It’s that time of the year again when we all start to dream about what might be possible: a personal best score, a single-figure handicap, making it onto the club honors board, maybe… we’re all full of optimism in the spring.
I’m no different. My ultimate goal is a scratch handicap. I’m currently at 2.8 – so close yet so far away… Or is it?
After making five gear changes over the winter – a higher-lofted driver, ribbed grips, 7-wood, fresh wedges, and a striped golf ball – I’m confident that my equipment tweaks will have the desired effect.
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Enough about my game. What gear changes have you made? Has a new club/clubs had a positive effect?
It did for reader Rodney Murrell last year. He got in touch with us via the comments section (have you tried it?) and these were the five gear changes that took his handicap down by a massive three-and-a-half shots, which is pretty good going when you’re already a single-figure golfer.
1. DRIVER FITTING
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
For our reader, a driver fitting helped him to eliminate a wide right – his big miss. Whether it’s a new shaft or a new model that you need – and whether it’s a big right or a big left that you’re trying to fix – a driver fitting is essential, no matter what level you play at.
Each driver model from each manufacturer will have different launch and spin characteristics. A fitting expert can identify the head and shaft that generate the most optimal blend of distance and accuracy for your swing.
Going back to Rodney’s issue with a loose right shot (slice) off the tee, it’s clear that he required a shaft that helped him to square the clubface more easily – perhaps one that was lighter or had a touch more flex, or one of the best drivers for slicers with specific internal weighting.
Book yourself a driver fitting – it could be the best decision you make all season, helping you to eliminate those card-wrecking wides.
2. CHECKING LOFTS
(Image credit: Tom Miles)
It appears that a simple lofts review played a part in bringing Rodney’s handicap down – a smart move and another crucial equipment check to make before the 2026 season gets underway (or at any time for the matter).
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