If you are like myself and many other golfers, the start of winter and end of the golf season can be bitter-sweet. We look back upon the many rounds with friends, competitive NCCGA and City Tour rounds and long evenings at the range.

What many people often do not think about is how to best take advantage of end of season sales for equipment. In a golf equipment world that is perpetually being driven by more distance and customization of clubs, how do you know you’re actually improving your game? Take a look at these three tips to buying golf clubs that will help you score better and have more fun on the course.

1) Everyone loves to hit the long ball, what should I look for in a driver? 

Lets start with the head of many drivers. When looking for end of season deals and a way to score a good upgrade for your game, let’s first take a look at what is out there. Finding your optimal head shape is important. You want to have a driver that promotes confidence and playability. Some players prefer a large, 460 cc head shape to maximize confidence at address. Others prefer a more compact, lower spinning 440 cc head shape that could lead to better shot-shaping ability. Regardless of your preference, you need confidence on the tee box. Pick a head shape that aesthetically looks pleasing, it will lead to more confidence and a relaxed, smooth swing for more distance.

Secondly, the golf industry over the past 5-6 years has really gone towards adjustability in metal woods. When picking a driver, look for what type of adjustability does the model offer. For amateur players, having the adjustability to adjust loft and lie independently can ultimately lead to a more optimal ball flight. For many like myself, a driver with too much loft can lead to excessive amounts of spin, namely the spin that diminishes distance.

For many others, the ability to adjust shot dispersion bias may lead to keeping more shots in the fairway. Many drivers have these capabilities along with the ability to manipulate the center of gravity with moveable weights. Keeping more shots in play will lead to lower scores and less time spent searching for golf balls. With thousands of combinations and options, I always recommend finding what suits your game by feel, numbers and price. 

2) I want more consistency in my game, does the shaft choice matter?

The forgotten about item in golf is often the shaft selection. What makes this dimension so important in the club selecting process is how much of a dramatic effect it can have on distance, shot dispersion and how much fun you have on the course. If during the season you have hit a lot of shots high and have a tendency to pull the ball with severe counter clockwise spin, your shaft might be too flexible. With too much flex, the golf ball typically will go to the left for a right handed player.

This causes excessive spin rates and will lead to less fairways hit and inconsistency. Contrary, if you have hit a lot of shots with a driver low and to the right, chances are that the shaft is too stiff. Selecting a driver shaft is not simply about swing speed though as conventional wisdom suggests. Many times golfers don’t take into account tempo of the swing, launch point, ball speed or weight of their shafts.

Find out what is important to your golf game and what will lead to more fairways hit and keeping the ball in play, distance is not the only factor in shaft selection. If you’re looking to upgrade from what you have now, always think “will this improve my scores and lead to better on course performance?” 

3) Price is always a concern for many millennial golfers.

Choosing between golf and other life expenses can be tough but shopping smart this time of year can always be beneficial. When selecting a driver, irons or anything in between, always remember that price should never dictate your buying habits. Just because a club or set costs over a thousand dollars doesn't mean it is always optimal for your game and will lead to lower scores. Premium and tour level also can account for higher sticker prices. These products although tour tested and played, do not always account for improving the games for amateur players. The only person on the course that can have effect on your game is yourself, purchase what will improve your game, not for what your bag looks like to your playing partners or whats hot on tour.

Always remember that NCCGA and City Tour players have access to club and equipment deals through our generous sponsors. Why not take advantage of end of season golf deals anytime of the year with deals through Nextgengolf and the NCCGA?

Interested in specific questions about what equipment might be right for your game? Contact Connor at Nextgengolf at connor@nextgengolf.org.