What are the two things all golfers have in common? All golfers want to hit the ball longer and straighter. What is
interesting, however, is that most golfers have no idea that help is close at hand. Welcome to the world of PERSONALZED
FIT GOLF GLUBS.
Every golfer enjoys playing a round of golf which results in a lower or improved score. Conversely, we become disappointed
and frustrated from a poorly played round. In many cases, a bad round is often the result of using golf clubs that are
mismatched to you. The custom fitter can precisely match the set to your particular style of swing and speed. This will
enhance your game and make for a more enjoyable round.
If you would like to have your current set of clubs evaluated, call me
and we can set up an appointment.
In order to understand the fitting process of a custom club set, we must first look at the components of a golf club.
First, let's start with the
GRIP. How many times have you heard that the proper grip is the most important
key to a well struck golf shot? In order to determine a proper grip, the hand and club’s grip must be matched in size.
How does the fitter do this? Grips, like golf gloves, are made in different sizes. So we first measure the hand. This will
establish the proper grip size. This is the only way to ensure the proper hand-to-shaft connection. If the grip needs to be
built up for some reason, the custom fitter has the resources to do this.
Once the correct grip has been selected, we then move to the second component: the
SHAFT. The shaft is really
just an extension of the golfer’s arms. It is the primary way power is transmitted from the golfer to the ball. Of the three
most important aspects of custom golf club fitting, two relate directly to the shaft. The first is the shaft’s length. Second
is the shaft's flex.
To fully understand the process of fitting custom clubs, it must be understood that the words
standard size does not exist in
the golf world. Just look around during a round of golf and you will see what I mean. There are many
golfers, with different styles of swings. Some swing slow and are silky smooth, long and graceful; while others have short,
quick, compact, hard swings, and then there are the many in-betweens. Some players are short, while others are tall. Because of
these variations, there is no one shaft that will fit all the wide range of styles of swing. Once again we call on the custom
club fitter. They have the expertise to work with you; to make sure the shaft matches each golfer's
height, swing speed, tempo and style.
Choosing the right shaft out of the variety of shafts that exits in the marker place, will provide you with the best chance
to improve your score.
There is a big misconception that says only the professionals or low handicappers need custom fitted clubs. Nothing is
farther from the truth! Always remember when playing that, it is not how long or how creative you are, it is HOW MANY strokes
that counts, thereby keeping the score as low as possible. We strive to keep that little elusive round ball in the short
grass, not the muck of the taller grass. This is largely determined by how your shafts match your swing characteristics.
(Oh yeah, a few lessons wouldn’t hurt either!).
OK, the third component of a golf club is the
HEAD. Why is it called a head, when it is
located at the bottom of the club is beyond me. But who cares? Finding the right head for you is what is important. Choosing
a particular head or brand should not be based on cost, looks, or if the professional golfer is using that brand, or how
impressive it is packaged and marketed, etc. The only deciding factor should be which style head best fits your swing and
game. The custom club fitter, for the woods, will accurately determine the best head including, its loft and face angle in
order to maximize your distance and control. With irons, we have different styles depending upon the golfers' needs. The
cavity back with its low center of gravity is considered a forgiving head designed for the average golfer. This is for
those looking for a forgiving iron with a larger MOI. This type is easier to hit and the penalty for a miss hit is much
reduced. Then we have the muscle back, which is designed for the lower handicapped player. This head is smaller, is not
as forgiving and is designed for those who want to work the ball. They will give better control, but very easy to miss hit.
Some irons have more offset smaller, more cambered soles and thin top line profile than others. So you see, there are many
combinations to choose from. Which is best for you? The one you hit the best. Again, we want to play off of the short grass.
But you might ask, "I already have a good set of clubs. Why should I purchase a custom set?" If that is you, then there is no need.
What you need to do however is make sure your existing set matches your individual swing style. The thing to consider is, making
sure the shafts are the right length and flexes for you, from your driver though your wedges. I can not express enough the importance
of this. It is a must for golfers who want the maximum accuracy and distance. Next is the loft & lie. If the loft (irons) is not
correct, then the hitting distance between clubs will not be equal. The lie determines if the ball will go straight, left or right.
Yes, having an existing set properly set up will make for a more enjoyable game of golf.
Remember, a custom fit set of golf clubs is designed so you play to the best of your ability and takes the handicap out of the
clubs. Now you will find the enjoyment that comes with the game of golf.
At
No Swet Golf, our services include everything from replacing grips, replacing broken shafts, measuring swing speed and
swing tempo (using radar), adjusting loft & lie angles on irons and putters, finding the best loft angle for your driver to
maximize distance, and matching all clubs to the right swing weight. We also custom fit complete sets, drivers and putters.
For a real in-depth book on custom clubs, I preferred "
The Search for the Perfect Golf Club" by Tom Wishon. If you are
thinking about a new set of clubs, you will be doing yourself a favor by reading this book.
Thank you for reading this and I hope it has shed some new light into CUSTOM GOLF CLUB FITTING. Should you want to discuss this
or the book further, please feel free to
give me a call. Are there some golfing friends that might be
interested? If so, please pass this information along.