| A serious or novice golfer faced with the task of buying new golf gear is often confronted by more hype than help. While every type or brand of golf equipment surely has its value, some are more valuable to specific types of players. A new player who is caught up in the enthusiasm of the game can easily end up spending money for golf gear that is not suitable for their skill level. For this reason, "know thyself" is the first cardinal rule in purchasing golf gear. Part of knowing thyself is knowing thy skill level. If you are a beginner, you probably need less equipment rather than more. Since you do not yet know how to swing, there is no need to go through an extensive fitting program. Ask for clubs that fit your strength and general postural alignment. A basic set that includes two or three woods, a handful of irons and a putter are sufficient. Over-sized, perimeter clubs will give you a greater appreciation of the game. Many experts believe that beginners do not need to spend more than $250 on their gear. When you get down to the heart of the matter, the most important feature for intermediate golfers is forgiveness. However, when you are past the beginner level, it is equally important to get yourself custom fit for irons. Even advanced players, who generally have many types of gear to choose from, should also focus on forgiveness. If you are feeling very confident about your skills, you may want to consider mixing perimeter weighting with a more traditional-looking blade design. |