(From the Surge: I asked Lynn Griffin to pitch in for me today due to some scheduling conflicts. I'm now at the Verizon Heritage with DJ. You'll be hearing about all that tomorrow!)
Nah, we aren't talking about putting you on an exercise program or anything like that.
The debate about club fitting has been going on for years with both sides of the issue passionately rising to their cause and defending it 'to the teeth.' Truth of the matter is, from my perspective, YES, it does make a difference. The old adage that a carpenter is as only good as his tools applies equally as well to the golfer and his equipment. For years, pros have received a 'form' of fitting from their respective equipment companies, but even then it was not a true fitting. Also, the argument about 'I'm too new at the game to need fitting' doesn't hold water either. Let's face it, the best players in the world could probably take a broom stick and get it around the course better than most of the Saturday golfers. Fitting is for everyone!
Not to start this article in a negative fashion, but rather point out some misconceptions, I'd like to start by addressing what a fitting is not! So, with that in mind, here is my top 10 list of what a fitting isn't.
FITTING IS NOT '¦
1. Hitting clubs from a “fitting” cart on the range
2. Hitting clubs into a net
3. Hitting clubs into a net using a simulator
4. Hitting clubs at a demo day
5. Having clubs built based on height or how far you hit a 7 iron
6. Having clubs recommended based solely on swing speed, hitting off a lie board, wrist to floor measurement
7. Having clubs recommended based on handicap
8. Having clubs adjusted by “how they look” as you address the ball
9. Having clubs recommended based on age
10. Having clubs recommended based on “how they feel”
The primary purpose of a fitting is to identify and establish the club specifications that will assist you in playing your best golf on a more consistent basis. The game is difficult enough without trying to play it with equipment that does not fit you. In order to improve your game it is imperative that your equipment “fit” you. If it doesn't, you will not play your best. All pros play clubs that are custom fit. They know that golf clubs made to their specifications perform better and take advantage of their swing.
We believe no golf club should be made based on the golfer's gender or age. We believe all golf clubs should be built based on the individual's golf swing. In a true custom fitting environment, there is no man, woman, junior, senior or disabled. There is only one concern: the individual and his or her swing . The club fitters' job is to observe, analyze and determine what head/shaft/grip combination is best suited for the individual and have their clubs built accordingly.
What Is Measured
1. Launch angle
2. Carry distance
3. Total distance
4. Ball speed
5. Ball spin rate
6. Swing speed
7. Swing tempo
8. Angle of attack
9. Angle of ball descent
10. Centeredness of impact
11. Lie Angle
12. Grip Size
There are 21 components to a true and proper fitting. They are:
1. Club head loft angle
2. Club head lie angle
3. Club head bulge (woods only)
4. Club head roll (woods only)
5. Club head sole angle (irons only)
6. Club head face angle (woods only)
7. Club head hosel offset
8. Club head material composition and design
9. Shaft flex
10. Shaft torque
11. Shaft weight
12. Shaft spine alignment
13. Shaft flex profile
14. Shaft material composition and design
15. Grip size
16. Grip weight
17. Grip material composition and design
18. Club length
19. Club swing weight/MOI
20. Club total weight
21. Set makeup
What is done with the numbers
Once we have all the measurements, we will sit down with you and go over each one and what they mean and how they relate to you as a golfer. We will then make our recommendations as to type of club head, shaft, and grip and why we recommend what we do.
Once the decision is made as to the WHAT and you understand the WHY, the process of building your clubs begins. Our standard procedure with building involves orienting the shaft in its most stable and playable position in the club head, balancing the set or club out with the correct frequency and MOI, making sure the swing weight is for you, and that the lie angle, grip, length, etc. are all correct for you.
What you can expect
With a professional fitter/builder, the relationship is actually just beginning as you have your fitting. The commitment to you is that the fitter/builder will work with you on anything at anytime that you feel it necessary. If you need questions answered, they are there to answer them.
If you have any questions regarding a true professional fitting, please feel free to email me at: thegolfstop@att.net and I'll do the best I can to help.
J. Lynn Griffin, International Top 100 Master Fitter/Builder