Know Your Skill Level

Beginner

  • Look for game-improvement clubs with larger clubheads and more forgiveness.

Intermediate

  • Choose clubs that offer a mix of forgiveness and control.

** You may start customizing shaft flex, lofts, or grip size.

Advanced

  • Prioritize feel, shot-shaping ability, and precise fitting.
  • Players’ irons or blades may be appropriate.
  • Get Properly Fitted (If Possible)

Key fitting factors include

  • Shaft flex (based on swing speed)
  • Lie angle (affects ball direction)
  • Club length
  • Grip size
  • Swing weight

** A club fitting helps match equipment to your body and swing. If you can’t do a full fitting, at least know your height and wrist-to-floor measurement.

 

Understand the Key Equipment Pieces

Drivers

  • High handicap: 10.5–12° loft, forgiving heads.
  • Mid/low handicap: 9–10.5° loft, adjustability helpful.

** Choose the right shaft flex—slower swings benefit from more flex (e.g., Senior or Regular).

Irons

  • Cavity-back irons are great for forgiveness.
  • Players’ distance irons provide more balance feel and power.
  • Blades are for very skilled players.

Wedges

  • Consider 2–3 wedges
  • Pitching wedge (44–48°)
  • Sand wedge (54–56°)
  • Lob wedge (58–60°)

** Choose bounce based on course conditions (soft = high bounce, firm = low bounce).

Putters

  • Match the head style to your stroke
  • Mallet is more forgiving, best for straight strokes.
  • Blades allow for more feel, good for arc strokes.