Week 38: Choosing the right clubs for your game

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Selecting the right clubs can shave a few strokes off your game.

Even a novice golfer can save a few strokes in their game simply by selecting a set of clubs that is best for them. Here is a brief guide on how to find the golf clubs that are right for you.

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Start with the basics -- The USGA rules state you can carry no more than 14 clubs in your bag. That means you will have room in your bag for a driver and two fairway woods. Traditionally, most golfers also carry a set of irons numbered three through nine. The lower the number, the greater the loft of the club, which will help you control the distance of the ball. You also have room for two wedges -- a sand wedge that has a 55-57 degree loft to help you get out of bunkers, and a pitching wedge that can help you pop short approach shots onto the green. Lastly, you will need a putter to use on the greens.

Shaft Materials -- Golf clubs generally come in two materials -- graphite or steel. Steel shaft clubs are best for stronger, more experienced players who have a faster swing. A steel shaft can allow a more experienced golfer to be more accurate with their shot. A novice golfer would likely benefit from a graphite shaft. It is lighter and allows the golfer to generate more club speed, which means they can hit the ball further.

Drivers -- Bigger is not always better, especially if you are just getting started. An oversized club head gives you a huge sweet spot to work with, but it also makes the club really hard to control. A mid-sized driver head made from Titanium should give you a lighter club with a great sweet spot on the club face, and it will be a little more forgiving if you do not hit the ball well.

Irons -- Basically, there are two types of irons. Cast irons generally distribute the weight of the club head around the outside of the head. That makes it much better for a beginner who is just trying to keep the ball straight. Forged irons keep the club head weight in the center, which allows a better player to be more accurate with a good swing.

Putters -- Most golfers probably select their putter based on the design and look of the club then they do for any other reason. The putter is one club you can actually try out in the store, so allow yourself to experiment with as many makes and models as possible before you make your decision. If it feels good in your hands, you will know it is the right putter for you.

Having the right clubs can save many strokes off your score. But chronic knee pain is sure to put them right back on. If knee pain is preventing you from performing at your best, you might be suffering from osteoarthritis (OA) of the knee. Various treatments for OA do exist, such as ORTHOVISC®, which provides up to six months of knee pain relief. Made from ultra-pure natural hyaluronan, which is found in healthy joints, ORTHOVISC® is injected into the knee joint where it acts to replace your natural joint fluid, to help cushion, protect, and lubricate your knee.

ORTHOVISC® is a proud sponsor of PGATOUR.com. Talk to your doctor to see if ORTHOVISC® is right for you. Or visit our Web site at www.orthovisc.com for more information on how to maintain your knee health to help you keep playing the game you love.

Follow us on Twitter for up-to-date information on maintaining joint health and the prevention/treatment of knee pain due to sports-related injuries or the early symptoms of osteoarthritis.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ORTHOVISC® is for patients who do not get adequate pain relief from simple pain relievers like acetaminophen or from exercise and physical therapy. ORTHOVISC® is not for use in people with known allergy to hyaluronate preparations, to gram bacterial proteins, with infections or skin diseases in the area of the injection site or joint. Common side effects include joint pain, back pain, headaches and pain or redness at the injection site.

This is a paid placement by DePuy Mitek, Inc. The opinions expressed above are those of DePuy Mitek, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the PGA TOUR.