Does changing golf equipment improve one’s game?
Many golfers are reluctant to throw out their old clubs and golf equipment. The reasons are plenty but the most common reason given by majority of the golfers is that changing their equipment will affect their game.
How true this supposition is anybody’s guess. Changing the equipment is almost a nightmare for many golfers because of various reasons. Strangely, professional players are less affected by this fear.
Mostly, it is the casual or weekend golfers who are afraid to switch their clubs, try out a new brand of golf balls or even experiment with different tees.
Many such golfers give the same reason that changing their equipment might cause them to perform inadequately.
When experts are consulted, they have a different opinion. Many suggest that changing one’s equipment could result in a better game for the player. They agree that every change does bring in a slight reduction in performance at first.
However, the key is constant practice with the new equipment. Once the players have familiarized themselves with the new equipment, their previous performance levels return and their game improves.
For non essential equipment, the issue is not that great. A golf bag by one manufacturer is similar to golf bags by other manufacturers.
Usually for such non critical equipment, golfers do not think twice. However, there is a small percentage that keeps their equipment for sentimental value.
When it comes to critical golf equipment, particularly the clubs and balls, many golfers are very reluctant to change their equipment. Even many pros have a ‘lucky’ set of clubs that they use over and over.
Everyone has to buy new equipment at some point and the difficulties to adjust to the new equipment increases with the level of the golfer. For a casual golfer, it is not a big deal. For a professional player, on the other hand, it is a very serious matter.
Experts suggest a simple three stage process to alleviate the issues involved and make the transition easier.
The first stage is to assess the need. Do you really need that new club? To complete this stage, it is best to talk to a pro who understands the need of the player. For professionals, it is usually the coach or manager who could answer the question.
The next stage is the actual buying of the equipment. Once the decision has been made, the players should purchase the equipment themselves.
The purchase should be made only from a reputable store. There are many specialty stores that are dedicated to golf and carry equipment by reliable manufacturers.
When buying any equipment, especially clubs, it is best to try out a few different makes and brands. The golf stores usually provide a separate area where the player could try out the clubs by hitting a ball into a net.
Many players halt the process at this stage. They figure that now they have the equipment, they could dive right into the game without worrying about their performance. Usually these are the players who complain the most about new equipment affecting their
game.
The last and the most important stage is to go to the practice area and really dig into practice with the new equipment. Familiarize yourself with the equipment so as to bring the piece into your routine.
These tips will help solve many of the issues that players face with new equipment.
The views expressed in this article are the writer's own and in no way represent Bettor.com's official editorial policy.
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