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Buying a new golf club is more than just going to the pro shop and choosing the first club you see. You want to get a golf club that fits your particular needs. You can get more info on choosing golf clubs from experts, but the following information should help you understand the basics of the selection process.
Your Needs
One of the most important things to consider when choosing your golf club is your particular needs. Knowing your needs includes multiple factors, such as your level of dedication to the game, how long you plan on playing, and the type of club you use. Golf clubs cost hundreds of dollars, and you can easily spend thousands on a new one. Since this will be a serious investment, make sure that you select a club that will work with your specific needs.
Your Budget
You also need to calculate your budget and look for a golf club that fits within it. The funding will depend on your current financial situation and future goals. Because you have money to spend does not necessarily mean you should buy a several-thousand-dollar club if you are just a hobbyist and are not sure how much longer you will play for.
On the other hand, if money is tight, but you know you take golf seriously, you may want to see what you can do to increase your budget, even if it means sacrificing other "extras" in your life, like the occasional meal out. That way, you can get a high-quality, long-lasting club.
The Feel
Since every golfer is different, the way a golf club feels to you will not be the same as it feels to someone else. Because of this, you should always ask to give a golf club a few test swings in an open area of the shop. This is the only way to honestly tell that it is the correct length, loft, lie angle, and weight for your particular needs. As you test out the club, pay attention to its feel and ensure you will be comfortable using it for the foreseeable future.
The Three L's
Tying into the point about how the golf club feels when you test it out, be sure to pay attention to the three L's: lie angle, length, and loft. Remember that the sole needs to be parallel with the ground at impact, with the loft being correct. If you choose a golf club that does not have the three L's correctly, this will negatively impact your game, ending up as a waste of money.
The thickness of the Grip
As you test out the club in the store, you should also pay close attention to the thickness of the Grip. This thickness will impact your swing more than you may realize. Having a too-thin grip for your comfort can increase your hand actions as you lead into your swing.
To get the ideal Grip for you, you want to be able to hold the chosen club using the ring and middle fingers on your left hand. There should be very minimal touching of the pad with your thumb. If your finger does not reach your thumb, then the Grip is too large, and you should find a smaller one. On the other hand, going with a club with too small of a grip can restrict your hands, reducing your ability to play the game to your full potential.
Type of Club: Driver, Woods, or Another Option?
You need to confirm that you are using the type of golf club that is right for your needs. The most common include hybrids, putters, wedges, woods, irons, and drivers. Hybrids combine features of irons and woods and are increasingly popular as an alternative for long irons. Drivers are for hitting your ball as far as possible. Woods can have a range of purposes, and irons will be your set's most common type of club. Talk to the experts if you are still determining which kind of club you need.
Material
Remember to look at the material when choosing the right golf club for your needs. The choice of graphite versus steel is the most common one, depending on your preference. Steel tends to be heavier, while graphite is lighter. Graphite's lighter weight also goes along with the dampening of the energy transfer for hands-on off-centred hits. In the case of two clubs with identical performances, pay attention to feedback and feel when making your decision.
Consider Custom-Fit Equipment
Depending on your situation and playing skills, you should be looking for custom-fit equipment instead of just the regular clubs. Custom-fit equipment is even more important for beginners than advanced golfers since you will need to learn how to compensate for clubs that do not match your swing. At the very least, ask the salespeople at the golf shop to evaluate your swing and make some recommendations.
Brand
Consider the brand when shopping for your golf club, but this is not as important for beginners as for advanced players. More than simply using the same brand of golf clubs as the pros is required to give you their skills.
Feel free to test out the same brand the pros use if your budget allows, but do not limit yourself. What works well for a particular pro will not necessarily work for you. Remember that each brand has its own models and target audience. Finding a club that fits your needs is more important than the brand name it wears.
Once you choose your new golf club or clubs, put it to good use by honing your skills. You can get more info on using your new club from the pros.
