Last Updated on July 7, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
New equipment is fun to get, but let’s not confuse it with a new golf game. Yes, I’ve seen golf drivers add 10 yards or putters take away a few three-putts. However, if you really want to change your game, the equipment is not the place to look. Here are seven common golf problems new gear won’t fix.
Swing Plane Issues
A new club isn’t going to swing on the correct plane!
If you swing the golf club above or under the plane you’ll end up with inconsistent ball striking and less accuracy. You can certainly choose a club with better forgiveness, but your plane is still going to be off.
If you struggle with slices and hooks, try to get them under control first. Then, choose a club that helps you when they occasionally sneak up on you again.
Some drivers claim to have 20 or 25 yards of shot correction built in because of the adjustability. Even if that’s the case, you still want to get the plane corrected to maximize distance instead of just trying to mask this side spin.
Wrist Control at Impact
Most amateur golfers know very little about wrist position and how it works in their golf swing. Maintaining a flat lead wrist at impact will help to square the clubface. Most players struggle with too much extension in this lead wrist.
You’ll have inconsistent shots, erratic ball flights, and less power than you expected.
Before buying new clubs because you think the clubface never squares up, take a close look at your wrist position at the top of the backswing.
If it’s extended (with the top of your hand closer to your forearm), it’s time to work on wrist action before investing in clubs that help control the clubface angle.
Poor Setup
The way you setup to hit your golf shot has such a tremendous impact on where it goes and how it flies. It took me a long time to give setup the attention it deserves. As a +1 handicap, the thing I now focus on the most is setup. I can change so many things about my swing simply based on how I’m setup.
Proper fundamentals in golf are needed whether you are swinging a $70 used driver or a $650 custom-fit model.
Invest some time into your setup and see what it does for your game.
Improper Aiming
Do you actually know how to aim?
Are you setting the club down and just sort of hoping you are set to the target? If you answered yes, you are both honest and in good company. Most golfers struggle with alignment because the clubface goes to the target, but the body is parallel to it.
Spend time on the driving range using alignment sticks, stepping behind the ball, and choosing a close spot to aim at.
Regardless of your equipment, you must know how to aim the shot!
Inconsistent Pre-Shot Routine
Watch just one afternoon of professional golf and pay attention to their pre-shot routines. A lack of a consistent pre-shot routine makes it really hard for your brain to repeat your golf swing.
You want your body to swing the club the same way every time, but you aren’t giving it the same clues. Start by creating a basic pre-shot routine and then use it throughout your entire round.
When you do splurge on the new equipment you’ll be able to keep this pre shot routine in place and benefit from it.
Lack of Practice
It takes work to get good at golf. New equipment is not a replacement for regular practice. Start by trying to fit in a half-hour or 45 minutes of practice each week.
Keep doing this for a month and see if it impacts your golf game.
You don’t need to invest hours a day like the professionals just to see small changes in your score. Some golfers find that spending a little time in the gym also helps them see big improvements.
Mental Game Weaknesses
As your game improves, the mental game of golf becomes increasingly important. Upgrading equipment won’t address the issues with your course management, confidence, and focus.
When you are the golfer who tries to hit a three wood out of the rough, under a tree, and over a water hazard to reach a par five, the new three wood isn’t going to fix that.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, golf equipment upgrades are necessary. If you have had your technology for five to seven years or more, you are probably missing out on some things. Just be smart about upgrading, knowing the clubs will not take you from a 15 handicap to a 5 without a little effort.
