Few golfers, even the true greats of the game, would argue with the statement that golf is a challenging and often difficult sport. As with any game, the difficulty naturally increases if a player is using the wrong equipment, and finding the right set of golf clubs can be the difference between an average round of golf and a spectacular one. How can you find a set of clubs that perfectly matches your abilities?
Jay Oh is a marketing and sales manager at the New York Golf Center. An avid golfer for 15 years and a former instructor, Oh has worked with golfers of all levels. He offers these guidelines for shopping for a quality set of golf clubs that meets all of your needs:
- A good pro shop
According to Oh, the first thing you should do is find a quality pro shop in your area. Don't be afraid to ask a lot of questions—make sure that the staff members are both knowledgeable and helpful. You don't want to deal with a salesman who is only after a commission; you want someone who is committed to helping you improve your game.
- Custom fit
A good pro shop will have the ability to custom fit your irons. If they cannot do this, keep looking. You're not going to want to use irons that are right off the shelf.
- Quality irons
Oh believes that the perfect set of irons is the starting point for the perfect set of golf clubs. He uses a soup analogy: if you begin with good stock, you can add what you want and wind up with a great soup.
- Fill out your set
Once you've bought your irons, you can slowly begin to add your remaining clubs—your three wood, your five wood, and your driver. As you spend money on each item, you'll get closer to the ultimate set of clubs.
- A good investment
Oh stresses that quality golf clubs do not come cheap, but if you're an avid golfer who will be playing for years and years to come, the price can be an investment in your happiness. And if you consider how much better you'll play with the right set of clubs, it may seem like a very small price indeed.
For more information on golf and golf clubs, check out the following organizations and websites:
Golf Bytes Golf Links
www.golfbytes.com
Keepers of the Game
www.keepersofthegame.org
The Professional Golfers Association of America
www.pga.com
The United States Golf Association
www.usga.org
Golf Club Links from Linkaway Golf
www.linkaway.com
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