Tip: Play better golf by improving your Golf IQ

How well do you know really know your golf game?

Are you aware of the effects that different types of clubs and shafts can have on your performance?

Are you familiar with the golden rules of golf?

You may not know as much as you think you do and this lack of knowledge may be holding you back from playing your best golf. The more you know about the basics and fundamentals of the game, the less intimating this game becomes.

So let’s see how much you know about your equipment. Today’s quiz is on equipment. You spend a tremendous amount of money on golf equipment, so it is important to make sure it fits you properly.

Question #1

Let’s say you tend to push the ball to the right with all your clubs (if you are a right-handed golfer). Is it because:

A. Your grips are too small.
B. Your grips are too slippery.
C. Your grips are too large.

The Answer is - C

Grips that are too large tend to restrict the necessary hand action and the release of the clubhead through the hitting zone, preventing the clubface from returning to square at impact. The result is a low push or slice.

Conversely, grips that are too thin promote overactive hands, causing the clubface to close through impact resulting in the ball being pulled or snapped hooked.

The ideal grip is when the fingernails of the top hand just touch the fleshy pad at the base of the hand. If there is space between your fingers and hand, then the grips are too large. If your fingernails dig into your hand, then the grips are too thin. Any golf professional can help you determine if your grips fit you properly.

Question #2

Titanium is the preferred choice of many leading manufactures for the construction of metal clubheads particularly, drivers. What main advantage does a player gain from using this particular metal? Is it because:

A. It is harder than other metals and therefore hits the ball farther.
B. It can be worked into more aerodynamically shaped clubheads.
C. It is extremely light.

And the Answer is - C

Although it conveniently happens to be harder than steel, the main benefit of titanium is its lightness, which allows manufactures to create much larger heads without making them too heavy so that you can swing the club faster.

Because the clubface on a titanium driver is larger, the effective hitting area is increased, making it more forgiving and easier to use. Which means the sweet spot is bigger, so your miss hits will go longer and straighter. Do yourself a favor and get a titanium driver.

Question #3

Experts agree that many players hinder themselves by using incorrect shafts. Do you know which shaft is best for your swing speed? Let’s say your swing speed in between 80-90 mph, which is about the speed of the average male golfer. Which steel shaft should you be using?

A. Regular flex
B. Firm or Stiff flex
C. Senior flex

The Answer is - A

Regular flex would be the ideal shaft for your swing speed. If you use a stiff or firm flex shaft, the clubs are too stiff for your swing speed and therefore failing to deliver the necessary whip action at the bottom to propel the ball high and far. You will hit the ball low and to the right and you won’t get any backspin or bite.

Shafts that are too whippy will have the opposite effect, with the ball flying too high, so you won’t be able to control the trajectory. If you are in doubt about what type of shaft is suitable for your swing, ask a golf professional. Almost all pro shops have launch monitors that can determine your swing speed, launch angle and ball speed to determine the correct shaft for your swing.

Next quiz will be about the basics of the golf swing or what I call the “Golden Rules of Golf.” Stay tuned to find out if you know these …