When the time comes to buy new golf clubs, particularly when it comes to drivers, you may feel a little bewildered. There are a lot of choices out there, and everyone from experts to amateurs will tell you that the right driver can have an extremely positive effect on your game. The key to keep in mind, however, is that there is no perfect driver out there, just the perfect one for you, so make sure that you purchase your driver with this in mind.
In looking at drivers, you’ll find that they can be made of stainless steel, an alloy or forged titanium. For someone who only golfs from time to time, an alloy driver will be preferable because while they can certainly be found in a fairly high quality, they will invariably be cheaper than one that is made of pure stainless steel or titanium. Titanium is a good material for people who play more consistently and who is looking for a lightweight driver to get more distance, while a stainless steel club will lend more weight to your swing, giving you more control on the descent.
Remember that you should always check a driver for the shaft length; don’t simply assume that your old driver’s shaft length will work for you. It is important to think about the shoes you will be wearing on the green to take your height into account. When you are testing the length of the shaft, check the length of your arms, your height, and the size of your swing to find one that is comfortable for you.
You’ll also need to decide if you want perimeter weighting on your club face. This allows you to have some extra weight around the toe and the sole and it can be very helpful if you happen to miss a shot. The extra weight will also help reduce the shock and help your ball fly straighter and with greater distance. You’ll find that the amount of extra weight you want will be a personal thing. For many golfers, too much perimeter weighting makes it harder to control, while some says it actually makes control more simple.
Also make sure that you consider how much the shaft can bend as you put force into it during a swing. You’ll find that different flexes will have different effects with your swing and you should definitely do some experimenting. The traditional flex ratings include regular, stiff, senior, ladies and extra stiff, and it is a good idea to try all of these.
At the Banner Country Club ProShop, we can help you with a club fitting. You’ll find that this is a great opportunity to try out lots of different clubs and to figure out which one really suits you, so take a look around and see what you can find out about your own game and your own needs for a driver!
