Buying your first set of golf clubs can seem daunting with all the choices out there. To take away some of the confusion I have listed some things to keep in mind before you go out to get your first set of golf clubs.
Be Clear About Your Golf Goals
If you identify realistic goals before you set out to buy, it will make the process of buying clubs much easier. If you're deeply committed to golf and plan to play every day, then obviously you'll want to spend more time, money and effort on a set of clubs than if you only intend to play twice a year with your brother-in-law.
Assessing Your Levels of Dedication and Interest
By honestly assessing your dedication to golf, you can more easily determine how much to spend, and on what quality of clubs. How much will you be practicing? Will you be willing to take lessons? If you aren't willing to go that far, then you're probably better off going with a cheaper pair of clubs. If you plan to practice regularly, and take lessons, then you may want something more expensive.
New or Used Clubs?
Used clubs are probably a good choice if you aren't sure about your commitment or have a history of taking up hobbies and losing interest in them after a short time. Because they'll be cheaper than new clubs, they can be replaced more easily later.
Budgeting
A set of clubs can be extremely expensive. If you have enough money and you're willing to spend on top-quality equipment, then by all means do so. However, for most people the amount of money spent will correlate to how dedicated they are. A good idea for if you're just setting out, though, is to look for an inexpensive first set - that way, you won't have wasted as much money if you don't continue playing.
Shaft Options - The Basics
The two differences in golf shafts that beginners should keep in mind are shaft composition (graphite or steel) and shaft flex (the amount of bend in the shaft during your swing). Steel is sturdier and cheaper, but graphite is lighter, so it will generate more swing speed. Women and older players will benefit most from graphite shafts that have a softer flex. Stronger, younger men may go with regular or stiffer shafts, but remember that many teaching say too many golfers use shafts with too much stiffness. If you'd like to get more details about proper shaft selection consider getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a 272 page ebook created especially for the novice golfer.
Getting a Clubfitting
If you're getting a new set of clubs, a clubfitting is an option. A clubfitting, lasting about half an hour, is an option offered by many teaching pros. If you don't want that, at least getting a measurement in a pro shop will ensure that the clubs you choose are well-suited to your body. If you are a 5-foot-10 male, then the standard clubs straight off the rack will fit you. However, if that description doesn't fit you very well, you might want to get fitted.
Easier Golf with the Right Clubs
Of course, nothing will take the place of a good swing, but as a novice golfer you can make it easier on yourself by choosing clubs that are designed specifically for higher-handicappers - known as "game improvement clubs". You should choose irons that are cavity-backed and perimeter-weighted. Investigate "hybrid" sets, in which utility clubs replace the long irons - that is, the 3-, 4- and occasionally 5-irons. Go for more loft (i.e. 12 degrees), not less, when choosing a driver. Don't pay attention to what kind of clubs the Tour players use.
Ask Questions, Seek Advice
If you have friends who play, ask them for advice. Ask at a pro shop or golf pro for recommendations. Get some idea of what you're really looking for. When you've done all this, and you're ready to buy, remember to shop around. Range and price will always differ from one outlet to another, whether you're shopping at pro shops, department stores, or garage sales. Just keep in mind your price range and only buy clubs within that range. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a great resource for new golfers.
Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Golf Balls
Size of the ball
Weight of the ball
A golf ball's weight must not exceed 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g according to the "Rules of Golf". The heavier the ball, the greater its momentum, and the less it would be slowed down by air resistance. Hence it would tend to fly further. For this reason most manufacturers produce golf balls with the heaviest sanctioned weight of 1.620 oz./ 45.93 g.
Compression Rates
In the manufacturing process, some two-piece, and all three-piece balls are rated by their compression measurements. This is done by pressuring them with a standard weight
Balls that don't deform at all are rated Compression 200, while balls that deform by 0.2" or above are rated Compression 0. These are the two extremes, and between them balls are rated in intervals of 0.001 inches. The Standard Compression rate is usually 90 or 100. the higher the compression rate the harder the feel, and vice versa. Almost every ball is subject to a compression rating. Compression rates of 80 and 100 are also found.
However, manufacturers are not bound by an official standard. Hence one manufacturer's compression rate of 100 can be different to another manufacturer's compression rate of 100. This can mount up to a 3.5 point difference in either direction. In addition, some balls don't even have the compression rate printed on them.
According to a host of surveys, low speed swing players are better off using balls with a Compression rate of 80. Players with an average speed swing should choose Compression 100, and Compression 110 is best for high swing speed players.
The weather should always be taken into consideration when deciding on compression rates to use. Low compression balls are best for colder weather, while high compression balls perform better in hot weather.
Tips for choosing the right balls for you:
Considerations for Driving
Distance balls are designed to fly further and with more accuracy. This means you will be less likely to land in the rough, in a hazard, or out of bounds. Distance balls have their drawbacks, however, as they will be harder to stop on the green. Mid to high handicappers should favor a distance ball. If you would like more detailed advice we recommend getting the Golf Beginner Guide, a great resource for new golfers. On 272 pages it covers every aspect of golf, and for just $29.50 we think this is money well spent.Optimum Performance in Your Approach
Spin balls are made with outer layers that take on more spin when you strike them with angled club faces. Drawing or fading around obstacles and hazards therefore becomes easier, as they will bend more to the left or right. They also take on more backspin when struck with a lofted club - this is important, as the balls will therefore stop more quickly on the green.
Whilst spin balls used to be made with fragile outer layers that were prone to damage, this problem has now been largely averted with the introduction of solid multilayer construction, replacing the old flimsy balata covers.
Getting More Control
Distance balls designed to stop quickly when on the green, but with minimum risk of slicing or hooking are known as control balls. The Nike One and Titleist Pro V1 are members of the new generation of balls that are so versatile they will perform in any situation.
Balls for Slow Swingers
Known variously as Ladies or Senior balls, these balls increase driving distance to improve the scores of players with slower, less powerful swings.
Choosing the Right Putting Ball
Differently designed balls will roll for different distances on the green. As a rule of thumb, harder balls role further. The difference is more than you would think. Teaching professionals recommend that you putt with the same kind of ball all the time, as this will help you to calibrate, feel, learn and reproduce the connection between stroke strength and distance. As most balls aren't perfectly balanced, they won't roll absolutely true, but higher quality balls will be generally more likely to stay on course, due to higher standards of quality control during manufacture.Affordability
Try to always play with the same balls that you practice with. So if you can't afford to practice with a high quality ball, don't switch when playing competitions. A ball that has been overused will no longer be spherical, and so is no good to you. Play balls that you can afford to replace regularly.
Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Golf Beginner Guide. This 272 page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think this every Golfer should have it, especially beginners.
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A Few Keys to Efficient Golf Practice
Whether it's in baseball, hockey, soccer, tennis or any other sports that involves a ball, there is a feeling of immense satisfaction and pride that comes from hitting the ball solidly. Nowhere does this apply more than in golf, where the small ball goes where it wants on anything but a solid shot.
If you want to hit the ball solidly on a consistent basis, the only way is through practice and more practice.
Though you may not think so, the best time to practice is right after a round. Everything that didn't work for you during the round is fresh in your mind, and your body and mind are ready to go. Failure to work consistently on the shots that regularly give you the most trouble means your game won't soon improve.
The key to maximizing your efficiency in practice is creating 'real' situations. Ideally, you would mirror what happened in your round and employ your best swings. Also work on hitting balls from every bad lie you can think of. Obviously, it's extra important to practice if you haven't played for a while.
Boost your game further by visualizing a round of golf during lunch or breaks, on your way to or home from work, etc. Imagine taking many good swings and hitting a great shot each time. See your entire body flowing in unison through each shot, completely tension-free. This isn't useless preparation. You are increasing your muscle memory and preparing them for the next round.
If you enjoy other sports, you can transfer movements in these sports to help your golf game. For instance, the way you shift your weight on a tennis backhand shot is very similar to the bodyweight transfer on a golf shot. Use the tennis experience to remember what you need to do on the links. For detailed steps on how to swing properly we suggest you pick up a copy of the Golf Beginner Guide - it's a 272 page ebook full of great advice, tips and lessons in golf.
When you're hitting a lot of balls in one session, remember to take a break between swings. You will avoid mental and physical exhaustion and can use the time to process what you've learned or accomplished. Remember, you're not out there to hit a thousand shots, rather a few beautiful ones. Hitting 20-30 balls at a time is sufficient practice, especially if the majority of these are struck on the sweet spot of the clubface.
To hit a more accurate shot and promote better contact, pull out your favorite iron and try this exercise: take two tees and stick them in the ground a couple of inches apart. (You can also use two balls.) Try (air)swinging your iron through the tees without hitting them. Start with partial swings and work your way up to full swings as you get better at avoiding the tees. Soon you will be hitting the ball more solidly.
It may sound corny, but don't forget the feeling of a good shot. Memorize it and internalize it, then practice it and you will soon be able to produce it consistently. It's very easy to lose the feeling of a great shot because there are so many variables that went into hit, from hand position, proper grip and good pre-swing body alignment to the right ball position, clubface impact and follow-through.
Source: The above information is just a small morsel taken from the Golf Beginner Guide. This 272 page ebook is full of golf tips and advice like the above, and for just $29.50 we think this every Golfer should have it, especially beginners.
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