Superior equipment gives an edge says Anitya Chand

A professional golfer needs to ascertain his golfing equipment in right shape and size.

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Golf is not just about the player, it has a lot to do with the equipment as well. A professional golfer needs to ascertain his golfing equipment in right shape and size. Here are tips from country’s leading coach, Anitya Chand, on selection and proper upkeep of golfing equipment.

 

[Q] How do you go about selecting your equipment? [/Q]

 

[A] I have had an equipment contract with leading golf equipment companies for 14 years so I would look at their best performing clubs for professional golfers and then select the same for myself with appropriate grips, shafts etc. Would also look to order my specifications and have the clubs fitted to my height, wrist to floor measurement, lie angle etc. [/A]


 

[Q] How important is it for a pro to keep their equipment up to date? [/Q]

 

[A] It is very important. As a professional, you need to have the edge over the others in whatever way you can and superior performing equipment will be able to give you that. You’re as good as your performance and cant afford to fall back in any way. If superior equipment gives a bit extra, you have to take it. [/A]


 

[Q] What are the keys things to watch out for while selecting the equipment? [/Q]

 

[A] You have to look at the performance of the clubs / are they from a reputed brand? Do they compare or outclass the other brands in golf? Also, look at the shaft and the grip options that they give you – will they be able to fit the equipment to your specifications and needs? Do they clubs look and feel good when you hold them? Do they inspire confidence in you when you set up to the ball? [/A]


 

[Q] Buying a new set is important? Can a newly minted pro even look at a good set of second hand clubs? [/Q]

 

[A] Only in a very rare case when the pro can find something that has been used by another pro for a short while and he is of a similar height, build and has a similar swing characteristic and ball flight. My recommendation would be to get a new set of properly fitted clubs. [/A]


 

[Q] How should upcoming pros look at the shaft options? [/Q]

 

[A] The shaft is the most important feature of a golf club especially for a pro. If the shaft doesn’t suit him, no matter how good the club head, the ball will not go straight. [/A]


 

[Q] How important is a club fitting? [/Q]

 

[A] It is very important – especially for better players. Clubs must fit you as a player and not vice versa. Playing with non – fitted clubs means that you will be always adjusting your swing to get the ball straight and probably wont be able to play to your potential. [/A]


 

[Q] Are golf grips key to the game? How should a pro go about getting these done? [/Q]

 

[A] Grips have to be adjusted to the size of your hands and should feel good when you hold the club apart from giving you control of the golf club. Smaller hands should use thinner grips and vice versa. [/A]


[Q] Are balls an integral part of equipment selection? Why? [/Q]

 

[A] Golf ball selection has now become important as the right golf ball helps you play to your potential be maximizing your distance on your drives and giving you enough feel around the greens. This selection depends upon your swing speed, ball flight, feel etc. [/A]


[Q] Why is it important to have the correct length of clubs? [/Q]

 

[A] Improper length will get you into an improper set up and will force you to swing on a wrong swing plane thereby creating a world of problems. [/A]


[Q] These days thanks to Mickelson and Roger Cleveland, a lot of wedges have become popular. But which ones are the ideal ones to have in the bag? [/Q]

 

[A] For a professional, a blade feeling wedge with a mid to low bounce is the correct one. This increases the arsenal of shots that a pro can play and helps him play well even if the lie of the ball is not good. [/A]


 

 

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