With the golfing season around the corner, should I make any changes to my golf clubs to help maintain my game as I age?
If a player has had the same clubs for 10 years or so, he or she becomes very comfortable with them. However, over this period, the player’s swing may become a little shorter owing to less flexibility, which leads to a reduction in swing speed and loss of distance.
The common outcome after a fitting for a senior golfer is the application of more loft on his or her driver to counteract the reduction in swing speed and the consequent loss of spin.
A softer shaft flex might also complement the reduced strain on the shaft due to less club-head speed. Irons are affected by similar changes in loft and shaft flex.
In addition, moving from steel to graphite irons is beneficial as you age. Because graphite is lighter, it’s much easier to create more club-head speed without putting in any more effort.
Thanks to custom fitting, new club-head designs that help with off-centre hits and produce more height can improve or maintain a senior’s golfing ability for many more years.
Excerpted from Lee Pearce’s Golf Club Bible (Firefly books, $30) available at bookstores across Canada.