| Story Views | |
| Now: | |
| Last Hour: | |
| Last 24 Hours: | |
| Total: | |
When Should I Change My Golf Clubs?
Every year seems to see a vast new range of clubs released that promise untold benefits over even just last year’s incarnation. Golf technology develops rapidly and it is always tempting to want to have the newest gear.
However, if you are considering a change of clubs, why not be sure you are doing it for the right reasons. Do you really need a new set of clubs, or would spending that money on something else be of more benefit to your game?
Let’s find out.
If you are considering changing your clubs then there are only three things to consider:
- Why are you updating your clubs?
This first question is actually rather important as the reason you are updating will determine the benefit you will get from any new set of clubs you purchase. You generally update clubs to either improve the clubs you use, or to facilitate an improvement in your golf game.
If you are updating a set of clubs that is 10+ years old to a new set, then it is likely any new set will offer you a considerable advantage in performance over your current set and this is likely to be a wise move.
Certainly, I can vouch for this when I finally traded in an old set for a brand new a few years ago and the difference when striking the ball with the brand new set, compared to my 10-year old bag, was like playing an entirely different game. I was hitting balls 20-30 yards further with each new club, compared to the old set.
On the other hand, if you are updating your clubs simply because you can afford to each year, or you just don’t like the set you bought relatively recently, then in truth, any benefits to your game from a new set may be virtually indistinguishable at first.
Similarly, considering upgrading to help improve your game and you are a low handicapper, then it’s unlikely you’ll find huge advantage in a new set of clubs immediately, especially if your current set is relatively new.
However, if you are a player who has taken up playing recently and developed their skills to the point where their beginner set is not allowing them to play the shots they want to improve as a player, then it may well be a good time to upgrade.
Beginners sets are more forgiving than those for more experienced players, but they do have disadvantages in terms of distance and control and having a quick talk with a professional about where your game is at compared to your clubs, can be a wise move when it comes to knowing when the time is right to update your clubs based on your game.
- Have I considered the other options available in my price range?
Given how different golf clubs feel when swung, it is absolutely imperative that you buy a set of clubs that is suited to how you play.
You may love the look of a certain make of club, but if you cannot hit that club as well as a different brand, are you wise buying the set of clubs you are going to likely play worse golf with?
It is always good to consider buying a new set of clubs with an open mind. Head to a local pro shop and ask a pro to help you try out a few different clubs in your price range. This service is usually free and is absolutely invaluable in helping you make the right choice as to which clubs to look at more closely.
When you have narrowed down the search to a few, hit different types of shots with different clubs in the set to see which has the best overall feel for you. You may find in one set you hit long irons better, but find it easier to hit wedge shots with a different set.
Remember also, there’s no compunction to buy the putter, wedges or drivers of the same make as the irons, or vice versa.
Rory McIlroy and Tiger Woods may use Nike exclusively but that is because they are paid millions to do so every year. So if you find your Taylor Made irons are fine but the Nike driver works best for you and the Titleist wedges are your strongest, then don’t be afraid to mix and match.
- Am I sure the clubs I want to buy are right for me?
So you’ve narrowed down your search, you have the clubs you want, now it is time to get them fitted to you. As you will already know, Ping clubs come with a custom fitting service included as part of the deal when you purchase them new, but even if you don’t buy a set from Ping, getting your set matched up perfectly for your swing is a wise move.
Whether it is shortening or extending the shaft, changing the grips, adjusting the loft and weighting, a perfectly set up set of clubs is fundamental to playing great golf. You can pick them up confident you can hit the shot you want, when you need it.
And that is money well spent, regardless of what level you play the game.
So remember, you don’t need to upgrade your clubs every year, or even every two years, especially if you keep them in good condition and have them re-grooved frequently, but knowing when to replace your current set is down to more than simply liking the look of the latest big name set.
Source: http://www.gorillagolfblog.com/opinion/when-should-i-change-my-golf-clubs/
When you lose so bad you think you need Rodney Dangerfield’s clubs used in Caddyshack.