I am very fortunate to be involved with a company like Titleist to make sure that I am playing with the best equipment available. A lot of care and time has gone into making sure the clubs I play with, are going to provide optimum performance on the course, and allow me to set up over the ball with complete confidence that I have no equipment issues.
Golf equipment is like tools to a carpenter. Yes, you can finish the job with what you’ve got, but it might take a bit longer and not look as good. Make sure your equipment is right for you, and is tailored to your game. In my opinion, clubfitting is the only way to go. We have qualified clubfitters on hand throughout our facility. From your putter to your driver every club should be looked at by a professional.
Here are my general rules on equipment for different types of people:
Beginners - If you are just starting the game, you are in luck! Lately, the industry has focused much attention on you. Clubs make a huge difference for beginners. A general beginner set should include:
a 12+ degree lofted driver, a 5 wood, and 7 wood
7 iron, 9 iron, PW, SW, and Putter
These 8 clubs are about all you will need to get started.
Ladies - Light weight, easy to hit, and flexible shafts are the key. And because women have the largest range of swing speeds (40mph to 95mph) a ladies’ flex might not be ideal. A typical ladies set should include:
a 12+ degree lofted driver, a 5 wood, and 7 wood (maybe 9 wood and/or utility clubs)
6 iron - SW, and Putter
Men - I am well aware that most men must have an 8.5 degree loft driver with a stiff flex shaft. Be careful, you will feel like you will need to swing harder with a stiff shaft and low lofted driver. When a well fit driver will allow you to swing at a comfortable pace. Remember: its launch angle and spin rate that will optimize distance, not clubhead speed. A typical Men’s set:
10.5 degree lofted driver, 3 wood, 5 wood, 7 wood
4 iron - SW, and Putter
Fast Swingers - The focus is usually on control. Most driver fittings are done with low torque graphite shafts. Steel shafts in your irons will probably be better than graphite. Make sure you can feel the head-weight during your swing. If not, your clubs aren’t heavy enough.
Juniors - Throw those cut down clubs away!! You first clue of improper equipment is when it looks like the club is swinging the junior vs. the junior swinging the club. Junior clubs are cheap and can be resold every other season. Avoid buying clubs that “they will grow into.” Properly fit junior clubs are more important than junior lessons. I’ll say it again, properly fit junior clubs are more important than junior lessons.
Tall People - Make sure you are not buying clubs off the rack. Adjust the lie angle without lengthening the shaft, if at all possible. Longer clubs are heavier and harder to hit.
All - There’s no amount of lessons that will make up for an unfit set of clubs. It doesn’t cost any extra to buy a custom-fit set of clubs. And once your clubs fit, get your lie angle and grips checked every 35 rounds. It’s like wear and tear on you car.