Three New Technologically Advanced #Golf Drivers for a Beginners' Swing

A beginners golf swing is different than one that has been fine-tuned through the help of time, instructors and technology. A lack of confidence and awkwardness in the golf swing is especially noticed with the driver, as it has the longest shaft (and biggest clubhead) in the bag. It is also usually the club which can make, or break, the score for a beginner so it is important that you have the right driver in your bag.

When I first considered which golf drivers are best for beginners in 2013, I selected a few which offered game-improvement technology. Updates to my golf blog in 2015 made sure to list drivers with 460 cc heads and adjustable weight and loft technology.

But, do golf beginners really need all of the bells and whistles in order to get the ball airborne and safely onto the fairway? Do they need something as technical as the Wilson Staff Triton, which won Golf Channel's Driver-vs-Driver competition? Probably not.

Yes, distance matters but accuracy and consistency in your golf game matters more. There is no better feeling than to walk to your golf ball which has landed safely in the fairway, hole after hole! (Okay, distance really DOES matter!)

Technology also matters if it helps create golf clubs which make it easier to get the ball airborne or to, almost effortlessly, get the ball lofted off of the clubface and fly straighter down the fairway.

Here are three golf drivers with new technology, selected to give newbies (and players who need more consistency) a head start on their 2017 golf game.

1. Callaway Big Bertha Fusion Driver: Forgiveness for both men and women is the keyword for this driver. The club designers positioned substantially more weight in the perimeter and far back from the face, resulting in a dramatically higher level of forgiveness.

The new titanium Exocage and shape cuts through the air lightly and with "an especially satisfying sound and feel", says Callaway. I love the sound my Callaway X2 Hot driver makes as it connects with the sweet spot of the ball, so I know this club manufacturer understands the value in that aspect for beginners!

2. Ping G Series Drivers: My favorite set of Ping Karsten irons has prompted me to look into Ping drivers as I hit those irons like a champ (most of the time, otherwise, I would be on Tour!)

Ah dragonfly, are you the reason that Ping redesigned their popular line of drivers?

According to Ping, the wing pattern of this insect helped in the design of the crown sections to improve the MOI (moment of inertia) and CG (center of gravity) with biomimicry in mind. According to a Golf.com review of the Ping G Driver, there are many pros to using this club including a high level of accuracy and forgiveness with "point-and-shoot" playability.



3. Cobra King F7 Driver: Golf World testers landed this driver in the gold medal position along with the Callaway we placed on this list.

The new Cobra Connect Powered by Arccos system in the grip could be one reason as you receive instant feedback of distance and accuracy with every swing directed to your smartphone.

A carbon fiber crown redistributes the weight in the clubhead and the E9 face offers distance even if you mis-hit the ball.

Might be just a little bit too much for the first-time beginner but, for someone who is in that second stage of learning and ready to try something a little bit different (because we're always learning), get over to your local retailer and take a few swings to see if this driver is right for your next stage of development.


Editor's note: Before purchasing any new golf driver, make sure you visit an authorized retailer with custom club fitting capabilities. A purchase as important as this one, which inspires confidence off the tee, should never be left to chance.


Have you tried any of the above golf drivers? Leave your comments below in our golf blog and share with us on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.

Three #Golf Drivers to Swing for in 2016

Every spring, I head over to the local big box golf superstore to check out the latest drivers, irons and wedges and, although I have a great set of golf clubs, it intrigues me to see if technology has improved since my last visit.

These are three of the golf drivers which I held and took a few swings with to see if I felt any difference between the 2016 models and my Callaway X2 Hot, which I LOVE.

What, in particular, was I searching for? Aerodynamics, brand name, light and comfortable to feel and to swing...a first look but not a purchasing expedition (I was getting my Vokey Spin Milled Wedge regripped and Barry's Ping Eye-2 * 7-iron head snapped off as he was taking a swing so it needed a new shaft, etc).

Golf Drivers First Look 2016

1. Callaway XR16 Driver: Boeing had a hand in the design and shape of this golf club, creating a more forgiving shape and reducing air resistance.

Looks are pretty much the same as its predecessor but it has gotten a rehaul from the inside. According to Golf Tribune, Henrik Stenson raves about the Callway XR16 driver. In my opinion, from beginner to mid level amateur should be comfortable swinging this club.




2. Ping G Drivers: When I originally got my Ping Karsten irons I was also considering matching up the set with a Ping Driver. The Callaway X2 Hot fit the bill for me personally but, in the past, I have tried the Ping drivers out at Demo Days and loved them.

The Ping G Series is extremely lightweight, looks extremely forgiving from the get-go with that humongous head and floats like a dragonfly. Why pick a dragonfly? "PING engineers analyzed the dragonfly’s intricate wing pattern to design ultra-thin crown sections for extreme CG and maximized MOI."



3.  Cobra King F6 Driver: I am not a fan of too much technology as I believe in allowing the golfer to swing the club and let the club fall into position and do its job. I must admit, however, that the weight system tuning of this Cobra King has intrigued me.

Golfers can turn the dial to a heavier weight - either for more roll or for higher ball flight with more forgiveness. I believe that, once the dial is set, however, you won't use this feature too often unless you take lessons and improve your swing.


What is the best way to decide on a new golf driver? Visit a professional instructor, let him/her see your swing and make suggestions - do you hit the ball high, do you need more forgiveness, distance?

From that point forward, do your online homework; select a few golf drivers that seem to suit your swing, visit a local store and talk to the fitters. Select three clubs, go into a hitting booth and try each golf driver for feel - before you buy make sure you can return and purchase another club just in case this driver doesn't feel the same out on the course.



Suggestions for a new driver? Let us know on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and below in the comments section of our golf blog.


photos: CallawayGolf.com, PingGolf.com, CobraGolf.com

How to Tell If You Need New #Golf Irons in 2016

Gazing down at the grips which you recently changed on your Ping Eye 2's, that less-than-shiny finish of the once shimmering stainless steel and the tiny dings and faded club face, you realize that your almost thirty years old golf irons could use a break. Still, they served you well and you are loath to switch out your clubs and, perhaps, alter your game.

On the flip side, the hottest golf irons for 2016 are said to be better than ever before, sporting extraordinary distance, control and feel. Are you open to the possibility of improving your game with, say, the latest game improvement irons...Ping GMax, I-irons, Karstens...or Cleveland CG Black CB's?

2016 PING i IRONs: Using 431 stainless steel for the first time in a PING iron, engineers relied on the material’s high strength-to-weight ratio and softer feel to create a head design that delivers workability and trajectory control with the right amount of forgiveness. Lengths and lofts are optimized to increase distance with proper gapping, resulting in a clean, players-style iron with a high MOI.

SIGNS YOU NEED NEW GOLF IRONS

- Age of the Irons - According to SFGolf.com, "Experts suggest that if your clubs are more than three years old and you are an avid golfer who gets out there often, then there’s a good chance it’s time for new clubs" Bent and damaged golf irons are also a sign that it's time to say goodbye to your old friends - wear and tear certainly takes its toll.

- You Are Getting Older... and less flexible. That goes back to the above statement of wear and tear but not just on the club. Chances are your body isn't in the shape it was in five years ago and you could probably use a more flexible shaft and larger club head. Rockbottom Golf suggests the importance of "matching your shaft to your swing style so you get the most distance from your swing."

- Technology is Progressing, Why Shouldn't You? Do you still carry (and occasionally use) a 3-iron? Hybrids or fairway woods can replace those long irons and with better results. Need to make a choice as to which club better suits your game? Links Magazine says, "If you sweep shots cleanly off the turf, fairway woods are for you. If you have a steeper swing (you tend to take divots), you'll be better off with hybrids."

A sign you may need new golf irons - worn out golf grooves!

If you decide to take the next step and consider a new golf iron purchase, remember that research and measurement is key. Whether you are a high or low handicapper, search the internet with those keywords, not focusing on the brand but on the type of player you are or have become.

For example, type in "game improvement irons" if you need help in that area or golf irons for beginners ...and make sure you take those clubs into a booth along with assistance from a custom-fit professional. Finding local demo days is also a great idea as manufacturer reps bring a whole slew of clubs for you to try!

Have you just purchased new irons or are you considering new clubs? Tell us your story in the comments section of our golf blog below and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photos: Ping, GolfDashBlog.com

Tips for a Correct Golf Driver Fitting Experience

Ready to purchase a new driver and don't know where to begin? Too many choices, brands and terminology making your head reel? Are you planning to test a few drivers to determine which one will replace the one already in your golf bag?

After reading a Golfwrx.com article which attempted to predict the hottest drivers in 2016 by using PGA Tour players as a barometer, I realized that most players are amateurs and not likely to swing at nearly the same speeds, or with the same tempo, as a low-handicapper. At Golf for Beginners we believe that there is nothing more important than heading over to your local golf store, employing the services of one of the custom fitters on duty and getting properly measured for the correct club.

From your physical size to your swing speed, a custom-fit driver and golf clubs made to your specific measurements and ability will definitely improve your game. Here are a few tips for building your custom fit driver:

- Know Your Swing Speed. A Golf Digest article mentioned that driver-distance potential is approximately 2.5 times your swing speed so, if your speed is tested at 75 mph, the ball should travel about 185 yards.

- Driver Loft and Launch Angle, basically how high the ball flies after connecting with the driver head. What is the correct loft for you? Depends on your swing speed writes Golfsmith. "Players with extremely slow swing speeds (below 70 mph) seem to benefit from lofts of 18 or 19 degrees--roughly the same as a 5-wood."  Tip - A club with more loft may carry the ball farther but with less roll.

- The Shaft is probably as important as the head in selecting a driver. In a Golflink article, several shafts are reviewed based on clubhead speed and "ensuing ball trajectory, distance and control of the drive."

Fujikura Golf, a leader in shaft technology, goes even deeper into the complexities of how to choose the correct shaft for your swing but, for this article, suffice it to say that "you will need a launch monitor and analysis by a seasoned club-fitting professional. That is the only way to understand why the golf ball is doing what it is doing off your clubs."

When I went for my custom fitting experience at PGA Tour Superstore, the fitter analyzed my swing and, based on the data, pulled out several stock drivers, from the latest version of my Titleist driver to a new Callaway X2 Hot.

After swinging each of the clubs several times, the data was compared and, with some shaft and size modifications, it was determined that the X2 Hot was the best performing driver for my swing. Since playing golf with this driver, I have gained about 30 yards in distance and, simply put, love my new club! The X2 Hot, along with my other fitted Ping Karsten Irons, have really made me feel more comfortable stepping up to each shot.

Fitting a golf driver or any club to your swing greatly improves your enjoyment of the game because there is nothing more satisfying than when you connect with the ball and send it flying safely to its target!

Let's talk golf drivers on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and comment on your experiences below!

Also read, "How to Select the Best Golf Clubs for Women"


photos: Golf for Beginners, www.nextgolf.it

What Should Beginners Spend on Golf Clubs?

Getting started as a new golfer, whether it is for you or for the kids, can be costly and distracting! Not only do you need a set of golf clubs (remember, only fourteen allowed in your bag) but also accessories, clothing...and let's not forget a qualified instructor! Today, let's focus on golf club choices.

This guest post was written by Dan Winger (see below for bio) and edited by Golf for Beginners. Enjoy.

Name brand golf clubs can cost a lot of money, dollars that could be spent on green fees for actual playing enjoyment...however, there is no substituting the quality of a name brand...or is there?

Costs of the name brand clubs average as follows:

·        Driver – $250 (My Callaway X2 Hot Driver currently retails at about $225 -Stacy)

·        Two Fairway Woods – $320

·        Irons, set of 7 – $650 My Ping Karsten Irons w/Graphite Shafts retail at around $899 -Stacy)

·        Wedges, 3 – $300

·        Putter – $130

·        Golf bag – $160

That’s an average total of $1810, a stout sum for the average guy or gal. Golf for Beginners suggests attending demo days at the very least, if that is the route you choose.

If money is no object, go for it, but there are other options. As most beginners have no idea if they’ll like the sport and stay with it, it seems more prudent to start out with a lower cost option.

Lower Cost Options

Low Cost/Used Outlets: There are several online sources of low cost and used golf equipment:

·        GlobalGolf.com (used-new)

·        GolfGalaxy Stores (used-new)

·        Ebay.com (used-new)

·        Amazon.com (used-new)

·        Overstock.com (new)

·        Costco.com (new)

·        2ndswing.com (used-new)

·        3balls.com (used-new)

Often, you can find some excellent golf clubs from these sources. Just be sure that you are buying clubs that fit you. Ask the sales person to check the shaft flex to be sure that it’s right for you.

Garage Sales: I have several golf buddies who regularly play clubs that they bought at garage sales. If you know your swing, you’ll know if a used club will be a good fit for you. Normally this the lowest cost method to buy clubs.

Clone Golf Clubs: Whatever you want to call them, knock-off golf clubs, discount golf clubs, clone golf clubs - they’ll save you money and should provide just as much playability as the name brands.

A set of new clone golf clubs (a set as described above) will cost an average of $600, one third of the price of the name brand clubs. 

The Acer XDS React Titanium Driver by Hireko, for example, is similar to Cobra and tests rate it 97/100.  At $69.95, this club is worth a swing...editor's note.

Good club hunting - there many opportunities to save some cash.


Author Bio: Dan Winger is owner/writer of 2 clone golf club review websites, DW Golf and Golf Shop Bolton.

He worked most of his professional career as a mechanical engineer/designer. Dan has been testing clone golf clubs and writing reviews since 2004. He resides in St. Joseph, Michigan, and can be reached at dwinger[at]rocketmail.com




Have you just purchased your first set of golf clubs? Which did you choose? Tell us in our comments section and on Twitter @Golf4Beginners.


photo credit: dwgolf.com, pgatoursuperstore.com

Cart or Stand Bag - Which Do You Prefer and Why? #golf

New golf clubs but no where to put them? The dilemma of purchasing a cart bag versus a stand bag basically comes down to meeting your needs on the course. Here are a few tips to help you make the right choice.

Why You Should Select a Cart Bag

When I agreed to participate in the PGA Tour Superstore Custom Fit Event to be professionally outfitted with a set of golf clubs, I was sent a large box with the latest Ogio Giza Cart bag inside - a big and unexpected surprise.

My initial response was, "What am I going to do with a cart bag?" at the same time deciding whether or not I should contact the store to switch to a stand bag.

My husband said that we should keep it - fill that large, elegant Ogio with my new clubs (a set of Ping Karsten irons, a Callaway X2 Hot Driver and my wonderful Vokey Spin Milled Wedges.) Since that time, I have not removed my golf clubs from the cart bag and I have received compliments on the range.

Here is why I wanted to keep the Ogio Giza cart bag:

- I ride in a cart during the hot summer months.

- When I begin to walk the golf course again in the autumn, I will probably be pushing a cart, not carrying my clubs.

- The larger bag comfortably accommodates all of my golf clubs - no struggle placing the clubs back into the bag.

-Heavy Duty with all of the bells and whistles (Insulated Cooler pocket, full length club dividers, 15-way cart top with putter pit for oversized grips).

Livestrong.com says that Golf Bags review "suggests that many players who choose cart bags prefer the look of the larger bags because they most closely resemble what the pros use, rather than any functional consideration."

Why a Stand Bag Might Work Best for You

Most carry stand bags are lightweight however most golfers pack their bags with much more than they need for that round of golf making the carry bag, in some cases, heavier than a stand bag.

That being said, a stand bag might be a better choice for:

-Golfers who walk the course and know how to keep their bag light.

-Driving Range aficionados - easier to take to the range.

-Balance - has two built-in legs for better balance when you place the bag on the ground.

While I still have my Adidas Golf Strike aG Stand Bag ready for a quick switch, I have not had to use it...yet. The Ogio Cart Bag has features I am not ready to give up and riding in a golf cart during the blistering summer months also has it's advantages!

Voice your opinion on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Golf for Beginners blog.

The Driver that Inspires Confidence to Tee Up #golf

A few weeks ago I was custom-fitted by PGA Tour Superstore staff for a new set of golf clubs.

Ping Karsten irons and a new driver found their way into my new Ogio bag. The experience proved not only exciting but educational as I learned the value of a professional club fitting for my golf game.

I came away with new knowledge of my golf swing, more club savvy and a with new Callaway X2 Hot Driver. Here is my current assessment of the golf club that now plays a starring role in my bag.


So, what about the Callaway X2 Hot Driver inspired me with confidence?

1. The sound of this driver, when struck on the sweet spot, is incredible.

2. The X2 Hot Driver is 460cc. When you have an older driver like my Titleist 905T, you think you can't miss when you upgrade by ten years...how TRUE!

3. The larger sweet spot, the Hyper-Speed face and the shaft weight all combine to offer a nice, high-launching ball flight with a ton of forgiveness.

4. From the first strike, my golf ball flew thirty yards further. Sure, that was on the sweet spot but, with this club, the sweet spot is hard to miss!

5. Very light in my hands. The X2 Hot Driver is weighted so that your swing feels effortless.

6. In my opinion, the orange, white and flat gray head are really good looking and, as we already know, when you love the way your clubs look, chances are you'll love hitting them.

7. It's all about fitting the right club to your swing. Having a golf club fitted to your size and swing makes you feel more confident when you're out on the course. A neighbor of mine bought a golf club off the rack and told me how he regretted it because it just isn't right for him. I felt sorry to hear that he spent $300 and was unhappy with his purchase.

The Callaway X2 Hot Driver comes in both a standard and a pro version which has a slightly smaller sweet spot (440cc) but I'm no Pro..and, for the average golfer, the standard X2 Hot driver, a Golf Digest Gold Medal winner, put confidence and distance in the palm of my hands.

Which Golf Drivers are Best for Beginners? The Callaway X2 Hot and more! Find out here.

Have a question for PGA Tour Superstore about Club Fitting? Tweet them - @PGATSS and use hashtag #PGATSSCustomFit

What driver do you have and are you happy with it? Let us know on Twitter @Golf4Beginners and on our Golf for Beginners blog.

Ping Karsten Irons - Hybrids #Golf Club Review

Forgive me but I am not perfect! Founder Karsten Solheim must have been watching a bit of my golf game from above when Ping released the irons - hybrids that bear it's founders name.

Rated Gold on many a golf hotlist, and rightfully so, the newest release from Ping offers unbelievable forgiveness which should make it a top golf club on any beginners' "must-try" list...male and female!

This may sound like an advertisement but trust me, it is not. With a honed down choice of three different golf club manufacturers - Titleist, Callaway and Ping - while being custom fit by PGA Tour Superstore, I swung away, watching the flight of the ball on the screen basing my decision on several different factors:

1. Weight of the club in my hands
2. Look of the club (it's got to be something you want to swing)
3. Trajectory and flight of the golf ball (not so much the path of the ball as that could very well be fault in my swing)

Naturally not all clubs are designed for all swings. I currently own a Titleist 905T driver and Titleist 904F fairway woods so I wanted to test their comparable irons...fair enough...although I did have a set of 804's in my distant past. As deciding upon a new set of irons is also a very personal decision, Titleist just did not suit my swing and I didn't feel comfortable with the Callaway irons either.

It has been several weeks since I received my Ping Karsten irons and hybrids.

I have been playing on an executive golf course once per week, trying to pull each club out of my bag several times during each round. Here is my current assessment of the Karsten irons/hybrids performance.

My ball distance and consistency has definitely improved...by about ten yards per iron! The arc of each golf ball hit is high and I don't get many "rollers".

Ping lingo for why this happens is, "Longer distance comes from precision-engineered loft and club length progressions paired with wide soles and a deep center of gravity. The Custom Tuning Port reinforces the thinner face to increase ball velocity for greater distance and higher ball flights for stopping power."

My club fitter decided that my Karsten Irons should be custom built with the KS 401 Regular Shaft - 64 grams of weight with a mid-high launch angle...perfect for my game. He also measured the lie of the club to make sure the club head was flat at address. The grips were also changed to fit my smaller female grasp.

Measurements by computer and by human hands are just some of the reasons why you need to get custom fit for your clubs.

I may sound like a broken record but, again, I will never buy another golf club without being custom fit...the results are making a world of difference in my game.

In my opinion, Ping Karsten Irons deliver on their claims - distance, forgiveness and consistency and are a perfect fit for me!

Have Questions About Being Custom fit for Your Golf Clubs? Ask @PGATSS with hashtag #PGATSSCustomFit

Do you have a set of Ping Golf Clubs? My husband still has his Ping Eye2's (black dot)! Tell us about it on Twitter @Golf4Beginners or write a comment on this Golf for Beginners blog.

Tips for Creating a Custom #Golf Club Fitting Experience #PGATSSCustomFit

Recently I was invited to participate in a PGA Tour Superstore custom fitting promotion. In essence, I received golf clubs in exchange for telling my readers about the experience.

Naturally, I accepted - a few of my golf clubs are almost ten years old and, although they have served me well, they show signs of age - also, changes in technology have made some of my clubs a bit outdated.

That being said, after being overwhelmed with joy at the prospect, I jumped into my car and met with PGA Tour Superstore reps Todd and Stanton who placed me into a hitting booth complete with video software designed to tell me everything from my swing speed to spin rates, in order to help place me together with the best set of clubs for my game.

We used my original Driver, 7-iron and sand wedge as test subjects; my current set includes a Titleist 905T Driver with a 9.5% loft, Square-Two irons and a Vokey Spin Milled Wedge.

We began testing with the Driver - according to the custom club fitter, on the longest stick in our golf bags we needed to learn my initial club head speed, if I hit it high, spin rate etc. Todd was telling me that a higher kickpoint shaft makes the ball go lower, which is what I needed to achieve. I nodded as he kept educating me.

For the irons, swing as many as necessary until you find one that feels comfortable in your hands.

In my case, I only needed three different brands before I chose my new Ping Karsten Irons - Hybrid set (spoiler alert). Then, the club fitter began to address the proper shaft for the club. Finally, I stood at address while Todd placed a board underneath my club to check the lie angle - that the club was flat at address.

As for the wedge, it's all about the comfort!

I love my Vokey Spin Milled Wedge but ten years has taken its toll on the grooves. Would I have been happy with a simple grind-out? Probably but, according to my custom club fitter, my original wedge had too much of a bounce so he selected a Vokey Spin Milled Wedge with less bounce which placed the leading edge closer to the ground and allowed the club to cut through the sand better (yes, I have already taken my new wedge to the golf course!)

Here are a few tips to help you with Your next Custom Fit Golf Experience:

1. Never buy a golf club without it being fit to your swing. PGA Tour Superstores have custom fitters and custom fitting booths for you to take full advantage of their services...and they are happy to help fit you so ask questions and don't be shy!

2. My custom fitter mentioned that a properly matched shaft is most important in increasing your clubhead speed. Grip size and the lie of the club are other important ingredients in creating a golf club specifically for your swing.

3. The most common complaint in the simulator is that people claim they hit their clubs farther than what is shown however increased clubhead speed and accuracy of your shots are more important than the distances shown at the booth.

Which golf clubs did I take home with me? None! They had to be built to my specs! But fear not, the fitting took less than a week and I am now the proud owner of the following new golf clubs:

Callaway X2Hot Driver - 10.5% loft
Ping Karsten Irons - set from 3-Hybrid through Gap Wedge
Vokey Spin Milled Wedge

One last note...

My PGA Tour Superstore Custom Club Fitter, Todd, is straight out of the military and is currently attending golf school. He left me with one thought that seemed to sum up my whole experience:

"If you can fit a customer and give a tip to improve their game and help them on the golf course in the process, I don't think they could be any happier." Thanks Todd, Stanton and the rest of the gang at PGA Tour Superstore in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for making my golf club fitting experience a special one.

Now, I'm going to try out my new golf clubs! I'm so excited!! I'll report my findings.

Direct your golf club-fitting questions on Twitter to @PGATSS and @Golf4Beginners.


Disclosure: This is a “sponsored post.” The company who sponsored it compensated me via a cash payment, gift, or something else of value to write it. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.