Would you like to buy a new set of golf clubs? Or maybe you are thinking about investing in your first set? There is a belief that getting started in golf is expensive. It can be, but it doesn’t have to be.
The rules say you can carry 14 clubs. But if this is your first time buying clubs, you really don’t need 14 clubs. And you don’t have to buy new clubs either.
New golfers
A beginner will likely want a driver, five wood, utility club, five, seven, and nine irons, a wedge, sand wedge, and a putter. Nine clubs are more than enough. Before you know if golf is really the game for you, why should you jump into a full set? And if you do buy some decent used clubs, chances are you’ll get most of your money back if you get into trading.
The first thing you need to do is speak to your local professional and get their advice. If he is worth it, he will be happy to help you and point you in the right direction in finding the most suitable shaft flex for you. Tour pros use clubs that are equipped with stiff golf shafts. When a novice tries to hit a ball with a driver such as that used by Rory McIlroy, chances are he or she will not be able to get the golf ball up in the air.
Most of you will want normal shafts. For your driver, five wood, and utility clubs, you should look for something that comes with a regular graphite shaft. The advantage of graphite shafts is that they are both light and strong. Depending on your physique and age, you may also want to look for irons that come with regular graphite shafts. The most important thing is to hit a few golf balls with irons that have both graphite and steel shafts before making a decision.
If you are a beginner, be sure to avoid blade irons. They have small heads with tiny sweet spots and are designed for good golfers – very good golfers. Spend some time watching golf on TV and you will quickly find that even the world’s leading players generally prefer heel and toe weight irons.
Club makers design clubs for specific skills. If you’re just starting out or have a high handicap, you don’t want to play with the same iron model that tour pros use. You need something called a game improvement iron. These are designed for the higher handicap golfers and have a larger sweet spot which means they are more forgiving if you don’t make perfect contact.
Second hand clubs
Google is your friend. Go online and look for the “best irons to improve the game”. And don’t fall into the trap of having to buy the latest model. There are lots of fantastic second-hand deals out there. Just make sure the handles are in good condition. And if you buy somewhere like Ebay Seller is required to provide pictures for you to check condition before buying. Take a close look at these pictures before parting with your hard earned cash.
There are many websites that offer second hand clubs – golfbidder.com is one of the best and comes with full health reports on everything it sells.
When buying an adjustable driver make sure it comes with the appropriate tool and head cover – this also makes it easier to sell. Watch out for excessive groove wear on irons, especially wedges. If the grooves are worn out, you will not be able to get any spin.
And be careful if you buy clubs that were previously custom made for someone else – the chances are that the iron lie angles will not suit you and cause you problems. For this reason, you should also exercise great care when buying used golf clubs, which are provided with a color point system, each designed for a specific type of golfer.
Buy a putter
There is no right or wrong when buying a putter. More than any other club in the bag, a putter is about feeling. And there are dozens of different designs. Try a few until you find the one that feels right. Used putters keep their value in your pocket better than any other club because they all come with headgear and are not used for full strokes. You will be using your putter more than any other club in your pocket, so don’t make false savings. This is the club that is worth spending “real” money on. And be prepared for the fact that you will eventually get cold – which is exactly why there are so many used putters on the market.
Don’t be brainwashed thinking that you have to fill your pocket with Titleist Pro V1s. These golf balls are designed to perform at their best at the correct and high speed. If you play out, say 28, those balls will be wasted on you.
Don’t make false savings on items like umbrellas, golf shoes, rainwear, golf bags, and trolleys. You really get what you pay for. If you want to play all year round, you have to accept that you will be playing in the rain. If you buy waterproof clothing that claims to be “water repellent,” put them back as they will not keep you dry in heavy rain. And don’t buy a cheap umbrella – if the wind blows (which it sure will), a cheap umbrella will blow inside out and you’ll have to throw it away. Also, make sure they’re waterproof – and don’t forget to look after them. Keep them clean and change the spikes regularly.
Individual adaptation
If you are a seasoned club golfer looking for a new set of clubs you should really consider getting these customized. You wouldn’t buy a new car without trying it out. They’re more expensive than off-the-rack clubs, but they will improve your game.
A bespoke racket fitter will ask you to hit strokes with your existing clubs and should ask about your game, normal stroke, etc. He or she will then get you to hit shots while you use Trackman technology, which measures club head speed and shape, ball flight, distance, etc. She is tailored.
Too many of us use clubs with the wrong reclining angles and too thin handles – custom fitters measure your hands and make sure you have the grips that fit you best and make sure the reclining angles are right for your height.
In short, buying golf clubs can be a minefield, but if you do your homework, talk to the right people, and visit the right websites, there is no reason why you shouldn’t find a bargain.
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