In any sport, you’ve got to know your gear in golf clubs. The equipment serves as an extension of your body, so it is crucial to get comfortable with it and make the most out of it. 

When you head into your local golf pro shop, the ocean of golf club options can get overwhelming. You’re presented by brands with different product labels saying they are the “most forgiving” or “produce the best feel”. Taking the label’s word for it is little better than guessing, and you won’t guess if you’re serious about improving your game. The right golf clubs could dramatically change the way you play, the way you handle your swing, or your handicap.  

Choosing the Right Height

Having the correct golf club size is a must when it comes to mastering the art of golf. There are two ways to determine whether you have the golf club that perfectly caters to your mechanic, specifically your height. The first way is to use a cross-referring golf club length calculator. For example, Golf Monthly recommends that when your height measures to 4ft 9″ or 5ft 0″, you have to subtract 2″ from the standard length of the golf club (and so on). 

The second way is to use standard wrist-to-floor measurements. All it takes is standing straight with your feet slightly apart, hands at your sides, then bending your non-writing wrist up. A crease will appear where your wrist and your hand meet where you will begin measuring. 

Characteristics of a Good Golf Club 

Now it’s time to take a closer look at the golf club. Of course, you want it to work for you. You can’t randomly select a golf club to use or your games will suffer. You have to make sure it has the following qualities of a good golf club:

• Perfect grip thickness 

Your grip can make or break your game. If your grip feels off, this may be all it is. You can check your grip on your own. Just hold the club using your middle and ring fingers of your hand while trying to touch the pad with the thumb. A grip is too big if your finger doesn’t touch your thumb. 

• Precise shaft flex 

Do you slice or hook? This might be a case of low shaft flex. Flex represents how much force is needed to transfer energy to the golf ball during your swing. The general rule is to determine your swing speed first. Thankfully, there are golf retail stores and pro shops ready to take this measurement and help you find the right flex for your swing.

• Flawless loft

It’s all about the angle. The best golf club must have a loft based on your clubhead speed. Remember, the loft is the angle formed by a line trailing down the center of the club’s shaft and face. If you observe that your ball goes further than you anticipated, you may have a relatively low loft. Adjusting the loft can have a ripple effect on your performance.  

• Right clubhead 

The bigger the clubhead, the better? Well, there is a better chance of a higher Moment of Inertia (MOI), which means your off-center performance will be better with a larger head. Try different clubhead sizes to see how they perform for you. A good fitter will help you narrow your choices. 

There is a golf club for every golfer. You just need someone to fit them for you. We offer only the best golf clubs for sale in Tulsa. Our clubfitters here at Tour Quality Golf will make sure your clubs each fit you like a glove. Call us at (918) 221-7096 today!

Understanding Golf Clubs

Before diving into the specifics of choosing golf clubs, it’s important to understand the basic types of clubs and their purposes. A standard set of golf clubs typically includes the following:

1. Woods: Used for long-distance shots, woods are designed to hit the ball the farthest. They are typically used for tee shots on par 4 and par 5 holes. The driver (1-wood) is the longest club with the largest head.
2. Irons: Irons are used for a variety of shots from the fairway, rough, and even around the greens. They are numbered from 3 to 9, with the lower numbers designed for longer shots and the higher numbers for shorter, more precise shots.
3. Hybrids: Hybrids combine the characteristics of woods and irons, offering a versatile option for various shots. They are easier to hit than long irons and are often used as a replacement for them.
4. Wedges: Wedges are specialized irons designed for short, high-lofted shots. They include the pitching wedge, sand wedge, gap wedge, and lob wedge, each serving a specific purpose around the green.
5. Putters: Putters are used for the final strokes on the green to roll the ball into the hole. They come in various styles and designs to suit different putting techniques.

Assessing Your Skill Level

Your skill level is a crucial factor in determining the right golf clubs for you. Here’s a breakdown of what to consider based on your experience:

Beginners

For beginners, it’s essential to choose clubs that are forgiving and easy to hit. Look for clubs with the following features:

• Larger Clubheads: Larger clubheads provide a bigger sweet spot, making it easier to make solid contact with the ball.
• Perimeter Weighting: Clubs with perimeter weighting have weight distributed around the edges, increasing forgiveness on off-center hits.
• Graphite Shafts: Graphite shafts are lighter than steel, making them easier to swing and helping generate more clubhead speed.

Intermediate Players

Intermediate players have developed some consistency in their swing and can benefit from clubs that offer a balance of forgiveness and control. Consider the following features:

• Cavity Back Irons: Cavity back irons provide a good mix of forgiveness and control, making them suitable for intermediate players.
• Steel Shafts: Steel shafts offer better control and feedback compared to graphite shafts.
• Custom Fitting: Consider getting your clubs custom-fitted to ensure they match your swing characteristics and improve your performance.

Advanced Players

Advanced players have a consistent swing and a good understanding of their game. They can benefit from clubs that offer more control and workability. Look for clubs with these features:

• Blade Irons: Blade irons offer greater control and feedback, allowing advanced players to shape their shots.
• Lower Handicaps: Clubs designed for lower handicaps typically have smaller clubheads and less perimeter weighting, providing more control.
• Customization: Advanced players should consider custom fitting to fine-tune their clubs to their specific preferences and swing characteristics.

Understanding Club Fitting

Club fitting is a crucial step in selecting the right golf clubs. A professional fitting can help you find clubs that match your swing, body type, and playing style. Here are the key aspects of club fitting:

1. Length

The length of your golf clubs should match your height and arm length. Clubs that are too long or too short can affect your swing mechanics and consistency. A professional fitter can measure you to determine the ideal club length.

2. Lie Angle

The lie angle is the angle between the club’s shaft and the ground when the club is at address. A correct lie angle ensures that the club’s sole is flat on the ground at impact, promoting accurate shots. An incorrect lie angle can cause the ball to veer off course.

3. Loft

The loft of a club affects the trajectory and distance of your shots. Different clubs have varying lofts to achieve different shot heights and distances. A fitter can help you determine the right lofts for your clubs based on your swing and playing style.

4. Shaft Flex

The flex of the shaft influences how the club feels during the swing and how it performs. Shafts come in various flexes, including extra stiff, stiff, regular, senior, and ladies. The right shaft flex depends on your swing speed and tempo. A fitter can help you find the appropriate flex for your game.

5. Grip Size

The grip size should fit comfortably in your hands. A grip that is too small or too large can affect your grip pressure and swing mechanics. A professional fitter can recommend the right grip size for you.

Types of Golf Clubs and Their Uses

Let’s take a closer look at each type of golf club and its specific uses:

1. Woods

• Driver: The driver, or 1-wood, is used for tee shots on long holes. It has the lowest loft (usually between 8-13 degrees) and the longest shaft, designed to hit the ball the farthest.
• Fairway Woods: Fairway woods, such as 3-wood and 5-wood, have higher lofts than the driver and are used for long shots from the fairway or rough. They provide a balance of distance and accuracy.

2. Irons

• Long Irons (3-4): Long irons are used for long-distance shots and have lower lofts. They require a higher skill level to hit consistently.
• Mid Irons (5-7): Mid irons are versatile clubs used for a variety of shots from the fairway and rough. They offer a balance of distance and accuracy.
• Short Irons (8-9): Short irons are used for shorter, more precise shots. They have higher lofts and are designed for better control and accuracy.

3. Hybrids

Hybrids combine the characteristics of woods and irons, making them easier to hit than long irons. They are versatile clubs used for various shots, including tee shots, fairway shots, and rough shots.

4. Wedges

• Pitching Wedge (PW): The pitching wedge has a loft of around 45-50 degrees and is used for approach shots to the green.
• Sand Wedge (SW): The sand wedge has a loft of around 54-58 degrees and is designed for bunker shots and short approach shots.
• Gap Wedge (GW): The gap wedge fills the gap between the pitching wedge and sand wedge, with a loft of around 50-54 degrees.
• Lob Wedge (LW): The lob wedge has the highest loft (58-64 degrees) and is used for short, high shots around the green.

5. Putters

Putters are used for the final strokes on the green to roll the ball into the hole. They come in various styles, including blade, mallet, and counterbalanced putters, each offering different feel and performance characteristics.

Choosing the Right Set of Golf Clubs

When choosing a set of golf clubs, consider the following factors to ensure you make the right choice:

1. Budget

Golf clubs come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end models. Determine your budget before shopping and look for clubs that offer the best value within your price range.

2. Brand and Quality

Reputable golf club brands are known for their quality and performance. Research different brands and read reviews to find clubs that have a good reputation and meet your needs.

3. Complete Sets vs. Individual Clubs

Beginners may benefit from purchasing a complete set of clubs, which includes all the essential clubs needed to start playing. Intermediate and advanced players might prefer to buy individual clubs to customize their set based on their specific preferences and needs.

4. Try Before You Buy

If possible, try out different clubs before making a purchase. Many golf stores have demo clubs available for testing, and some courses offer club fitting services that allow you to try various clubs on the range.

5. Custom Fitting

Investing in a custom fitting can significantly improve your performance. A professional fitter can tailor the clubs to your specific swing and preferences, ensuring you get the best possible fit.

Maintaining Your Golf Clubs

Once you’ve selected the right golf clubs, proper maintenance is essential to keep them in top condition. Here are some tips for maintaining your clubs:

1. Clean Regularly

Clean your clubs after each round to remove dirt and grass. Use a soft brush and mild soap to clean the clubheads and a damp cloth to wipe down the shafts.

2. Check for Damage

Regularly inspect your clubs for signs of damage, such as dents, cracks, or loose grips. Address any issues promptly to prevent further damage and maintain performance.

3. Store Properly

Store your clubs in a cool, dry place to prevent rust and corrosion. Use headcovers to protect the clubheads and keep the shafts from getting scratched.

4. Re-grip as Needed

Over time, grips can become worn and lose their tackiness. Replace the grips as needed to ensure a comfortable and secure hold.

Conclusion

Choosing the right golf clubs is a critical step in improving your game and enjoying your time on the course. By understanding the different types of clubs, assessing your skill level, and investing in a custom fitting, you can find clubs that enhance your performance and suit your playing style.

Whether you’re a beginner looking for a forgiving set of clubs or an advanced player seeking precision and control, the right golf clubs can make a significant difference in your game. Take the time to research, try out different options, and invest in quality equipment that will help you achieve your golfing goals.

For those in the Tulsa area, Tour Quality Golf offers a range of services, including custom fittings and expert advice, to help you find the perfect clubs. Visit us to experience personalized service and take your game to the next level.

Happy golfing!

Experience the Tour Quality Difference

At Tour Quality Golf, we’re dedicated to helping golfers at every stage of their journey. It is to unlock their full potential on the course. Our state-of-the-art indoor golf simulation facility provides the perfect environment. It is to test out custom clubs and fine-tune your game with expert guidance from our team of professionals.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to get started on the right foot or a seasoned pro striving for that extra edge. Our custom club fitting services are tailored to meet your unique needs and goals. Experience the difference that personalized equipment can make and elevate your game to new heights with Tour Quality Golf.

Ready to take your golf game to the next level? Contact us today at (918) 221-7096 or visit our website to schedule your custom club fitting session. Your journey to better golf starts here.