I took up golf about a year ago after my mom, on an impulse buy, got me a used set of clubs at a flea market. The problem is that these clubs are clearly, obviously, too short for me (I’m 6’2") so I need to get some new equipment.
The shortness of the clubs is most problematic when I’m hitting irons, so I’m looking at getting those replaced first. But I have no clue what’s good. I know I want “game improvement” irons at the very least, and would prefer a steel shaft over a graphite one, but that’s about it. I’m far more concerned with improving my accuracy right now, rather than my distance.
I went to the super-huge golf equipment store on Saturday, and the sales staff wasn’t very helpful. Plus, they don’t have much left-handed equipment around, though they said they could order the lefty version of anything they sell. But that doesn’t do me much good when it comes to testing things out.
So I decided to come here to see if any left-handed golfers had any advice on what clubs are good for someone in my situation, and any thoughts on dealing with the right-hand bias that seems to pervade the golf equipment world. Any ideas?
In all honesty, if you’re not shooting in the 80’s, the clubs aren’t going to matter that much (except for the length). I would go to your local course and ask the pro - they will always have a couple of sets of left handed clubs just for rental purposes, and these are usually pretty decent. They can add extensions in the grip that will make the shafts longer if need be.
You may also look on Craigslist or in the paper as left handed clubs should be able to be picked up cheaply. Just show the ad to your golf pro before you buy them.
If you’ve only been playing for a year, you’re much more likely to get clubs that are too advanced for your abilities than ones that are too easy. Even single-digit handicapers can be overmatched by solid tour-blade clubs.
I’d always recommend talking to your local PGA pro before going to a warehouse store. They can really help you out.
Your height alone does not determine what length clubs you should use.
I know… I also measured my wrist-to-floor height (37 inches, for the record) which apparently is a factor as well. Are things like swing speed and average distance also relevant to figuring out proper club length?