re: I have $300-$400 to spend (golf clubs)

Get consistent first before you buy new clubs. Consistent doesn't mean good but you need consistency. After you are consistent with your current clubs then you can get clubs that are tailored to the flaws in your swing. You don't need a beautiful swing to shoot in the 70's. You just need to be consistent with your swing, make a few putts, and know how to not throw away strokes in your short game. I play some some guys with some of the ugliest swings in the world who consistently shoot in the low 80's upper 70's. They all follow the mantra of owning their own swing and make it repeatable and cover up the flaws as much as possible with technology. Buying clubs for the sake of buying clubs won't improve your score unless you understand your swing flaws and can get clubs tailored for your swing. IMHO of course.