How do you know what to look for when choosing golf clubs? 10 irons, 3 woods and a putter are the typical makeup of a golfer’s bag, although it is up the rules of golf allow you to put up to 14 clubs in your bag, and they can be of your choosing. But these clubs need to be the best clubs for you in order to play golf well. The following are things to look for when choosing golf clubs.
Clubhead
The clubhead is the main feature of any club and is typically the first thing a player will decide upon before any other attribute. This is the part of the club that actually hits the golf ball. It controls both the height and the distance the ball will end up traveling. Clubheads are designed with each manufacturer’s specific technology attributes and are geared towards a specific player’s ability, but they all perform the same job—strike the golf and propel it forward through the air.
Hosel
The next factor in choosing your golf clubs relates to the hosel. This is the part of the club that connects the shaft to the clubhead. It controls the lie angle of the club. The lie angle is the angle between the sole of the club head and the shaft. Players sometimes need their lie angles adjusted based on their height, arm length or swing style. If you need the shaft bent to increase that angle then you have an “upright” lie and if you decrease that angle you have a “flat” lie.
Granite or Steel
Now you need to decide on the material of your shaft. Graphite shafts are lighter than the alternative, steel, however, they are more expensive. These are recommended for novice players or someone with a slower than average swing speed. More advanced players often choose steel shafts because they already have a quick wing speed, and steel clubs then help them with accuracy.
Grip Thickness
Now it is time to choose the thickness of your club’s grip. You want to find a balance between too thin and too thick. The proper-sized grip should allow the middle and ring fingers on your left hand to just barely graze the pad of your thumb when you hold the club. If your fingers can’t touch your thumb, the grip is too big and if your fingers dig into the pad, it is too thin.
Choosing your golf clubs is not small feat. You have to decide on the clubhead, hosel, material and grip thickness that best meets your needs. The time spent researching and finding the best clubs for you will only enhance your game though, so it is time well spent!