Landing the ball three feet from the pin after carrying 160 yards over a bunker is the kind of shot seen on Sports Center by tour professionals and the kind of shot that the 20 handicapper

never forgets when it happens to them. For the average golfer, shots like these are usually the result of that rare combination when everything comes together in perfect harmony — a relaxed

swing, good contact, the right mix between daring and ability, you get the idea. But while these shots may come less frequently than most golfers would like to admit, when they do it

reinvigorates the passion for the game. In a world of ever changing technology, most golfers want to harness the latest and greatest equipment in their quest to shoot a better round. But

come in different sizes, yet for many golfers they are playing with a grip that might not be the right size for them,” Deines said. The club fitter equates the grip to a foundation of a

house — you need a solid base from which to build a swing. ------------------------- ------------------------- So how do you find the right grip? Deines suggest visiting your local club

fitter or pro shop to have your hand measured similar to how you would have your foot measured before buying a pair of shoes. The goal is to find a grip that allows the tips of your fingers

to just touch the sole of your hand when holding a club. After determining the right size, it’s all about the texture and material that feels best in your hand. Some grips are very tacky,

some very rigid, while others are soft to the touch. Deines suggests finding the one that feels comfortable, is pleasing to the eye and matches the way you intend to play the club. “If you

put some effort into getting the equipment right for you, you’ll just plain do better,” Deines said. The club fitter suggests changing grips every couple of years as dirt and grime tends to

fill the holes and grooves in grips that provide the secure, tacky feeling when holding a club. He also suggests regularly cleaning grips with a bucket of water and a wire brush to remove

any buildup that may develop. Deines said new grips are an easy and inexpensive way to revitalize a club. “I look at it like it’s a snowboard or a ski tune, it’s a great way to start the

season off right,” Deines said. THE RIGHT LENGTH AND FEEL The club feels good in your hand, but how do you know that you’re playing with the optimal length club? “Golf is a game that is

steeped in tradition. For years and years there were two kinds of clubs, his and hers,” the veteran club fitter said. But he added that as the game has evolved so have the options available

to the average golfer to determine the right clubs for their individual game. “The club head has a certain geometry and it works in harmony with your body’s geometry,” Deines said. “Just

because you’re a tall guy doesn’t necessarily mean that you need longer clubs because your arms may be longer.” Deines suggests visiting a professional club fitter for a measurement.

Determining the right length can improve ball striking, adding distance and improving control. If you’re looking to try a different club length, but don’t want to fully take the plunge,

Deines suggests taking a single club that you know you play well, such as a seven iron and having it lengthened or shortened and playing a few rounds to determine if it’s a better fit. After

honing in on the proper length for your build and swing style, the next step is determining what type of shaft matches your game. A popular trend is to switch from steel shafts to graphite

as golfers age and their swing speeds decline, said Deines. Graphite can offer a lighter shaft, which allows for improved club head speed. Additionally, graphite shaft are available with

varying kick points, which changes the trajectory of a ball when struck. The final step is determining the right angle for the club head relative to your swing plane. Club fitters can bend

shafts to match your swing to help ensure that the club head comes through at the appropriate angle at contact, Deines said. But added that ultimately the best way to improve ones play is to

iron out any swing issues with a club pro before making any equipment changes. “It’s the constant substitution of technology for technique,” Deines said. Before heading to the links this

year take a little time and look at clubs you will be playing. Whether it is a set of tried-and-true blades from a previous decade or a shiny set of improvement irons and hybrids, a few

tweaks just might be in order before hitting that first tee box. “When you address the ball, if the club feels good, looks good, you’ve taken so many positive steps before you’ve ever swung

the club,” Deines said. “You want to be in a happy place,”