will actually cut through the deep rough to strike the ball. All of a sudden, that 130 yard safe play can be an aggressive attempt to save birdie. Putters and wedges are “feel” clubs. The only way to find “your” club is by the club’s feel when you swing. More often than not, the best wedges and putters for you, are going to be made by different companies. Many golfers who play with graphite shafts find steel shafts to be too stiff and rigid. But in a good loft wedge, that’s what you want. Stiffness and good hands is the key to the touch aspect of the short swing. So the wedge that came with your graphite shaft probably isn’t going to cut the short stuff. A putter is another club that is all about feel. If you don’t have a short stick that feels comfortable in your hands, that can be a real problem.
Now that you’re feeling your swing, let’s talk equipment. Now, there aren’t many of us that can utilize the potential of a $2000 set of clubs. However, most of us do have a basic set that we’ve grown comfortable with. As long as your clubs were made in the last 6 or 7 years and haven’t been wrapped around a tree, yet, they’re probably adequate.
A good way to choose the club that’s best for your swing is to find a “demo day” near you. Early in the season is the best time to find a demo day. It’s common to find a golf pro at these events... ask them questions, that’s why they’re there. Sure they’ll be pushing certain products, and take that into consideration when making your decision. Spend a few extra bucks for the name brands. They spend the most on club development, and so should you. Ping, Titleist , Calloway, Taylor Made, Nike, and Cleveland are very well respected club manufacturers... but you already know this. Ultimately, you are the only one that can choose the right club for you. Pros can give suggestions on what to look for, but what really matters is how the club feels in your hands as you swing and striking through the ball.
The clubs that should be considered for replacement are drivers, wedges, putters, and rescue clubs. Despite the knowledge that each club has it’s own use, we rarely use good club judgment. Besides, why hit a 3 wood off the tee box when you could feed that big dog, right? If you’re going to use that big dog, why not make it the big dog that makes your buddies drool the moment you pull that head cover off. Choose wisely though, the wrong driver could make those “buddies” of yours fall to the ground in laughter in lieu of that sweet snap hook into the lumberyard.
Your swing is happening, your bag is filled with your perfect custom set... time to get out and practice, right? Not exactly. Every couple of years, it’s a good idea to take a lesson or two. This is a particularly useful method of keeping those pesky bad habits at bay. Over the years, our bodies change. Accordingly, our swing adapts to those physical changes. Reasonable fitness and an occasional lesson from a trusted golf pro can help keep our minds and bodies on the same page, allowing us to play consistent golf for decades.
Rescue clubs are becoming a must in players bag. These are irons that act like woods... and vice versa. Really, the most practical use for the rescue club is when you’ve just butchered your 300 yard drive into the deep rough, 50 yards down the fairway. Normally, you would grab your favorite long iron, and settle for the safe fairway lie. Now, you can swing a big club that
So get out with your friends. Swing away! Drive for show, and putt for dough... no pressure. The game of golf can get pretty intense, mind over matter type stuff. If you need a mental nap mid round? Pack a one-hitter to help you forget about that botched approach on number 12. If anyone asks, just say you’re “taking a whack at the bat”, and smile. kush 99
Regular moderate stretching reduces risk of injury and promotes muscle health. If you were to do these activities while you’re not golfing regularly, you might even lose some lbs. while everyone else is packin ‘em on for the winter.