How to Build Clone Golf Clubs
By Bill Herrfeldt
Go ahead and spend $1,000 or more for a new set of golf clubs--or do like so many other golfers do, and make your own. Not only will you save a lot of money, you will have a set a clubs that are exactly what you need to lower your score. Sound like an impossible task? Not if you follow some very easy instructions. When you've finished building clubs that are inexpensive clones of clubs you'd buy in a store that cost far more, you'll have a great sense of pride. Many of those who've made their own clubs have reported an improved handicap, as well.
Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Assess your game and your abilities before you pick out shafts, clubheads and grips. If you hit your drives only 200 yards or so, you probably should choose very flexible shafts. If you hit the ball longer, opt for a stiffer shaft. If you mis-hit a lot of shots, you should probably gravitate to clubheads that have a larger sweet spot. And if you have a tendency to develop a lot of blisters on your hands, you should probably pick out softer grips. Shop the many websites that are devoted to all three elements of the golf club. You'll find an example of some of those websites in Additional Resources below.
Build your new driver first because it is the easiest, particularly if this is the first time you have made a golf club. If you are replacing an older set, and if you are comfortable with the lengths, measure the length of your shaft from the hosel, or connector, of each of your clubs, to the butt end of the club, and let that be your guide. If you have doubts, check the websites in Resources below for a chart of average lengths.
Attach the shaft to the clubhead. Your first task is to rough up the tip of the shaft and the inner portion of the hosel. If the shaft is steel, roughen it by using a piece of sandpaper. If it is graphite, remove the outer covering before using the sandpaper. Finally, roughen the inside of the hosel with a wire drill bit. Apply epoxy to both the end of the shaft and the hosel, making sure that all surfaces are covered by the glue. Set the shaft inside the hosel, again making sure you cover all the surfaces by gently twisting the shaft.
Cut the shaft of your driver by marking it according to the calculation in Step 1. For a steel shaft, simply use a hacksaw to cut the driver's shaft to the correct length. If you have a graphite shaft, tape it at the cut line before you use a band saw, because it may shatter.
Put on the grip. First, clean the shaft thoroughly with warm soapy water, then dry it. Apply double-sided tape to the area where the grip will be placed, and soak it well with the grip solvent. Pour a little solvent inside the grip and make sure that the entire interior is wet. Finally, slide the grip onto the shaft all the way to the end. Grip solvent needs 15 minutes to dry, so you will have plenty of time to adjust it to your liking.
About The Author
Bill Herrfeldt specializes in finance, sports and the needs of retiring people, and has been published in the national edition of "Erickson Tribune," the "Washington Post" and the "Arizona Republic." He graduated from the University of Louisville.
