One of the common questions at the start of the golf season, especially from new golfers is “what golf clubs do I need”. In most cases we advise new golfers to wait until their lessons and check with the golf professional to advise them. We do ensure that members have clubs for lessons. If you are just taking up the game you can either borrow some clubs or purchase some used ones. It really doesn’t matter initially, but get a few woods, some irons and a putter and a bag. Get some inexpensive golf balls and you will be good to go.
If after a few months you think golf is here to stay, then you definitely need better equipment. You could buy a set of used golf clubs from a pro shop or second-hand sporting goods store, or you could buy a new set. The used option would be cheaper, about half the price of a new set, and would be satisfactory until you decided to make a commitment to golf as your pastime of choice.
The sport of golf offers more equipment choices than any other sport and it can be very confusing for even the experienced golfer. Another problem area is the gendering of golf clubs. What I mean by that is there are ladies clubs, men’s clubs, senior clubs and everything in between. This environment can lead salespeople to classify customers by age or gender rather than as unique individuals and result in the purchase of ill-fitting clubs. As mentioned previously it is much better to consult with a golf professional who is knowledgeable about you and your skills.
Then there are those experienced golfers who like to see what new each year especially drivers and putters. It is especially important to test run both these items to ensure that they are the right clubs for you and your game. Putting accounts for a third of your stokes so many pros have more than one putter, as do recreational golfers.
Another thing that the pros think a lot about and we recreational golfers should be aware of are the grips on your clubs, if they have a sheen in any spots you are probably past due for some new handles. When you do re-grip your clubs make sure the size of that the size of the grip is correct for you because the size will effect the way you deliver the club into the ball. Treat you clubs well and they will return the favor.
You also want to avoid yardage gaps throughout your set and also avoid any tightly bunched yardages too. For example, if you have a 4 and 5 hybrid that go roughly the same distance, as I do, you may want to ditch the 5 for an extra wedge or wood.
We just finished watching Lisa’s Golf Town clinic which is also about golf equipment and offers much more detail and many more interesting facts so check out the link and increase your golf knowledge.