A common myth is that the higher the price of a club, the better your game will be. Just think about it, are drivers really worth $600 to $1000 and iron sets $1500 to $3,000? The big manufacturers spend millions of dollars to promote their stuff and still make huge profits. Who you think pays for that? Paying high prices does not lower one's handicap, but a properly chosen club will, even a cheap one

Some points you should consider before buying Golf Clubs:

1. The shaft is the axle of the club, the better the shaft, the better the club.

2. Shaft flex has a major effect on the feel of a golf club and a medium effect on distance, thus an important determination in choosing clubs. If you do not know your speed swing (mph or km/h), some local golf shops can measure it for you. Otherwise the following chart may be helpful.

SWING SPEED CONVERSION CHART

SENIOR or A FLEX Driver speed swing 60-75 mph (100-120 km/h). Driver carry distance 180-210 yds. Club used from 150yds. a 4 iron.

REGULAR FLEX Driver speed swing 75-84 mph (120-135 km/h). Driver carry distance 210-240 yds. Club used from 150 yds. a 5 or 6 iron.

STIFF FLEX Driver speed swing 84-93 mph (130-150 km/h). Driver carry distance 240-260 yds. Club used from 150 yds. a 6 or 7 iron.

X-STIFF FLEX Driver speed swing over 93 mph (150 km/h). Driver carry distance 260+ yds. Club used from 150 yds. a 8 or 9 iron.

3. Shallow face metalwoods are well established game improvement clubs on the market. I personally like the Command Q Ti3 Woods, they play great and represent excellent value for money. Generally, shallow face metalwoods are easy to hit and extremely accurate due to their low center of gravity - something every golfer will appreciate.

4. Beginners and novice players choosing a set make-up, should consider eliminating the 2, 3 and 4 irons from their set, replacing those hard to hit irons with #3 and #5 hybrid clubs. Some very popular choices are the well established Powermax TRX Hybrids and the new PRE Progressive Hybrid Iron Set (excellent choice for beginners!). Both models also come as complete iron/hybrid sets if you prefer that combination.

5. All golfers should use standard length clubs unless he or she is short or tall. Standard length clubs allow players to hit the ball on center a higher percentage of the time, thus increasing distance and accuracy. In recent years, light weight Titanium driver heads and Ultralight graphite shafts have extended driver playing lengths from a standard 43-431/2" to 44-46". This is good news and bad news. The good news is, when you increase length, you will increase distance. The longer the club, the more club head speed generated , thus more distance. The bad news is, the longer the club the more difficult it is to control, thus less accuracy. To put this into perspective, the following information will be helpful. A driver hit on center at 43" = 250 yds. 43 1/2"= 262 yds. 44" = 270 yds. 44 1/2" = 275 yds. 45" = 275-280 yds. As you can see a significant increase in distance is achieved up to 44". After 44", distance increases only a minimal amount .

CONCLUSION - It is not worth sacrificing accuracy for the minimal amount of distance gained past 44". Keep driver playing lengths to 44" or less.

Identify Your Golf Goals

Decide on your goals before you go shopping, because identifying realistic goals will make shopping much easier. For example, if you are taking up the game just so you can play twice a year with your brother-in-law, there's no need to spend much time, effort or money on picking out clubs. If you are wildly enthusiastic about golf and plan on playing every chance you get, your sights might be set higher.

Honestly Assess Your Levels of Interest and Dedication

Before you can determine how much you're willing to spend, and on what caliber of clubs, you must honestly assess your dedication. Will you be practicing much? Are you willing to take golf lessons? If you answer "no" or "probably not," then cheaper clubs might be the way to go. Answering "yes" could be a sign that you're not aiming too high if you want something more expensive.

New vs. Used

If you're unsure of your dedication to golf, or if you have a history of taking up a hobby only to drop it later, used clubs might be a good choice. They'll be much cheaper, of course, than new. And because they'll be so much cheaper, they can be easily replaced later.

Set Your Budget

Golf clubs can be very expensive. How much you are willing to spend might be tied to how dedicated to the game you think you'll be. On the other hand, if you have plenty of money to spend and want top-of-the-line equipment, go for it. A good option for many beginners, however, is looking for an inexpensive first set. That way, if you don't follow through with the game, you haven't wasted much money.

Understanding Shaft Options

Two basics of golf shafts that beginners should most pay attention to are shaft composition (steel or graphite) and shaft flex (how much the shaft bends during the swing). Graphite is lighter and can help generate swing speed; steel is more durable and cheaper. Women and seniors will most likely benefit from graphite shafts with a softer flex. Younger, stronger men might go with regular or stiff shafts, but keep in mind that most teaching pros say many golfers use shafts that are too stiff.

What About a Clubfitting?

If your first set of clubs is going to be a new one, you might consider a clubfitting. Many teaching pros do an in-depth clubfitting that lasts 30-45 minutes. If you don't do that, then being measured in a pro shop to make sure the clubs you choose are well-suited to your body type can't hurt. The standard, off-the-shelf length for golf clubs corresponds to a male who is 5-foot-10. If you are around that size, then standard will probably work just fine. If much shorter or taller, get fitted.

The Clubs Can Make Golf Easier

There's no substitute for a good golf swing. But brand new golfers can make it easier on themselves by choosing clubs that are geared to higher-handicappers (also known as "game improvement clubs"). Choose irons that are perimeter weighted and cavity-backed. Look at "hybrid" sets, where the long irons (3-, 4- and sometimes 5-irons) are replaced by hybrid clubs. Get a driver with more loft, not less. Pay no attention at all to what the Tour players are using. Focus on clubs with low centers of gravity and high moments of inertia.

Ask Around and Shop Around

Ask your friends who golf for their recommendations. Walk into a pro shop and ask for advice. Ask your friendly neighborhood golf pro. What would they recommend for someone like you? It's a great way to get ideas. When you're finally ready to shop, make sure to shop around. Price and selection can vary from one pro shop (or department store, or garage sale, or whatever) to another. Identify your price range and stick to clubs you can afford.