Golfweek’s top 10 golf equipment stories of the year
For the final days of 2022, we’re offering up snapshots of the top 10 stories from each of Golfweek’s most popular sections, including the PGA and LPGA tours, travel, instruction and fitness. Here’s what we’ve already counted down.
Now it’s time to put our top equipment features in the spotlight.
Here’s a look at the top 10 golf gear stories, as clicked on by you, during 2022:
Irons
2022 Game-Improvement irons (David Dusek/Golfweek)
There are many options when it comes to irons. These range from muscleback blades that can be used by elite players to improve their ability to shape the ball and curve shots to distance-enhancing irons and clubs that look and feel like miniature hybrids.
Working with a professional custom fitter to determine which set of irons works best for you will be the best way of finding out. This will allow you to try many different heads and shafts. These irons can be a great starting point for your quest to find the perfect set.
Golf balls
Golf balls for 2022. (David Dusek/Golfweek)
One of the most important truths in a game full of contradictions and misconceptions is that golf balls are the same for all players. The thinking goes that if your swing is inconsistent and if you tend to lose a few balls every time you play, the specific type of ball that you play really doesn’t matter, so you should play the cheapest one you can find.
A few three-packs of golf balls is the best way to find your perfect ball. Start with a few short chip shots and pitch shots. Pay attention to the reaction of your wedges and how fast they stop. You can then try them with longer approach shots or iron shots. Finally you will be able to hit each ball together with your driver. Once you’re done, think about your priorities, the performance of each ball, and its cost.
Drivers
Golfers who are struggling to break 80, 90, and 100 pars will enjoy tops, slices, moonballs, hooks, and moonballs.
Learning lessons is essential to develop a swing that is reliable and efficient. However, it is equally important to find a driver who can deliver superior performance on your best swing as well as compensate for any mishits.
However, the best way for you to choose the driver that suits your game the most is to consult a professional custom fitter. He will be able to give you a range of options, including lofts, heads and weight settings.
Pros use putters
Putters for 2022
Improvements in manufacturing techniques, the ability to use multiple materials and advancements in the study of how balls react off a putter’s face as they travel toward the hole have helped equipment companies make clubs that perform better. Fitting a putter has become easier, allowing golfers to have a putter that is ideally suited for their swing style.
Here’s a look at which PGA Tour pros are the most proficient in putting strokes and the putters they use.
Wedges
Wedge design is a subject of a lot of research. New groove designs and head shapes are constantly being developed. While many companies release new wedge models each year, others run wedges with two-year product cycles.
Brands may also introduce a new wedge generation but keep the older wedges on hand for a second season.