When to Replace Your Golf Clubs
Every year, golf club manufacturers release their latest and greatest golf clubs.
The annual releases are upgrades on the previous models, and with golf club technology reaching new levels, there is a chance a player’s performance can improve from the new items.
The continual development of high-quality clubs makes it seem like golfers need to change their clubs regularly.
However, that doesn’t seem to be necessarily true, unless a golfer just has to have the latest innovation on the market.
Peak into any PGA Tour professionals golf bag and there is a good chance you will find clubs that are around one, two or three years old.
Many PGA golfers stick with the clubs they have grown accustomed to and keep those items around for years.
Even with sponsorship deals from major golf club manufacturers, top PGA professionals may keep around a beat-up driver, iron or wedge, because they like the way it plays.
Golf clubs are not cheap; especially top of the line models from Taylor Made and Callaway.
You can spend quite a lot of cash on new clubs just to get the newest technology.
It can be confusing when to know when a new set of golf clubs are needed.
So, when should you replace your golf clubs?
When to replace your golf clubs
One of the biggest signs that your golf clubs need to be replaced is if they are worn out.
Clubs deteriorate over time from constant play.
The amount of time you spend on a golf course and the number of times a club is used will dictate its speed of deterioration.
Of course, that is if you don’t slam your clubs into the turf every time you make a bad swing.
Some clubs don’t need replacing; at least not very often.
Putters are one example of a club that doesn’t need to be replaced regularly.
In fact, golfers often grow comfortable with the putters they use.
The grip and feel of a broken-in putter can help a golfer feel comfortable playing on the green.
Putting is also such an art form that having a club you are comfortable with is vital to a successful short game.
Other clubs like wedges wear out over time.
The wedge deteriorates and can no longer “grab” the ball after repeated use. According to Golfweek, some PGA professionals go through three or four sand wedges a season.
Irons are another club that tend to be replaced often by professionals.
Each season a PGA professional will change to a new set.
Of course, this isn’t true for every professional, as stated previously, some PGA Tour players love to keep around older clubs they are comfortable with.
Reasons to change golf clubs
Visible deterioration of golf clubs can cause them to be dangerous.
That is one reason to change them.
However, there are other reasons to swap your old clubs for a shiny new set of Callaway clubs.
If you experience an unexplained change in your game, it could be due to worn out clubs.
A sudden change in ball trajectory, driving distance or score could all be signs that your clubs need replacing.
A gradually increasing handicap could be the result of an old set of golf clubs.
A new set could see your handicap return to its correct score.
It is suggested that amateur and casual players should change their clubs every two to three years.
Of course, that means casual players should be putting in quite a lot of time on the golf course.
Advancements in technology means golfers can improve numerous areas with new clubs.
Introducing a new set every few years means you can stay on top of the increased innovation.
An often-overlooked reason to change your golf clubs is age.
Stiff golf clubs could be hindering your play depending on your age bracket.
Older golfers may want to transition into using senior golf clubs.
A change could improve your play as you get older.
Amateur golfer vs. Recreational golfer
Amateur golfers, and those who play on a regular basis, may need to change their clubs more often than recreational players.
Amateurs are playing at a competitive level and need their clubs in top playing condition.
These players need consistency from their clubs as well.
Recreational players are most likely not playing repeatedly in competitive tournaments.
These golfers may just hit the links a could times a month with friends.
Recreational golfers do not need to be as consistent and their play isn’t typically as high caliber as amateur players.
Therefore, the deterioration on their clubs won’t be excessive.
Recreational golfers could get more years out of their set of golf clubs than amateur players.
Any player seeing a decrease in performance and increase in score may want to seek out a new set soon.
Golf clubs are not cheap, and for many players, it will come down to money when buying a new set of golf clubs.
Contact Keiser University College of Golf about the first steps to a career in golf.
Any times struck vs. club distortion data?
last 2 years i have use same clubs no problem, Alex
I’ve had my clubs since ‘06.. I’ve just changed grips when needed
I am 71, recently retired and playing twice a week or more. I didn’t play much the last 13 years due to my wife’s and some of my health problems. I’ve had the same King Snake (Cobra knock offs) irons for 32 years and are still hitting them pretty good. I plan to play a lot of golf as long as I can. Do you think I should invest in new senior type irons? About 5 years ago I tried a set of Taylormade senior irons for a year and never could hit them as high and far as the old ones. Is this unusual? My old irons have regular flex steel shafts and the new ones had senior flex graphite shafts. I gave the new irons to my son that doesn’t play much.
try hickories, and learn to play with them…
then judge modern equipment, if you still think it’s important.
I have a set of forged blades that I got over 20 years ago when I was still in high school. They still look and feel amazing. Should I replace them? I don’t think so. But maybe I’m just missing out on all this supposed newer and better technology ♂️