Finding the Proper Golf Equipment

Be Honest With Yourself

Check your ego at the door and be honest about your golf ability. Most golfers could use a little help with their game, but are often too proud to take advantage of the new technology that is available to the average golfer. Keep in mind that golf is a challenging sport, so make it more enjoyable by getting some great equipment.

So now that we have determined that your name is not Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson or Steve Stricker, let’s do a quick assessment of your skill level. There are basically 3 types of golfers: Beginners, Intermediate, and Advanced. Let’s take a look at each level.

The Beginners: This group of golfers needs the most help but can also get away with fewer clubs and spending less . Here is what you need if you fall into this category:

• 3 Wood (don’t mess with a driver yet – unless you like the look of a banana slice on every shot)
• 5 Wood/Hybrid (this club will be for longer shots off the fairway)
• Irons: 5, 7, 9, PW
• Sand Wedge (optional)
• Putter (an alignment aid on the putter head is helpful)
• Standard off the rack clubs will be absolutely fine at this point, unless you are way above or way below average height (5’9” for men and 5’4” for females).
• You will want to buy the most forgiving clubs available – look for key words such as: Oversize, Cavity Back, Perimeter-Weighted, Offset and Forgiving.
• At this point you should be able to put together a great set for under $150-$200 and can do so @ http://www.holen1golfmn.com/

The Intermediate Golfer: Most golfers fall into this range and shoot consistently in the 80’s-90’s for 18 holes. This is the range where ego can become a bit of a problem. Golfers in the intermediate level should still look for a forgiving club and accompanying shaft. Even at this level, it is probably not time for a custom fit because the swing is not consistent yet. If you are working with a teaching pro that you trust, ask them if you are ready for a custom fit (most shops will tell you that it will help because they will make some big money off of you, so find someone you trust before you make that leap). Here is what you will need:

• Driver: Look for a forgiving option so that your misses don’t land in the next county!
• 3 Wood (14/15 degrees of loft is standard)
• 5 Wood (optional)
• 3 hybrid at minimum and also think about a 4 hybrid (these will replace the hard to hit long irons in your set)
• Iron set (Maximum forgiveness or Game Improvement)
• Wedges (Gap 52-54 degree and Sand 55-58 degree)
• Putter (Mallet or Blade – Your Choice)
• At this point you should be able to put together a great set for under $200-$500 and can do so @ http://www.holen1golfmn.com/

The Advanced Golfer: Only 7% of males and 1% of females fall into this category that shoots in the 70’s consistently for 18 holes. At this level you should definitely be looking to get custom fitted as you have grooved your swing into something that you can trust. Still, be careful of falling into the ego trap of playing what the pro’s play. You can still use a bit of forgiveness and should look to some great options that are available that mix forgiveness with shot shaping ability. Here’s what you need:

• Driver, 3 Wood, 5 Wood/Hybrid or 2
• Irons
• Wedges
• Putter
• An advanced golfer may tend to go more towards high end equipment which can be upwards of $1000, or come to Holen1 Golf and we can hook you up for between $200-$700

Take these items into consideration for your next purchase and be sure to visit us at http://www.holen1golfmn.com/ to make your purchase or discuss options/ best fit for your game.

Come back next week for more golf club advice.

Keeping you in the fairways,

-ACE