Custom Fit Clubs Improve Your Golf Experience Significantly
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No two women are built the same, and that includes our unique physical builds, strength, and flexibility in golf. This disparity means that finding clubs that suit everyone is not a one-size-fits-all proposition. Take me, for instance. At just over five feet tall, I'm far from average, but I've got a bench press strength of 80kg and a driver swing speed akin to a man's.
So, while paper might suggest women's golf clubs, my strength requires a shaft that's stronger and more stable than what's typically offered. The solution for me? Bespoke, custom-fit clubs. Just like made-to-measure clothing from a tailor, they might have a slightly higher price tag, but wouldn't you rather invest a little extra for a perfect fit?
So, What Exactly is Custom Club Fitting?
In custom fitting, a talented club fitter matches your unique swing and physique to the ideal set of clubs. This process includes selecting the right clubhead, loft, shaft, lie angle, and grip for your swing.
The fitting can take place indoors, using a golf simulator and a launch monitor to capture your swing and ball data, or on an outdoor driving range where you can observe ball flight.
What Can Be Custom Fit?
Every club in your bag can be customized, from your driver to your wedges and even the golf ball.
The fitter will usually start by asking a few general questions, such as tendencies of good and bad shots, typical ball flight shape and height, and clubs you struggle with. Then they'll have you hit some shots, which are tracked by a launch monitor, to collect data such as club speed, ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, club path, carry, and overall distance.
Using the data, the fitter will select a clubhead with a suitable loft, trying different golf shafts of different materials, flexes, and kick points until they find the perfect fit for your swing.
The process may include fine adjustments to weight, changing bias in the head to encourage draw or fade shapes, and shot height.
The Benefits of Custom Fit
Custom fitting gives you unparalleled freedom of brand choice. You can have a mixed bag of clubs from various manufacturers, selecting the best option in each category based on your preferences.
Independent custom fitters usually offer a wide range of clubs with a brand-agnostic approach, catering to any preference, regardless of the manufacturer.
Demo Days
Demo days are excellent for first-timers to experience club fitting. These events, held by equipment manufacturers at golf clubs or driving ranges, give you the opportunity to test the latest clubs on the driving range while receiving valuable advice from the fitter.
If you're undecided about a certain driver or a new set of irons, a hybrid, or woods, this is a great way to try before you buy.
Book Your Solo Custom Fit
If you already have a brand preference and want specific clubs, it's a good idea to book a custom fit session directly with the manufacturer. Most major brands offer custom fitting services, including Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno, and Ping, among others. Check individual brand websites for the location of their fitting centers.
Are Women's Clubs a Dying Trend?
Given the versatility of custom fitting, many brands are moving away from creating clubs specifically labeled as 'women's,' instead offering gender-neutral equipment.
Are Custom-Fitted Clubs Worth the Investment?
If you're serious about improving your golf game, custom-fit clubs are worth their weight in gold – or should I say, worth the shot-saving strokes on your scorecard. They can increase distance, accuracy, and add consistency to your game.
However, if you're a casual golfer playing a few rounds a year, you might be better off investing in off-the-rack clubs from your local pro shop.
- In the process of custom club fitting, a skilled club fitter selects the optimal set of golf clubs for an individual, considering factors such as golf swing, physique, and personal preferences, making it possible to have a mixed bag of golf clubs from various manufacturers.
- Custom-fitted golf clubs can bring significant benefits for those serious about golf, potentially increasing distance, accuracy, and adding consistency to their game, making them worth the investment, much like investing in a perfect fit from a tailor.
