What Does Clubfitting Mean to You?

When a customer comes in to our fitting studio for a clubfitting, I always ask if they have been through a clubfitting before.  While over 50% say that they have, there is a dramatic difference between a Good clubfitting and The Best clubfitting.  I have provided here link to a simple explanation of the different  Levels of Clubfitting 2014 (click link to view).  In a Good clubfitting, you were probably fit to length, shaft weight, loft, lie, and grip size by someone that had years of experience and observed your ball flight.  The cost of the fitting was minimal and probably was included in the purchase of equipment.  A Better clubfitting would include the use of a launch monitor to measure such things as ball speed, club speed, launch angle, spin rates and shot dispersion.  The number should clearly show you which club(s) you hit the best and what your optimum numbers should be in each of the aforementioned categories.  In both the Good and the Better clubfittings you either purchased equipment directly from the fitter or had them order equipment from the manufacturer.

Now let’s take a fitting to the next level, the Tour level.  During a Best clubfitting, the fitter will interview you to determine your current level of play and practice, and your golfing objectives.  Then the fitter will measure your current set for length, shaft weight, shaft flex, swingweight, loft and lie.  Your fitter will then measure your strength (swing speed, ball speed, smash factor), swing dynamics (tempo, transition, release) and launch characteristics (launch angle, spin rate, attack angle, dynamic loft, landing angle).  The fitter will then identify how your shots can be optimized in terms of dynamic loft, attack angle, launch angle, spin rates, and maximum height.  The fitter will then put this information into a fitting system that recommends specific lengths, shaft weights, launch and spin characteristics of shafts.  The fitter will also consider head design for improving distance, accuracy and control.  From there,  your fitter will provide you with various head and shaft combinations and test your shots on a launch monitor to optimize performance, while taking into account your preferences for looks, feel and sound.  Then, your fitter will make recommendations as to how your equipment can either be re-shafted or you can get new equipment built to your exact specifications.  Finally, your equipment will either be re-shafted or you will get new equipment built to your exact specifications.  This is the real key to clubfitting…having your clubs built to the exact specifications that came out of your fitting.  No guessing.  No trying to adjust to clubs that were ordered but did not get built individually to your specs.  The difference can be dramatic in terms of your performance if you just do the Good or Better fittings.  Below are a couple of images of equipment Before and After having clubs custom built.  Which would YOU prefer?