How can you get the most from your golf clubs? Give your clubs a tune up before your next round of golf. Here are six areas to look at for your club tune up.  

1.  Grips: This is one of the least expensive ways to make your clubs feel like new. If your grips are worn, getting slick or feeling hard, it’s time to change those old grips. There are countless varieties of grips to choose from. You will have to choose which texture, design, color, and material you like best in your hands. After choosing which type of grip you want get measured for the correct size. The size of the grip will greatly impact your feel and ability to square the club before impact. If you have old worn grips, you are really handicapping yourself.

2.  Loft: Have you ever checked to see if the loft of your clubs actually match the numbers printed on the bottom? You may be in for a big surprise! If the spacing between clubs is inconsistent you are in for big trouble. The end result can be two clubs going the same distance, a shorter iron that goes further than the longer one, and a bag full of trouble. Have your loft checked and written down for your review.

3.  Lie: Incorrect club lie may be the cause of that errant ball flight. Improper club lie directly effects the direction of the shot. This lie angle can be adjusted on most clubs with the proper equipment and experienced professional.  

4.  Length: Are your clubs too long or too short? The length of your clubs can be changed, but remember length also has a drastic effect on the feel and weight of the club. If you shorten your club you will make it lighter in weight, which may make it harder to feel the club head. Lengthening the club will make it heavier. Use great caution in changing club length.

5.  Swing Weight: This can be adjusted by adding weight to the club head or butt end of the shaft. This will automatically change how the club feels and responds in your hands.  

6.  Shaft: The shaft of your club may be changed. This is a costly expense and one that should be compared to the cost of replacing the club. If you change from steel to graphite or vice versa you may dramatically change the club. The club head is weighed out for the shaft originally installed by the manufacturer. Lighter club heads are usually installed on steel shafts, with heavier heads put on the graphite shafts.

Before doing any of these repairs I strongly suggest you consult with your PGA Professional for his/her advice. Any of these changes can drastically effect the playability of your clubs.  

For more help with your golf game, contact Mark Oswald at oswaldpga@gmail.com.