—This is a question I get asked over and over with both members and new players. What do you suggest to someone learning the game? A golfer looking for more distance? A lady looking for more
help getting her irons in the air? These are all great reasons to consider what up to date state of the art equipment can do for your game.
—When I was learning the game in the early 70’s as a young golfer I took my Grandfather’s second set and had the local pro cut them down so this eight-year-old could learn with the correct length. There were no graphite irons when I started so I made due with steel shafts and learned to swing what I had. I figured it out but growing up now and looking for clubs is so different than my early days back in the 70’s. When I was given my set of clubs they were purchased at the local sporting good store and the iron set came 3-PW. I had no choice on what eight clubs I wanted in the 3-PW and I took all of those clubs (regardless of if I needed all of them) and made it work.
—Let’s fast forward to today’s choices. Getting fit is definitely the way to go when making that purchase. With a good fitter they can dial in exactly what you need so that all 14 clubs match your swing speed, lie angle, shaft flex, grip size and length.
Let’s use an 18-handicap golfer as an example of what would be best for the player. First off let’s realize that this golfer is in their mid-60’s with a driver swing speed in the mid to low 80’s. The first thought is we need to suggest something light to create speed in the swing. I love a 10.5 loft on most drivers and all of new equipment now comes with shafts that all allow you to increase of decrease loft in the head of the club. After watching this 60-year-old hit balls and factoring in his handicap I know the shaft is graphite with a senior flex. Senior flex has enough whip in the shaft to help this golfer create speed in his swing.
—Since this golfer is now in his 10.5 loft for the driver I now suggest both a 5 wood and 7 wood. I feel that 3 woods don’t have enough loft to get the ball up in the air quick enough.
Now heading to the irons, I suggested starting the irons at 7 iron and including the 8-9-PW-SW & LW. There is no need to suggest any irons lower than that in his set. Where golf has really improved was the invention of the Hybrid. This student was fit to a 4-5-6 hybrid which is so much easier to get up in the air.
—The next question most golfers ask is when they should upgrade their equipment. My answer is always the same…. when the new technology promises you more distance and better forgiveness with what you currently use. I have many students that keep irons/hybrids for three to four years but want to demo the new version of the drivers that are coming out. This game is definitely about distance and if a company says you can hit this further than what you currently use I am very interested in trying that new Technology.
—Terry O’Hara is entering his 17th year as Director of Golf at the Longboat Key Club. A 28-year member of the PGA of America, Terry is originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, and now lives in Sarasota. Terry and his wife, Lisa, have two children, Jack and Ava. His son, Jack, is also a teaching professional at the club. Terry is a diehard Boston sports fan and loves supporting all of his hometown teams.
