Buying Guide to Golf Clubs

Mark Twain once wrote that "Golf is a good walk spoiled." Whether or not that's true, a bad set of clubs can definitely spoil the game of golf. And while the clubs don't make the golfer, having a proper set can greatly increase your chances for improving your game (read: shaving off some easy strokes) and not spoiling golf's good walk.

But where do you start? Full sets of clubs can be found anywhere between Wal-Mart and the pro shop, and the prices on those clubs has a range as big as John Daly's drives. So when looking for a good set of clubs, it's important to ask yourself a few questions to make sure you get the set of slicers you need.

What kind of golfer am I? Proper clubs are important for the beginner, the frustrated hacker, and the low handicapper. But in order to better match yourself to a set of clubs, it's important to understand what kind of player you are. Your needs as a beginner will generally be different than if you've made a few trips around the links; it follows that that difference usually has a lot to do with skill level. So even though it might be a painful process for some, understanding your current level of play will give you a big head start on finding the right clubs for you.

Where am I looking to improve? This is almost as important as knowing what kind of golfer you are. Most players know where their strengths lie on the golf course. But knowing where you need to improve and sharing that with your local pro shop can help focus your search for the right clubs, and may help cut costs and the amount of time it takes to search for the right sticks.

Can I get my ego out of the way? Alright, this may be a little unfair. But too often golfers will choose equipment that is difficult to use in order to keep their image as a power hitter or a professional-grade player intact. If image is more important than shooting better than a triple bogey on every hole, then stiff shafts and low-angle drivers are the way to go. But they can be incredibly difficult to hit. Of course, if improving your game is what's on your mind, then swallowing even a little bit of pride and choosing more forgiving club features can go a long way in making you look and feel like a pro.

What clubs do I need? If you already have a set of clubs and they are of a proper fit and style, but you're interested in upgrading, consider upgrading only the clubs you wish to play better. While it's generally not a good idea to break up a set of irons (3-9 for most golfers), it's not uncommon to find golfers who like different brands or types of woods, wedges and putters based on the feel of the club in the situation in which it will be played most.

What's my budget? After considering the kind of golfer you are and the kind of clubs you think you want, it's time to cut the field down based on your budget. You should have a good idea of the amount of money you'd like to spend on your clubs, but and shopping around pro shops and online should give you a good idea of the price ranges with which you'll be dealing.

While new clubs won't make a hacker look like Tiger overnight, choosing the right size and type of club for your playing style is one of the best ways to improve your game without lessons or extensive practice on a new style of swing. And in a game where bad habits seem to spring up almost intuitively, being able to shave some strokes off your game with little effort is what most golfers would call a dream.