Eight simple rules for buying the right golf equipment

Here’s an 8-step guide to pick the best equipment for yourself. Rajlakshmi Retesh jots them down for you.

1. Know your skill level

Be honest to rank yourself. What you are, a beginner, an intermediate player (somebody who shoots 80 to 95, let’s say) or an advanced player (someone who consistently breaks 80) each level of player needs something different.

As beginner ask for clubs that fit your strength and general posture when you stand to the ball properly. A basic set that includes two or three woods (choose from the following: Driver with a 10-13 degree loft, 3-, 5- and/or 7-wood) and a handful of irons (5-, 7- and 9-iron, pitching wedge, sand wedge) and putter are plenty.

At Intermediate level, you can have your pick at clubs you want, but better focus on forgiveness. Similarly, at advanced level lean toward clubs that offer forgiveness.

2. Know what you need

A set of three woods and eight irons has been the standard configuration. Not anymore. Assuming you are past the beginning stage of the game, get yourself custom-fit for irons. If you put more hybrids or even higher-lofted woods in your bag, you’ll likely improve your score without changing your swing.

3. Bigger is better — Sometimes

Supersize often means a greater moment of inertia. (forgiveness). Bigger also means the driver likely will be made of titanium and have the spring-like effect that provides better transfer of momentum from the club head to the ball (resulting in more distance).

Go for a shorter shaft or grip down a little. There will not be any significant loss of distance, and your accuracy will improve.

4. Consider price when picking a ball

The average player will not lose anything by playing the best. The 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.

5. Get on a launch monitor

Slower swings speeds require higher launch angles and more spin. Use a launch monitor with caution it is a guide only and will get you into the right range of conditions you seek.

6. Fill the gap in your wedge game

Equitably space your wedge lofts, but always make sure the sand wedge (56 degrees) has a decent bounce angle.

7. Use clubs with proper lie angle

If you‘ve reached the intermediate level, being 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.

8. Take option of investing in a lesson

The best gift for a golfer, no matter who is paying for it, is a lesson. This will cost about one-fifth of the price of a good driver and one-tenth the price of a new set of clubs — and may be better for your game.