Let me start by saying that experienced golfers and novice golfers are two entirely different players with different wants and needs when it comes to their golf games. The experienced golfer has been playing for quit some time and probably has developed personal preferences in types of balls, clubs and equipment he or she uses while playing.

Purchasing a set of new clubs for an experienced player might be a nice idea. However, you would definitely want them to be involved in selection and buying process. You want to be sure they are even in market for a new set of clubs, and that they get right clubs. Many experienced or good golfers become very attached to their clubs, or very selective when purchasing a new set. Also, many experienced golfers have clubs "fitted" for their body style and game, so they need to be included process of buying clubs. You wouldn't want to purchase them a set of clubs that they would never use, or that are not appropriate for their level of play.

Some historians believe that games of Kolven from Holland and Chole from Belgium influenced game. The latter being introduced into Scotland in 1421. However, while these are stick and ball games, they are missing that vital ingredient that is unique to golf--the hole. Whatever argument, there is no dispute that Scotland gave birth to game we know today as golf.

The status and popularity of golf spread quickly throughout 16th century due to it's royal endorsement. King Charles I brought game to England and Mary Queen of Scots, who was French, introduced game to France while she studied there. In fact, term "caddie" stems from name given to her helpers who were cadets in French military.

The Gentlemen Golfers of Leith (near Edinburgh) was first club(formed in 1744) to promote an annual competition and to draft club's rules. The first reference to golf at historic town of St. Andrews was in 1552. The now famous clubhouse was erected there in 1854 and Royal and Ancient Golf Club of St Andrews became premier golf club because of it's fine course, publication of rules, and it's promotion of game as a proper sport.

By this time, golfers were using proper clubs and balls. Club heads were made from beech wood and some heads were made from hand-forged iron. Shafts were usually ash or hazel wood. Balls were made from tightly packed feathers wrapped in a stitched horse-hide sphere.