- Take your time. The sheer volume of golf clubs on the market is enough to confuse the most experienced golf professional.
- Ignore the name. If you regularly watch European Tour events, it’s easy to think buying the same make and model as your favourite professionals will help you score well on ...
- Grip Thickness. The thickness of the grip can have a massive effect on your swing. ...
- The Shaft. Although obvious, getting the correct length of shaft is a fundamental consideration when buying golf clubs.
- Loft. A vital measurement, the loft, or loft angle, refers to the angle formed by a line running down the centre of the shaft and the face of the club.
- The clubhead. If you want to make the most of your golf club, having different sized clubheads can be a real advantage.
How do I determine the length of my golf club?
In order to determine the length of your club, stand tall and get someone to measure from the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor. Do this with both hands and take an average of the two measurements.
How to choose the right golf clubs for You?
The proper grip should let you hold the club using your middle and ring fingers of your left hand with very little touching the pad with the thumb. If your finger doesn’t touch your thumb, it’s a sign that the grip is too big. Although obvious, getting the correct length of shaft is a fundamental consideration when buying golf clubs.
What should I look for in a golf club fitting?
Player height is the first thing to look at in a club fitting and there are brackets that recommend lengths based on this. This is normally considered before hitting any golf balls in a Static Fit. Most brands will supply the businesses that sell their equipment with charts and tables to find you the ideal length.
How do you measure a right handed golfer?
Right-handed players should measure from their left hand. Most charts have a sloping scale for the height and wrist-to-floor, with player’s height on X and wrist-to-floor height on Y. These two measurements combined give the club length and a lie angle for irons to test.
What does a professional club fitter do?
Professional club fitters take a number of factors into consideration as they assess the club specification requirements of each golfer. Specifically as it pertains to club length, they will look at a couple of static measurements, and they will also conduct a “dynamic” fitting assessment:
Why is wrist to floor measurement important?
The reason it is so pervasive in club fitting is because it adds an additional layer to the measurement, which improves its accuracy.
How important is shaft length in golf clubs?
The length of the shaft in your driver is extremely important, as it plays a big role in determining how fast you can swing the club, the club’s path and angle of attack and, ultimately, how well you’re able to make center-face contact.
Why is playing with clubs too short bad?
Playing with clubs that are either too short or too long can cause a golfer to change their stance or swing in ways that could negatively affect the outcome. It can lead to subconscious swing compensations that can result in inconsistent ball striking.
What happens if a golfer has a short club?
If a player has clubs that are too short, they will usually bend over too much from the waist in their address position. Conversely, clubs that are too long will require the player to stand too erect. Both of these subconscious adjustments could potentially make their swing motion less effective than it should be.
What is the most important factor in creating distance with the driver?
However, studies have shown that the single most important factor in creating distance with the driver is not the length of the shaft, but rather the golfer’s ability to hit the ball on the sweet spot of the club face. So, while shaft length is important in generating distance, there is a point of “diminishing returns.”.
Why are golf clubs not fitting?
Having golf clubs that are not properly fitted for length can be a major contributor to inconsistent performance. For the same reasons that someone who is 6’ 5” wouldn’t walk into a men’s clothing store and buy a suit off the rack, golfers need to make sure that the golf clubs that they buy are suited to their body type and size.
What is a tee shot?
Tee shots are set up shots. With the exception of the par threes, or maybe a short par four, you aren't trying to hit the ball on the green with your tee shot. Instead, you are trying to position your ball to make it easier to hit the green with your next shot. Always keep that in mind when selecting a club on the tee.
What happens when you get off the tee?
Once you are off the tee, you can move on to playing your way into the hole. Picking the right club off the tee is a skill that most golfers never develop. Instead of thinking their way around the course, using strategy to conquer each hole, most players choose to simply reach for the driver and swing away.
Why pick the right club to hit a pitch?
Picking the right club to hit a pitch or chip shot from around the green will make it far easier to put the ball closer to the hole. In this case, you aren't worried so much about the overall distance that the club can hit the ball – rather, you are wanting to find the right loft to create an appropriate trajectory.
How many yards does a 7 iron hit?
For example, if their 8-iron flies 140 yards on average, they'll hit a 7-iron between 150 – 155 yards. Write down your average yardage for each club on a small sheet of paper for reference on the course.
How does wind affect golf?
Any time the wind affects your golf ball, you lose control over the shot - so the best method you can use is to pick shots that minimize the influence of the breeze. Choosing the right club doesn't need to be complicated or time consuming, but you do need to have a logical pattern of thinking prior to each shot.
How far can you drive a golf club?
Knowing your own club distances takes time and experience, but you can start on the driving range; most ranges have markers set at specific distances, such as 50, 100, 150 and 250 yards. Here's how: Start with your shortest club (sand wedge or pitching wedge) and aim at the nearest target.
When is club selection not a factor?
The only time on the golf course when club selection isn't a factor is when you are on the putting green – as you better be reaching for your putter at that time. Anywhere else on the course, however, you will need to think critically and decide which club is going to give you the best chance at success.
How to choose golf clubs: Be realistic
Even if you don't have an official handicap, you'll have some idea of your skill level. If you're a beginner, keep a note of your scores - what are you tending to shoot over 18 holes?
Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses
Your handicap, if you have one, gives you a broad idea of where you are ability-wise, but you should break your game down a bit more before committing to a purchase.
Read Our Reviews
You wouldn't buy a car without reading the latest reviews, would you? It's the same when considering how to choose golf clubs - and you can start by reading the very latest Golf Monthly reviews.
Get Custom Fitted
We're all different shapes and sizes, and everyone has different swing characteristics - which makes a golf club custom fitting crucial. If you're going to spend a chunk of money on clubs, then it makes sense to take that extra step and get them dialled in for your game.
Finding A Deal
Whilst we would always recommend getting a custom fitting, if you know what you want and you're happy buying clubs straight from the shelf, shop around. At Golf Monthly we find the best deals for you so whatever you are looking for, you can complete your golfing set-up exactly the way you want it.
How many times does Phil Mickelson hit a driver?
Even on most regular PGA TOUR stops, the players are hitting driver eight or nine times, at most. The average golfer, on the other hand, is reaching for driver 14 out of 14 times.
Where to play a conservative shot on a green?
Also, if you know there’s little chance to get the ball up-and-down from behind the green, it’s good to know the yardage to the back, so you can play a more conservative shot to the center of the green. The front yardage is important, too, because not many amateurs can spin the ball and make it stop in its tracks.
Can virtual caddies factor in wind?
Now, the virtual caddie cannot factor in the wind, the lie of the ball, the altitude, or the weather. You’ll have to do that. But here are a few additional keys that, along with the help of your TOURCaddie, will make club selection a breeze. Off the Tee: Seek Out the Widest Part of the Fairway.
How far can you hit a golf ball with flex shafts?
If you hit it 20 yards farther, pick Ladies. And if you can hit the ball 225 to 250 yards , you're ready for Normal flex shafts. Only some of the playing professionals should choose Extra-Stiff shafts because they can hit the ball 300 yards or more.
What shafts are best for golf?
Decide on what shafts are best for you. You must choose between shafts made of graphite or steel. Steel shafts are somewhat less expensive, and if you are a better golfer than average, steel shafts are probably the ones you should have. But if you're just starting out or your game needs work, you probably will do well to buy graphite shafts ...
What are golf grips made of?
There are grips made of rubber, leather and synthetic materials , and even grips with fabric interwoven in them to stay tacky even in the rain. Since your only contact with the club is your grip, don't discount its importance.
Why do you need graphite shafts?
But if you're just starting out or your game needs work, you probably will do well to buy graphite shafts for these reasons: First, they are lighter, so they are easier for you to swing. Second , graphite shafts tend to twist in your hands less so you will hit more accurate shots.
What are the elements of a golf club?
To narrow down your choices, there are only three elements of any club that are important: the shaft, the clubhead and the grip. But within each category are alternatives, and there are a few basic things you should know about what's available.
How far can you hit a driver on the fly?
A good rule of thumb in choosing the right flex is how far you can hit a driver on the fly. If you hit it 180 yards or less, buy Senior flex. If you hit it 20 yards farther, pick Ladies.
What happens if the club is too long?
If the club is too long, the face tape may show heel dominant striking. If the club is too short, the face tape may show toe dominant striking. If dominant striking is found, the demo length should be changed accordingly. This is to see whether the impact location changes with the length.
What are the problems with driving a golf club?
Direction problems: When looking at the driver length, too long can lead to inconsistent ball striking or strikes towards the heel. Heel strikes encourage left-to-right curvature i.e. Fade, cut, slice or push slice. Strike problems: Ball striking can be more difficult if your club is too long.
What is the average driver length for Rickie Fowler?
Rickie Fowler is known to have used a 43.5” driver length and the Tour average build is 44.5”. Tour players main priority is hitting fairways for days, weeks and months. Shorter driver lengths make it easier to hit with the centre of the face more frequently.
What happens if you have too short of a club?
Direction problems: Too short club length can lead to strikes towards the toe or low on the face. Toe strikes encourage right-to-left curvature i.e. Draw, hook or pull hook. Strike problems: With too short club length, the most common problem is ‘Thin’ shots (hitting higher on the ball).
What can you use to wipe off golf ball?
You could use something that will wipe off like water or marker pens on the golf ball to give yourself some easy feedback on the clubface.
Can you strike your heel with wedges?
Any dominant toe or heel striking would likely be from technique. The aim of the exercise is to get the striking as central as possible. It can be done with wedges, irons and woods. It is often only done on irons in a fitting but I would encourage you to do it on all clubs.
Why are bladed heads bigger?
The heads are bigger, blade longer and perimeter weighting is better to maintain ball speed with off centre hits. More bladed heads tend to come with shorter standard lengths by 0.5” or so. This is to encourage a tad more control and ease striking. This type of golfer may not need the extra help with speed from length.
How to measure wrist for golf club?
Step 2. Stand with your hands hanging loosely by your side. Have your assistant measure the distance from where your wrist hinges to the ground, going straight down. This is your wrist-to-floor measurement. Step 3. Use the "Golf Club Measurement Guide" (see Resources).
How much shorter are ladies golf clubs than men?
Ladies' standard-sized golf clubs run approximately 1-inch shorter than men's clubs.
What is the average size of a golf club for women?
As a result, the standard size of golf club for women is shorter in length and is designed for women that are between 65-inches (5'5") and 69-inches (5'9") tall. For women who are shorter than 5'5", golf manufacturers produce a "petite" golf club that is both shorter and lighter than the standard length club.
Where is Jackson Lewis?
Based in Memphis , Jackson Lewis has been writing on technology-related material for 10 years with a recent emphasis on golf and other sports. He has been freelance writing for Demand Media since 2008. Lewis holds a Master of Science in computer science from the United States Naval Postgraduate School.
What is a multi-material shaft?
A recent addition to the market are multi-material shafts which are used on both irons and drivers. This type of shaft incorporates steel and graphite into one shaft to get the best of both worlds for each player, to suit all playing types. Generally, the shaft is made using a steel shaft that has a graphite tip.
How long should a 5-iron shaft be?
The following lists what length of shafts you should consider for certain heights. If the crease where your wrist and hand meet to the floor is: 29 to 32 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 inches. 33 to 34 inches = irons should be based on a 5-iron of 37 1/2 inches.
How much does graphite shaft weigh?
Graphite shafts are much lighter, less durable and more expensive in comparison to steel shafts, and weigh between 50 and 85 grams – around half the weight of a steel shaft! These light-weight shafts help to provide a greater swing speed for more power, however, it sacrifices control due to the flex generated in the swing.
What is the difference between steel shafts and graphite shafts?
Steel shafts are much heavier, more durable and are generally less expensive than their graphite counterpart s. They are often made from carbon steel, but stainless steel is sometimes used, and start at 120 grams.
What is the first thing to decide on golf shafts?
The first thing is to decide is what type of golf shafts you would prefer, followed by shaft flex, kick-point, torque rating and length. Each of these different aspects of golf club shafts that can influence the performance of your club, and each must be carefully considered before you put in an order. Read on to find out all about how ...
What is the kick point of a golf shot?
The shaft kick-point – also known as flex-point – is the point where the shaft bends and affects the trajectory of the shot. Although the effect is only small, it is still measurable.
What is flex in golf clubs?
Put simply, the flex determines a golf club shaft’s ability to bend during a swing, affecting the distance and direction. Therefore, getting the right flex in your golf clubs is important.