MichaelStroke:
I used starter clubs until I was well into my 60s in level. I'm glad I did. It taught me how to play properly - so much that new clubs just added a little luster to my trophy.
If you think you need clubs at this level to compete, it's a bad harbinger of later times on here.
For the most part I agree with Mike. For one thing, the longer you can hang with the free stuff the better you will become with trouble shots and short game, because you can't scare fairways or greens and are forced to deal with it...something that pays off later on. Not only this, but when you get some darn good higher clubs, you will receive a new level of pleasure with your game and results...moving slowly is worth permanent treasure. In my never humble opinion. ;-}