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Are your clubs ready for
Spring?….
By Tom Ream, PGA
Head Instructor at the Pinewild
Golf Academy in Pinehurst, NC
Many players
spend time in the off-season
preparing their bodies and minds
for the up coming golf season,
but what about your clubs?
There are many factors to
consider such as are my grips
worn out, do my clubs fit my
golf swing, are the lofts and
lies still correct and do I have
the right set make up for my
style of golf?
The first and
easiest piece to check is the
condition and size of your
grips. Slick or worn out grips
can lead to grip pressure that
is too tight. Grips should be
replaced at least once a
season. The next time you
change your grips seek out a PGA
Professional who can help you
determine the proper size and
style of grip that will help
your game.
For those players
who practice and play frequently
you should consider the loft and
lie angles of your clubs,
especially those players who use
forged irons or players who
practice on mats. Both loft and
lie angles can be altered up to
2 degrees during normal practice
and play. If your lofts/lies
are off even 1-2 degrees your
golf balls flight can be
dramatically affected in both
distance and direction. This
problem can be corrected by
having your clubs checked on a
“loft and lie angle” machine….
the typical charge would be 2 to
3 dollars per club.
Lastly, you
should take a close look at the
make up of your set…does it suit
your style of play and/or the
typical golf courses that you
play. The most obvious and
simple changes come in replacing
those long irons with Hybrids or
lofted fairway woods, this
change will provide you with the
ability to hit less lofted clubs
higher and softer.
The next
consideration should be in the
wedges. As almost all clubs are
now stronger lofted than they
used to be it has left a gap
between the PW and SW. Many
players face a gap of up to 8-10
degrees, which leaves a big hole
in the scoring yardages.
Golfers should also consider the
addition of a Lob Wedge (60) to
their set. The LW is a great
club for hitting to tight spots
over bunkers as well as short
shots from the sand.
In summary,
taking a closer look at your
equipment before spring may save
you a lot of strokes before you
hit the course.
For information
on club fitting or the schools
and lesson plans available with
Tom Ream please call or email at
910-235-9191 or
academy@pinewildcc.com |
