I often hear golfers say that they are not ready to put in a club or that they will wait until they play better before investing in new clubs. I actually think the opposite is true. A good club fit may be just what you need to take your game to the next level.
As I recently watched my son, Matthew, get ready for a new set of irons, I was reminded how important it is for every golfer to play with clubs that truly fit their game.
Here are five reasons that every golfer should consider the fit of the clubs.
1. Eliminate the guesswork
One of the biggest misconceptions about club fairing is that you have to buy clubs afterwards. In fact, that’s not really the case. You can simply pay for the fit and walk away with valuable information about what details suit your swing. That information alone is worth the investment. Assuming you visit a professional fitter, you will take with you a prescription for your fit set.
2. Manage clubs you really trust
Do you have clubs in your bag that you just avoid hitting? If so, there’s a good chance that your swing isn’t right or the clubs aren’t right for you. Professional sizing helps determine not only which clubs are in your bag but which aren’t. Getting rid of clubs that don’t work for you can save both frustration and disappointment.
For example, I no longer carry 3 wood. My longest fairway wood is a 5 wood. While many golfers think that a 3 wood should go a long way, my swing speed allows me to hit a 5 wood high, consistently, and ultimately reach the distance.
A good gauge will also help with proper swing, ensuring that each club covers a different distance. If several clubs in your bag all seem to be moving in the same yard, balancing can solve that problem.
3. Understand your numbers
Today’s clubbers use launch monitoring technology to determine the optimal combination of clubhead, shaft, loft, lie angle, and swing settings for you, and that data takes the guesswork out of it.
I saw this firsthand when Matthew installed the bell. Although he was already hitting the ball well, the different shaft profile immediately improved his putt rate, carry distance, and consistency.
Run watch numbers don’t lie. If you find the right combination, improvement is often quick – and surprisingly obvious.
4. Make your driver a weapon
If you’re only going to qualify for one club, make it your driver. Having the correct loft, shaft, clubhead, and adjustable settings is essential to maximize both distance and accuracy. Since every hole starts with a tee shot, driving the ball really sets the tone for the rest of your round.
I recently accompanied one of my students to a drive-in installation. The fitter changed almost everything; manufacturer, loft, shaft, and overall setup, and the improvement was amazing.
Not only did he gain distance, but his swing increased significantly because he was no longer fighting the driver who hit the ball too low. His old driver forced him to compensate, preventing him from swinging freely and aggressively. Once we found the right fit, everything was easy.
5. Dial your wedges, too
The correct wedge setup can have a big impact on lowering your score. But it’s not just about the loft. Jumping, one-handed design, and proper hacking all play an important role, especially based on the course conditions you usually play.
If you have the right wedge in your hands, you will see it right away. The club interacts with the ground very cleanly, the ball is launched as intended, and you will gain confidence on the green.
A club fit that shouldn’t be reserved for elite players. In many cases, it is one of the fastest ways for recreational golfers to improve. The right equipment allows you to practice your natural swing without fighting clubs that weren’t built for you.
Instead of waiting until you’re a better golfer to get fit, consider getting fit to be a better golfer.
Want to revamp your bag? Find a club fit near you at True Spec Golf.
