Matching the right set of golf clubs to you is undoubtedly a huge part of your score out there on the golf course and can make or break you and a player. But buying the most expensive set doesn’t guarantee you anything and can even hurt your game. Yet, getting clubs that are cheap and generic can also limit your potential.
The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay doesn’t want anybody in the golf community to have their potential stunted by something as simple as having the wrong set of clubs, so today’s blog post is all about the things you should consider when buying golf clubs. Read up, start shopping and then become a member of this beautiful and private golf community today!
Determine Your Skill Level
This can be done by yourself if you are capable of being honest about where your game is at. If you’re a beginner, then it’s pretty straightforward that you should seek clubs that are best suited for new golfers. If you’re intermediate, then realize you can purchase a set that allows you to continue to grow, but that isn’t too advanced for your current skill level.
Ideally, you’ve gone to a pro shop that specializes in golf equipment and they have a pro or expert who can advise you on which clubs would likely be a strong option for your skill level. They should watch you swing and many places now have simulators to measure swing speed and other useful information. This can also help you determine which clubs specifically you should carry in your bag and the type of clubs (their size, shape, etc) to complement your game.
Choose the Right Irons
Essentially, there are two main types of irons you can choose from and how to decide between the two is actually quite easy. The first is muscle-back irons, also commonly known as blade irons, which are what professional and elite golfers use. These irons allow for more shot-shape control and spin, which is why strong golfers use them. However, most golfers are not advanced enough to truly gain the rewards of muscle-back irons in contrast to the disadvantages (they are much less forgiving).
The second type of iron is the cavity back, which is made with a hollowed-out rear of the club head. This offers a player a wider sweet spot due to its perimeter weighting (the club head is significantly heavier than the shaft), lessening the need for a perfect ball strike. These irons are easier to swing on plane and make it possible to hit a ball accurately without striking the center of the iron’s face. This should be the iron selection for all beginner and intermediate golfers.
Try Before You Buy
The only way to truly know how the clubs will feel and perform with your unique swing is to actually try them out by hitting real balls. Today, it’s easier than ever thanks to golf simulators, which are available at most every legitimate golf shop. This provides you the chance to hit balls without a commitment to buy as well as hit balls with a knowing, watchful eye and advanced metrics to match a great-fitting club. This is true for irons and drivers (or woods) and you should try any club you’re considering buying before making the final decision. You’ll know which set felt best to you.
Get Them Fitted
Almost no two golfers are the same. Even if you have the same height and weight dimensions as a friend or fellow club member who recommended a set of clubs they like, there’s a solid chance your swing plane, swing speed, posture, etc are incredibly different. Fitting clubs is an excellent investment, especially for intermediate golfers looking to lower their scores because they are made to you individually. This includes the length, flex and material of your clubs’ shafts, which should be suited for your swing speed in particular.
Shafts that are too flexible for high swing speeds will create inaccuracy, while shafts that are too stiff for slower swing speeds will rob you of distance potential. This could also include which set you get, meaning the specific irons in the set of clubs. Some sets are 4-iron through sand wedge, while others may be 3-iron through pitching wedge only. Consider whether you like hybrid clubs (so a 4-iron through sand wedge is likely best) or if you are a strong long-iron hitter (so you’ll definitely want a 3 iron in your bag). Specialty wedges (lob wedges, different degrees of sand wedge, etc) are usually on sale separately as are drivers, woods, hybrid clubs and putters for intermediate players looking for a truly custom-fitted bag.
Drive for Show, Putt for Dough
Unless you are a beginner who is looking for a cheap, easy solution (only recommended for players who only rarely hit the golf course), you’re going to need to purchase a driver and putter separately as most sets of clubs are for irons only — some maybe going down to the sand wedge.
Don’t feel the need to buy all your clubs in the same brand if a certain iron felt great, but the driver from another manufacturer suited you best. Most club-makers have different types of drivers, so there’s still a good chance you can find a great iron, driver and woods/wedges suited for your swing from the same company. Like the irons, it is important to fit the best shaft for your swing speed, but also the proper degree (10.5 is typical for intermediate golfers) and head shape.
When it comes to putters, there are seemingly infinite options out there from head shape and size, to shaft angle, weight distribution and length. The only way to know is to try them all out until you find a putter that feels great and allows you to consistently roll the ball smoothly and on line. And to reiterate, mostly ignore the price tag when taking any and all of these steps. Expensive does not mean better, certainly not for you individually. Whatever feels the best and shows actual results when trying the clubs should be your sole decision-influencer.
Play at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay Today!
Once you have found and purchases the perfect set up clubs for you, you’ll want to get out there and play as much as possible! By joining the golf community at The Peninsula on the Indian River Bay, you have access to an award-winning, private Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course right on the gorgeous Delaware shore. Contact Insight Homes today!