How to Choose Golf Clubs
Whether you are new to the game of golf or have been playing for years, owning and using the proper set of clubs is essential to improving and maintaining your game. Irons are used most frequently in the game of golf, so it is especially important to have confidence in and control of these clubs.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Assess Your GameIn order to properly select your next set of golf clubs, it is imperative that you assess your game logically and from an objective perspective. How often do you play? What is your handicap (if you have one)? What type of shots are the most common for you as a player? These are all important questions to consider when searching for a set of irons. Once you have a good idea of your game, you can begin narrowing down your selections.
-
2
Choose Blades or Cavity-Back IronsIrons are divided into two basic categories: blades and cavity-back. Blades are most often used by very low handicappers and professionals, while almost all other golfers prefer to use cavity-back irons. If you have any doubts as to which kind to choose, it probably means you should be using cavity-back irons.Cavity-back irons are named for the cavity situated directly behind the clubface, a hole that helps to create a larger "sweet spot," thereby giving the player much more forgiveness. While they may not be able to generate quite as much distance as a blade, the ability to hit an imperfect shot and still end up in good position is a big draw for most players.
-
-
3
Determine A Price Range and Test Your ClubsSo now that you've decided whether you're going to play blades or cavity-back irons, it's time to head to your local golf retail store. Whether it's a Golf Galaxy, GolfSmith, or other retailer makes no difference, as long as they have a large selection of irons and a designated practice area where you can "test-drive" your irons.The vast number of clubs available can certainly be a bit overwhelming at first, which is why, at this point, it is crucial to establish a price range for your new set of clubs. While you can buy a new set of irons for under $300, if you are serious about your golf game, it's best to start at around $400 and work your way up. Every golfer's budget is different, but just because you spend $500 instead of $1000 does not mean that you will end up with ill-fitted clubs.As for popular brands, Callaway, Cleveland, and Nike are a few of the best-selling, but that shouldn't stop you from trying any and all brands within your price range. Most importantly, hit the clubs SEVERAL TIMES before buying them. Once you've firmly decided which clubs are best suited for you, it's time to get them fitted.
-
4
Ensure the Clubs Are Properly FittedIn order to ensure that your new irons are perfectly suited for you and your golf game, it is important to have a certified club fitter examine your swing and adjust your clubs accordingly. Changes made by a club fitter can include anything from lengthening the shaft to adjust the angle and lie of each individual club. Most golf retailers have certified club fitters in-store so you won't have to travel far to get the most out of your new irons.Even though the process of club fitting can sometimes be tedious and expensive, knowing that you are swinging clubs tailored exclusively to your swing is a comfort on the golf course.
-
5
Play a Round of GolfOnce you've purchased your irons and had them properly fitted, the only thing left to do is hit the course! It may take some time to adjust to your new clubs, especially if you've never owned a set of fitted clubs, but in the end, it will be well worth it. Take the time to go to the driving range before you play a round of golf, just to avoid any of the growing pains associated with a new set of clubs. If you happen to have continuing problems weeks or months after purchasing the clubs, take them back to the store and ask for another fitting to solve the problem.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Avoiding buying your new irons online unless you have hit them in-store and plan on having them custom fitted.
Don't expect new irons to completely change your golf game. They will certainly help, but they cannot solve your swing problems.
Resources
- Photo Credit Public Domain, Callaway Golf
