The Buying Game

In recent years, the golf equipment market has mushroomed into a cut-throat business with more and more places to buy from and better deals to be had. In theory, it’s good news for us, the customers. But where should you be shopping for a better game?

Neil Tappin
By Neil Tappin
published

Twenty years ago, golfers bought their gear from one place and one place only ? their local golf pro. Sporting a natty cashmere sweater and a friendly smile he was the man you?d go to when new kit was on the agenda.

For club members it worked because the pro knew which clubs would suit their game (in other words, which ones they?d be able to hit past the ladies? tee!). And for non-members they had the security of dealing with someone who?d been given the PGA?s stamp of approval to dispense golfing wisdom. But things have changed.

This cosy arrangement has been weakened. The birth of the internet and the emergence of high street golf shops has given potential buyers additional options they never previously had.

A variety of makes, styles and prices to suit everyone has attracted the attention of most of the UK's loyal band of players. So where should you be shopping for the kit that?s hopefully going to complement your game?

CLICK HERE FOR GUIDE TO ONLINE PURCHASES

Neil Tappin
Neil Tappin
Editor

In July 2023, Neil became just the 9th editor in Golf Monthly's 112-year history. Originally working with the best coaches in the UK to produce instruction content, he has also presented many Golf Monthly videos looking at all areas of the game from Tour player interviews to the rules of golf. 

Throughout his time with the brand he has also covered equipment launches that date back well over a decade. He clearly remembers the launch of the Callaway and Nike square drivers as well as the white TaylorMade driver families, such as the RocketBallz! If you take a look at the Golf Monthly YouTube channel, you'll see his equipment videos dating back over a decade! He has also conducted 'What's In The Bag' interviews with many of the game's best players like Rory McIlroy, Dustin Johnson and Jon Rahm. Over the years, Neil has tested a vast array of products in each category and at drastically different price-points. 


Neil is currently playing: Driver: TaylorMade Stealth Plus Fairway Wood: Titleist TSR2 Hybrid: Titleist TS3 Irons: PING Blueprint S (4&5), PING Blueprint T (6-PW) Wedges: Titleist Vokey SM7 50˚, 54˚, 60˚ Putter: Odyssey Triple Track Ten Ball: Titleist Pro V1X

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