TOP 10 CUSTOMER SERVICE QUESTIONS
Whether you're a golf newbie or a seasoned pro, buying golf equipment online can be intimidating. How do you know what clubs to choose if you don't try them out? What if you buy a pair of shoes and they don't fit? How can you be sure that you're getting real, quality, new equipment and not end up spending far more than you need to?
No matter where you are in your personal golfing journey, spending time with the equipment that you're considering is important. You should be properly fitted for golf clubs by a trained club specialist if you're serious about playing your best game. "Try before you buy" is a good strategy to live by, especially if you're new to the sport and aren't sure what will be comfortable for you. And if you're near Bloomfield Hills (just outside Detroit) or Plymouth, Michigan, we invite you to visit one of our premier golf shops to check out our great in-store selection of equipment – as well as our practice facilities! No hitting into a net here. Our world-class practice facilities feature live ball flight. It's part of what makes our fitting/shopping experience unlike any other.
Buying in a store isn't always convenient (unless you're local to our stores); however, once you know what you need, shopping online is a great alternative. Still, it's not uncommon to have questions about the process and what you're buying. We talked to several members of the friendly, knowledgeable Customer Service team who help customers shopping on our website to learn the answers to some of the most common questions customers have about shopping for golf equipment online.
Frequently Asked Questions - Buying Golf Equipment
Which golf clubs are best for me?
As mentioned above, this is a tough question and one that can't necessarily be answered easily online. Fitting for golf clubs is a science that is backed by the data we gather from the customer. Without that data, it's hard to know what club will be the best fit. Our customer service team does a great job working with our customers in the initial research stages. They ask the important questions in order to point the customer in the right direction. This is one area where visiting a trained professional to be fitted is the best thing to do. Then come to us to buy your clubs online, if you can't get to one of our stores!
What golf shaft flex is right for me?
Choosing the best shaft flex is largely dependent on your swing speed; while a few other factors come into play, this is a good place to start. In most cases, faster swing speeds require stiffer golf club shafts. Lower swing speeds (under 85 mph) should consider Senior flex, sometimes marked as 'A' or 'M'. 'R' or Regular is best for a swing speed of 85-95 mph. Those with the highest swing speeds (95 mph or higher) should choose a Stiff ('S') or Extra Stiff ('X') club. Golf clubs marked 'L' for Ladies typically have the most flex.
Should I get steel or graphite shafts for irons?
The main difference between steel and graphite golf shafts is launch. A graphite shaft is typically lighter weight than a steel shaft, so a player will notice a higher launching ball. With graphite shafts, manufacturers are also able to dampen the harsh feeling when a ball is mishit. Naturally, a lot of seniors and ladies play graphite shafts for a variety of reasons.
Do I need custom golf clubs?
A lot of R&D and testing goes into each club on the market today. Each manufacturer identifies the key characteristics of their targeted golfer to determine which shaft and specs each club should be built to; built for the masses, but not everyone. This again speaks to the importance of a proper fitting. Depending on the manufacturer, a lot of custom options are no up-charge. That opens up a LOT more options for customers. The best answer would be to speak to your local club fitter (or us) to find out what's best for you and your game.
Is a counterbalance putter right for me?
With the emergence of SuperStroke® putter grips and counter-balance technology at players' fingertips, this question comes up a lot. The idea behind a counterbalance putter is stability. Heads tend to be heavier and putting more weight above the hands helps to stabilize the putters. It's not rocket science, but we get a lot of questions about this. Putting is so specific to each player and there's no right or wrong, which is why trying it for yourself is the best advice we can give. Play a few rounds both ways and see what works best for you.
What is the 'bounce' on a golf wedge?
The bounce on a golf wedge is the angle between the leading edge and the lowest point of the sole. This might sound confusing, but the important thing to know about a golf wedge bounce is that lower bounce has more turf interaction where higher bounces don't dig quite as much. For example, low bounce wedges aren't a good choice for a bunker with soft sand, as they will dig too much in the sand, causing you to lose too much momentum. Oppositely, a high bounce wedge might not dig enough to get the center of the face on the ball in firm turf conditions. Most sand wedges tend to be a mid-bounce wedge. Bounces are largely dependent on the player and their typical course conditions.
Do all adjustable golf clubs come with a wrench?
No. When they were new to the market, most adjustable clubs came stock with a torque wrench, but now it really depends on the product and manufacturer. Ever since they started manufacturing adjustable golf clubs, the wrenches have been almost 100% universal. So if you already have one from an older model, most likely it will work. To know for sure, customers can always give us a call to find out if their club comes with one.
Does the type of golf ball I play matter?
Yes and no. You would probably not notice major distance differences between different types of balls, but there is a big difference in feel. Another major characteristic that varies is spin rates – especially hitting into greens and greenside. It's best to try a few different brands and models to find the one that gives you the best play.
If I golf right-handed, do I need a right-hand or a left-hand glove?
It's most common to wear a golf glove on your leading hand – that means the left hand if you're right-handed, and the right hand if you're a lefty. In other words, righties need to buy a left-hand glove (even though they aren't lefty).
Should I choose spiked or spikeless golf shoes?
In most cases, you would not be able to tell the difference in traction when considering spiked vs spikeless golf shoes. Often, spikeless models tend to be slightly lighter. Also, if you plan on using the shoes for multiple seasons, you can always replace the spikes on spiked shoes – which means that they may be wearable longer. When it comes to styling, you often will find a more relaxed or casual style in a spikeless golf shoe.