High priced equipment does not always net low scores
By: Jeff Sinkiewicz on 07/12/10 11:13 PM
The first thing you need to do before purchasing new or used equipment is evaluate your game and goals as a golfer. There are so many choices in drivers, woods, irons, wedges and balls that it can get confusing for some and I will try to simplify things for those of you that are having a hard time making a decision.If you are a golfer that plays on average 2-3 times a week, than getting fitted for clubs and balls is not a bad idea but if you are happy smacking it around with a few buddies with a bag full of “Bud-dies” than, just find something that fits your budget. So lets start with, what is your handicap?
Your probably asking, what does my handicap have to do with buying equipment? Well if you are an 18 handicap and want to rush out on Monday morning to spend over $1200 on a set of TP R-9?s because Paul Goydos shot a 59 that weekend, you need to get your head examined. The truth of the matter is that those sticks will probably hurt a bogey golfers game. I am not saying to run to Walmart and get your next set, what I am saying is that you need to get clubs that fit your game. Blade irons are very difficult to hit and are recommended to the low single digit players. Get yourself a nice set of cavity back irons like Ping or Callaway. They are very forgiving and easy to hit.
What I have noticed with drivers is that players are buying them based on looks versus performance. This is the one club in the bag you absolutely need to demo and get fitted for. If you can’t get off tee, your day is ruined from shot #1.Pay attention to the loft and stiffness of the shaft, there are several factors in purchasing a that new big dog. For instance, most Titleist drivers have a very small “sweet spot” and if you don’t hit it on the screws, you will be screwed. The Taylormade Burner seems to be one of the most forgiving drivers out there and a personal preference of mine.
When it comes down to choosing a putter, handicap doesn’t come into play as much, comfort and feel are the two major factors not to mention name recognition like Ping, Titleist, Taylormade, Odyssey and Nike just to name a few. You need to feel comfortable standing over that 3 foot putt. I have a whole putters buying guide on my site that you can view for more options.
The last thing we need to talk about is golf balls. Just like all the other items I have talked about, there are low end balls and high end balls. Obviously if you are a single digit handicap, you will most likely be hitting Pro-V’s, Callaway Tours or Bridgestone B330?s because you can control the spin as well as drawing or fading your shots where the lower end balls don’t allow that. I am not saying a bogey golfer should be hitting say Top Flites at 5 bucks a bushel but you really don’t need a $3 ball either. There are plenty of mid-priced balls like the NXT or Warbird that will suit you just fine.
The bottom line is buy the equipment that fits your game and don’t go trying to fit your game into that set of clubs you can’t live without. The reality is that a good golfer can hit any set of clubs regardless of the price and be successful. I have seen 5 handicap players, swinging TopFlite Irons and knocking around any ball they found on the previous hole. Get what you can afford and have fun using what ever you purchase.
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