Get with the Times

Every year, around this time, the sales reps start to toot out there newest, latest and greatest product lines. It's always fun for everyone to try something new -- even if the cost of some of these clubs exceeds what you would think of spending on a set of clubs. It brings to mind a funny statement from a fellow Instructor at one of the Golf Schools where I've taught. A student asked during his presentation on equipment, "What driver would be right for me to buy?" His reply was "Anyone of them would be right for you, since they are all engineered far beyond your capabilities."

Maybe his sarcasm was a bit biting, but his comment was received in good humor. Still, there there are some elements of truth in his statement directed to the high-handicapped gentleman. After recently hitting the new product line from one particular company, I think the Instructor's comment may finally ring true for me. I was floored by what has come out on the market this year. There is one club out there, that I can't figure out how it works, but it does work! My ability to hit drives with this club defied what I knew about my golf swing. Keep in mind, I can be a pretty technical guy if I so choose, at least regarding how the golf swing comes together. Still, I can only make an educated guess that this unique club does something unique in regards to stability when you hit the ball. What ever it means, the club does actually exceed me capabilities. I hit it straight, I even missed it straight; someone figured it out. I'm not sure it was as long as some clubs, and there are lots of good ones out there, but this one definitely works.

Can I alter my bag to take advantage of the latest and greatest products? It's a fair question. I like my clubs, but these new clubs have so much advantage built in. All the new hybrid clubs are something you have to put in your bag; it's not a fad that happened when the ball was changed with it's lower spin rates, these will get the ball to travel further when it's in the air. Anyone with a 2-iron in their bag has rocks in his head. Not you Tiger, of course Tiger only put it in his bag once last year. I've got some pondering to do since the club company rep is willing to staff me up with some new gear. I guess the big question is traditional or straight; traditional or far exceeding my capabilities.

I have until early spring before I answer such a question, however I do want to address the far exceeding the capabilities comment. These club companies are making the game easier to play for the average golfer and I think that is a good thing, I really do. The club companies have been putting great products in the tour pros hands every year. A lot of the equipment that they play with can't be bought on the market. This specifically applies to the shafts that they use. I remember hearing stories from friends of mine that play on various tours that some of the shafts that they have access to are in the thousand dollar range! For one shaft! Of course you need a swing speed to make these shafts work and that is where PGA Professionals such as myself might come in. I am sure, with the equipment the way it is headed, that proper fundamentals and building speed in your swing will help you get to your next level.

To up your swing speed you should forget about the myth of holding on to your angles on your down swing. For more on swing speed read my 5 myth in my book 7mythsofgolf.com. I will pick up where I leave off next week with some information on making your swing faster. 

Bill Bondaruk is a PGA Class A member. After traveling the mini tours, Bondaruk taught for a few world-renowned golf schools, including John Jacobs, Jim McLean and Scott Sackett's Resort Golf. He was Director of Instruction at Arizona National and swing instructor for the University of Arizona men's and women's golf teams. He has worked with a list of tour professionals as well as collegiate stars.