Now that the ‘Traditional’ golf season has ended and Winter has come out to play, it affords us a chance to look back and evaluate every aspect of our game, based on last year’s results. We have time to adjust whatever we think needs work, whether that is the equipment we use, the swing mechanics that need to be refined, or our strategy to manage the courses we play. I was blessed with a longer than usual golf season this year, actually playing on New Year’s Eve, and New Year’s Day in upstate New York. Winter has now come out to play so my weekends are now destined to be spent in the basement tinkering, awaiting the return of green grass, sunshine, and above freezing temperatures.
What’s in the bag?
Spending a few months getting ready for your first round of the new golf season is a chance to reflect back on past achievements and set new goals for yourself. It is a chance to take your time and get your setup ready without feeling rushed.
The off-season is a perfect time to evaluate each club in your bag. Does this club work for me? Do I hit this club the way I want to or expect to? Is there a better alternative to that spot in my bag? It all comes down to a single question. Is this club a good fit and worth keeping in my bag??
Driver and Fairway Woods
The driver can be one of the most important clubs in your bag. Everyone I know gets excited when they hit a good drive. It’s the “sexy” shot in golf. It’s the shot that gets “ooh’s and ahh’s” from your golf partners as well as anyone nearby that is watching. A player that can hit good drives from the tee box sets himself up for a better chance at a good score on every hole. Now there are many options when it comes to drivers, and it all depends on personal preference. There are large-headed drivers (460cc) that most golfers use these days. But each of them are different from the others. Each brand comes with its own unique characteristics. You can go to any “Big Box” golf store and find a dozen different drivers and each will claim to help you hit the ball farther, straighter and faster. But that is the point you need to stop and ask yourself, “Will a new driver, which cost $500-$600, actually help me hit the ball farther?”
I personally own 7 or 8 different drivers. As each of them came into my possession, it brought ideas into my head that nothing could ever go wrong off the tee again. I was sure this was going to be the club that put me miles ahead of everyone else. That euphoria usually lasted one or two rounds until those ingrained habits of mine started to creep back into my swing, and I noticed I was hitting the ball pretty much the same direction and length as all the drivers I had tried before. Luckily for me, and my wallet, there are places to find cheap golf clubs that still perform as well as the new, more expensive clubs. If I had to spend several hundred dollars on one single club, that club would be my lifelong driver. I usually spend a month or so weighing the options of putting a new club in the bag. I read online golf club reviews of the different models. I dig up data on Taylormade vs. Ping vs. Cleveland Golf vs Callaway, just to name a few. Each are very good, and each perform well over a long length of time. Drivers don’t usually wear out from normal use. Then I start looking online for deals on used clubs. I also check with local driving range/pro shops. There are usually clubs that are 3-5 years old and available for a very small fraction of the cost, compared to buying new. I play with the same 3 or 4 guys every weekend morning, and they show up occasionally with the newest, latest and greatest. I show up with one of my “gently used” online finds and I am still ahead of them on every hole.
If you are really unhappy with your driver or the performance, there is nothing wrong with trying a new set up in your bag, but it can be done a lot cheaper than buying a brand new $500 driver every Spring.
Club Condition
The golf off-season is also an excellent time to look over each of your clubs for any imperfections. Maybe you forgot about that stone you clipped with your pitching wedge last August. Or maybe your 6 iron is looking a little dinged up from that tree branch you didn’t see before you walloped it.
Cleaning your clubs should be done at least every few weeks, if not more often. There is no better time to give them a thorough cleaning and a good once over than during the downtime.
If you find a chip, or a gouge, or a cut, you still have time to go looking for a replacement.
Another good off-season idea is to get new grips. New grips can make old clubs look, feel, and perform like new again. I regrip my own clubs at least every other year, more often if needed.
Bags and Accessories
While you have your clubs out of your bag for their checkup and cleaning, it gives you a chance to clean out your bag and start fresh. Empty all the pockets and be sure they are empty. Throw away that half-eaten peanut butter and jelly sandwich you forgot about. The crushed granola bar behind that empty box of balls won’t do you any good. Throw away the broken tees, and give your arsenal of golf balls a nice once-over. Keep a bag handy to collect the balls that are scuffed from that shot that ricocheted off the cart path. That big patch of brown is tree bark. It’s not coming off. Collect those balls and you have a practice bag for your back yard chipping and pitching workouts.
Once your bag is empty, dump it upside down and give it a shake or three, just to be sure everything is dislodged and out.
Then it is time to start filling it back up with your tees, the half dozen brand new balls you got for Christmas, your divot tool, ball markers, club brush, maybe a clean towel or two, your Garmin Handheld GPS (invaluable tool, I never leave home without it) and your 14 shiny, good-as-new clubs. Don’t forget to leave one of the pockets empty. It will be a good place to store your food and drinks next season, but in the meantime, you can fill it with all those eagle putts, chip-ins and 330 yard drives you’ve been dreaming of.
Only 18 days until Spring, but who’s counting
If you live in a region of snow, as most of us do, there is no better way to get your game mindset going than sitting at home and relaxing while you watch golf. There are numerous televised tournaments to get you reacquainted with the game and the latest technology breakthroughs. You can learn a lot from the broadcasts. There are swing analysis on each player, there are hints at course management as you see the great players on tour get in and out of trouble. There is suspense and drama as they approach the closing holes on Sunday afternoon. But to be totally honest, nothing is more spectacular than watching “The Masters”. The course is immaculate. The players are incredible golfers, and it is the traditional start to the “Real” golf season throughout the golfing world. Mark it on your calendar. I know where I will be that weekend.
Website: charliesgolfcenter.com
Email: charlie@charliesgolfcenter.com