As any experienced golfer knows, purchasing a set of clubs is a significant investment. They’re not cheap and they’re most likely going to get a lot of use. You’ll want to be sure in making the selection that the clubs you choose are a good fit.
You might still be asking yourself – how to I know what the right set of clubs is. Here’s our list of the top things to know when buying golf clubs
Table of Contents
1. Take Your Time
This might be the most important piece of advice that we could give to anyone shopping for clubs. While you might be in a rush to own the perfect set of clubs to show off at the next golf round it won’t benefit you to rush into the decision.
Take your time and do research. There are lots of great informational articles online to browse through. Read reviews of various sets that you’re interested in. Remember you’re going to be investing a significant amount of money on the clubs so be thoughtful in the decision-making process.
2. The Shaft
This might seem like a given, but you’d be surprised at how often people make this mistake in purchasing clubs. Especially if it’s his or her first set. First, make sure that you get the right length for you. Take into consideration your height, weight, and build. If you’re taller you are going to want a longer shaft and if you’re shorter a shorter shaft.
Pay close attention to the stiffness/flexibility of the shaft. If it’s too stiff it can result in low ball flight and if it’s too flexible it can cause a shot to balloon in the air. Both will result in a loss of distance on the course.
Knowing whether a shaft is too stiff or flexible for you personally requires testing them out. Visit a golf shop and take some practice swings to see how the ball performs. If you are slicing or hooking the ball regularly then it’s likely the shaft isn’t the right firmness for you.
3. Don’t Be A Brand Snob
While lots of the well-known golf companies make great clubs it’s not just about the name on the clubs. In fact, some of those same companies know that their name alone will draw in consumers and they make their clubs more expensive.
While there’s nothing wrong with looking at name-brand clubs you might find some that are equally good, for less money if you don’t get hung up on the name. Just because Tiger Woods is using them doesn’t mean they’re the right clubs for you.
4. Try Them Out
This is essential in purchasing new clubs. While they might look perfect and all the reviews of them online are great there’s nothing that will give you the same level of accuracy as actually trying out the clubs. Visit the golf shops around you and go in to test out different sets of clubs. Make sure that you like the feel of them and that when you swing the ball goes where you want it to.
As we mentioned in our first point to take your time this is a large factor in that. You need to allow yourself time to try them out before investing the money.
5. Don’t Go Broke
It can be tempting when purchasing any new item to go all out and pay no attention to the price tag. However, golf clubs can ring up a hefty price tag if you’re not careful. While owning your own set is a great idea if you play often don’t go into debt for them.
There are great ways to save money while ensuring you still get a great set of sticks. For example, some golfers play often enough and have enough disposable income that they upgrade clubs every few years. Watch for this and see if there’s a set of used clubs that will work for you. If used clubs are still too expensive consider purchasing a few new clubs at a time and after a couple of years you’ll have a complete set.
6. Invest in Headcovers
While there are some who still roll their eyes about headcovers because they don’t see much value in them, we’d strongly suggest investing in a set of headcovers to keep your clubs in mint condition. Headcovers are made specifically to protect the heads and shafts of your clubs from damage during transport and while they’re in storage.
You may recall the clanking and banging of your clubs in the back of your golf cart. This constant banging against each other can result in unnecessary damage. This can be easily avoided by simply purchasing covers online or at your local golf shop.
