You’ve been round the course a few times, testing your skill with other people’s clubs and have enjoyed it so much you’ve even purchased a pair of golf shoes – now it’s time to take the next step and invest in your very own set of clubs.
But before your fork out what might feel like your life savings on a decent set, have a read of what you should know before making your purchase:
- You don’t need to buy every accessory out there
Golf is a notoriously hard game to master so you need to ensure you are committed before purchasing an expensive set of clubs. You will also need to wear them in; try to be patient on that first visit to the green if your swing isn’t going quite how you imagined.
However, don’t be tempted to buy everything in the golf shop, no matter how much the shop assistant tells you that you need it. Some good golf accessories and equipment that should be considered though (if you’re serious about getting into the game) are: a good sized bag, a battery operated trolley with a spare battery from a specialist such as Pure Drive Batteries, high quality gloves, tees and of course, golf balls in a variety of weight.
- You can try before you buy
Whether it’s in the golf shop or at your club, you should be able to test out a range of the latest clubs to see how they feel. If not, go for a set similar to your friend, who you’ve more than likely played with before.
- Buy clubs that match your ability level
While you might have something to prove and want to play at top tier clubs, it’s important that you do your research and discover what flex to choose for you to suit the way you play. Over in the US you can hire a ‘golf consultant’ who comes in and helps you discover everything from the best clubs to use to which golf community to sign up with for a membership; sadly here in the UK you’ll just have to find a helpful chart and stick to it. They’re probably pretty expensive anyway.
- Stainless steel heads are your best bet
Some golf clubs use alloy heads instead of stainless steel, simply because they are cheaper to manufacture, so it’s a good idea to pay a little more and therefore get your hands on clubs that will last longer by opting for stainless steel. Beginner golfers should also opt for club heads that feature cavity backs (hollowed out backs), perimeter weighted (also known as a heel and toe) and oversized club heads.
- Second hand doesn’t always mean second best
Used clubs are sold for a fraction of their original cost normally and essentially do the same job as a brand new set. A used set will probably require new grips, which are easy enough to replace but if left can really affect your performance.
