If you’ve been playing golf for a while but you’re yet to hit that elusive “veteran” status, chances are, like so many players, you fall into what’s known as the ‘mid-handicap’ range.
There are no set rules for this, but most people consider a handicap index of between 10 and 20 as a mid-level handicap. If this is you, and you’re still using the same clubs as when you were first starting, you may be wondering where to turn next. Well, Clarkes Golf is here for you.
We’ve put together a few resources to help you make your next move with confidence. So keep reading for a few useful nuggets of knowledge that could transform the way you play over the next few years!
Why Custom Club Fitting is a Non-Negotiable
You may have been asking yourself: “Are custom fitted golf clubs really worth it?” As experts in this area, we can say that the answer is an unequivocal Yes.
Naturally, off-the-rack golf clubs and those bought as package sets are all built to fit the widest scope of players possible, utilising an “average” length.
This may work for a while. But if you really want to fine-tune your performance and shave off those pesky few strokes, the first place to start is with clubs that fit you like a glove. Custom fitting is the answer.
And it’s not just a sales tactic, it’s scientifically proven. According to a study by the Sports and Leisure Research Group, 92% of players report hitting the ball more consistently after a professional club fitting.
If you’re in doubt, you could always try measuring your ideal club length yourself and going from there. But at Clarkes, we offer a club fitting service tailored to your playing style. Find out more at the link!
Finding Distance and Stability Off the Tee
One of the most important decisions any golfer will make on their journey is choosing the right driver. But with endless options all catered to different players, levels of skill and results, it can all sound completely baffling at times.
Luckily for you, we’re here to help you save some time and point you in the right direction. We have a dedicated blog on the best drivers for mid handicappers you can read here. These remain great selections to this day, and you may even find updated versions of these clubs that meet your requirements even better!
But one element that always troubles mid-handicappers is how adjustable drivers impact shots. If you’re not in the know, these are drivers that feature weights and similar adjustable elements in the club head and/or hosel that help you dictate the type of shot you’ll produce, based on your specific swing style.
If you’re taking that next step up and are willing to put in the time and effort to “adjust” (pun intended) to these clubs, they can be a fantastic asset to your game.
Then, of course, there’s the classic question of golf hybrids vs fairway woods. More specifically, which should you use, and when? They can both be used off the tee, even though that’s not their prime use.
Fairways, as you’ll know, are ideal for lifting the ball off the fairway with significant distance on the way to the green. Hybrids, on the other hand, are more like a cross between fairways and long irons, and are handy when you don’t want to sacrifice accuracy on your approach shots.
If you’re a mid-handicapper, you’ll benefit from having both in your bag. Take a look at the selection we have available at Clarkes at the links above!
Choosing Your Iron Set
Your golf irons are the real workhorses of your golf set, as you’ll no doubt be aware by this point in your golfing career. They’re also some of the most difficult clubs to master on the long end, which is what holds so many players back for far too long.
So if you’ve been pondering, “What are the best irons for mid-handicap?” There are a few things you need to consider.
Your first port of call may be a good game improvement set; these clubs are specially crafted to offer both the accuracy, distance and forgiveness you need to take your iron game to the next rung of the ladder while also presenting plenty of technical advancements over what you may be used to.
Forged vs cast irons is another dilemma. As a mid-handicapper, you’ve likely been using cast irons until now. Branching out into forged irons may help, but they’re generally for the most skilled, low-handicap players who can shape their shots without a second thought.
Then, there’s the age-old debate of graphite irons vs steel irons. Graphite offers great flexibility and lightweight design (making it easier to use), while steel is always the professionals’ choice, thanks to its durability, consistency and enhanced feedback. Where you lie on this scale depends on your confidence and general ability.
On the Green
Thankfully, there aren’t quite as many club decisions to be made when it comes to the short game. By the time you’ve made it to the green, you already know exactly what club you’ll be using: The putter.
But from here, one question you may consider is blade vs mallet putter. Blade putters are generally easier to control with a basic, pendulum-like stroke, which is why they’re often the putter of choice for beginners and mid-handicappers.
However, if you’re used to a blade and want to try something a little different, a mallet putter may feel like a jarring yet rewarding experience. The larger, heavier heads mean there’s less wiggle-room for you to accidentally throw your stroke out of alignment; they’re a common sight on greens during major games.
Explore Golf Clubs for Mid Handicap at Clarkes Golf
If you feel like your game (and your scores) could use a little lift, and you’ve been stuck with the same individual clubs or package set for years, refreshing your golf gear with Clarkes Golf is your best bet.
Hopefully, you’ve found plenty of information and links in this blog to set you on the right path. But if you need any assistance or would like more personalised suggestions, we’re always on hand to help. Get in touch with a member of the Clarkes team today.