Expensive does not necessarily mean better. This holds true when you set out to buy your golf clubs. Any experienced golfer will tell you that the most costly golf equipment out there will not magically improve your swing overnight. Your play will improve if you take the time to practice and hone it constantly, even if you’ve got the cheapest set of golf clubs in your hands.

However, there are a few pointers to guide you in choosing the right golf club, and they do not have anything to do with brand.

One of the first things to consider is shaft flex. This refers to how much flexibility you need in the shaft of the club. The various degrees of shaft flex will allow a golfer to either have a powerful swing and more stability or a less powerful swing with more flex. To know which shaft fits you, you need to figure out your speed in hitting the ball. Golf shops can measure your speed swing for you and then convert it to the proper flex so you are guided on your golf club purchase. The types of shaft flexes available in the market today are the ladies flex, senior flex, regular flex, stiff flex and x-stiff flex.

The next step is to honestly assess your ability. Knowing how well you play golf gives you the chance to carry around a lighter golf bag since you’ll know which clubs you’ll really need and not have to lug your whole collection around. Experienced golfers with low handicaps may carry one wood, a driver, lower numbered irons and at least three wedges. Those whose abilities fall somewhere between the beginner and advanced levels can carry a 7-wood, 3-iron and a 9-iron in addition to the clubs mentioned above. If you’re a total newbie, add a 3-wood for tee off together with the previously-mentioned clubs.

Hybrid clubs are also available in the market today. Hybrids are a cross between a fairway wood and a long iron and using them enables you to eliminate other clubs in your bag. Besides that, these clubs can launch a ball into the air for long distances and can take a ball out of near-impossible situations.

Finally, all golfers should use the standard length of golf clubs. This allows you to hit the ball most of the time. An exception can be made for short or tall golfers who might need to use different club lengths.