Pick The Right Clubs

Hello and welcome to another Address The Ball post! 

As the golf season rapidly approaches here in the Northeast, golfers, new and old alike are cleaning off their clubs, unboxing a fresh dozen of ProV1's, and updating their wardrobe. 

Many golfers look in their bags and think, "Sheesh, maybe a new driver will fix my slice.". Today we will discuss the importance of picking the right clubs for your game. 


If you are not playing the correct clubs for your game, then you will not maximize your potential. For years I would game a set of Tommy Armour 845s Silver Scots from 1989 just to pay homage to my great uncle and grandfather who got me into the game. It was in 2017 when I really saw the benefits of upgrading my iron set and long clubs.

Here are a few things to think about when you are considering a new set of clubs

1. Get Custom Fitted: A professional club fitter will analyze your swing and physical measurements to specify which clubs are suited to your game. This will ensure that the clubs you game are optimized for your swing. 

2. Consider Skill Level: If you're a beginner, then you might benefit from game improvement clubs, as they provide forgiveness when you hit the ball off-center. An intermediate or advanced player might pivot towards clubs that offer more control and workability to work the ball around the course.

3. Club Type: This is crucial, you want to determine which clubs you need in your set. Drivers, woods, hybrids, irons, wedges, and putters come in every variety imaginable. You also must consider which courses you play frequently. If you play a 5600-yard municipal, then you might not need to maximize your distance off the tee and could add an additional wedge instead of a 3-wood and 5-wood.

4. Shaft Flex and Material: When selecting a shaft, you need to ensure that it matches your swing speed. With a slower swing speed generally, you want to have more flex, while a faster swing speed requires a stiffer shaft. Don't overlook the kick point of the shaft, as this is often the most crucial part of the equation. You can have the latest and greatest driver but if the shaft doesn't match your swing, enjoy the rough. You may also want to consider the graphite vs steel debate when selecting shafts for your irons. Consult your local club fitter and they will get you sorted out! 

5. Brand Preference: With so many options and the aggressive marketing of today, you might have a brand in mind before you even swing a club. Leave these notions at the door and see how you feel with the clubs after a few swings. Do your research. Manufacturers and golf shops alike are willing to let you hit what you want, just make sure that the numbers add up. 

6. Budget: This was a big factor when I was growing up, and partly why I gamed those clubs from the 1980's for so many years. Set a budget, look for clubs, and get the best value for your price range. Make sure to check Goodwill and Savers! You don't always need to buy the shiny new things if you only plan on playing a few times a year. 

7. Try Before You Buy: This reiterates some of the points from above, but manufacturers want you to try their clubs. Club fitters want to get you hitting what you need to hit, you will benefit from this and they'll probably get some nice commission if you find that the newest models suit your swing.

8. Read Reviews: Research, research, research! Online reviews and feedback from your peers can give you an idea of the performance of different models, but one thing remains true. You need to hit them and see how they feel. We do not recommend heading up to the first tee after taking the plastic off of your off-the-shelf model of the newest driver on the market.


Always remember that the best golf clubs for your game will change and progress as your skills improve. Your swing may change, you may gain more speed or lose some. Periodically reassess your equipment to see if you just have the shank, the yip, or if something has anatomically changed with your swing. The employees of your local golf shop or big box store will be eager to suit your needs. 

Thanks again for reading, this is by no means a comprehensive club selection guide, its just food for thought as we get rolling in to the 2024 season. 

Hope you all have a great day, and stay tuned for our next post! 

- Matt

@mattlynchgolf @addresstheball 

Location: Boston, MA, USA

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