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Find online networks focusing on golf clubs

Look for websites whose sole business is golf to stay current on the latest available facts/opinions about golf club news and trends.

I recommend: Check out the latest from the Golf Club Business website, an online network of companies and industries that work professionally within the golf industry. Visit WorldGolf.com, a network comprised of more than 300 regional/national golf websites, for the latest trends and technology in clubs. Read the latest news on equipment like the ultra expensive Honma golf clubs at CyberLinksGolf.com.

Order/bookmark magazines addressing the latest golf clubs news and trends

Magazines make an ideal source for getting the latest information on golf equipment.

I recommend: As a golf club manufacturer, consider joining Golfsmith's Golf Clubmakers Association (GCA). It affords access to many benefits, including free access to Online Clubmaker Magazine (technical journal devoted to clubmaking/golf equipment technology/club repair) and The GCA Insider, with the latest industry developments/technological advancements/product trends. Bookmark and/or subscribe to the monthly print version of Golf Digest for detailed information on golf clubs.

Go direct to the manufacturer for the latest technology in golf clubs

Start with a club manufacturer first to learn about a particular club's history and evolution so you can better put into perspective its current technology and understand what the club's next generation might promise.

I recommend: Learn about the latest technology incorporated into great equipment like Ping golf clubs and Callaway golf clubs at the companies' own websites. Discover the technology behind the Bobby Jones Hybrid and other Bobby Jones clubs designed by Jesse Ortiz at Bobby Jones Golf Company. Enter the MasterGrip website to discover the technology behind the MasterGrip clubs and order other products like gloves, apparel and videos.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Before investing in new golf clubs, remember when the last major changes in golf club design occurred. Since 2001, major new club innovations have occurred every few years, with the latest trend in 2007 (new club head shapes increasing Moment of Inertia).

Guide to Golf Clubs

Fitting your game to the right set of golf clubs

By Michael Berman

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Shop for the best price on golf clubs

There are several outlets that sell name-brand golf clubs at huge discounts. This may be the way to go if you are confident in your ability to choose the right clubs.

I recommend: You can find Callaway golf clubs and Ping golf clubs along with other top brands at websites and stores selling discount golf clubs. Among the better known discount outlets are Golfers Warehouse, Golf Warehouse, The Golf Warehouse and GolfDiscount.com. Golfer's Warehouse gives you the option of ordering from their website or going to one of their retail outlets.

Compare name brands

Manufacturers' websites are loaded with information on how their clubs are made and which clubs are better for you.

I recommend: Check out Callaway golf clubs, Ping golf clubs, TaylorMade and Nike golf clubs websites to get an idea of what's available. Honma golf clubs are popular, as well.

Have clubs custom made

There are several golf club manufacturers that will make a set of clubs to fit your profile.

I recommend: Manufacturers that will fill special orders include Nickent, Thomas Golf and Precision Golf.

Go with a hybrid set

Hybrid clubs are great for golfers that have a problem getting adequate loft and distance from fairway woods and low-numbered irons.

I recommend: Places to check out for good hybrid golf clubs include bobbyjoneshybrid.com, which is the website for Bobby Jones hybrid golf clubs. Nickent, Golfsmith and Thomas Golf are also good sources of hybrid golf clubs.

Buy specialized irons and woods

Sometimes it's better to purchase parts of your set from different manufacturers. One company may make better woods, another better irons and a third better grips.

I recommend: There are many companies that specialize in making woods, irons, grips and everything else that comprises a complete set of golf clubs. The Hammer Golf Shop is the manufacturer of Jack Hamm's woods. Go to www.mastergrip.com, now known as mgGolf, for grips, gloves and golf bags for golf clubs. Other companies with specialized golf clubs include Golf Pride and Golfsmith.

Consider purchasing a used set

If you're a beginner and not sure if you'll like the game or simply want to save some money, a used set may be the right fit for you.

I recommend: Check with your local golf course's pro shop to see what used clubs they have available. If you know basically what you want, you can take a look at used sets from Golfsmith, Callaway, GlobalGolf and The Golf Warehouse.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you're not sure what you need or are new to the game, consult a PGA professional or knowledgeable retailer to be 'fit' with a set of clubs.
• •  Avoid prepackaged sets or other special deals offered by sporting goods stores and other retailers. Only buy sets matched to your game.

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Get familiar with as many golf clubs as possible

In a perfect world, you would be able to personally try out every golf club that you are going to be selling. But with so many clubs on the market, it is just not possible to play a round of golf with them all. So try adding to your personal experiences by reading professional reviews of golf clubs.

I recommend: My Golf Club Reviews claims to be the Internet's number one source for unbiased reviews of golf clubs. You can read reviews about drivers, fairway woods, irons, wedges and putters from most manufacturers. For another source of quality reviews, check out Online Golfer.

Sign up for professional training and learn how to sell more golf clubs

Professional training is a valuable way for golf clubs sales representatives to sharpen their sales skills. If you want to learn at a time that is convenient for you, then you can take classes online, or read books written by other successful sales professionals.

I recommend: Golf Marketing Commander offers online training specifically for sales professionals in the golf industry. The course will teach you how to improve your techniques and sell more products. Simplesalestraining.com teaches five steps to closing a face-to-face sale. The information is available in book or video form.

Learn to sell used golf clubs

Selling used golf clubs requires some specific training. You will want to learn to properly clean, display, price and market the clubs. You should also get expert advice about deciding if you will make more money by selling the clubs individually or as a set.

I recommend: For step-by-step directions on how to sell used golf clubs, check out eHow. The website provides instructions on how to clean golf clubs, the best way to market used clubs and how to figure out how much your clubs are worth. The Golf Classifieds is an excellent resource for pricing used golf clubs. You will be able to browse dozens of listings to see asking prices from across the country.

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Ask for advice from other sales professionals who you know. Even if they are not selling golf clubs, it is likely they will have tips that you can use.

Guide to Golf Clubs Key Terms

Knowing your golf club terminology can help you to become an expert

By Emily Lugg

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Shaft flex

The shaft flex varies in stiffness in order to adjust for the speed of your swing. The faster your swing, the stiffer your shaft flex should be. Shaft flexes range from ladies to x-stiff for those who can drive the ball more than 93 miles per hour.

I recommend: LearnAboutGolf.com explains the varying shaft flexes.

Sweet spot

The sweet spot on a golf club is the best part of the club to hit off. The sweet spot comes in different sizes to account for your golfing ability. However, in exchange for a larger sweet spot, you are sacrificing driving distance.

I recommend: All About Lady Golf Clubs explains how the sweet spot can affect your game.

Hybrid clubs

Hybrid clubs have qualities of both woods and irons. Hybrids are designed to both launch the ball in the air as well as provide accuracy for long-distance shots.

I recommend: Golf Equipment Source describes the benefits of hybrid golf clubs and the new design that makes them more efficient.

Fairway woods

A fairway wood can be used right off the tee; however, its main purpose is for more precise, long-distance shots. They are also used for more skilled shots that may require a combination of precision and distance.

I recommend: Dicks Sporting Goods gives a guide on how to select the proper fairway wood for your skill level.

Grips

The grips are the rubber covering the shaft where you hold onto it. Grips come in a variety of textures to accommodate every comfort level.

I recommend: Golfsmith shows a variety of different golf club grips.

Irons

Irons come in a numbered system each of differing angles and lofts. Each iron is used for a particular goal distance.

I recommend: Golf Tips breaks down the uses of different irons.