This hit home recently when I was on a golfing trip to the US. In a PGA sponsored golf superstore in Florida I found myself looking at the huge range of clubs on offer. I left perplexed and unsatisfied. There was only limited representation of precision blades among the vast array of cavity backed improvement irons, and almost all sets started with a 5 iron.

Considering America is the largest market for manufacturers is this a glimpse of things to come? I was looking to buy a 1 iron, which as a club has become extinct. The general trend seems to be that manufacturers can inflate the value of their clubs by systematically releasing new 'improvement' features and marketing them as game changers.

The manufacturers are also winning by persuading people to buy hybrid woods and irons to replace perfectly good 3-4 irons, which used to come as standard with all sets. The emphasis on forgiveness is sending the message to new golfers that you shouldn't be trying to use these clubs. Is this removing a crucial skill set that all golfers need to learn in order to develop their game properly?

I recommend any young golfer to learn how to hit a 3 iron before he/she learns how to hit a driver or fairway wood. While at this embryonic stage using as much 'improvement' technology as you can afford can only help players take up the game and stick with it, but this is a crutch that must be removed at some point for a player to develop.

By falling for the improvement technology marketing many golfers are selling themselves short and holding back their potential. Once you are able to consistently eliminate mishits, as most mid handicap golfer will, then you should start thinking about moving to a thinner more precise bit of kit.

Although blades won't perform as well off the heel or toe, their centre striking performance and control will outweigh the forgiveness benefits when you reach a certain level – which doesn't need to be a single figure handicap. A thinner sole and top line is required for attacking pins and a thinner sole will provide a better striking platform for all golfers.

I am at the stage (16 handicap) where I don't need the high trajectory and would prefer to have something I can consistently control around the greens. Many improvement irons also manipulate performance by reducing the loft of each club for added distance.

At this point the club doesn't need to be doing all the work and a honed-in swing will produce the level of ball striking to carry you through the course. Once you start striking the ball in the centre of the club face the huge cavity back clubs actually become more unreliable in distance, spin and straightness.

I'm not saying that everyone should pick up a set of blades right away, however I am going against the grain in saying that a golfer shouldn't be misled by the marketing hype of the manufacturers. The core skills demanded by every golfer must be achieved above and beyond the emphasis on improvement technology.

This does involve a leap of faith in your own ability. But once you do you will enjoy the game more and score better. In order to improve you must judge your game "By the quality of your best shots rather than the acceptability of your worst ones," says The Wedge Guy.

This priceless piece of advice runs in stark contrast to the improvement mantra that it is better to have more average rounds than great ones. Let's hope this trend doesn't continue. As golfers let's start taking more responsibility over our own game and stop relying on the unfounded crutch of improvement technology.

My grandfather and his ancient Pings could carry themselves around a modern course with pride. Let's not abandon our full potential and instead strive for excellence.