Choosing The Right Clubs

photo credit: fredcamino   Choosing a set of clubs can be very difficult for most players.  A person that has been playing for many years, knows instantly whether a set of clubs “feels right.”  Relative beginners have no idea what type of feel they like.  More often than not, an over-anxious salesperson will convince a player that  more expensive clubs will ”feel” better (totally untrue). 

Generally, when you stand in the address position and sole a new club you can tell whether it feels good or not.  What ”feels” right is right.  Some golfers would rather have more perimeter weighting and others, a thick upper clubface edge.  Shafts are confusing.

For the past many years graphite has become the standard material for metal woods.  Most really good players still use steel shafts, however.  They (Pro’s) claim the steel is more accurate.

Club Maintenance

photo credit: huangjiahui
One of the best ways to clean your clubs is with warm water and dish soap.  Dish soap works well because it washes thouroughly and rinses quickly and cleanly.  Just add a squirt to a bucket of warm water and your ready to go.  Use an old toothbrush to clean club grooves and a wash cloth for the shafts and grips.

Car wax makes an excellent finish coat, it beautifies, preserves and makes the clubs much easier to clean off and on the course.  The wax creates a slick surface which, believe it or not, contributes to straighter golf shots.  A slick surface helps eliminate sidespin on the golf ball when struck.  There was once a famous golf hustler/gambler that put petroleum jelly on the face of his driver to produce longer, straighter drives.

High Performance Golf Shoes

photo credit: zone41   Today’s golf shoes are miles apart from yesterday’s shoes.  With their leather soles and steel spikes, the older shoes are now considered collectors items.  Back then, Footjoy was the big name in golf shoes but things are much different in today’s game.

Names such as Adidas, Callaway, Etonic, Nike and Ecco are now as familiar as Footjoy; all of these companies are seriously competing to be the number one shoe in golf. 

One of the biggest changes that has modernized the golf shoe is the design of the sole.  The new turf grabbing cleats, and ply-able soles are made from space age rubber and plastics and are water resistant or waterproof.  Compared to the cost of the old fashioned variety, the new high-tech versions are a real bargain.

Driver Loft

photo credit: Mr. McGladderyIs the loft of your driver right for you?  In a recent test conducted by Hot Stix Golf, three different lofts were robot tested.  The lofts were 8.5, 9.5 and 10.5 degrees using four different models. The swing rate was 100 mph. 

It was determined that there is a much higher spin rate when clubhead loft is increased.  In the 10.5 degree category the Cleveland High Bore XLS had the highest spin rate with 3000 rpm.  Next, the TaylorMade Tour Burner with 2900 rpms.  The Nike SZ Sumo was third with 2750 rpms and last, the Callaway Hyper X Tour with 2500 rpm.  It was found that higher spin rates equate to greater carry and distance.  Check out www.hotstixgolf.com for more details.

Not All Golf Balls Are Created Equal

photo credit: diskychickPlaying the right golf ball for your “game” is very important. Ball compression can make the difference. You can find all sorts of complicated explanations but simply put,
faster swing speeds require higher compression golf balls.

Most amateurs use golf balls that are meant for scratch players. Using a high compression golf ball with a swing speed of 80 to 90 mph. can cost precious yardage.

Another factor to consider is “feel.” With outer covers being different, each golf ball will react differently when it’s hit. With a softer cover, the ball will spin more and roll less. A harder cover will mean more roll and a lot less spin. Playing the right ball can save you 2, 3 or more strokes per round.

Short Game Tools

photo credit: TheCamerons There are three important factors for wedges used in the short game: loft, bounce and lie. The loft angle of your clubface determines distance and height of the shot. The bounce angle is the thickness of the leading edge on the bottom of the wedge ( most wedges have between 3 and 16 degrees of bounce. The lie angle of your clubface determines your shaft angle, or how close, or far you stand from the golf ball.

The idea is to have a set of wedges that covers every type of shot. A 58 degree Wedge with an 8 degree bounce is ideal for general usage. Make sure your clubs are fitted to your own personal swing style. If need be, see your local repairman to be fitted.