Playing with golf clubs that don’t fit your body or game can add strokes and frustration to your round. Based on your arm length, swing, strength and style of play, you’ll want more or less flexibility, face angle and other particulars for your clubs. Having clubs made specifically for you will improve your shot-making, scoring and enjoyment of golf.
Wrong Club, Wrong Swing
Using a club that doesn’t provide enough power, is too short, weighs too much, etc., will cause you to compensate on your swing, resulting in more hooking, slicing and topping. A professional golf fitter will consider your height, weight, strength and skill level to ensure that your clubs help, not hinder, your natural swing. Fitted clubs use industry-standard measurements based on your sex and arm length.
More Power/Distance
A more flexible shaft produces more power and greater distance on golf shots. However, a more flexible shaft may also magnify swing deficiencies, as it sends your incorrectly hit ball farther out of bounds. The swing you have will determine the best shaft stiffness for you.
Better Accuracy/Control
Few golfers have high scores, because they hit the ball exactly where they are aiming, but lack distance. If your goal is to keep the ball in the fairway, a stiffer shaft will provide more control and a lower trajectory.
Correct Head/Shaft Combination
Based on your level of skill and the type of swing you have, an optimal head/shaft combination can be created. For example, a more flexible shaft with a larger head may be choice for someone who needs more power, but needs to maintain accuracy. A stiffer shaft with a smaller head may give power players the right combination of distance and control they need.
Proper Club Face Angle
Based on your swing (more exactly, whether the heel or toe of the club is striking the ground first) the best club face angle will need to be determined. For example, if you need more loft, you will choose a more open face to go with your previously determined shaft type.
Grips
Grips not only come in different materials, they come in different patterns to help you grip the club. Are you playing mostly in the heat, where you’ll be sweating each time you play, or do you live in a fairly temperate climate. Do you want a pattern that lets you move your hands slightly, or one that grips tight? These are considerations that will be addressed at the time of your fitting.
If at First . . .
Your old clubs may not need to be tossed out if you are considering custom-fitted clubs. It may be that your current set contains the right shaft for you, but not the correct heads, or your grips may be the problem. If you are working with a truly professional golf club fitter (one who won’t ignore the positives of your current set to sell you an entire new set), you may be able to save hundreds of dollars and still end up with a perfectly fitted set of clubs.