Golf Clubs: New to Golf? Read this!

So you're a newbie golfer who's caught the bug and about to buy your first set of golf clubs. Very exciting!

Here's a checklist that you might want to review before laying down your hard-earned cash.

Golf is a game of patience and practice. The PGA pros make the game look easy, but it’s actually one of the more difficult sports. What you don't see during the tournament events is the time and dedication that got them there.

It's a normal routine for a professional golfer to hit hundreds of practice balls every day. Then work on their short game, then putting…

Pro golfers are continual students of the game. They hire golf coaches who help them practice, analyize, and tweak their craft striving for even the smallest improvement.

Some like Tiger Woods have even completely changed their golf swing and developed a new one in spite of a successful career.

Now I'm not trying to scare you off, nor am I suggesting that new golfers need to commit to that degree, but it's important to realize that golf can be very satisfying but it's not an easy game and it’s not simply a matter of buying a set of clubs and heading for the links.

Many new golfers who take an interest in the game find after awhile that it's just too frustrating and they don't want to invest the time or money to improve. As a result you can find a plethora of used golf equipment on EBay.

If the answer is no, then its' way too early to make the club investment.

The best place to learn to hit a golf ball is at a practice range.

Once you can hit the ball, then concentrate on consistency.

It's not unusual for a new golfer to experience very little difference in distance between golf clubs. This will develop, as you begin to hit the ball properly and more consistently.

The more consistency you have, the easier it will be to fit a set of clubs.

If you really want to get started on the right foot, take some lessons;

• Avoid becoming physically injured by learning to hit the ball properly.
• Consistency will develop more quickly if you are practicing proper set up, stance, swing, etc.
• A golf pro can help a new golfer with the basics which will enable you to get out there and start to enjoy the game sooner.
• A golf pro will be happy to help you select a good starter set of clubs that fit properly.

• Yes taking lessons does cost money, but wouldn’t it be better to invest a little in the learning process so that when you're ready to make the investment into a set of clubs, it's the right choice?

Seek professional guidance.

Most of the larger golf stores are equipped with golf simulators where you can try out different clubs. Some can provide a swing analysis as well which can further help to select the right clubs.

It's easy to believe that buying the brand name club of the year will provide the ultimate desired result on the course. This isn't necessarily the case.

If the club doesn't fit you properly, you won't get the best results.

• How does the grip feel?
• Does the swing feel right?
• How is the distance, direction, and trajectory of the ball when you hit it with the club?
• Don't get caught up on the brand name of the club.

As a new golfer you likely don't need a full set of clubs.

The process of learning to play golf is that you learn to play with each club and master hitting with each. As you do this there will develop a discernable difference in the ball flight and distance with each club.

As you improve your skills, you can add the additional clubs which will help to improve your game by filling in the distance voids. Until you're hitting the ball consistently, there won't be an appreciable difference between clubs. Ask your golf pro for some assistance in selecting a good starter set. They'll be happy to help, and you'll be much happier with the result.

It’s true that if you buy a brand name like Callaway, Taylor Made, Nike, etc., you are getting quality equipment that can last for years. Many of these companies provide lifetime no hassle warranties on their products. Buying a set of high end brands however can set you back a few thousand dollars.

Experienced golfers subscribe to, what might be refered to as the annual "have to have the latest equipment club”, and choose to upgrade their clubs and either sell, or trade their old set of brand names. This can be a great way to get a quality set of clubs, for hundreds less.

• Buy the clubs you really need to get started
• Learn to use them
• Add to your set as you need to.

You'll likely get into the annual "have to have it club" soon enough.

Best to at least start off on the right foot.