Choosing the right clubs for your game
When it comes to buying golf clubs, choosing the right ones has much more to do with yourself than the actual clubs. It is first helpful to ask a few questions. How long have you been playing? What kind of scores do you shoot? How much are you willing to spend? These types of question will help narrow your focus and give you some direction when trying to find golf clubs.
Let's begin with beginners. If you are just taking up the game of golf or you are relatively new to the sport, there is no reason to break your wallet with top of the line equipment. Look for a set that is affordable and feels comfortable, as new players should feel comfortable with their clubs above all else. Adams makes a great set that has a good mix of easy to hit irons, hybrids, and woods for beginners.
US $187.50
If you feel as though clubs make a large difference in how you score, then it is necessary to take a look at a few factors. Shafts are the most crucial part of the golf club. If you have a low to mid-range swing speed, then go with a graphite shaft. Ladies should use a flex that is titled ladies, but a senior or regular shaft could be the right one if you are a female with a powerful swing. For men, the normal shaft is regular, but a stiff shaft is a good option if you swing the club at a high speed. Steel shafts are for those low-handicap players with high swing speeds. They usually come in both regular and stiff levels of flex, providing the most control and workability.
Once you have chosen the right shaft for your game, the next area to look into is the actual club heads. For irons, if you are a mid to high-handicapper you should eliminate the 2, 3, and 4 irons from your bag. Hybrids and woods are great replacements, as they allow for much easier solid contact. If you are a low handicapper and can handle hitting the low irons, then maybe one hybrid is a good option.
Also look at the thickness of the sole of the club head. The thicker they are, the easier they are to hit. If you struggle with your irons, then a thick club head with a cavity back will give you more forgiveness and distance. If you are a low-handicapper, then maybe a thinner top line or even a forged iron could be right for you.
Woods and drivers are all about personal preference. The most important part of the longer clubs is the shaft once again, as the right stiffness will allow you to hit the ball straight if you swing correctly. Although everyone likes the big driver heads, it is all about the sweet spot. If you fall into the mid to high-handicap range, go with a large head and a generously sized sweet spot. Maybe a smaller driver head is right for you if you are a low-handicapper. Some brands such as TaylorMade now make drivers and woods with adjustable weight systems in the heads, helping those players who either hook or slice the ball to eliminate such shots from their games.
The best brands out there today are TaylorMade, Titliest, Ping, Cobra, Adams, Nike, and Mizuno. They all make great lines of wedges, irons, hybrids, and woods that are suitable for all skill levels. You can't go wrong with any of those brands, but you will be sure to find the right clubs if you think about what will fit your game best.