Ryan Knoll/Golf
Welcome to another edition of Fully equipped mail bagsponsored by Cleveland/Srixon Golf, is an interactive series from GOLF.com in which we answer challenging equipment questions.
What are some of the most common mistakes people make when they use golf equipment? – Drex S, Washington
Here at Fully Equipped, we spend most of our time obsessing over golf equipment, usually on behalf of and with fellow equipment enthusiasts who share a common passion for the equipment we use to play this great game. But even then, despite our passion (and our livelihood) about equipment, we sometimes make mistakes with our own equipment.
For example, we may know more about equipment than average, but that doesn’t mean we’re immune from making some of the equipment blunders we sometimes see golfers of all skill levels.
So, to answer your question more directly, let’s take a look at some of what we think are some of the most common and wacky mistakes and omissions we’ve made along with many other golfers out there.
1. Use of worn handles
This is one we see a lot. Grips can wear out and get bad over time, especially if you play in hot or humid conditions. And when the handles get old, not only do they lose their grip, they get even more slippery when they get wet (think of holding soap in the shower. It’s kind of like that). We recommend changing your grips about once a season, or at least as soon as you start to see your grips wear, crack, or get slick. This is equally true of the racquet’s grip as well.
2. Dirty clubs
Sometimes you’re in a rush to get to the 19th hole after a round and you just want to toss your clubs in the trunk and be on your way. But, neglecting to clean your clubs can result in a layer of mud, grass and sand building up on the club surfaces and in the grooves. Not only is it bad looking, but dirty clubheads can affect the spin and trajectory of your shots. So, take a minute to give your clubs a good clean. It will pay off in the long run. And if you live somewhere where there are outside service people who clean your clubs for you, the few dollars you throw their way will bring you good karma for your next round. We promise.
3. lazy packing
Traveling with your clubs can be a relatively painless experience (it’s really not that much fun), but it can get a lot worse if you don’t pack your clubs carefully and your clubs get damaged in transit. Unfortunately, this happens a lot – it has even happened to many of us. And when you’re on vacation, a dented club head or broken shaft can be a major cause of falls. The best way to pack your gear is to make sure that your clubs fill your suitcase completely with as much padding as possible (clothes and towels are good options) so that there is not much wiggle room in your suitcase or hard bag.
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4. Playing with the wrong ball
While you may think that all golf balls are the same, this is like saying that all coffee, pizza, or even French fries are created equal. Obviously they are not. Some balls suit your game better than others, and using the wrong ball to swing can result in you missing out on serious performance gains. Choosing a ball that works for you is the way to go, no matter your skill level.
5. Not taking into account the choice of wedge
Choosing the right wedge with the right loft and bounce angle can mean the difference between going up, going down, and falling into a bunker. Make sure you use a wedge that matches your style, swing, and personal needs. For some, this may entail foregoing the 56° and 60° wedges and opting for more custom fit options such as the 53°, 55° and 58° wedges in your arsenal.
6. Using an older technology that is more than five years old
Golf equipment is constantly evolving, and if you’re still using the clubs your grandfather played with, you’re probably not doing yourself any favors. While today’s technology may not make significant gains year-on-year, compared to five or more years ago, you will notice significant improvements in how the newest equipment outperforms the old.
7. Not getting a custom fit
See, we get it. It’s tempting to save a few bucks by grabbing some funky clubs and racing to the first tee. But think of it as if you were to put on a pair of your roommate’s shoes—they might fit well, but they won’t be as comfortable on your feet as they are with your roommate. Golf clubs are pretty much the same. You can probably play with unfamiliar clubs, but they probably won’t deliver the results you’d get from a custom deck.
It may take longer and cost a few extra bucks, but ensuring your clubs are calibrated to your swinging and shooting tendencies is definitely worth it. In fact, we can’t think of anyone we’ve met before who had a custom fit and wished they didn’t.
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