How to Buy Golf Equipment
A Buying Guide for the Golfer in the Making
With the need for specific equipment and clothing, golf can be an expensive hobby. Besides the costs of clubs, clothing and balls, golfers also face green fees, which can be pretty hefty at times. Knowing where to shop and what constitutes as essential to the game can help beginners get a thrifty start in the sport. The following is a recommended list of basics, and tips on how to shop for golf equipment.
Golf Clubs & Sets
Learning and understanding the purpose of each club in your bag will assist you in making good buying decisions when investing in your next set of golf clubs. The swing test will be your ultimate guide, but these few helpful hints will assist you before you hit the Links.
** Basic golf sets will include a driver, 2 woods, and a set of eight irons (3 through 9, plus a pitching wedge). Hybrids, specially wedges and putters are usually sold separately.
- Drivers – The #1 Wood (Driver) sports the largest head, lowest degree and longest shaft of all your clubs and therefore produces the furthest drives. The distances you can achieve depend on the shaft flexibility you choose.
- Woods – #3, #5 and #7 Woods are used off the fairway and are available in steel and graphite with both stiff and regular shafts.
- Hybrids – Hybrid clubs were initially developed to replace harder to hit, long irons. With larger club heads similar to fairway woods, their deeper centre of gravity makes it much easier to hit the ball higher and farther. Shots tend to land more softly with less roll. Hybrids are available in woods and irons.
- Irons – Irons are considered the core of the golf set and are available in two different styles. The Blade is suited to the more experienced golfer as it provides greater ball control. The Cavity Back is more appropriate for the mid to high handicapper as it picks up the ball more easily.
- Wedges – Wedges are used for achieving higher shorter shots and are essential to your set. The higher the loft on a club, the higher the ball will go, although distance will be compromised. Different types of wedges to consider for your set are: Pitching, Sand, Gap and Loft.
- Putters – Putters come in two different styles. Mallets sport a large rounded head and provide balanced weight for a more consistent putting stroke for less experienced golfers. Blade putters are easily identified by their long, flat, narrow head and are popular among low handicappers.
Ladies' Golf Clubs:
Clubs specifically designed for ladies tend to be lighter for faster swings, and about an inch shorter than regular men's clubs. The shafts are usually more flexible than men's clubs providing greater distance potential with less swing speed.
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Men's Golf Clubs:
Club shafts are available in 2 materials: graphite and steel. Graphite absorbs shock in a swing, and although lighter to allow for greater swing speed and power, it sacrifices control. Steel is stronger, more durable and less expensive but is better suited to a more experienced golfer, as it requires a faster swing to generate the same distance as graphite.
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Golf Bags & Carts
Walking 18-holes, whether it is a good or a bad day of golf, can be hard on the body. Rolling golf carts are lightweight and compact for those who like to walk the course, but prefer not to carry their clubs. Today's ergonomic designs increase the comfort and safety of carry bags, and you are guaranteed a great work out during the round without compromising your back. If you prefer to drive the course, there is a good selection of lighter, less cumbersome cart bags on the market too.
Golf Balls
It can be pretty challenging to choose your golf balls when each of your many options is designed for a particular swing style or skill level. The silver lining is that when selected appropriately, a golf ball can really improve your game.
The core, cover, dimple pattern, and compression of a ball all cater to the varying needs of a golfer. Balls are most commonly designed to increase distance, control, and spin.
Balls designed for added control will address hooking and slicing tendencies, while balls designed to create backspin offer greater control to a more experienced golfer. And, as their name suggests, balls designed for distance will achieve just that!
Golf Apparel & Shoes
Golf is known as “The Gentleman's (er... and Gentle Woman's?) Sport” and most golf courses have dress codes that uphold this mantra. Men are expected to wear collared shirts with a sleeve, along with short or long pants. Women are expected to wear collared shirts, which may be sleeveless if desired. Shorts should be no more than an inch or two above the knee for both men and women. Denim is never acceptable!
A light wind shirt is hugely useful in a golfer's wardrobe - it doesn't require much room in your golf bag, provides light protection from inclement weather, and shouldn't interfere with your swing.
Canadian courses generally view golf sandals as suitable attire but country clubs and international courses may require your foot to be completely covered. Most courses no longer allow metal spikes but they can often be switched out for the plastic varieties, which just screw in and out of the sole of your golf shoe.
Whether you choose to wear a golf glove or not is a matter of personal preference. Its main function is to provide a better grip on the club during the long game.
Golf Training Aids & Accessories
Even professionals like Tiger Woods continue to learn and develop themselves as golfers every day. There are endless learning aids on the market ranging from books on mastering the psychology of golf, to electric practice putting cups. Check out our selection and choose what's right for you.
Bugaboo: the stylish and compact way to get your little one...
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