Golf Clubs Buyers Guide

Playing with the right clubs makes a huge difference to any golfer, whether a professional or a beginner. If you are just starting out, it is important to know what to look for. A set of clubs is generally made up of a number of driving clubs (1, 3 & 5 - wood or metal) and a number of irons (normally 7), a sand wedge to get out of bunkers and a putter to putt the final distance into the hole.

Choosing the right equipment for you, according to experience, age, weight and height can make a huge difference. Spending some time getting advice and trying out clubs is essential and well worth it. Look through this guide to give you a better idea of how to shop for golf clubs.

Your first shot on any course will be from the tee. Experienced players will use a driver. If you are a beginner, you will probably find it easier to tee off with a 3 or 4 iron as the long shaft on a driver means that there is less control and if you don't hit the ball centrally, it will go off at more of an angle.

The most important thing to look at when buying a driver is the degree of loft, which will vary between 9 and 12 degrees. The higher the degree of loft, the easier it is to hit the ball up in the air, so beginners should opt for a club with a high loft. As you improve, reducing the loft on the club helps you hit further. A driver should have a medium sized head so that if you hit the ball off centre, you should still end up with a reasonable shot.

You will need a full or half set of irons to take you from the fairway to the green. Irons are numbered clubs which go all the way up to 9. The numbers reflect the angle of the club face -beginners will usually feel happiest with the highest numbered irons. However, the lower the number of the iron, the further the ball will go.
Most sets will start with a 3 iron. A 3 iron can be useful on the tee until you are confident with a driver. You can buy a 1 or 2 iron, but they are difficult to use and mainly for more advanced players.

You will also need a 5 iron, a 7 iron and a 9 iron as a minimum, and if you decide to buy a full set straight away a 4 iron, a 6 iron and an 8 iron. A pitching wedge and a sand wedge (handy for getting out of bunkers) make up the set.

You may also want more woods - usually a 3 and a 5, especially if you have been playing a little while. Higher numbered woods are easier to hit than a driver as they have higher loft and can be handy for distance on the fairway.

Last but not least, you will need a putter. This is shaped slightly differently from an iron so that you can hit the ball along the green and into the hole. No matter how far you can drive the ball, you will never score well if you can't putt the ball in two or less shots once it is on the green.

Most golfers prefer putters with heel and toe weighting as this produces a larger sweet spot (the part on the face of the club where you should hit the ball). It's the same idea as in tennis - the larger the head of the racket, the easier it is to hit the ball. Having the weight in the heel and toe of the putter will help you hit straighter.

After that, the shape of the putter is very much personal preference. There are two extremes, from the blade putter (with the shaft attached at one end of the head) to the mallet (which is heavier and is shaped like a D if you look at it from the top). There are various designs and sizes in between. You will find a heavier putter is harder to twist off line while a lighter one may give you more feel for the surface.

The most important rule in choosing any club is to opt for the one you feel most comfortable with. Do try out clubs at your local driving range or in a professional's shop. You need to see which clubs suit you best and check that you have the right grip and length.
Which material do I want?
Wood is rarely used these days. Heads and shafts can be made from almost anything, e.g., stainless steel, aluminium, nickel, copper, titanium and ceramic. Titanium is increasingly popular in club heads because it is light. What you choose will depend on your budget and preference.

If you are a beginner, a graphite shaft will be better than steel as it allows the club to flex more, providing greater distance. Steel is better for more experienced players who want greater accuracy. Graphite is light, so it is often better if you are older - say over 60 - female or junior.

Check the lie and the length
The lie is the angle between the shaft and base of the club. It's important to check this since getting it wrong will affect your shot. If the club is the right length, the base will sit comfortably on the ground. If it is too long, the toe will point upwards too much. If it is too short, the heel will be off the ground.
Grip thickness
Ideally when the left hand is closed around the handle, the last three fingers should be quite close to the base of the thumb. Too great a gap will mean you don't have enough control or hand action. If the grip is too thin, the club will not sit snugly in your hand.

Most manufacturers will have two ranges, for say 7 - 10 year olds and 11 - 14 year olds. Don't be tempted to cut down adult clubs. This changes the nature of the club and makes the shaft stiffer. Children need thinner grips, flexible shafts and lightweight heads.

As much as you want to spend - but it doesn't have to be expensive, especially if you shop around. Remember to add on a bag and wood covers if necessary. A half set of irons, one wood, a putter and a bag can be as little as £100. A set of ladies' intermediate clubs should be around £300 - £400. A set of leading brand clubs for an experienced golfer could be closer to £2,500.

Beginner

1. Irons 3, 5, 7 & 9 plus 4, 6 & 8 for a full set.
2. A pitching wedge.
3. A sanding wedge.
4. A putter.

More Experienced

1. As above plus;
2. A driver (1 wood).
3. 3, 5 & 7 woods.

1. Check the length of the clubs.

2. Check the lie.

3. Make sure the weight of the material is appropriate for you.

4. Check the flexibility of the material.

5. Ask yourself what you are aiming for - distance or precision?

6. Test the clubs out if you can.

7. Also think about what else you'll need - a bag, wood covers, balls, gloves etc.