DO YOU NEED NEW CLUBS?

     By repeated request I am about to BRIEFLY address a subject
that I am always reluctant to discuss: equipment.

     As a physicist and a Master Clubmaker I understand what
equipment variations can and can't do for any golfer. As a
teacher I understand the desire in every golfer to hit the ball
further and straighter. Unfortunately, and contrary to most of
the advertising, there is no short cut to a good score and there
is no "magic" club that will allow bypassing the hard work and
pain necessary to achieve consistently low scores.

     To a physicist a golf club is little more than a spring with
a mass on the end. Given the design constraints imposed by the
U.S.G.A. the way to achieve more distance is through increased
club head speed. 

	An approximate derivative of the basic physical
force formula (Force = Mass X Acceleration) states that a small
increase in club head speed can result in a large increase in
contact force and, therefore, distance.  Force differentials,
consequently, essentially vary  with the square of the speed
(Force = Mass X Velocity Squared). Since each individual has a
fixed club head acceleration potential this velocity increase can
only be attained through the process of making the club lighter
(you can push a VW faster than you can a Lincoln).

     Sounds simple, doesn't it? It isn't, believe me. 

	Since the mass at the end of this tubular spring is offset 
from the shaft axis, torque very importantly comes into play. On 
the down swing the shaft initially not only bends back from the 
golfer's hands but also twists open. Both conditions must be 
designed for in each club. Not an easy task.

     In the early 1920s carbon steel was considered such an
advantage over hickory that steel shafts were outlawed for
several years. (Later manufacturers even coated their steel
shafts with wood colored coatings to increase sales appeal).

	Steel gave the designer the advantages of predictability 
and manufacturing consistency.  Light weight steel, 20 years 
later, started the quest for the same club but with less mass. 
The aerospace industry then gave us composite  materials that 
were even lighter...and the race was on. The development and 
addition of exotic materials such as boron and kevlar have 
totally overcome the initial shortcomings of composites. 
Composites are now just as consistent to manufacture and play 
as steel but at a much higher cost.

     There are two points here: (1.) Don't believe all the
advertising and (2.) Dollar for dollar, steel, in either form, is
hard to beat. Notice that most touring pros are playing steel
shafted traditionally designed clubs and they could play any club
they wish since they can get them free. 

     Another point that you should keep in mind is that there are
few purists in the business world. Most companies are more
concerned with making a profit than with improving your golf
game.  There are, fortunately, some exceptions. 

     So, what can you expect from a composite shafted club?
Today, the answer is lighter weight with predictable flex and
torque characteristics but at an understably higher cost. 

	How much better is it? About 8 to 10 yards off the tee 
for the average golfer. Not a lot and probably less than you 
expected. A greater gain can be achieved by working to hit 
the ball on the "sweet spot" all the time since an off center hit 
of only 1/4 inch can incur a distance penalty of up to 25 percent.

     Where does that put you? Prime for an appointment with your
pro, club maker or club repairman, I would say. Get your clubs
checked for fit. 

	The next most important club parameter to shaft flex is 
lie. Assure that your clubs are properly soled when you address 
the ball. Lie will affect ball flight tremendously. Check the lofts 
to assure that they are proper for your game and consistent 
(that word again) through the set. Both loft and lie will change 
over time. 

	Finally, assure that your grips are the proper size.  1/32 
inch over or undersize can cause lots of swing problems 
though I feel that under size is less of an evil than over.

     Now you are in a position to accurately assess what your
equipment needs really are and whether the latest Gigantus
Maximus with the Ultimus Technicus shaft and the $300 per club
price tag are for you.