How To Buy Golf Clubs

Spring fever brings with it a stampede to the golf course. Once the greens are clearly visible and orange balls are no longer required (take that however you want) there will be double eagles all over the country. After the beating the Midwest took this year, cabin fever is sure to make those early tee times more valuable than ever. Are you contemplating getting in on the action? Looking for a set of new clubs? Maybe you’re still learning your game, or never purchased your own set of clubs before and need some insider tips on how to do it right. . . Read on, after the jump we’ll share some secrets on how to buy like a pro.

Buying a new set of golf clubs is easy, right? Pick a name brand, spend a grand and watch your game improve overnight! If only it were that easy. Some preliminary things to know about buying clubs:

• The shaft of a golf club is important. A good shaft makes a good club.
• Unless you are tall or short, use a standard length club. Longer clubs have more range but are tougher to control.
• If you do need to be “sized” for a set of clubs, make an appointment with your local golf pro shop and get some expert help to find the right club length.
• Some clubs hype their construction as a range-adding advantage but a titanium club in a newcomers hands is still subject to a golfer’s shortcomings. The range they do add is minimal. Improving your technique will add much more.
• Some clubs are made for experienced golfers and provide no “correction”.

Game correcting clubs are made for golfers still learning how to play or are trying to improve their game. These clubs help correct shortcomings in your swing and actually do help you hit straighter. How does a game correcting club work?

• Game correcting clubs use “perimeter weighting” to distribute the weight around the head instead of giving it a centered mass.
• Perimeter weighted clubs help the ball go straight even if your swing isn’t perfect and the head strikes the ball slightly off-center.
• The ideal “strike zone” on perimeter weighted clubs is larger and more forgiving of a beginner’s swing.

What kind of clubs should a beginner buy? For starters, you don’t need every single club in the bag when learning your game. Some experts say you should leave out “long irons” like the 3 and 4 until you can feel your game getting under control. What should a newcomer put in the bag?

• Start with a 5 iron and go up from there.
• Buy a sand wedge. You’re going to need it to get out of those traps.
• Buy a driver with a large head. They are easier to hit with in the early days of your game.
• Some pros recommend a 1 and 3 wood, plus utility clubs 3, 4, and 5s.
• Buy a large putter with a mallet head. The bigger head helps as you learn to refine your putt.

Some sets of clubs are sold as “hybrid sets” and beginners will find these clubs are definitely more forgiving overall, as they are built specifically to help you hit straighter using construction designs with perimeter weight. Some also feature lower centers of gravity for even more assistance with your swing. Beginners should never buy clubs with no correction—these are intended for experienced golf lovers who have the right amount of control when they hit the ball.

If you buy used clubs, take a pass on the ones that show excessive wear on the heads or the grips. Pretend the clubs are tires, see how much “tread” is left on them, and pass on the “bald”ones. A decent set of used clubs could serve you very well in the early days of your game, so don’t turn your nose up at a used set automatically unless they look like they’ve had much better days.

Remember, buy game correcting clubs, get drivers and putters with big heads, and don’t be fooled by the claims of additional range with exotic construction. Get yourself some decent clubs and hit the range…and don’t forget to drop us a comment to tell us how your golf club purchase worked out for you.