Stop Blaming Your Swing: 5 Equipment Mistakes Amateur Golfers Make

When it comes to improving at golf, most amateurs obsess over swing mechanics—but often overlook one of the most influential parts of their game: their equipment. No matter how solid your motion is, if your clubs aren’t matched to your swing, you’re making the game harder than it has to be.

Here are five common equipment mistakes that could be costing you strokes:

1. Playing the Wrong Shaft Flex

One of the most overlooked mistakes is using a shaft that doesn’t match your swing speed. If your shaft is too stiff, you’ll struggle to launch the ball high enough. If it’s too soft, your ball flight may balloon or curve excessively. Many high-handicap golfers use “off-the-rack” clubs with regular flex shafts, even if their swing speed doesn’t warrant it.

Fix: Get your swing speed tested and ensure your shafts (especially in the driver and irons) are properly fitted.

2. Using Irons That Are Too Demanding

Many amateurs fall into the trap of playing sleek, low-handicap “player’s irons” that look great but offer little forgiveness. If you’re not striking the ball consistently in the center of the face, you’re leaving distance and accuracy on the table.

Fix: Consider switching to game-improvement or super game-improvement irons designed for higher launch, more forgiveness, and better turf interaction.

3. Ignoring Loft and Lie Angles

Loft affects distance. Lie angle affects direction. If your lie angle is off, your shots could consistently miss left or right—even with a good swing. It’s one of the most under-discussed factors affecting ball flight.

Fix: During a club fitting, make sure to check and adjust your lie angles based on your posture and swing path.

4. Sticking With a Driver That’s Hurting You

We get it—drivers are expensive, and it’s hard to let go of a club that used to work. But technology advances quickly, and older drivers might be giving you a poor launch angle, excess spin, or limited forgiveness on off-center hits.

Fix: Look for a modern driver that maximizes forgiveness and launch. Even more importantly—get fit for the right loft, shaft, and head.

5. Not Getting Fit for a Putter

Amateur golfers often grab whatever putter looks cool or feels nice in the shop. But your putter is the most used club in the bag. If it doesn’t match your stroke type, posture, or alignment preferences, you’re going to struggle.

Fix: Get a proper putter fitting. Consider face-balanced vs. toe-hang options, head shape, shaft length, and grip style.

Bonus Tip: Play the Right Golf Ball

The golf ball is part of your equipment! If you’re playing a high-compression, tour-level ball with a slower swing speed, you’re probably sacrificing distance and feel. Conversely, the cheapest ball on the shelf may not help you hold greens or control spin around the green.

Fix: Try several models and get fit for a ball that matches your game.

Final Thought

You don’t need to spend thousands to fix these issues—but investing in a basic club fitting session and being honest about your game can pay off big. The right equipment won’t fix poor motion, but the wrong equipment can sabotage a good one.

Remember: Before you grind on the range for hours, check your gear. The problem might not be your swing—it might be what’s in your bag.