How to Choose Your Golf Club

It’s not easy to choose a golf club. Not only is there a seemingly endless variety of clubs available, but choosing the right ones is a matter of finding the best fit for your body and your game. The golf club that makes one person play like a superstar could leave you hunting through the rough. So before you shop, take stock of your game. Know what you need to improve, then choose golf clubs that will help you reach your goal.

Shafts and flex

Getting the club length right is essential to getting a proper stance. You should be able to stand with your hips and knees slightly bent and your hands hanging downward without the club head dragging on the floor. Kids and women will find clubs sized to their needs, but tall women may prefer men’s clubs for their extra length.

Most golf club shafts are made from either steel or graphite. Multimaterial shafts incorporate both steel and graphite, and some high-end golf clubs feature titanium shafts.

Steel shafts are typically strong and durable. They are preferred by golfers striving for more control rather than a faster swing. Graphite shafts, which are usually more expensive, are lighter than steel and allow for a faster swing and the potential for greater power; however, the extra flex in graphite shafts makes them harder to control than steel golf club shafts. Ultra-lightweight titanium golf club shafts blend the added speed of graphite with a stronger resistance to vibrations that enhances control.

Flex refers to a golf club’s flexibility, or how much it will bend when it’s swung. Beginners should look for a little more flex, which cuts power but makes the clubs more forgiving. Skilled golfers generally prefer shafts with little flex for added control.