Golf Club Tips for Beginners
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Purchasing and maintaining the right golf equipment is almost as important an aspect of learning to play as the swing itself. Most players put themselves under an immediate handicap by choosing clubs that are ill suited to their needs. Following these guidelines will allow you to purchase and get the most out of your equipment.
Since the late 1930s, golf rules limit the number of clubs a player can carry to 14. Beyond that, the individual may choose an additional club to cover any potential weakness. A basic set of clubs includes three woods. A One wood, also known as the Driver, a Three Wood, a Five Wood, three through nine irons, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a putter.
Golf has become more complicated over the years. The production of different woods, irons, wedges, shafts, putters and club heads offers endless combinations.
The higher handicap player has taken to the concept of the utility wood. These lofted woods are ideal for shots off the tee, fairway, or out of the rough, and are much easier to hit than a long iron. Oversize perimeter weighted woods are now a popular choice. The traditional wooden-headed woods are becoming rare. The benefits of the oversize metal woods are aimed at ease of play. The wider weight distribution in the oversize head creates a bigger sweet spot, meaning the club is more forgiving.
Finding the best shaft is much more than aesthetics. Customization can help a player`s game dramatically. The perfect shaft has a direct correlation to the power and speed of one`s swing. If you get it wrong, the game can be much more difficult than it needs to be.
If the shaft is too stiff this can result in the club head being behind the hands at impact. This will push the ball to the right. A shaft with too much flex will have the opposite effect, and the ball will fly to the left. A stiff shafted club is most suited to a powerful, high speed swing. A weaker, more deliberate swing requires a little more flexibility.
It is not uncommon to find up to three wedges in a golf bag these days. Specialized wedges are now produced to cover nearly all possible situations. In addition to a wide range of lofts, wedges now feature graphite or brass inserts that are designed to give extra control.
Choosing the right putter is more about feel than any other club. It is a personal decision the golfer has to make when selecting his golf equipment. There are no hard and fast rules for putter choices. Keep in mind you do not need to match the same manufacturer of putter with the remainder of your golf clubs.
You will find a variety of long shafts, short shafts, molded grips, center of gravity adjustments, and line markings. It is well worth testing as many types as possible before deciding upon your favorite.
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