Perform better on the golf course by getting yourself properly fit for clubs. In this guide, I’ll teach you everything you need to know about getting a golf club fitting.
I’ll walk through each step, including:
- how you get fitted
- what you should expect
- what to do right after you get your new golf clubs.
If you have any other tips to share, comment at the bottom of this guide!
Why is a Golf Club Fitting Important?
If you’re serious about improving your golf game, a custom club fitting is one of the smartest moves you can make. Having clubs with the right shaft flex, length, and clubhead adjustments will significantly improve your accuracy, distance, and consistency.
Benefits of Custom-Fitted Clubs for Golfers
Custom-fitting isn’t just for elite players; it’s for everyone. For beginners, fitted clubs can make learning the game of golf easier and prevent bad habits from developing due to your equipment.
Intermediate and advanced players will notice that custom-fitted clubs help them refine their game even more, with preater precision to each swing.
How Can a Golf Club Fitting Improve Accuracy, Distance, and Overall Performance
When your clubs are tailored to your swing, body type, and skill level, you’re more likely to hit the ball accurately and with more power. For example, if you struggle with slicing, a fitting can help adjust your clubface or shaft to correct that tendency.
Finding the right shaft length and flex can make a noticeable difference if you want to increase your distance. A custom-fitted club aligns perfectly with your natural swing, helping you achieve the most consistent shots possible.
The Impact of Ill-Fitted Clubs on Your Golf Game
Using ill-fitted clubs is like wearing the wrong size shoes for a marathon; it will hold you back and might even lead to injury. Clubs that are too long, short, stiff, or flexible can make your game feel inconsistent and frustrating.
For instance, a driver that’s too long could throw off your balance, causing mishits. Or, a shaft with the wrong flex can make it hard to control the ball’s direction. Ill-fitted clubs don’t allow you to play to your full potential.
What to Expect During a Golf Club Fitting Session
First time getting fitted? Booking your appointment is the hardest step in the process.
Look up the website of your local golf store, and you can book a time slot to visit.
Overview of the Fitting Process
A fitting session typically begins with a conversation about your game, including your experience, goals, and any specific challenges you face. From there, you’ll hit a few shots with your current clubs (if you have them) so the fitter can observe your natural swing.
Based on these insights, they’ll guide you through testing different clubhead designs, shaft lengths, flex options, and more.
Types of Measurements Taken
During the session, the fitter will take several key measurements to ensure that your clubs match your body and swing perfectly. These include:
- Height and wrist-to-floor measurement to gauge the correct club length.
- Swing speed helps determine the best shaft flex for control and distance.
- Grip size is based on hand measurements to help you control the club comfortably.
Technology Used in Modern Club Fitting
Today’s fittings use advanced technology like launch monitors and swing analyzers to provide precise data. Launch monitors track important stats like ball speed, launch angle, spin rate, and distance. This precise breakdown is helpful to the fitter to get you the right equipment.
Swing analyzers assess the mechanics of your swing, including club path and impact angle, which helps the fitter make data-driven adjustments for the best results.
Did you know: you can buy a launch monitor, like this FlightScope Mevo, for your home and track your golf swing all year round?
Key Components of Golf Club Fitting
Clubhead Selection
The clubhead’s type, size, and material play a big role in how each shot performs. Players seeking forgiveness might choose larger clubheads, while more advanced players prefer smaller, workable heads.
The material also impacts feel and durability, with steel used for control and titanium for lightweight power.
Shaft Fitting
Getting the right shaft can make a massive difference in distance and accuracy. Shaft fitting involves selecting the flex (from stiff to flexible), weight, and length based on your swing speed, tempo, and strength.
Slower swing speeds usually benefit from more flexible shafts, which can help with distance.
Grip Sizing and Material Options
Grip size is often overlooked, but it directly affects how you hold and control the club. A too-large or too-small grip can throw off your swing mechanics. During fitting, the grip size and material are chosen based on hand measurements and feel preferences.
Softer grips, for instance, can help with comfort, while firmer grips offer more feedback on each shot.
Lie Angle Adjustment
The lie angle, or the angle between the shaft and the ground at address, affects the direction of your shots. A lie angle that is too upright or flat can cause shots to veer left or right.
Adjusting the lie angle to suit your swing and stance helps you hit straighter, more accurate shots.
How to Prepare for Your Golf Club Fitting
What to Bring
Bring your current golf clubs so the fitter can evaluate them and your usual golf attire and shoes.
Wearing what you’d typically use on the course allows for a more realistic assessment of your swing mechanics and posture. This helps the fitter find the right clubs for you to buy.
Information to Share with Your Fitter
Let your fitter know about your playing style, specific challenges, and goals (gaining distance, improving accuracy, or hitting more greens).
Sharing your average distances, shot tendencies, and preferred shot shapes helps the fitter recommend clubs tailored to your game.
Set Realistic Expectations and Goals
While custom-fitting can greatly improve your game, setting realistic expectations is essential. Focus on goals like enhancing consistency or correcting a common miss rather than expecting an instant drop in your handicap.
A fitting is a valuable step towards long-term improvement, but it doesn’t instantly make you a scratch golfer.
How Long Does a Golf Club Fitting Take?
In general, a golf club fitting will take about one hour for woods and three hours for irons. Once you start, you want to give yourself enough time for the fitter to do their job and select the right equipment for you.
Depending on your location, you might be able to walk about with your new golf clubs right on the spot or else you’ll have to pick them up another day.
After the Fitting: Breaking in Your New Golf Clubs
Adjusting to Your Newly Fitted Clubs
Newly fitted clubs may feel slightly different, especially if there are significant changes in length, lie angle, or weight. Give yourself time to get used to them on the range and during a few rounds, and as you grow comfortable, you’ll notice improvements in consistency and accuracy.
Practice Techniques to Maximize the Benefits of Your Custom Fit
Focus on practice routines reinforcing your natural swing, such as hitting different shots and working on your timing. Pay attention to how the clubs feel, and practice consistently to build muscle memory with the new setup.
When to Consider a Re-Fit or Fine-Tuning
If you notice significant changes in your swing speed, strength, or overall technique down the line, it might be time for a re-fit or minor adjustments.
Also, if you find certain clubs still aren’t working as expected after regular use, a quick fine-tuning session can help.
Is the Cost of a Golf Club Fitting Worth It?
Typical Pricing for Different Levels of Fitting Services
Golf club fittings typically range from $100 to $300, depending on the level of service. Basic fittings, often done at retail shops, may be on the lower end.
Comprehensive fittings at specialized fitting studios can cost more. Some premium fittings include extensive technology and personal assessments that provide in-depth analysis.
Comparing the Cost to Potential Game Improvement
While the upfront cost might seem high, the potential for game improvement can be substantial. A proper fitting can lead to better accuracy, distance, and consistency, ultimately lowering your scores and enhancing your enjoyment of the game.
Many golfers find that the investment pays off quickly in terms of improved performance over their current equipment.
Options for Budget-Conscious Golfers
For budget-conscious golfers, there are options available. Some retailers offer free or discounted fittings when purchasing new clubs, allowing you to get fitted without a significant extra cost. Most Golf Town locations have full golf simulators that you can hit into for free. The workers there will give you basic tips based on the readings on the screen.
Additionally, seeking out group fitting sessions or golf-brand events can provide fitting services at a lower price.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a golf club fitting is an invaluable step for any golfer looking to enhance their game. By ensuring that your clubs are perfectly tailored to your unique swing and physical attributes, you can significantly improve your accuracy, distance, and overall performance on the course.
While the initial cost of a fitting might seem steep, the long-term benefits and potential for lower scores make it a worthwhile investment. Remember to prepare adequately for your fitting appointment and communicate openly with your fitter to maximize the results.
Last update on 2024-12-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
