Mel Sole: Stop! Correct equipment saves strokes

By Mel Sole, MyrtlebeachGolf.com Instruction Writer

Visit his golf school websites: Ritson-Sole.com and TotalGolfAcademy.com.

PAWLEYS ISLAND, Sc - Although The mechanics of the golf swing are the first and foremost factor in hitting a good golf shot - correct equipment will certainly maximize your tallents.There are several things to consider in choosing equipment.  It is important to try several "demo" clubs, each having different specifications, to help you decide on the right set of clubs for you.  I do not recommend only one particular brand of clubs.   I think the look and feel of a club plays a big role in how confident you feel with that particular club in your hand.  However, in my opinion the following elements are important considerations :

1. Club Length: In my opinion, the most important club specification is proper length.   The right club length allows you to assume correct address poition, without which a proper golf swing can never be fully executed.  The length of the club is a primarily determined by the distance from the big knickles to the ground.  However, since strength and athletic ability are also important factors in determining club length, it is to your benefit to seek the advice of a professional.

2. Shaft Flex :  Too many players have shafts that are too stiff for them.   Hit shots with different shaft flexes and note distance, trajectory and direction.

3. Grip thickness : Make sure your hands fit comfortably on the grip - have your instructor check your grip and the thickness of the grip.

4. Swing weight: Since swing weight is affected by length, shaft flex and grip sizze, the proper swing weight will fall into place as you decide on specifications #1,#2 and #3.

5. Lie : Certainly in my opinion the most overlooked and probably the most important aspect of your irons.  Most golfers have clubs that are too flat, causing the toe of the club to hit the ground first, opening the clubface, and the result is a slice or push.   Note the depth of your divots. Is the toe end of the divot deeper than the heel ? - this will indicate that the club lie angle is too flat.  The opposite will be true of heel deep divots, although I find this to be very rare.

In conclusion regarding your equipment - you don't necessarily have to buy new clubs. You can have your clubs altered by a professional club fitter.  Don't fall for the TV hype of thinking you can buy a better game.  Let common sense prevail, and enjoy your golf in 1999.

Mel Sole is the lead golf instructor for the Phil Ritson/Mel Sole Golf School in Pawley's Island. Stop by his web sites at ritson-sole.com and totalgolfacademy.com.