Buying a set of golf clubs is a significant outlay that requires consideration. If you get clubs that don't suit your set-up and swing, you won't get good results from them and your game will suffer. It's possible you could subconsciously adapt your swing and develop poor habits.
By putting together a 14-club set that is right for you, you will play better and enjoy the game a great deal more. It's important then to do some research before you make a decision. You want to get the best golf clubs for you at the right price. There are a huge number of options on the market today but our advice here should give you a good starting point to simplify the buying process. These below, are five great tips for how to choose golf clubs and get the best set possible.
Be Realistic
Most golfers now have access to gaining an official handicap but even if you don't you know what skill level you're at. If you're just starting out, keep a note of your scores and see what you might tend to shoot over 18 holes.
It's important to be honest where you are in your journey through the game. Most golf clubs are designed to suit players of a particular skill level. Broadly speaking this can be split into - Tour level and professional golfers, low handicappers, mid handicappers and high handicappers - the latter category will generally include beginners and game improvers.
You might like the look of a set of shiny blade irons but they probably won't help you improve your golf and post your best scores. If you're a higher handicapper, you will likely want to use game improvement irons, the most forgiving drivers and even mallet putters to make the game as easy as possible.
Know Your Strengths And Weaknesses
Your scoring (or handicap) gives you a good idea of your ability but it's important to break it down a little more before you decide on what clubs will suit you best. As an example, you might strike the ball well but without too much distance. In that case, you might benefit from a driver, irons, a ball designed for players with lower swing speeds.
Manufacturers are always innovating and looking for ways to help amateur golfers. The latest technologies can change your game so it's worth exploring what's out there for game improvers and higher handicappers.
You need to figure out whether you want more forgiveness, greater accuracy, increased distance, more workability. There are clubs out there that can help. For that reason, a good strategy before you start shopping for clubs is to draw up a list of your strengths and weaknesses in all parts of the game. Data from systems like Arccos Golf can help you identify these more easily, which is something worth considering if you're serious about improving.
Read Our Reviews
If you're buying a car, you'll read the reviews and you should do the same when your considering new golf clubs. A great starting point are the latest Golf Monthly reviews.
Our equipment team is constantly testing the best golf drivers, fairway woods, hybrids, wedges and putters. They make comparisons between different brands and give you the lowdown on the strengths and weaknesses of different clubs. They also advise on who these clubs will suit best. We frequently put clubs up against each other to give you an ever better idea of how various clubs perform and which ones stand out versus their competitive set.
Get Custom Fitted
All golfers are made different and we all have different swings with different angles and different speeds. This makes golf club custom fitting a crucial part of choosing new clubs. Making a significant purchase like new clubs merits going the extra step to make sure they are ideally suited to your game.
Custom fitting will tell you launch angle, club and ball speed, angle of attack, and so much more, including advice on what shafts are suitable. The custom fit experts can use this data to ensure your clubs are suited to your swing. This will give you the best chance of improving performance. You'll find custom fittings at:
- Golf clubs with fitting studios
- Golf superstores, such as American Golf (UK) and PGA Tour Superstore (US)
- Demo days
- Brands' national fitting centres
- Independent fitters
You should always speak to a qualified PGA professional when choosing clubs. They will take the chance to see your game and get a feel for your strengths and weaknesses. They can advise on the right equipment for you. There might be a custom fitting fee but it may even be waived if you make a purchase.
Consider Second Hand Clubs
Used golf clubs can offer up more affordable alternatives for golfers looking to invest in 'new' golf clubs. This route is a good one to go down if you're just taking up the game for the first time and want to see if golf is for you. Retailers like golfclubs4cash have thousands of golf clubs to choose from and there are often some real bargains to be had, as we've discovered in our retro review video series this year. They often allow you to return the clubs within a certain period if you don't get on with them.
When deciding if you should buy second hand golf clubs, it very much comes down to budget. They won't be shiny brand new or have the wow factor of the latest clubs that are completely brand new or be perfectly fitted to your swing, but they will likely perform better than you expected at a much lower overall cost. They also offer the chance for experimentation with a new type of club, or get refamiliarised with a club you used to like using many years ago.
Finding A Deal
Golf Monthly would always recommend a custom fitting when you're choosing clubs. But, if you know what you want and are happy to buy from the shelf, Golf Monthly can find you the best deals so you can complete your golfing set-up just how you want it.
We create multiple buyers' guides on every aspect of the game - such as the best golf tops, best golf drivers, best golf shoes and so much more. For buying advice, they are second to none.
Don't fly blind when it comes to making a purchase as substantial as new clubs. When choosing new golf clubs, use Golf Monthly to point you in the right direction!
