For many golfers, choosing golf clubs is all about maximizing performance, and too often, they fail to understand how each component of the club can potentially affect their game. Golf clubs are composed of three essential parts, each of which has its own specific role in determining the accuracy, trajectory, distance and speed of your shot.
Grip
The golf club grip is the single point of contact between yourself and the club, and it's important to choose a grip that has a comfortable feel and is the right size for your hands. Golf club grips may be made of rubber or leather and their composition affects their ability to absorb moisture from your hands or the air. Rubber grips are generally inexpensive, durable and highly resistant to water. Leather grips may be made of cowhide or calfskin, or of a synthetic leather material. While leather grips may offer a softer, more tacky feel, they are also more expensive and less resistant to water than rubber grips. Golf grip sizes generally correspond to glove size and when holding the club, your index and ring fingers should only lightly touch the pad of your palm.
Shaft
The shaft connects the grip to the club head and they're typically made of stainless steel, graphite or titanium. Titanium and graphite shafts are generally more lightweight than stainless steel, although they also tend to be more expensive. Golfers who use titanium or graphite shafts may feel a slight dampening of vibrations as they make contact with the ball. Aside from their material composition, golf shafts vary based on their length, torque rating, kickpoint and stiffness grade. Torque refers to the amount of twist present in a particular shaft and is measured in degrees, ranging anywhere from 1.8 to 12. The lower the torque rating, the less the shaft will twist on the swing. The stiffness grade, or flex, refers to how much bend is present in the shaft and there are five different types: extra stiff, stiff, regular, senior or ladies. Players with a faster swing speed will typically require a stiff shaft, while players with a slower swing speed may benefit from extra flexibility. The kickpoint is the point on the shaft where flex is maximized and the position of the kick point on the shaft determines the amount of loft the ball receives on contact.
Club Head
The club head is the part of the club that makes direct contact with the ball. Golf club heads vary based on their shape, size, weight distribution, material composition and styling, and they are made of several key components. Club heads may be made of zinc, aluminum alloy, titanium or stainless steel, and they are connected to the shaft through the socket and hosel. The club face is the part of the club head which actually touches the ball, while the sole is what touches the ground on the backswing.
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