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Instruction 2:
What is the Correct Equipment for Your Golf Game?
It can be a little daunting when you start to look for a new set of clubs or even just a new driver or putter. Where do you start? The Internet is a fantastic source of information for the many clubs which are available, but it seems the more you look and the more information you gather, the easier it is to become confused.
Technology has allowed the club fitter to provide you with a golf club that will be designed to make golf far easier than you ever thought possible. The fitting process is done with the help of a Launch Monitor and a specially designed fitting system. The Launch Monitor is linked to a computer and will tell you the launch angle of the ball, the amount of back and sidespin and how far the ball traveled. Balls are hit with a variety of clubs with differing shaft flex, shaft length, grip size, lie angle and head design. For the driver the loft is also altered to check the launch angle.
Ideally what you are looking for is the following:
Driver - the ball should be coming off the club with a launch angle between 10 and 14 degrees, and approximately 2500 RPM of backspin. The less sidespin the better. At slower club head speeds a higher spin rate is required to achieve a longer flight time and thus greater distance. Most players have too little loft, hit the ball too low and thus hit the ball less than their maximum distance. They also play with a shaft that is too strong and thus have trouble with their accuracy.
Irons - If the majority of Tour Professionals are choosing perimeter weighted clubs over blade style clubs, then so should you. These clubs are designed to be easier to hit the ball straight due to a larger sweet spot. If the rules of golf allow you to use equipment to make the game easier, then take advantage of it. The irons should also look good and give you confidence as you set up over the ball. The shaft length, shaft flex and lie angles should all match your golf swing. Make sure that this is the case and avoid buying clubs "off the shelf" which will probably not suit your golf swing.
Putter - Golfers will tend to buy a putter based on a variety of important factors including alignment aides, design, face balancing and even color. But it is equally important to be sure that your putter is the correct length. If the putter is too long, your arms will be cramped against your body and you will be unable to swing the putter freely to produce a smooth stroke. A too short putter will result in poor posture and alignment difficulties.
Set Make Up - Every club in your bag should be there to allow you to play a particular shot with confidence. Everyone should look at carrying a lob or 60 degree wedge as well as a sand wedge. Similarly consider replacing the longer irons, 4 and above, with fairway woods or the new hybrid clubs. They are much easier to hit high and straight than any long iron on the market.
Now you have the correct equipment to hit the ball longer, we can start to work on improving your golf swing. In next month's edition I will discuss the importance of wrist hinge in producing club head speed and solid center face contact.
Until then, good golfing!
This Months DDGA Golf School Special
Take a 2, 3 or 4-day Golf School at DDGA before August 31st, and receive a DDGA logo golf shirt to the value of 10,000 yen. To book your place email or call 0985 38 1210.
Derek Hooper, Director of Instruction,
David Duval Golf Academy
Phoenix Seagaia Resort, Miyazaki
An Australian PGA member since 1994, Derek has been at DDGA since its official opening in April 2003. Since that time he and management company Troon Golf, have grown and developed the programs to where they are now recognized as some of the best in Japan. The Golf Schools are based on the successful model used by the 18 Troon Golf Academies throughout the world, and are delivered in the student's choice of English or Japanese.
Derek has an extensive back ground in motor learning and performance, and its relationship to golf instruction.
After gaining a University degree in Sports Science, specializing in biomechanics and motor learning and performance, he played the Australasian Tour for two years.
He later worked at the Nike Golf Learning Center before starting his own Academy teaching Tour Professionals and amateurs. Derek has a AAA level of accreditation with the Australian PGA and a Level 5 accreditation with the Australian Coaching Council, the highest rating available.
To contact Derek, or to get more information on the DDGA Golf Schools please email him at , or phone 0985 38 1210. You can also see all the DDGA program details at
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Previous Issues
Instruction 1
The David Duval Golf Academy
Since its official opening in April 2003, the Academy has received numerous favorable reviews making it a significant addition to the already famous golf facilities at Phoenix Seagaia Resort in Miyazaki.
To find out more about the Academy click !
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