How To Pick Golf Clubs

As a newcomer or beginner to golf, your first visit to a sporting goods store to buy yourself golf clubs can prove to be stressful. After all, many different types and brands of golf clubs exist. For many beginners, buying the wrong type of club is a mistake everyone makes and eventually learns from. 

Instead of spending money on clubs that don’t work for you, here is a guide on how to pick golf clubs appropriate to your skill level, body type, and personal preferences.

Know What Clubs You Need

There are four main types of golf clubs, each an asset to your play. Woods are meant for distance and are used for long shots off the tee or fairway. In contrast, irons are more versatile and ideal for approach shots to the green.

Wedges are designed for short shots around the green and out of bunkers. Putters are for putting on the green and come in many shapes and sizes.

Don’t buy expert clubs if you’re a beginner. If your skill level is not advanced, there is no reason to purchase high-end golf clubs. Always buy for your skillset.

Sign Up to a Golf Club Trade-In Service

A golf club trade in makes upgrading your clubs easy. Trade in what you have for better clubs and constantly upgrade your game to the next best club. This is how you can build an inventory of high-quality clubs without overspending.

Move Past Beginner Clubs

When you’re ready to move past beginner golf clubs, do so. Beginner clubs are user-friendly and help elevate the golf ball even if your swing, contact, and technique are not spot-on. Beginner clubs are large clubfaced and equipped with shorter shafts. At a certain point, you will be ready to move on and use more efficient, high-quality clubs to do the work.

Work Within Your Budget

Golf clubs can cost thousands, but they don’t have to. Have a budget. No one needs to break the bank for quality clubs. You can even trade in golf clubs later if you want an upgrade.

Don’t Be Swayed By a Sale or Seller

Don’t let a salesperson or a golf club sale sway your decision on how to pick golf clubs. It’s not about selecting what’s the best deal or what’s most trendy. It’s about finding the club that is right for you.

Clubhead Materials Matter

You must know a bit about your playing style to buy the right golf clubs. Clubheads are made of stainless steel, titanium, or composite materials. Steel is affordable and strong. However, titanium is lighter and provides more distance on a shot.

Get Your Shaft Flex and Material Right

Shaft flexibility can be regular, stiff, or extra stiff. What you need depends on your swing speed and feel preference. Consider the shaft material, such as steel, which is stiffer, or graphite, which is lighter and can help increase swing speed.

Stick with a Short Driver

Your driver is the main club you pull out at the start of each hole. It does not need to be lengthy. A shorter driver will have the power and control you want. The average PGA Tour driver length is 44.5 inches long. Anything longer will be more difficult to control, and you won’t get the best results.

Get Your Golf Clubs Professionally Fitted

Ensure the golf clubs you choose are the right fit for you. A professional can assess your swing, take body measurements, and use other factors to determine which clubs are best for someone in your position. Professional fitting is necessary if you truly want to optimize gameplay.

Consider Club Brand

Many golf club manufacturers exist. Research the different brands. Read reviews. Pay attention to other golfers and ask which clubs offer the best performance. Remember that what aligns with someone else’s playing style may not necessarily align with yours.

Try Out the Golf Clubs

Before you pick and buy any golf club, always try it first. Never choose a golf club until you’ve tried a swing or two. If there’s a hitting bay or simulator you can use to test them on, give them a test run. Pay attention to how they feel in your hand.

Consider a Half-Set

You don’t need to buy an entire bundle. Buy a half-set if you’re just starting. Learning how to use this will be easier on your budget and won’t be as overwhelming. The more developed your technique becomes, the more clubs you can add.