Ten Things To Consider When Buying Golf Clubs

The process of buying golf clubs can be overwhelming - especially with all of the different types of irons and woods on the market today. Before shelling out your hard-earned cash, there are a few important things you should consider.

Most beginning golfers don't understand that there's simply no such thing as a one-size-fits-all set of golf clubs. Even the off-the-rack sets have personalities of their own. Your goal when buying golf clubs is to find a set that matches your overall golfing personality.

Golf Club Characteristics

When you go shopping for a new set of clubs, here are the top 10 most important things to consider...

1. Length of clubs
2. Type of clubhead
3. Loaner program
4. Your feel for the clubs
5. The "look" of the clubs
6. Custom fitting options
7. Club line history
8. Availability
9. Club lofts
10. Club weights

Length of clubs

Using an ill-fitted set of clubs is the most common equipment mistake that beginners make. Clubs that are too short or too long force the golfer to compensate and adapt incorrectly with their swings. This compensations manifests itself into poor posture, stance, and all-around bad swing habits.

When buying golf clubs, most sets you find will be in average lengths. If you're taller or shorter than average, shop for your clubs at a store that offers club fitting services. They can trim or extend the lengths of the clubs quickly and inexpensively.

Type of Clubhead

There are a few different types or variations of iron clubheads to consider when buying golf clubs. These types are:

• Forged
• Investment Cast
• Perimeter Weighted
• Oversized
• Hybrid

Forged clubs are preferred mostly by better golfers. They get their name since they are forged into shape from a piece of steel. These clubs offer greater feel and the ability to work the ball - purposefully shaping shots.

There are some easy-to-hit forged clubs on the market; however, if you're just starting out, I recommend you stay away from forged clubs. There are easier clubs to hit on the market.

Investment cast clubs are made by pouring hot steel into a mold. Almost always, investment cast clubs are perimeter weighted and therefore, easier to hit. The weight of the clubhead is distributed in and around the clubhead's sweet spot. This perimeter weighting helps correct shots that have been mis-hit.

Most irons today are perimeter weighted which makes them much easier to hit than the traditional forged, blade style irons.

You'll also find irons that are oversized. The clubhead is larger than average which gives you a greater surface area for hitting the ball. Simply seeing a larger club when you address the ball also really helps to boost swing confidence.

In recent years there's been a surge in hybrid irons. In hybrid sets, the higher and middle irons are traditionally shaped. However the 5, 4 and 3 irons start to look more like woods. And they're easier to hit than their iron counterparts.

If you're a beginning golfer buying golf clubs, my recommendation is to look for perimeter weighted irons that have a slightly oversized hitting area. These clubs will be the easiest to hit and you'll be able to enjoy your clubs for years.

Loaner Program

When shopping for golf clubs, make sure to find a store that offers a loaner program. With some kind of security deposit (usually a credit card number), they'll let you take a demo set of clubs out for a test drive for a week.

When it comes to buying golf clubs, there's no substitute for being able to try out your clubs on the range or course before you buy.

Your Feel For the Clubs

As mentioned above, make sure to hit any set of clubs before you buy them. This can be in an indoor hitting net or, better yet, outside on a driving range. Only after hitting the clubs will you be able to judge whether or not you like the feeling you get when you hit them.

Every set of clubs has a certain feel. Some clubs you'll like, others you won't. But take them for a swing before you buy - otherwise, you won't know if you like the feel or not until after you've purchased them.

The "Look" Of The Clubs

Vanity aside, you have to like the way your clubs look. Believe it or not, how you feel about the look of your clubs can have a lot to do with your swing confidence. As you address and stand over the ball, you need to like the way your clubs look as you line them up to the target..

It's hard to describe this "look" in words...as you evaluate different clubs, you'll understand what I mean. If you're stuck between two equally matched set of clubs, go with the set that has greater visual appeal.

Custom Fitting Options

In addition to changing club length, when buying golf clubs you should make your purchase from a store that offers custom fitting options. Tailored to your body, swing style and skill level, custom-fitted clubs can help make positive differences in your game.

If you use a set of clubs that aren't fitted for you, you'll develop bad habits right from the start. For example, if your clubs are too short, you'll have to lean over too much to reach the club. This excessive leaning will lead to developing a poor swing path.

Having a club fitting session doesn't necessarily mean your new clubs will need to be altered in any way. Many people can use clubs right off the rack. But it's a good idea to get fitted and make sure you are using clubs that fit.

Club Line History

If you're a runner, you'll appreciate this one...have you ever fallen in love with a style of running shoes only to find the line discontinued after a couple of years? It can be the same frustrating experience with golf clubs.

When you look at different sets of clubs, ask the person helping you about the history of the particular brand and line of clubs you're interested in.

Avoid buying golf clubs that radically change their design from year to year. And avoid clubs that don't have at least one previous version of the same club you're looking at. Here's why...

You're spending a lot of time and money buying golf clubs. You'll really get to know your clubs as you develop your game. It's nice to know that, when it's time to get a new set, chances are, the brand you bought will still be around.

Availability

Never - and I mean never, buy a set of clubs that have been discontinued. With such limited availability, if you break or lose a club, you'll be up the creek without a 5 iron!

Make sure the clubs you're interested in are readily available at a variety of retail and online stores. If you ever need to replace a club, you'll want to know that you can get a replacement quickly.

Having several stores to pick from will also likely mean you will find (or can negotiate) a lower price for your clubs.

Club Lofts

Most club lofts are pretty standard. Some sets, however - especially for the higher handicapper - have a bit higher loft to them. Loft is the angle of the clubface. Having a higher loft typically makes it easier to get the ball airborne.

If you're just starting out and really torn between two or three sets of clubs, go with the set that has the higher lofts on each club. This extra loft will make your new clubs easier to hit.

Club Weights

The unit of measure that a golf club weight is calculated is called the swing weight. Some clubs have higher (or heavier) swing weights than others. While most club sets have fairly similar swing weights, there are some variances you should consider.

If you're a beginner, you may want to stick with a set of clubs that has a lower (or lighter) swing weight. Having a lighter club will make it a tad easier for you to generate more clubhead speed.

If you tend to swing the club really, really fast, try a set of clubs with a heavier swing weight. This extra weight will help you slow down your swing a little bit.

Don't get carried away with club weights - most golf shops can alter this weight for you anytime in the future. But club weight is another important factor when buying golf clubs.

Making Your Purchase

You may have your own set of criteria when buying golf clubs. Here we've tried to highlight the major areas that most golfers should consider in their purchase decision.

The list of options outlined in this article may make the purchase process seem even more complicated. Actually, by defining your purchase criteria ahead of time, you'll be able to focus your time on a limited number of club sets that fit your needs.

Make a list of your criteria before you begin shopping. When you enter a store, provide this list to the salesperson. He or she will be able to quickly point out the clubs that fit your requirements.

If you're an internet shopper, don't be afraid to buy clubs from a reputable online vendor. There are quite a few out there and you often will find lower prices on the internet. Just make sure you have a chance to hit the clubs first!

In addition to buying golf clubs, learn more golf equipment tips here.