When buying new clubs, consider the following: - For drivers, opt for shorter lengths and closed-angle heads to reduce slicing and help square contact. - Hybrids are a good alternative to long irons which are difficult for most golfers. Match hybrids to the iron they replace. - For wedges, choose models suited to your home course's bunkers and greens. Avoid incorrect length, loft or lie in putters as it affects putting. - Note that standard lengths may not fit everyone, so consider custom equipment if you have a high handicap to address weaknesses. Look for clubs giving distance off the tee and spin with wedges.

1. What to Keep in Mind When Buying New Clubs
STEPHEN GERI

2. When you’re playing a sport, few things are more exciting than getting
new equipment. And even though you probably have your favorite
clubs, you can’t deny the excitement that comes with getting new ones.

3. Here are some things to keep in mind when
searching for new clubs:

4. DRIVERS
Whenitcomestogettinganewdriver,agoodruleofthumbis“theshorterthebetter”.
Thisissomethingtheprosalreadyknow:theaveragePGAcompetitor’sdriveris44½
inchesinlength,comparedtoamanufacturedaverageof45inches.Whyisthisthe
case?Forthesimplereasonthatalongerclubmakesithardertohittheballsquarely.
Also,goforaclosed-angleheadbecausetheyareleastpronetoslicing.

5. Irons and Hybrids
Ironshavechangedalotovertheyearswhilemanufacturersconsistentlylowerthe
loftinordertogetlongerdistances.Thesechanges,again,provejustamarginal
benefittomostgolfers.3and4ironsjustaren’tworthit.Togetaroundtheironissue,
usehybrids.Justbesuretomatchthehybridclubwiththeironitisintendedto
replace.

6. Wedges and Putters
Whenselectingwedges,bemindfulofyourhomecourse.Dependingonthegreenand
sandbunkers,you’regoingtowantwedgesthatcanbestmatchthestyleofplayyou
willbemostfrequentlyusing.Forputters,avoidincorrectlength,loft,andlieangle.
Anytimeoneoftheseareoff,itwilleffectyourentireputtinggame.

7. You’ll probably see “standard” club lengths, but if you really
want to make an impact, note that everyone is different and
that there is no “one size fits all” model.

8. If you play with a high handicap, consider using more custom
equipment to help you correct your shortcomings in the
game.

9. Look for falls that will give you the most distance off the tee
and nice spin off the wedge.

10. What do you suggest looking for in
clubs?