ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Multi-award winning, custom club fitter, Bob VanSweden is encouraging golfers to prepare for the start of the golf season correctly, which will lead to lower scores on the course.

The un-official start of golf season in the United States kicked off with the Masters in early April. Around this time temperatures begin to rise and golfers across the nation begin pulling their golf bags out of closets, basements and garages.

According to VanSweden, golf equipment is similar to automobiles, and require maintenance to perform at their best. VanSweden has over 24 years of experience in the golf industry and is recommending for golfers to have their equipment checked by a professional before they tee it up this spring.

“In golf it is important to have the right equipment, as well as maintain it. Doing this ultimately means playing better on the course and enjoying the game more,” said Bob VanSweden, owner of the Golf Repair Center in St. Petersburg. “Even people who play year round in warmer areas of the country like Florida, should have their equipment serviced regularly to improve their game.”

At the minimum, golfers should replace worn out grips on their clubs. Over time golf grips can become worn down or slick due to sweat, dirt, weather and normal use. According to the PGA, most tour professionals have their clubs re-gripped three to four times a year, however the average golfer needs to invest in new grips after playing around 20 rounds of golf. If considering new grips for your clubs make sure you consult with a certified club fitter to find the best size and style of grip for you.

Another way for golfers to prepare for the start of the season is getting their clubs’ loft and lie angles checked, this ensures that their set remains evenly calibrated. It is typically a quick and inexpensive process when performed by a seasoned certified club fitter and is essential to keep iron and wedge distance evenly dispersed.

Golf clubs are not the only piece of equipment that require regular care according to VanSweden; golfers should make sure their shoes are up to par. Golf shoe spikes have a tendency to wear down quickly throughout the season and need to be regularly maintained to prevent slipping. A $10 investment in new spikes can make an old pair of golf shoes feel brand new.

Finally, VanSweden recommends that golfers make sure their clubs are custom fit to their exact specifications and swing style. According to a recent study performed by the Sports and Leisure Research Group, as many as 90 percent of golfers are currently playing with the wrong equipment and it can have a major impact on scoring. Even having a quick putter-fitting can have a huge positive impact on scoring.

The Golf Repair Center uses the latest in technology, including a Flightscope X2 Doppler launch monitor to track a golfer’s swing to ensure they’re getting the right set of clubs. Custom clubs are still name-brand, but include proper grip size, length adjustment, loft and lie customization and shafts built to your swing speed.

In addition to receiving numerous awards for club fitting   and serving on multiple pro-tour vans, VanSweden has fitted dozens of pro-golfers, athletes and celebrities, including John Daly, Brittany Lincicome and many more.

About Bob VanSweden Golf Repair Center
Established in 1994, Bob VanSweden Golf Repair Center is a top-of-the-line golf club custom fitting and service destination located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The shop is owned and operated by Bob VanSweden, a hometown native of St. Petersburg. VanSweden has received multiple awards for his work and has over 24 years of experience in the golf industry. Bob VanSweden Golf Repair Center is located at 2300 26th St N, St Petersburg, FL 33713 and can be contacted by phone at (727) 321-4653.

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