Choosing the Right Clubs for Yourself

Choosing the Right Clubs for Yourself

By Holly Taylor, Director of PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance

Introduction

At the PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance, we know a thing or two about putting our students in the right set of clubs. In 2012, our facility was ranked one of "America's 100 Best Clubfitters" by Golf Digest. We are proud to provide acclaimed clubfitting services for both professional and everyday golfers. The award above is a testament to our expertise and ability to fit golfers with the best equipment for their game, whether they are a high handicapper or a touring professional. Below are a few ways we can help you.

5 Do's

1. Know your budget - Golf clubs can vary in prices so it's important to have an idea of how much you are looking to spend.

2. Research several brands - Publications such as Golf Digest and GOLF Magazine annually review the latest from major equipment manufacturers. Do your research to see who has the hottest clubs.

3. Get a professional clubfitting - With the right technology and measurements, having a set of clubs custom fit to your specs can make a huge difference in your game. It will increase the number of solid hits during your round. Also, it will increase your distance and give you more consistency, which helps to shave a few strokes off your score.

4. Seek advice from a PGA professional - If you are taking lessons, your golf instructor can be a useful resource in helping choose the right club as they know your swing pretty well.

5. Be open to which clubs you put in your bag - Sets of clubs are completely different now than it was a few years ago. Most golfers don't carry the long irons anymore and everyone should have a least one hybrid in the bag. Your golf instructor and clubfitter can help to decide what set make-up is best for your game.

5 Don't's

1. Don't get stuck on one brand - Be open to swinging clubs of several brands as you go through the clubfitting process. You might discover a brand that feels better and provides you with more distance and accuracy.

2. Don't trash your clubs - Your clubs are an investment in your game. If you do the proper research and fitting, they should last you several years. Keep the head covers on, clean them, change the grips once a year and don't leave them in the trunk of the car. All of these things will keep your clubs looking good and performing well. You still need to practice and play to keep your game in top shape.

3. Don't always buy - If the evidence isn't there, don't buy new clubs. The clubs you have now might be the perfect fit and the latest models are not providing you more distance or accuracy. Keep practicing and wait another year to try out the next generation of clubs. You will be happier in the long run.

4. Don't allow friends to persuade you - If your best friend prefers one brand, this doesn't mean you should to. Get a clubfitting! Listen to your golf instructor or clubfitter, who both have professional experience and can put you in the right set of clubs.

5. Don't be opposed to two sets of clubs - If you travel a lot or have a second home, it might be helpful to have two sets of clubs. In the long run, you can save money on shipping and not have to worry about them being damaged. If you choose to make this investment, I would recommend having both sets properly fit to your swing.

About Holly Taylor

A PGA Professional since 1994, Holly Taylor is the Director of the PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance in Port St. Lucie, Fla. In 2012, she was named by U.S. Kids Golf as one of the "Top 50 Kids Teachers" due to her dedication to junior golfers. From 2005-2010, she was recognized by the PGA President's Council on Growing the Game.

Providing the ultimate learning environment for players of all levels, the PGA Center for Golf Learning & Performance is a 35-acre, leading-edge, golf practice facility with 100 full swing stations and nine bunker types to simulate play from around the world. As the home of PGA of America Golf Schools, it employs world-class technology - such as the Full Swing Golf Simulator and TrackMan Shot Performance game analysis programs. International golf teams train at the award-winning facility, while budding golfers enjoy the Center's new PGA Discover Golf Course.

To learn more, visit www.PGAVillage.com/clp or call 800-800-GOLF.