Golf clubs are getting better every year, but that doesn’t mean you need to replace them every year.
“If it was me, I would change driver every year,” says PGA Professional and Your Golf by NCG podcast regular Jack Backhouse.
Every year, all of the biggest equipment brands bring out their latest big sticks with all the new technology, which they all say will improve your game.
But, is this the case? Is it worth the vast investment? Is there really much of a performative difference between the newest clubs and the ones from the previous ones?
On the latest episode of the Your Golf by NCG podcast, Backhouse and host Tom Irwin tackle one of the most asked questions by golfers to get some answers.
“When I first started during reviews, having not changed my clubs for quite a few years, (I asked) why would you spend £500 on a driver when you can have £500 worth of golf lessons? What would improve you more?” Backhouse said.
“I would always tell people when they come to me and ask if they need a new driver that I could shoot level with their clubs. So it’s not a club problem, it’s a skill problem.
“So, that I still stand by, but understanding the clubs better, I’m now way more up on the (new) clubs than I ever have been.
“They are so good. The R&D (research and development) and everything they put into the clubs is so good.”
Golf clubs are improving every year, but not everyone needs to upgrade every year, according to Backhouse.
“Where people start in my mind is that they are questioning the need to spend another £500, or £800 if you go with a fancy shaft, on another new driver. I think what people want to gain from £800 worth of investment is a lot more than what they might get.
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“If it was me, I would change driver every year. I genuinely believe they get a little bit better every year and that’s worth the money.
“But, if you don’t have loads of disposable income, it might not be worth doing that.”
“I speak from someone from a privileged position who gets a new product every year, but that hasn’t always been the case,” Irwin added.
“I have lived off hand-me-downs, and I hated it.
“There’s a little bit of you that thinks it isn’t your swing but the old rags you’re using. You do definitely get a bounce from new products like a new manager bounce in football.
“That carries you quite a long way.”
Listen to the Your Golf By NCG Podcast
NOW HAVE YOUR SAY
How often do you change your golf clubs? What’s the longest a club has stayed in your bag for? Do you believe there is enough difference between each release, year on year, to warrant buying the newest gear? Let us know by leaving a comment or a post on X!
