Top 10 tips to improve your game with equipment

The equipment golfers use is a very important aspect of the game. A proper fitting of clubs can be instrumental to improving your score, and there is lots to know about brands, prices and when to look for a good deal.

Ryan Holley is a PGA of Canada class A teaching professional at The Golf Lab. He currently handles all equipment sales and custom fitting both at The Golf Lab and on tour as the Preferred Equipment Provider for PGA Tour Canada. He works with players of all abilities and believes in mixing properly fitted equipment with technical instruction and coaching.

GolfWest sat down with Holley to discover his top ten tips for finding and using the right equipment to improve your game.

1. Get fit

Regardless of your handicap level or the amount of golf you play, a proper fitting is instrumental in allowing you to play your best.

2. Ask questions

When you locate a fitting facility, make sure you ask questions of the fitter to ensure that this is the person who is capable of getting you the best possible equipment. You should ask questions about fitting philosophy, experience level and brands carried, as an example.

3. Know your prices

Don't be afraid to shop around prior to your fitting appointment. Know what big box retailers and small golf shops alike sell equipment for. There is no need to pay more than you have to.

4. Budget

Have a budget and let the fitting professional know before you get started. Aftermarket equipment typically performs better, but often carries a significantly higher cost. Don't be afraid to draw a line in the sand when it comes to price.

5. Deals

Pay attention to off-season or end of product cycle deals. When companies are about to introduce a new product, typically clubs that are between four and six months old will begin to go on sale. This is a great way to maximize your budget.

6. Brand

Don't be locked into one brand. More important than carrying 14 clubs from one manufacturer is to have no redundancy in your bag and have a very clear idea of what each club does.

7. Wedges

Don't ignore your wedges. Understanding what bounce is and how to determine how much bounce is needed is paramount in the wedge fitting process and is easily one of best ways to shave strokes off your game.

8. Get your putter fit

A very large percentage of your strokes are played on the putting green. It is important to make sure your putter aims you correctly and allows you to control weight and speed properly. Fact: 75 per cent of right handed players aim their putter left of target from six feet.

9. Swing

Sometimes it's not the equipment. Having an open mind about making motor pattern or swing changes before purchasing equipment is sometimes very beneficial. This is why I always recommend that the fitting professional is a PGA of Canada member.

10. Seek assistance

Once your new clubs arrive, don't be afraid to seek the help of a PGA of Canada teaching professional to help improve your game. Between the clubs and changes made you'll have every chance of playing your best golf ever.

The Golf Lab in Vaughn, Ontario, is moving into its third winter and was born from the need for teaching professionals to quantify the improvement of amateur golfers. It is their mission to address the client’s entire skill set when making a prescription for game improvement. The Golf Lab is a unique environment built to give the amateur golfer the same game improvement and game enhancement tools that touring professionals have at their disposal every week.