8 simple rules for buying the right golf equipment

Golf Digest, Dec, 2002 by Frank Thomas

*4 CONSIDER PRICE WHEN PICKING A BALL

News flash: The average player will not lose anything by playing the best, most expensive tour balls on the market. But the average player likely won't notice any difference in performance using the less expensive models, either. My shopping rule for balls is a simple one: If someone is buying the balls for you, go for the gold standard. If you're buying them yourself, be thrifty. Remember: Most balls today are better than the golfers who choose to use them.

*5 GET ON A LAUNCH MONITOR

Science now tells us the best launch conditions for a driver at 110 miles per hour are 12 to 13 degrees above horizontal with a spin rate of 2,500 to 3,000 revolutions per minute. Slower swing speeds require higher launch angles and more spin. Science also has managed to develop computer launch monitors that can evaluate this information from your swing. (See www.golfdigest.com or your favorite club manufacturer's website for information about where you can find a launch monitor.) Regardless of swing speed, to optimize your potential for distance, you should try to produce a ball speed about 1 11/42 times your swing speed. If the launch monitor shows you're not doing that, you need to change your driver, your swing or both.

*6 FILL THE GAP IN YOUR WEDGE GAME

Today's iron lofts are about a club and a half stronger than they were 25 years ago. (Jack Nicklaus' 8-iron of yesterday is nearly equal to some of the stronger pitching wedges out there today.) Club manufacturers have designed them that way to make us feel as if we're hitting the ball farther. The problem, however, is the loft on the typical sand wedge has remained at 56 degrees. Consequently, there's probably a gap somewhere in your wedge game. Here's what to do: Identify the loft on your 9-iron or pitching wedge (if you don't know, your club pro or the manufacturer can tell you). Decide if you need a wedge with a loft between your sand wedge and pitching wedge. You don't want more than 4 or 5 degrees loft difference between your wedges, otherwise you'll find yourself with a yardage and no full-swing club that carries that distance. Furthermore, if you buy a lob wedge (and I'm not convinced most players need one), be careful not to get one with too much bounce (the trailing edge of the club's sole is lower than the leading edge of the club). A lot of bounce, typically found on a sand wedge, is only helpful out of heavy rough or soft sand. From a tight lie, you might blade shots over the green.

*7 USE CLUBS WITH PROPER LIE ANGLE

Once you reach the intermediate level, getting fitted for irons is important. Well-struck approach shots may miss the green if your clubs don't fit you. Specifically, the issue is lie angle. Ideally, the sole of the club as it makes contact with the ball should be level with the ground. If the toe is up, then well-struck shots will go to the left and you will need to flatten the lie. If the heel is up then well-struck shots will go right, and the lie needs to be more upright to correct. Make sure you're being fit for your swing, not just your setup. A good clubfitter will have you hit shots off a lie board, which is a type of mat that will leave a mark on the sole to show how to adjust the lie if necessary.