Ladies, Senior & Junior Golfers

It's a pity, that in this day and age I find myself having to give this subject any consideration, a page such as this has no place on a website of a professional club fitter and club maker, but such is the marketing power of the Big Brands, it's expected. The retail process dictates the need to label golfers and golf equipment in order that the product reaches its intended market. Over time we have all become accustomed to the labels and both retailer and golfer have become complicit with the Manufactures need to mass produce and sell golf equipment in a structured manner. As a result, over 90% of us play a difficult and challenging game with equipment that does not suit our individual needs.

Regardless of age or gender a golfer should have their golf equipment, fitted, built or adjusted to suit their swing and game needs, I don't think female, male, young or old; the only label I use for my clients is Golfer.

A tip for the Ladies

Unless suitably qualified (that does not mean having a lower handicap than you) never let your anyone purchase, or advise you on the purchase of your golf clubs. There are still far too many golfers that believe because you don't hit the ball as far as they do, your equipment selection is not as important as their own, believe me, nothing could be further from the truth. If you have a slow swing speed you can make dramatic improvements in your game by having the right head and shaft combinations in your bag and if you don't have a slow swing speed, traditional ladies golf clubs could be holding you back.

A tip for the so called "senior" golfer

Take no notice of the label "Senior", when selecting golf equipment, deal only with the facts, the only factors that should determine the shaft type in your club (regardless of age or gender) are your swing speed and tempo, it's certainly not your age. If a shop assistant guides you to golf clubs with senior shafts, without first establishing your swing speed and game needs, don't give them the time of day and definitely don't give them your money.

A tip for Parents

The best age for any child to start playing golf is when they ask to; let the child come to the game in their own time. Encourage them to learn the game from green to tee, making sure their first golf clubs are putter and wedge. When you think the child is ready to start taking full swings, please ensure they have a 7 or 8 iron that suit their height and weight.

"I always made sure Tiger had clubs that fit" - Earl Wood

So is it ok to cut down your old golf clubs for your youngster?

Absolutely not! If your child is to develop a swing that will deliver a life time of golfing enjoyment, a budding Tiger or Anika needs to start with golf clubs of the right length, a shaft with the right flex, the right grip and swing weight for their physical needs. Be careful when buying junior golf clubs sold in age groups (8yrs to 10yrs ect) and never buy golf clubs thinking they will grow into them. If you're serious about introducing a young person to golf, accept the cost involved; their new golf clubs will probably need lengthening and a re-grip after year one and replacing after year two and this situation will be ongoing until the golfer reaches their late teens and physically mature. Best advice; do as Earl did, find a good club-maker.

Amigo4Golf