One of the current buzzwords in golf is custom fitting. We've seen Tiger talking of the value of being custom fit. Golf magazine recently wrote an article guaranteeing lower scores simply by buying clubs that are custom fit to your swing. So today we'll take a look at what is involved in a true custom fitting. The following is a typical scenario for a driver fitting.
First, there will be a player interview. You will be asked several questions such as how much golf do you play, favorite club, least favorite club, what is your typical ball flight, and most importantly what are we trying to achieve with an equipment change? To stop slicing, gain distance, higher of lower ball flight, or perhaps just more consistent ball striking could be realistic goals.
Next your current equipment will be evaluated. Length, loft, lie, shaft flex, swingweight and grip size will be noted. This may explain why your current equipment isn't satisfactory.
Now you will hit a series of shots with your current driver. A launch monitor will show some vital information such as swing speed, ball speed, launch angle, angle of attack and ball spin. Another piece of equipment called a swing analyzer will show your swing path (path back and forward), face angle at impact, and ball flight.
During this process your swing may be videotaped. This lets us analyze your tempo, transition, and release point. This information is vital in determining shaft selections.
Normally this first session is a data gathering sessions. At this point another appointment may be set up for a few days later. In the meantime, the information that has been accumulated about you and your golf swing will be evaluated to determine the proper loft, lie, weight and flex of the shaft, and the proper grip size.
When you come back for the next session, some test clubs will be ready to hit, all under the watchful eye of the launch monitor. This type of fitting is known as a performance based fitting. In other words, the results that were produced by your old driver are known and can accurately be compared to the results of the data obtained from the test drivers. Best one wins!! Now there is no doubt that an equipment change will be beneficial to your game.
As you can see, hitting test clubs out of a demo cart at a driving range until you find one that feels good isn't the same thing as a custom fitting. A true custom fitting looks at the golfers swing and matches it to the proper head, shaft and grip. Most golfers could improve their game by going through this process. So the next time you're ready for new golf clubs, consider the extra effort of going through a custom fitting. It will help to ensure that you're getting the proper equipment for your seing. Makes sense, doesn't it?
For more information about this article or anything concerning golf equipment, contact me at info@countryacresgolf.com or call 618-244-1084
