cost $150.00! Now maybe a pro could tell the difference between the performance of the 2 clubs, but I sure couldn't! You can usually find stores and/or individuals in the yellow pages that offer custom made clubs. You can also purchase reasonably priced sets of clubs from the Wal-Mart, Target, etc. stores, but I wouldn't recommend those. Not because the clubs are inferior, but because they don't fit the clubs to you.
I would also strongly suggest that you purchase "oversize" irons, rather than blade irons. Blades are generally for very experienced players, as they are harder to hit. The oversize are much more forgiving when you have a slight miss hit - and you will have miss hits! And get steel shafts on the irons, not graphite. Steel shafts are more accurate than graphite on irons. I would only recommend graphite shafts for senior players (50 and over), but only then if their swing speed is slowing down.
Another consideration is the driver and fairway woods (metals now - but we still call 'em woods!). Here, you can get graphite if you want, but you need to realize that your swing speed needs to be a little less than with your steel shafts. Graphite shafts have more flex in them, so it's critical that you
determine what stiffness rating the shaft has that's right for you. You can easily spend +$300 - $400 just on a driver, so shop carefully. You don't have to spend that much. Again, consider going with the custom fit clubs and knock offs.
Putters are a whole unique thing by themselves. Just go out and try different styles to see what feels best to you. You're looking for balance - what feels the most balance as you swing it back and forth.
Also remember that, just like tractors, you should be able to try out some clubs. You may not be able to play a round of golf with them, although I have seen that alowed. But you should be able to hit some balls into a driving net.
One final piece of advice for now. don't get macho and think you can go out there and play a few rounds and start palying really well. Take the time to get a few lessons from your local pro. It'll be money well spent, if you want to enjoy the game. The pro will be able to teach you the basics of the various aspects of the swing so that you'll be starting with a good foundation of information instead of fumbling around trying to figure it out yourself. Word of warning, though. Most pros have a stake in, if not out right own, the pro shop at the course where they work. They will usually put some pressure, or at least a sales pitch, at you to purchase equipment from them. Nothing wrong with this, as long as you realize that generally speaking, the prices in pro shops are usually 10% to 15% or higher than what you can find elsewhere.
Mike, I know this is a lot of information. There was a lot more I could've mentioned, but I didn't want to overwhelm you! I hope it helps. I'd be happy to answer any other questions you might have. You can also send me an e-mail if you want to talk privately.
Good luck, and keep it down the middle!/w3tcompact/icons/grin.gif
I forgot to address your question about books. If you go to <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.thegolfchannel.com/core.asp?>The Golf Channel</A>, you'll find a wealth of information. Not only books, but they have instructional information, equipment sections, resource information, etc. Very good site. You should bookmark it!