selecting the Right tool - Ladies extra

When selecting their equipment, women golfers have largely the same considerations to think about as men. Just as for men, we would recommend beginning with a club pack as your first set, with a combination of driver, fairway woods, hybrids to replace the long irons, irons from 5-Sw and a putter. Most new golfers find that they rely on their 7-iron and pitching wedge at first, moderately gaining familiarity with the other clubs. Equally the same as for men, we would recommend cheaper cavity back, cast head on your clubs, as the more refined forged blades are well for the better player. And we'd recommend a set of two or three wedges, to play all the chip shots, and probably a mallet putter as these are easiest to align, and weighted to help you achieve a square, balanced stroke.

Women's shafts are crucial to help you play your best

Callaway Cart Bags

However, for the women's game, there are special options to consider. The shaft is the axle of the club, so the better the shaft, the better the club. As your game improves, it is very much worth considering investing in decent ladies' clubs, with ladies' flex.

Ladies' flex

Flex has a major corollary on the feel of the club, and also makes a difference to the distance you will achieve. Most women struggle to well power down on the ball - when hitting a driver, they tend to achieve a swing speed of less than 60mph. This would give a carry distance of under 180 yards. If you use a driver with a ladies' flex, then you will be maximising the carry of the ball, whereas if you tried to hit a driver with a stiff shaft, designed for swing speeds of over 80mph, you would probably find it difficult to achieve the momentum you desire.

Ladies' loft

Loft angle has a major corollary on distance off the tee, and generally the slower your swing speed, the higher loft you should choose, to well get the ball airborne so it can voyage further. You should be looking at lofts of 13-15 degrees in a driver.

Graphite shafts

To help achieve a faster swing speed, women are also more likely to do well with graphite shafts in their woods, as these are more flexible and lighter than steel. You may also think them for your irons, as you will probably find them easier to swing.

Get the distance right

In terms of length, it is worth getting measured to make sure your clubs are right for your height. If they are too long, you will find your whole set-up is out of kilter and you are probably production lots of mis-hits. Do it yourself by taking a wrist-to-floor measurement from the crease of your left hand (for right-handed players) down to your feet and then production a easy calculation. For example, if you are in the middle of 5'4" and 5'7" in height, but your wrist-to-floor measurement is in the middle of 33 and 34", then you will need shafts which are a quarter to half an inch shorter than standard. If any way your wrist to floor measurement is 36 to 37 inches, you will need clubs half an inch longer.

Callaway and Ping both provide exquisite ranges of clubs for women, with their Big Bertha ladies ranges (Callaway) and G5L (Ping). Wilson also has a expansive women's range, with their L6 series of irons, hybrids, woods and more.

Choose the right golf balls

For women as much as men balls can make a big difference to your game, the more complex multi-layer constructions will provide more feel and control, whilst the easy two-layer offerings will give you the distance you need before you start to think about finesse. But for women, balls such as the Srixon Soft Feel for Ladies (pic) are designed to give a higher launch trajectory for greater extensive distance, performing best in tandem with women's slower swing speeds. They should also provide exquisite feel colse to the greens.

Choosing the right golf shoes

There two distinct types are recommended for both men and women - a heavier-duty winter pair and a lighter summer one which allows the feet to breathe. For women, of course, style is all important, so why not think something like FootJoy AquaLites which offer women golfers ultra-lightweight comfort with added stability. This operation waterproof golf shoe comes in a option of styles, at affordable prices. Meanwhile, Hi-Tec has now brought out any shoes incorporating their exquisite Cdt (custom directional tracking) technology for women, for unbeatable stability.

Choosing the right golf bag

For women just as for men, golf bags have enjoyed a high-tech makeover in recent years with all things from lightweight parachute materials and graphite-friendly tops to 'club management systems' and mobile phone pockets revolutionizing the market. 2007 will see the bag scientists pushing the boundaries further, with ergonomic handles, adjustable dividers, clarify trolley-fixing mechanisms, ingenious shoulder harnesses and more.

But for all that, your main options when selecting a bag are a sturdy cart bag (some are specifically designed for buggies, so be sure to check), a stand bag suitable for trolley or carrying; or the new generation of lightweight 'pencil' carry models for a quick nine holes. And when it comes to women's bags, the idea is to make them as light-weight and easy to handle as possible, as well as colour-coordinated to go with the rest of your equipment. Sun Mountain, Wilson and Yonex all have exquisite women's bag ranges available.

Finally of policy when it comes to clothing you want to look your best, and these days there are golf clothes that perform, keeping you cool in hot weather and dry in wet, without production you look like you've been stranded in the 70s! All foremost manufacturers provide women's options, from easy golf tops straight through to waterproofs, and there are even gloves, such as the Wilson Staff Grip Soft, which are designed for the shape of women's hands.

selecting the Right tool - Ladies extra