Buying a set of golf clubs is often daunting. The cost can be quite high and there are a number of different sets to choose from. In order to make the best purchase for you, here are a few things to consider.
Identify your golf goals Its a good idea to determine your goals before you go shopping. This will make the process easier, and youll be less likely to be pressured into buying something you dont really want. For example, if you will be playing only infrequently, two or three times a year and not practicing much, theres really no need to spend much time or effort into selecting your clubs. If you expect to be playing weekly, youll probably want to set your sights a bit higher.
Decide how much money youre willing to spend If money isnt an object, or if youre an avid golfer, you may want to consider buying the best clubs you can afford. However, a good set of clubs can be quite expensive and if youre not sure of your level of dedication to the sport, it might be a good idea to look for an inexpensive first set. Pro shops are a good place to being your research.
Considering shafts When buying clubs, you should consider two basic options in shafts. The first is shaft composition. If the shaft is made of graphite it is generally lighter and more flexible. A lighter club helps to generate swing speed. If the shaft is made of steel, it will be more durable and stiffer. Steel shafts tend to be cheaper than graphite shafts. Graphite is generally recommended for women and seniors.
Can you get away with less than a full set of clubs? You can buy a few clubs rather than a full set. However, a full set of clubs offers a consistent amount of flex. Consistent flex across your clubs will help you to develop a consistent swing tempo. If you dont want to commit to a full set of clubs youll want to make sure to get a putter, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge, and a few irons and drivers.
Should you get standard clubs or custom fit clubs? Buying standard clubs is like buying one size fits all. Sometimes it fits, sometimes it doesnt. If youre a 5 10 male, youll do just fine, thats who the clubs are designed for. If not, youll do better with a clubfitting. A fitter measures your height, hand size and finger length and observes your stance as you hit the ball and its subsequent trajectory. After these measurements are taken youll have clubs that are custom fit for you.
Do you need lessons? As a new golfer, lessons are a great idea. Theyll help prevent you from developing bad habits. And, if youre like most people, youll have more fun as your game improves. If youve been golfing for a while, having an instructor observe your game can help you to improve your game.
Finally, since clubs can vary greatly, you might want to consider borrowing clubs from your friends or renting clubs to get an idea of the difference between brands and materials. Clubs can vary greatly. And since price and selection often vary greatly between stores, you should always shop around. You want to buy the best clubs you can get for your money.
