Equipment changes are a fact of life for golfers. Whether you are a gear junkie with a garage full of putters or hold on to your favorite golf clubs as long as you can, eventually we have to make a swap. But how do you know when it is time to replace a golf club? That answer can vary from club to club. Read on as TGW tells you what to look for when deciding if it is time to replace your driver.
In this guide, we will look at 4 factors to consider if you think it is time to buy a new driver.
- Visible damage
- Sudden loss of distance
- Older than 3-5 years
- Your swing is changing
Visible Damage
Visible damage is the first thing to look for when deciding if you should change drivers. Inspect the shaft to see if there is any wear from taking the club in and out of your golf bag. Take a close look at the face of your driver. Try to spot any signs of stress. Worn spots on the club face can change the performance of the golf club and can eventually turn into a crack, putting your driver out of commission.
Also, make sure to look at the crown and sole of the club. Any serious wear here can also affect the performance of a driver. Take note of anything that looks deeper than a cosmetic blemish from regular use.
Sudden Loss Of Distance
There are plenty of reasons your distance off the tee can vary, but any sudden drop off could point to signs of trouble with your equipment. This could indicate a dead spot in the face from repeated use. There could be a dent or ding as well as a small crack you can’t spot with the naked eye. If all of a sudden your driver just won’t go, inspect it closely for any of these issues. They could be a clear indicator that it is time to replace it.
A Change In Swing
If your swing has undergone significant changes since the last time you purchased a driver, it might just be time for a new one. We have talked before about how important custom golf clubs are and why you need clubs that best fit your swing. Perhaps your swing has changed to compensate for age or injury. Maybe your swing speed has changed and you need a different flex shaft and a different loft. Time spent on the range may have honed your skills and you are ready for a driver that matches your new abilities to work the ball and shape your shot. Having a driver that matches your abilities and the performance you can produce off the tee makes the game easier by working with what you can do on the golf course.
Older Than 3-5 Years
Once you have played your driver for 3 to 5 years, it is never a bad idea to consider a replacement. This time period usually marks plenty of growth and innovation when it comes to golf club technology. If you haven’t replaced your driver for 5 or more years, then you may be losing out on performance without the latest technology.
How Often Should You Replace Your Golf Driver?
That is not to say you need to replace your driver every year with the latest model. Keep in mind that 3 to 5 years of use is a general guideline and differs for all golfers. If you play 30 to 40 rounds per year then based on normal wear and tear you should consider getting a new driver every 5 years. If you play less than that, then you could wait for 5 to 7 years. However, if you play more, you should learn more toward the 3-year side of that spectrum just because you put more impact on your driver more frequently.
When you are ready for your next new driver, you can find what you need at TGW.com. We have drivers from the best brands in golf like TaylorMade, Callaway, Titleist, PING, Cobra, and many more. You are sure to find one that gives you more distance, more forgiveness, and the ability to shoot lower scores.
