The only gear guide you’ll need

Don’ t spend a penny on new equipment until you’ ve digested our massive club test

With all drama from Augusta still fresh in our minds, this is the official start of the golf season in the UK. And as well as club comps, back tees and pure greens, it means – for many of us – some new gear. If you’re in the market for any clubs this year, you’ve picked up the ideal issue, because it features our biggest-ever equipment test. Top Gear is now established as the most comprehensive and thorough gear test published in the UK, backed up with real insight and stats to help you make a smarter buying decision. It’s not just a buying guide with some nice pictures; it’s a useful way to help you choose the best new equipment for your game.

For instance, where else would you learn that the latest carbon-clad drivers fly, on average, 10 yards further than all-titanium ones? Or that 1.6mph extra ball speed equals three extra yards, so clubs with springier faces that mitigate off-centre hits are perfect to squeeze more yards from your swing. Or that the average 7-iron loft of a super game improvement iron is 30°, compared to 31° for game improvement and 33° for better player irons?

We probably don’t need to tell you that, across the board, prices have crept up this year. In 2016 the average price of a driver was £311.50; it’s gone up to £357.25 in 2017. That makes it all the more important to choose the clubs that will actually help your game – and Top Gear is the ideal place to start.

And if our 57-page special (which also includes some great tips to get the most out of modern club tech) isn’t enough, there are video reviews for every club, plus more pictures and designer insight at www.todaysgolfer.co.uk