I have played my Mizuno MP 20s for two seasons now and it is time to trade them in for something better! You know, after two years and about 100+ rounds, there are no good shots left in them. Hence, my decision to change my clubs has come in a whim. I figure that by changing my clubs my game will improve and I should take one step closer to being a scratch golfer!
Of course I am talking with tongue in cheek because I love my Mizunos and changing them is out of the question. When making my big purchase in 2020, I did my research and decided on my Mizunos. But, I will tell you that the research was a difficult one because off all the different choices, advertisements, hype, and pressure sales. It was an interesting ordeal and one where I learned a great deal.
Here is an interesting stat from Golfweek: “Retail sales of golf equipment also surged in 2020, Golf Datatech reported, with $2.81 billion in revenue. That was a 10.1 percent increase over 2019. It gave 2020 the third-highest annual total since Golf Datatech began tracking the industry, trailing only $2.91 billion in 2008 and $2.87 billion in 2007.”
I understand the need for manufacturers to produce different clubs in order to remain viable, but I have to question the theory that golf club technology changes so much from year to year that requires me to fork over a large some of money to purchases new golf equipment. I am confident that my two year old clubs are just as effective as any new set on the market today.
I know of some golfers who chase the next best thing in golf equipment. They spend hundreds and thousands of dollars thinking that a change of equipment will change their fortune on the links. I would suggest that some equipment changes are needed, but if your clubs are less than five years old, they are more than enough of a club for most games. I have a 4 handicap and my clubs will be good for at least another three to five years.
Changing golf equipment is sometimes required. For instances, I hit my 52° and 56° club more than any other. So, I replace this club every three or four years. I assess its wear each year and determine if I need to make a change. Right now I am on year one and will not worry about my grooves wearing out anytime soon.
I used my last putter for about 25 years. My current putter is four years old. I purchased a blade putter from Odyssey. It is a Works Versa 1W 350 gram putter. After 25 years I felt it was time to change and my new putter does make a different in my short game. I have better feel and I still I like the way it looks how the ball rolls off the face. I expect this will be my last putter I will ever buy.
I am not suggesting that golfers should never purchase new golf equipment, but I would offer a bit of advice suggesting that knowing what they are purchasing could save them a great deal of money. Again, if your clubs are less than 5 years old (depending on the make and brand), then they are likely good enough for your game.
One last point would be that if your game has not demonstrated any real improvement, chances are you need a lesson or two. Until this happens, buying new golf clubs may not be the wisest move.
On a side note, this article does not suggest that the reader should not buy new equipment if necessary. It is my opinion on what works for my game and might for yours. You decide.
Want do you think? Am I off base here?
I am a grateful golfer! See you on the links!
The Grateful Golfer 
Jim, as you mention, clubs under five years old don’t need to be changed out IF they were fitted. That’s a big “IF”.
Thanks,
Brian
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Brian,
I understand the IF, fortunately mine are. I am sure yours are as well.
Cheers Jim
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The hype of the golf industry is relentless. According to the ads (I am watching Golf Channel), I need to have the latest equipment to hit it further and score better.
Yesterday, I matched my best score at my home course (2 over 74) with a mongrel set of MacGregor clubs from the 1920’s. I had three birdies holing several long putts with my Schenectady putter from 1904. I hit 11 greens in regulation and 10 of 13 fairways. Imagine what I would have scored if I had used the latest and greatest gear 😀.
As you have articulated, getting a lesson will pay greater dividends than buying the latest and greatest clubs. It is okay to get a new set of toys if you can afford them but have realistic expectations. If your skills remain the same, a new set of sticks is not likely to benefit you.
The current trend in irons has reached new lows in my opinion. We have game improvement irons, super game improvement irons, players distance irons, all for a small fortune. With all these “improvements “ everyone should be playing better if the ads were true. Golf is a game of skill and focusing on improving your skills will do much more.
Today, if the weather cooperates, I will play my classic irons (forged blades) and persimmon woods. With a little luck, I will break 80 , which according to the current thinking should not happen . The clubs are too old.
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Lorne,
You and I are in the same mind set that equipment does not give us a better swing. New technology does offer more forgiveness on miss hits, but not to the point were I need to change my equipment more than once every 5 years. Good luck today on the links.
Cheers Jim
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Two years…oh my god, they must have worn out a year ago. lol
I think sometimes even 5 years doesn’t bring enough change to truly make a difference. I watch a video from Matt Fryer I think a week or two ago where he compared drivers from the same manufacturer 20 years apart and he didn’t get 20 yards extra distance on his better swings with each. But he’s a pro. There might be gains due to improvements in off center hits that might make a new club worth the money every few years in that regard. Maybe.
I’ve had my current irons for I think about 6 or 7 years now. The only reason I can come up with to change them is aesthetics. The hollow body designs today really do look good to me but would I play better with them than my Calloway’s? I doubt it. And at my age, I don’t see myself moving to a blade ever.
On the other hand, putting in new wedges fairly frequently depending on how often and where you play might be more justifiable. They take the brunt of the damage and are not called the scoring clubs for nothing. My Mizuno wedges are about ready to be retired. They’ve gone through over 400 rounds I’d guess and countless hours on the range. That’s less than half what the irons have been through but the wedges looks the worse for the wear by far. The sand and lob wedges especially have faces that are pretty well scarred. So new wedges are on the horizon I think. I just need to decide on the specs.
The X in my irons name indicates stronger lofts. So my wedges need to continue the theme and keep the gapping as close to optimal as possible. And what I’ve learned about wedges will be considered for this purchase as well. I’d always bought wedges off the rack. Now though, I’d like to specify both loft AND bounce numbers. Both to help suit my swing and the conditions I play in most often. I’m thinking 48, 54, and 58 with the 48 having 12 degrees of bounce, the 54 with 10 degrees and the 58 with maybe 8 degrees. That combo I think would both tighten my gapping and make all three wedges slightly better suiting to both me and my home course.
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Kevin,
I agree that wedges do need to be changed more with respect to my clubs. I use them a great (almost every hole) and having the correct lie and bounce for your swing is very important. I use an 8° bounce on all my wedges. This seems to fit my game best. As far as the rest of my set, it is very unlikely I am changing them anytime soon.
Cheers Jim
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