Should Beginners Get Fitted for Golf Clubs?
Most golfers are surprised to learn that receiving custom club fittings can take their game to the next level and improve their scores.
Playing with ill-fitted equipment will make golfing less enjoyable and much harder to play. An off-the-rack club requires you to adjust your swing, which throws off your stance and puts you at risk of potential injury.
Whether a beginner or a professional golfer, a club fitted to your swing optimizes your ball flight, boosting accuracy and distance. Many golfers who get their clubs fitted will improve their distance and even reduce their handicaps.
This guide will cover everything about club fitting, so you know whether it's right for you and how the process works.
How Does a Club Fitting Work?
A club fitting is a process where a professional technician measures your physical characteristics and swing to determine how they can customize the clubs to maximize your performance.
Having your clubs fitted helps you to consistently hit balls closest to the center of the clubface and optimizes the feel and consistency.
Club fitters typically begin with an interview to understand your goals, needs, and concerns. Then they'll begin the fitting process.
The fitter will evaluate your performance using your existing set of clubs and a launch monitor. This review allows them to access your ball flight and club delivery. They'll also pay attention to your posture, swing style, and approach.
Finally, they'll make customizations to your club. In addition, your fitter may have you hit with the newly customized clubs, so they can measure the differences and fine-tune their recommendations.
Which Clubs Are Most Important to Get Fitted?
If you're worried about costs and don't want to invest in an entire bag fitting, you should at least prioritize getting the most important clubs fitted. These clubs are the driver, putter, and iron.
The driver must set you up for success at the beginning of each round. The driver's purpose is to send the ball as far as possible toward the green. If your drive isn't getting the distance you'd like, it may be time to have it custom fitted.
Irons extract the ball from difficult areas such as the bunker. Putters deliver shots at low speeds over a short distance on the green. Putters are the most used club in your bag, so ensuring a proper fit significantly impacts your game.
These clubs are essential for any golfer, whether you're a beginner or a tour-level professional.
What Kind of Things Can Be Customized in a Club Fitting?
When you visit a technician, they recommend many aspects of the club to the customer. In addition, you can request to make changes based on your comfort and personal preference.
Loft and Lie
When fitting a club, the first step is to examine the physical set-up of the club relative to your swing. A tall person's height and distance between their hands and the ground make a huge difference.
These two factors will determine the lie angle and length of the club. They'll also examine how steep you swing your club to sort the loft angle your clubs need to be.
Shaft
Your swing speed will significantly determine the type of shaft you need and how stiff it should be.
One of the most critical elements of your club is shaft flex. The shaft can bend due to the force produced during the swing. The shaft flex must match the swing speed, so the clubface makes direct contact with the ball.
The swing speed largely determines your shaft flex. For example, there are five ratings for shaft flex, including:
- Ladies - under 75mph swing speed
- Senior - 75-85mph
- Regular - 85-95mph
- Stiff - 95-110mph
- Tour/ Extra Stiff - over 110mph
Also, lower swing speeds mean you want a lower shaft kick point. A lower kick-point lets you get the ball in the air with minimum effort. Higher swing speeds work better with higher shaft kick points.
Grip
Quality grips allow you to generate better shots. Poor grips worn out or made with poor quality will only make the game harder.
Your hands shouldn't slip on the grip as you swing. Golf swings already have enough variables to worry about, so you don't want to worry about how the club might twist.
A technician can use high-quality grip technology that fits your playing situation, so you won't have trouble holding the club comfortably. For example, rubber grips are standard for comfort. However, corded grips are better in wet weather.
Length
Your club length should be optimal to help you achieve the proper athletic address position and great consistency with your shots.
Improper swing biomechanics can form from playing with a shaft length that is too long or short. Standard-length clubs are unsuitable for very tall or very short players because you will either stoop too much or stand too upright. Poor biomechanics are the leading cause of golf injuries.
Your fitter will determine the appropriate club length based on your height and wrist-to-floor measurement. The lie angle should also factor in your height, hand positioning, and address posture.
At What Point Should I Get Fitted for Golf Clubs?
Now that you know what the fitting process looks like and what components can be customized, you may wonder whether getting fitted for golf clubs is right for you.
If you're an avid golfer, having your clubs fitted may be the most important thing to lower your scores and improve your game. Golfers who struggle with issues such as inconsistent shots and back or shoulder pain from a club not correctly sized for their height should also consider custom club fitting.
Beginner golfers have the most to gain from playing with fitted clubs. Golfers adapt their swing to the clubs they're using, so beginners who pick poorly fitted clubs will develop bad habits that can stick with them for many years.
Should I Get a Beginner Set or Get Fit for Clubs?
Generally, it's always better to get fitted for clubs than pick a beginner set. Consult with a club professional who helps you find clubs that suit your swing type and height, setting you up for success.
Quality pairs of clubs should last you many years. Drivers last 3 to 5 years, while other clubs can last up to 15 years. Since you're already investing money into your clubs, it's best to have them fitted before buying them.
Bad golf swings can be rough on the body. For instance, if a club is too short, it'll cause you to bend forward and could cause back pain.
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Taking any off-the-rack club puts you at risk of developing bad habits that will be hard to break down the road. At worst, ill-fitted clubs can make you lose enjoyment, causing you to give up on golf altogether.
While having fitted clubs isn't the silver bullet that magically improves your skills, it provides the best chance of optimizing your equipment for your unique situation.
Stitch Golf has you covered if you're looking for the best golf equipment in the game. Shop Stitch Golf for golf bags, covers, and more today!
