MOI vs. ROI…IS NEW EQUIPMENT REALLY THE ANSWER?

            Golf equipment is changing and evolving almost daily it seems, equipment manufacturers are introducing new and improved models at a rate of every 6 months or so, but does that mean you should run right out and get the latest model to improve your score?

            As a Golf Professional, I had access to and used to change my golf clubs every season to get the latest and greatest model of Driver, or the new cool iron set, and give away my (like new) previous set to friends or family. Back in early 2000, I received my new Taylor Made Iron set, the new 300 Forged Tour set. I absolutely loved these irons, but foolishly got rid of them the following season to make room for the new RAC model. While the RACs were great irons, they were not as solid and forgiving as the 300 forged set.

            Fast forward 10 years and 7 sets of irons later, I still haven’t found a set of clubs I like better than the 300s, so what does that tell me? Golf equipment companies have a chokehold on the golfing public, they own the golf airways and spend millions convincing us that we NEED the newest offerings, promising more distance, more forgiveness, better ball flight, and lower scores, but is that the whole truth?

            I believe some of the Driver new technology can help the skilled player with spin rate, launch conditions, and ball speed, but in the hands of 99% of us who play for fun on a semi regular basis (Teaching Professionals and Club Professionals included) the difference is negligible and it certainly does not improve our overall score, and iron sets offer even less of a scoring advantage.

            If you own a low center of gravity, perimeter-weighted iron set with a good shaft and grips made in the last 10 years, you don’t need a new set of irons.  We all want a new set of irons, we’ve been conditioned by the powerful manufacturers who pay the top players in the world to showcase their equipment that we must have the latest and greatest in order to get to the next level, but do you?

            Have you ever noticed how many “ #1 Club in Golf” claims there are out there? All of the top manufacturers claim the #1 spot for one thing or another and we are caught up in the hype and excitement of newer and better. While I’ve had my latest set of irons for more than 3 years now (Nike CCi Forged) they will have to be replaced soon due to wear and tear, I do admit to changing my driver to try and reduce ball spin. Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing I love more than heading to the golf store and manhandling the new sticks, they’re very pretty…but when it’s time to change irons due to wear and tear, I now think about something different.

            Equipment manufacturers scientists are bombarding us with new terms like COR (coefficient of restitution), LCG (Low center of gravity) and MOI (Moment of inertia) and while all of these are measurable improvements, there is one term you should consider before pulling out the Visa card, ROI (Return on Investment).

            Retailing up to, and exceeding $1000.00, new golf equipment is no longer a purchase but an investment, and your job is to get a good return on your investment (ROI). There are a lot of factors that may weigh in on this decision; the promise of increased performance, identification with your favorite Professional player, or an emotional attachment to a specific brand; but will any of these factors improve your score…in a word…no.

            The perception that improvement comes with new equipment is a manufactured belief thrust on us by golf’s big business, if equipment was the answer, we’d all be shooting under par by now, and we all know, that’s not the case, average scores have not significantly improved for more than 50 years. A golfer will think nothing of spending $500.00 on a new driver with big promises, but will balk at spending the same $500.00 on a full day clinic that will guarantee game improvement and lower scores virtually every time, and with the equipment he already has.

            So what really drives us as golfers? Lower scores, beating our friends, steady improvement, or keeping up with the trends. The closer I look, the more I understand we all want to improve at this incredible game but are confused at how to do it. If you have to spend money at the shop this year, buy these, in this order; New grips, have your clubs re-gripped, they will feel like new, 6 fresh well fitting gloves, 2 pairs of comfortable, supportive shoes, and try out some new technology in golf balls, these equipment purchases will make a difference without breaking the bank. While the above purchases will surely help, your largest ROI always was, and continues to be, lessons from a competent Golf Teaching Professional. The growth of the game, and your individual improvement rests squarely on the shoulders of the Teaching Professional, seek one out today, and enjoy the guaranteed results of your new relationship.