The quality of your golf clubs plays a significant role in determining how good you’ll be in the game. A poor choice not only affects your swings but may also leave you nursing unnecessary injuries. That’s why experts advise players and especially beginners, to be extra careful when shopping for clubs.So, what exactly are you supposed to look for when buying golf club?
- Grip
This is the only point of contact between you and the club, so it’s crucial to get it right.
The perfect grip will ultimately depend on your personal preference, but weather and other factors may also influence your decision.
Comfort is the first vital thing to consider. The good news is there are various grips on the market, so every player should be able to find the perfect fit for their needs. Rubber, corded, and hybrid grips are the most popular options among modern golfers.
The grip size is also crucial for your comfort and swing. Make sure to get accurate measurements and ensure the grip is neither too small nor too big.
Finally, ensure the grip is perfect for the day’s weather or use the clubs with an appropriate set of gloves.
- Shaft
The shaft of your clubs affects your game in various ways. For starters, it can influence the average distance of a driver. Light shafts are generally known for increasing the clubhead speed, which means they can increase the distance your balls travel. On the other hand, heavier shafts can deliver a low ball flight.
Shaft flex is another critical detail you must look at. The flex is usually rated from extra stiff to amateur. However, the actual stiffness of a shaft will vary from one manufacturer to the next since there are no standardized measurements.
That said, you need to find the perfect flex for your unique swing. Golfers with powerful swing speeds usually find stiffer shafts to be more effective for their game. Meanwhile, newbies and everyone else with a less powerful swing speed are more likely to drive the balls further with a flexible shaft.
The appropriate shaft length usually boils down to personal preferences, but know that it can affect your game. For instance, longer shafts are known for driving the balls pretty far. Short shafts may not deliver the range you need, but they are typically more accurate and easier to handle.
Does the type of shaft matter? Yes, it does. Golf clubs usually come with graphite and steel shafts. At between 50 to 85 grams, graphite shafts are much lighter, so they produce incredible swing speeds even for seniors and female players who struggle with speed. On the flip side, graphite shafts are more expensive and less durable. They also don’t provide the best control.
Steel shafts are heavier, so you must have a powerful swing to match the same ball distance of a graphite shaft. They also have better control and accuracy.
- Clubhead
Size matters in golf.
An oversized clubhead is a great option for newbies since it’s very forgiving. It’ll give you a decent hit even when you’re making terrible swings. The tradeoff is that such clubheads weigh down the entire club making it harder to control.
Standard and midsize clubheads require more precision and a better swing, but they are lighter and provide more control.
- Loft And Lie
The loft of a club is the angle between the clubface and the ground. The lie is the angle between the ground and the shaft with the club placed at a normal golfing position.
These angles affect the direction and overall accuracy of your shots. Luckily, modern drivers have made tweaking these angles pretty easy.
- Sound
This is more about enhancing your golfing experience than anything else.
The sound your clubs make on impact with the ball can give you all the satisfaction you need to feel your investment was worthwhile. It can also increase your motivation to keep golfing. Therefore, listen to the sound and feel of the club before making your purchase.
- Consult Experts
Choosing golf clubs can be very overwhelming to a beginner. If you’re having a hard time making a choice, consider speaking to an expert. They may not be able to answer all your queries, but they’ll definitely save you from making an expensive purchase that you’ll regret later on.
Every golfer yearns for clubs that feel like an extension of his or her arms. But, this can only happen when you choose the right clubs and practice with them long enough. Use this guide to get the perfect clubs that complement your swing speed and golfing style.
