If there’s one thing golfers hate more than anything else, it’s mixing up their golf clubs. We’re always looking for the right clubs for our games and it’s become a hassle to keep track of which are which. That’s why we’ve gone ahead and compiled this short guide to educate you on how to determine whether a particular golf club is right-handed or left-handed, so you can purchase the correct one. It will also teach you how to use the alternating hit method when playing golf with a partner. (If you’re unfamiliar, this is where you hit the ball with your right hand while your partner hits with their left.)
Table of Contents
Determine The Grip
The very first thing you need to do before purchasing any golf club is determine whether you’re a righty or a lefty. To do this, just close your eyes and stick out your right or left hand. If you’re a righty, you’ll curl your fingers more toward the back of the club. If you’re a lefty, the reverse will happen. Once you know which hand you’re using, you can purchase the corresponding set of clubs. Of course, you’ll need to re-assure yourself that the club is indeed right-handed if you’re going to use it regularly with your dominant hand. After all, any golfer would want to ensure they have the same hand that they trained with for the entirety of their golf career.
Make A Complaint
Speaking of dominant hands, there’s another thing you need to do before purchasing any golf club. If you use your index finger to represent the club you’re holding, you should consider complaining to the manufacturer. Specifically, ask them to which hand the club should be used. It’s better to report your grievances beforehand than to find yourself in the middle of a dispute once you’ve bought the item. This article is going to educate you on how to use the alternating hit method, which can add some spice to your game. However, if you follow the guide carefully and take your time to get the right equipment, you’ll have a blast playing golf and make some new friends along the way!
Look At The Club Head
The thing about golf is that it’s all about the feeling and the experience. Some people love the feel of a wooden club head while others prefer the more traditional rubber kind. There are pros and cons to both options, so it’s up to you to decide which one you prefer. Apart from the surface texture, you need to look at the offset to identify a good club head. If it’s closer to 90 degrees, you’re holding a wooden club.
The Measurements
The distance from the tip of the nose to the chin is the length of the nose. The distance from the outer corner of the eye to the earlobe is the width of the ear. From the center of the earlobe to the tip of the nose is the length of the ear. It’s best to take these measurements with the aid of a measuring tape or ruler. Some people like their measurements to be exact while others prefer accuracy within a couple of inches. If you’re the latter, go with the wooden clubs as they tend to be more accurate.
The Weight
One thing you need to keep in mind when purchasing any golf club is its weight. It would be best to get a feel for the weight of the club in your hand by holding it for a couple of seconds. If it seems like it’s too light, it may not feel right in your hands and you might have a hard time controlling it. On the other hand, if it feels like it’s too heavy, it might be uncomfortable to hold and could cause damage to your arms if you use it frequently. Try to find a medium weight so you can feel comfortable holding it for a long time without tiring out too much. (This is also dependent on your height: the longer you are, the less you’ll need to lift the club. For a reference, one average height person needs to lift a 70 pound club 12 inches off the ground. It’s all about finding your perfect balance so you can position your body correctly during the shot.)
The Club Face
This is the front portion of the club that you’ll be using to hit the ball. It’s also the face that will be hit with the golf club. This is one of the most important factors that determine the feel and the sound of the hit. You’ll find three different types of club faces: wedges, metal woods, and putters. Each of these faces has its perks and quirks, so you need to find out which one you prefer before purchasing any of them. Wedges are great for hitting long shots and getting those long runs. They’re also suitable for use in all types of weather, which makes them great for those who like to play outdoors. Metal woods benefit from being lightweight and having a slender shape, which makes them ideal for use on the course. Putters are great for accurate shooting and for someone who prefers to play in the rain or at night. They’re also built with a smooth surface, which helps your ball fly farther and straighter. Of course, there are other factors such as the bounce back, the feel in your hands, and the moment of impact, which is all about where you position yourself at the time of the hit, but these are the basics of knowing which club to buy.
The Club Length
This is the overall length of the club, from the grip to the end. It’s not about the thickness of the club handle, which is usually an indicator of how strong it is. The overall length of the club determines how you’ll hold it when playing. The longer the handle, the more you’ll need to raise it above your head. Another factor to keep in mind when measuring the club length is the distance from the tip of the handle to the back of the club head. This is where the club head meets the shaft and it’s the place where the handle connects to the main shaft. By measuring this distance with your arm raised above your head, you’ll know exactly how much elevation you need in order to hit the ball effectively. (Another useful measurement to take is the width of the shaft. This will help you determine how much bend is in the shaft, which in turn will affect the feel of the club in your hands. Think about the position of your body when hitting the ball and where you want the ball to go. This will help you determine how much bend is needed in the shaft to achieve the desired trajectory.)
The Club Shaft
The shaft is the central portion of the club and it connects the club head to your hands. Just like the face of the club, the shaft has three important characteristics: thickness, flexibility, and the end connector (notch, knurling, or any other type of grip). There are three types of shafts: graphite, steel, and fiberglass. Each of these types has its perks and quirks, but you need to find out which one you prefer before purchasing any of them. The thicker the shaft, the more torque (rotational force) it will generate, which in turn will give you better shot accuracy. Thicker shafts are also more durable and suitable for more intensive use. If you’re looking for a cheaper option, go with the fiberglass shaft, as it’s the most common one and also the most affordable. As for the end connector, it varies from club to club and can be seen through the transparent portion of the shaft. By touching one end of the shaft to the other, you’ll be able to determine what type of grip it has (i.e. finger grooves or a ball end). Take your time in choosing the right shaft as it’s one of the most important portions of the whole club. You won’t regret buying it if you know exactly what it is you’re looking for, but you might regret buying something that is not compatible with your arm size or shape.
The Club Grip
The grip is the portion of the club that you’ll be holding when playing. It helps determine the distance the ball will travel once it’s launched. The most common types of grips include the ball, the hook, and the scroll. The ball grip is the most compatible with all types of shots as it will give you better control over the ball. The hook grip is great for hooks (left-handed) while the scroll grip is best for slices (right-handed). There is also the tandem (alternating grip) which you can use to hit with your right hand while your partner hits with their left. The tandem grip allows you to switch hands during the shot and give your body a break from holding the club all the time while your partner takes a turn. This is especially useful if one of you is short or if you’re feeling tired due to intensive use. (It should go without saying that you’ll need to train with the corresponding grip in order to use it effectively, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.)