The First Golf Tip of 2009

The best advice I can think of sharing at this time of the year is simply to tell you what to expect from the golf equipment industry this year. Please do not feel the need to upgrade your equipment too quickly, mainly your irons. For years you have seen the equipment designs make leaps and bounds in order to provide the best performance in equipment for all levels of golfers. This year, and you may have noticed last year as well, there have not been any dramatic changes in designs; most changes have come on the aesthetic side of design.

Don’t get me wrong, they do make some minor changes to the club heads, such as weight distributions. Realistically, however, they have no choice but to make these minor changes, otherwise they wouldn’t be able to say the equipment is new and improved equipment.

This year you will find that iron designs have not changed, but really, they haven’t changed in years. You will however notice some new catchy names in the industry. The reason there have not been many changes in iron designs is because, when they came out with the original oversized club heads, there was nothing more they could do to make the club faces increasingly forgiving. Therefore, the designers did their best to ensure that their equipment lines looked different and unique.

The revolution of hybrid irons has been the only major change in iron design in recent years. These hybrids do not feel or look like irons, they play more like short fairway woods. For any beginner golfers or even a high handicappers looking to get more forgiveness, the hybrid sets are the way to go. The oversized iron should not, however, be overlooked because it is still a great way to get help for your game. The trick is to get it matched or fitted to your game. Therefore, I say again please do not rush to purchase the “New” and “Improved” equipment of 2009, please visit a golf professional to ensure you are looking in the right direction to help your game.

My intentions are not to scare you away from improving the equipment that you are currently using, but to make you aware that you may not need the latest and greatest, there may be better deals and options out there for you. Having said all that, you will agree that the new stuff coming out does look great, and you may want some of these items in your bag, I know I will. Therefore, please take the time to find out more about what equipment would be best for you. Feel free to message me anytime, I will be happy to guide you through the decision process, after all, that’s what I do.

Mat Vachon
Head Professional
Northern Swing Golf Centre