How to Pick Golf Clubs

One of the greatest challenges the golfers faces isn't actually on the golf course - it is trying to pick their golf clubs. There is some much competition within the industry that golfers have become increasingly confused about what to buy.

New clubs or used. Brand names, component clubs or clones. Online or from the store up the road. So many choices.

So what I'm going to try and do here is put together a plan that you can use to help cut through all the confusion and narrow your choices down to a more manageable number.

Your First Consideration Is Always Going To Be Price

Unfortunately for many of us, we are going to have to real out a whole section of the golf store immediately as a result of our budget. But take heart, even on a budget, there are still many opportunities out there to pick up some good quality golf clubs.

So set a budget, early on. This will save you hours of wasted time checking out any products which are out of your price range.

Get Your Pro To Help You Figure Out What You Need

Before you can even begin to pick your golf club, you need to come to a better understanding of your golf swing. You should always match your clubs to your swing - never the other way around.

So discuss things with your pro. Tell them that you are looking to buy some equipment and you need to figure out what you should be considering.

After getting you to hit some balls either at a range, or on a launch monitor, they will be able to give you such information as to what shaft is most suitable for you, what length it should be, lie angle, swing weight etc. It's o.k. if this means nothing to you - the pro will be able to help you work out which clubs have the desired characteristics.

Decide What Category You Want To Pick Your Golf Club From

There are many different options for you to chose from so now is the time to narrow your choices down. I have listed the options below. You first need to decide on your type of club before you can move on to the clubs within that category.

New Brand Name Clubs

Being able to buy these will all depend on your budget. Just remember that there are other excellent quality options to choose from if you don't have the cash.

Used Brand Name Clubs

If you have your heart set on some brand name clubs, but can't afford the new ones, second hand is a great option. Good sites for you to check out include Callaway pre-Owned, Taylormade Pre-Owned and eBay.

Component Clubs

Component clubs are put together by club makers with your exact specifications in mind. When you buy from a reputable club maker the components they use will be of a very high quality, so what you end up with is a quality set of custom fit clubs, and the best part is they will cost you a fraction of the cost of a brand name set.

So if you are looking for new clubs, but don't have the budget for a brand name set, the component manufacturers are probably your best bet.

Clone Equipment

As the name suggests, these clubs are designed to look like brand name equipment. The quality of these clubs can be hit and miss so you need to be careful about who you buy from.

One thing I always recommend people look for from clone manufacturers is a guarantee that allows them to use the clubs, and get a full refund if they are unhappy. There are four or five manufacturers that I know of who offer such a guarantee including Pinemeadow Golf and Gigagolf.

Hit Some Balls Before You Pick Your Golf Clubs

Once you've worked out which general category of club you're going to purchase the next step is to find a shortlist of clubs and try them out. Even if you plan on purchasing online, it is important that you try and hit some balls with that model of club.

On paper everything can look perfect, but it will not be the case when the club arrives. In the long run you will save yourself money and hassle by following this rule.

Your plan here is to narrow you search down to one, possibly two clubs.

Price Research

Your last step is to find the right price. Make sure your check all the available options - online stores, golf outlets and your local pro-shop. You never know where the best deal is going to be.

By being a little bit organised about the process you will be in a much better position to pick golf clubs which are right for you - and that don't bust the budget.

Craig Crooks is the author of the new eBook Who Wants Cheap Golf. This book and the accompanying resource directory are the most complete source of discount golf information available anywhere.

Together they reveal insider strategies, resources and tools you should be using to make sure you never pay full price again.

To find out more visit Who Wants Cheap Golf, and sign up for the free course -'How To Recession Proof Your Golf Game'.