Fully Equipped mailbag: Is there a club you should change out on a regular basis?

Welcome to another edition of the Fully Equipped mailbag, an interactive GOLF.com series in which our resident dimplehead (a.k.a., GOLF’s managing editor of equipment, Jonathan Wall) fields your hard-hitting gear questions.

New gear comes out around this time each year, but I’m never quite sure if any of it is worth springing for. Is there one club worth buying on a more regular basis that’ll give me an edge? — Jeff Tasker

If I had a dollar for every time someone asked me this question, I’d probably be chilling on a remote beach with a Mai Tai in my hand. I’m going to sound like a broken record, but you need to prioritize getting fit if you’re contemplating a change to the current setup. New clubs aren’t cheap, which is precisely why a blind purchase based on marketing spin or because your buddy has one typically spells certain doom for your game.

The good news is more golfers are getting custom fit for their clubs than ever before.

Studies have been done on the consumer spending habits of golfers, and most consider the driver to be the purchase that offers the most bang for their buck. The driver is front of mind, especially if you’re trying to emulate Dustin Johnson or Rory McIlroy off the tee — good luck with that — and pump 300-yard drives with regularity. But I’m not so sure it’s the one purchase I’d make, especially if you’re playing on a regular basis (think 20-30 rounds per year).

When you say “regular basis,” I’m thinking every two years. And if you have roughly 50-60 rounds logged by that point, there’s a good chance your wedge grooves are starting to go. Think about all the time you spend around the green. Having the maximum amount of zip ensures good wedge shots are rewarded with positive results.

The last thing you want is a greenside wedge shot that goes scooting past the flag instead of stopping within gimme range of the hole.

Another perk of today’s wedges? Most offer the ability to choose from different finishes, at the very least, without dealing with an up-charge. So it’s possible to stretch your dollar and get something that pops in the bag.

Everyone has different needs, but I’m sure most can agree that a competent set of wedges can save you shots on the course. Not to mention, two wedges — thinking sand wedge and lob wedge — will only put you out a couple hundred bucks. In my opinion, it’s a smart investment in your equipment and game.

To hear more gear insights from Jonathan Wall and True Spec’s Tim Briand, subscribe and listen each week to GOLF’s Fully Equipped podcast: iTunes | SoundCloud | Spotify | Stitcher