Expert golfers have plenty of advice when it comes to buying new golf clubs. It’s not enough to stroll into a pro shop and buy the first set of clubs you see, no matter how cheap they are or how nice that brand is. You need to know what you’re looking for and understand the different options so you can make a smart purchase. Let’s face it: not everyone has the budget or interest in playing pro-quality golf on a daily basis. But anyone, even those with limited funds, can find affordable ways to improve their game, get more distance from their drives, and feel comfortable with their clubs again. In this article we go over some helpful tips to help you make an informed choice about your next set of golf clubs.
1. Research the Different Types of Golf Clubs Available
If you’ve been playing with the same clubs for years and years, you may be due for an upgrade. And that upgrade may come in the form of different types of clubs. Maybe your current set is too heavy for your game. Or you simply need new clubs to meet the challenges of different courses you play. If so, you may want to consider moving to a set of hybrids, fairway woods, or even drivers. Drivers are the clubs you use for tee shots on par-4 and par-5 holes. They give you maximum distance off the tee, and you probably don’t use them for anything else. Fairway woods are hybrid clubs that can be used for tee shots, as well as shots from the fairway. And hybrids are clubs that have the distance of long irons and the look and feel of a middle iron.
2. Take Current Game Skill into Account
No matter what type of clubs you buy, you need to take your skill level into account. Beginners, for example, will want to purchase clubs that help them hit the ball a little easier and straighter. They probably don’t have the strength or skill to hit the ball with a driver or long irons, so they may want to look at hybrids or even a set of graphite or other lightweight clubs. Intermediate golfers may want to consider a hybrid, fairway wood, or even a driver. A pro golfer, on the other hand, can go for anything he or she desires. And depending on the type of game he or she plays, he or she may want to go for different clubs.
3. Check Grip Size and Handedness
If you’re like most golfers, you probably have a preferred way of gripping the club. But you also need to check the grip size of the clubs you’re interested in and make sure they fit your hand. Clubs come in different sizes, so make sure you can comfortably grip them. Also, if you’re a righty or lefty, make sure the clubs are right-handed or left-handed. You can usually find this information out in the product description or online. Clubs come in right-handed or left-handed versions, and you can’t switch the two unless the manufacturer makes a special version.
4. Decide on a Budget Before You Shop
Golf clubs can be expensive, so if you have a limited budget, you may want to start there. If you have a big budget, that’s great, but it’s still helpful to know your price range so you can find the best clubs for your budget. Pro shop prices can vary, but you can find quality clubs for around $300 or $400. If you want to save some money, you can check out big-box stores like Wal-Mart and Target, as well as online retailers like Amazon. And you can often find deals and discounts, especially around the holidays.
5. The Importance of Club Head Speed
The speed at which you swing and hit the ball is critical for distance. The faster you can hit the ball, the farther it will go. And the sweet spot of the club is where you want to hit the ball, not the whole club. If you have a lighter set of clubs, they’re easier to swing faster. But if you’re currently hitting with a heavier set, you can look into getting a lighter set.
6. Club Weight is Important Too
If you want to hit the sweet spot of the club, you also need to make sure the clubs are the right weight for you. Clubs usually come in different weights, usually ranging between 8 and 16 ounces. You can usually find clubs in the middle and upper ends of the weight range. If you’re not sure what weight you should go for, you can ask a golf pro or rely on the expertise of the person helping you shop.
7. Don’t Skimp on Irons or Wedges
You may want to upgrade your driver or woods, but don’t skimp on the irons and wedges. The irons and wedges are the clubs you use to hit shots that are 30 yards or less and usually have a lot of spin. If you don’t have good quality clubs in these categories, you’ll struggle with your accuracy and consistency. Most people tend to skimp on the irons and wedges, which can be a problem if you’re looking to upgrade other clubs, since you’ll need to have quality clubs in all categories.
8. Solid-Feel Shafts Are Worth the Cost
If you’re upgrading your woods, you may want to go for a tour-quality set. Tour-quality woods offer a more consistent shot, and the shafts feel solid in your hands. It’s worth the extra cost to invest in a tour-quality set of woods. And if you can, try to demo some different sets of woods before you buy.
9. Confirm the Club’s Accuracy
Depending on what type of clubs you’re upgrading to, you may want to confirm the club’s accuracy. If you’re moving to a hybrid, for example, you want to make sure it comes with a club head that’s both accurate and long. You can usually find this information in the product description. Some companies have even added a feature that lets you know how accurate the club is.
Takeaway
Golf clubs are important and can greatly affect how your game goes. If you’re unsure of what type of clubs you should buy, talk to a pro or visit an equipment shop and let them know what your skill level is and what you’re trying to improve in your game. You can find good-quality clubs at various price points, so don’t feel as though you need to break the bank for new clubs. But don’t skimp on clubs you hit shots with, such as the irons, wedges, and hybrids. Now that you understand the factors to consider when buying new golf clubs, you can make an informed decision that will improve your golf game. Remember that quality clubs are worth the investment and can last for years if you take care of them properly.