A Guide to Picking Golf Clubs

A Guide to Picking Golf Clubs

In order for golfers to make the most of their skills, a set of clubs that suits their particular game is vital. Prior to purchase, there are several important considerations. Many golfers assume that the most expensive set of clubs will bring about the greatest improvement in their golf game. The maxim, "you get what you pay for," certainly holds true in the case of golf clubs. However, it is wrong to assume that the cost of a set of golf clubs is directly proportional to the level of game improvement brought about by such clubs.

Drivers

The longest hitting club in the bag and often the most expensive, the driver gets most use from the tee at par-4 and par-5 holes. A tricky club to master, it requires both power and control. Modern driver heads tend to be larger than their predecessors, lightweight materials such as titanium offering a larger head with no added weight. This leads to a larger "sweet spot," allowing novice golfers better control and more yardage. The 2010 Adams Speedline 9032LS features a 460cc clubhead, some 17% larger than the previous model, offering extra forgiveness and distance.

Hybrid Clubs

"Hybrid" or "utility" clubs are a relatively recent addition to the golf bag, their design incorporating the best features of iron and fairway woods. They are particularly popular with beginners as their low centre of gravity makes them very forgiving, allowing for more consistent ball striking, ease of getting the ball airborne, reducing the effects of off-centre strikes and improving accuracy. Novices tend to replace the "harder to hit" 2-, 3- and 4-irons with no.3 and no. 5 hybrids. New for 2010, the Titleist 909F2 has a larger face, with a low centre of gravity (CG), for high-trajectory, confidence-boosting shots

Wedges

There are a whole host of (very expensive) speciality wedges supplied by the major manufacturers. However, for all but the best players, the pitching wedge and sand wedge, supplied as standard with many iron sets, should prove adequate.

Irons

For beginners and intermediate golfers, so-called "game improvement" irons may prove the best pick. Their peripheral weighting and low CG offer excellent forgiveness to less than perfect strikes, with high-launch trajectory and improved accuracy. The 2010 Cleveland CG7 Black Pearl irons, although expensive, are beautiful looking clubs, with an attractive black pearl finish. They are extremely forgiving, with laser-milled grooves to held hold the ball on the green. Available in 3-SW, a Tour version is also available for the more accomplished golfer.

Putters

Even the best golfers may struggle with aligning putts and striking the ball cleanly from the centre of the clubface. Thus, any aids to these putting fundamentals are desirable qualities in a putter. The 2010 Cleveland T-Frame mallet-style putter incorporates a dominant "T" feature to aid correct alignment. The majority of the weight of the clubhead has been redistributed towards the rear, creating a high moment of inertia, increasing forgiveness for marginally off-centre strikes.

The choice as to which golfing attire to adopt is also an important factor in performance on the golf course. Properly fitting, waterproof shoes will ensure comfort during the many miles walked and avoid painful blisters.