Golf Clubs Buyers Guide

Different golf clubs are designed to do different jobs. A typical set of clubs is comprised of at least twelve clubs with special additional clubs such as another wood and iron thrown in the bag as well.

Basic Club Set

Every golfer should have a basic set of golf clubs to bring to the fairway. A basic set of clubs should consist of:

·         1-wood (driver)

·         3-wood

·         5-wood

·         3-9 irons

·         pitching wedge (iron)

·         putters

·         other woods

Club Head Composition

Golf club heads are made from a variety of materials. Beginner sets and putters are made primarily from Zinc and Aluminum alloys. Large drivers are made from much harder aluminum while a much softer stainless steel (431) is used to manufacture high quality iron heads. A harder steel (17-4) is used in quality irons and wood heads. Titanium, the most expensive material used to make club heads, provides lighter weight and more strength. It is used in the best end woods.

Woods

Stainless steel woods offer a more classic looking club however. Small in appearance, they are much heavier than titanium woods. Titanium is more lightweight and offers larger club heads and a sweet spot.

Irons

Irons are forged with two types of steel, cast/perimeter weighted and forged steel. Cast/perimeter weighted irons have a large sweet spot because they are more weighted on the outside of the club. Forged steel irons are composed of softer metal making the club more difficult to hit the ball with. However, mid-to-low handicappers find that they work best for them.

Wedges (uses)

High trajectory with a lot of loft is one of the features of wedges. They are used to complete a specific task. There are three types of wedges available: a Pitching wedge, a Sand wedge and a Gap wedge.

Pitching wedge – Used for shots from the fairway into the green.

Sand wedge- Used to dig the ball out of a sand trap without causing a lot of damage.

Lob wedge- Used to make short-distance shots around the green.

Gap wedge - Used when for results between those achieved with a pitching wedge and lob wedge.

Club Head Sizing

Club heads come in three sizes: standard, midsize, and oversized. Standard sizes allow ease of control with a small sweet spot. Mid-sizes offer less weight than oversized clubs and a larger sweet spot than standards. Oversized offers a large sweet spot but with less control.

Club Shafts

Woods and irons can come with steel shafts or graphite shafts. Steel shafts offer more durability and control but they are heavier than graphite shafts. Graphite shafts offer less durability but are more lightweight. They do cost more than steel however. Here is a comparison.

Consider using graphite shafts in your woods if:

·         You are a woman

·         You are a senior

·         You are a baby boomer

·         You have joint problems

·         You want to play a longer driver

·         You have pretty good swing speed tempo and are younger

·         You are an average player who wants to play better

·         You have a slower swing and want to add distance

Shaft Flex – Shaft flex is basically the amount of flex in a shaft. Beginners need more flex than experienced golfers do.  Shaft flex comes in different levels: A, regular, stiff/firm/extra stiff and Uniflex. “A” shaft flex is made especially for seniors, while regular shaft flex is designed for golfers with speed swings of 75-90mph (average players). Stiff/firm/extra shaft flex would better suit swing speeds of 90-110mph (more advanced golfers). And lastly, Uniflex shaft flex is the most versatile type catering to most swing speeds.

Grips

One of the most important parts of a club is the grip. It is also the least expensive part of the club. Grips should be changed often because they have a tendency to oxidize, harden, become slick and will eventually lose their gripping ability. Look for the highest quality of grip, but not the highest grip factor to get better than normal wear from. They will offer better longevity.

Pricing

Golf club prices are based on the type of club. Here is an example of what you can expect to pay for clubs. Individual clubs in some instances may actually cost more than a fill set of clubs. It’s always best to shop around to get the best prices possible.

·         Drivers will cost from £129.68 to over £172.90

·         Irons will cost from £360.23 to over £489.91

·         Putters will cost from £51.87 to over £69.16

·         Wedges will cost from £51.87 to over £69.16

·         Woods will cost from £86.44 to over £144.06

·         Right handed wood club set will cost approximately £53.59

·         Junior set of clubs will cost approximately £63.38

·         Complete women’s set will cost approximately £115.25

·         Complete women’s set will cost approximately £115.25