Golfing Equipment Basics - Equipment Tips For New Golfers

Golfing for a beginner is an often written about topic, yet an area which is grossly overlooked is what kind of equipment should beginners start out with?

There are lengthy books on developing the correct swing, practice tips and even training, but unfortunately the golfer who is just starting out to play golf, is left at the mercy of the pro-shop salesmen to buy his or her beginner's golf equipment. Big, brand name sports equipment manufacturers spend a lot of money on advertising in order to persuade the unknowing customer that they have the best clubs and balls and equipment for you.

They get your favorite sports stars to endorse their products making them look like an even more lucrative bargain. However, every one is not a Tiger Woods and will not require the kind of equipment he uses from day one of learning to golf.

Using the driver that Tiger Woods does, will not enable you to use it to your best ability and you are best suited for a driver that matches your playing style. Similarly, for golf balls and other beginner's golf equipment, it is the same case.

What to use:

Golf Clubs

Golf clubs are going to be your most expensive purchase and therefore you should spend a lot of time researching on a set of clubs which will work best for you. It is advisable to not go by brands as this can be misleading so try and focus on what works for you, as they will affect the way you play golf.

Golf clubs are primarily made of Graphite and Steel. There are alternative materials too, like carbon fibre and titanium and composite alloys, but it is best to stick to the tried and trusted steel and graphite.

Steel shafted clubs are far more durable than either graphite or carbon fibre, and they are stronger too, but they are also heavier to use and carry around. They also have better accuracy and control as compared to graphite shafted clubs.

They also have a far lower level of twisting, but do not have the same effective range as graphite shafted golf clubs. You will require more power and a faster swing to make your golf balls go an extra distance.

These work best for beginners as they help beginners starting out to develop their control and accuracy. They are also used by golfers who have a slightly faster swing speed than normal.

Graphite shafted clubs are far more expensive and they are not as durable or robust as steel shafted golf clubs. They also generate large power levels, with a slower swing speed and are therefore effective as driver clubs.

As they are also lighter than steel clubs they can generate faster swing speeds, which will take your ball farther. Although they take your ball farther, they also have downside which is an associated loss of control over the ball on behalf of the flex created while swinging.

Graphite clubs are also easier to swing as they vibrate less with the impact to the ball, and are better suited to women and senior golfers who may have problems generating enough swing speed to manage a steel shafted golf club properly.

Choosing a correct shaft flex or level of stiffness for the club is important too.

Golfing pros use a high level of stiffness for they can generate high swing speeds at the club head, and are therefore able to generate more power from a stiff flex.

Golf Balls

It is quite pointless to spend a lot of money on pro level golf balls, when you can buy good golf balls at a dollar each at Wal-Mart. When you start playing golf as a beginner, you will lose a lot of your balls so you need to take this into consideration.

It might seem very cool to play with a pro level ball, but it will not affect your skill development or your game in any manner at this point. Once you become more proficient in your golfing skills, you can then move up in golf ball quality from standard golf balls to professional quality golf balls.

Gloves

Golfing gloves are really a matter of personal preference. The professionals on TV might wear them, but they are not really necessary unless you have extra sweaty hands or it is raining when you play.

If you do feel you need one then you can buy a leather one at any sporting store for $5-$10 but using a glove is not a necessity.

Golf Shoes

Golf shoes are essential while golfing for they will prevent you from slipping while swinging, which can happen. They can be purchased for as little as $50, all you need to ensure is that they are comfortable and you are wearing socks underneath.

This is about the entire beginner's golf equipment you might need to start off. You will also require golf tees and divot repair tools, which can be purchased for a few cents at any pro shop.

You will also need a permanent marker to mark your balls with and a golf bag to carry your clubs around.


Copyright (c) 2008 Dave Talbot