What Club Fitting Won't Do

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 15:11 -- Don Trahan

After Doc Griffin's series on the importance of club fitting, we had a discussion about peoples' expectations after getting fitted for the proper clubs. Many people might have the misconception that by merely being fit for clubs, they will become a great golfer overnight. Sadly, that's not exactly how it works so I asked Doc to explain what fitting won't do.

We don't want to put a negative spin on such a great thing such as club fitting, but we feel it's important to explain it a little better. Doc uses a great analogy with the sport of bowling. If you've never bowled a day in your life but go to a bowling center and get a ball drilled up specifically for your hand, you won't automatically start bowling strikes every frame. You've got to have the skills in order to understand how to hook the ball and read the lanes. The same thing applies to golf. Even if you have the best clubs that could possibly fit your body and your swing, you've still got to possess some skill in order to obtain the results you may be looking for.

Stay tuned to the end of the video, as Doc reveals the "Absolute Golf Truths." These are really great reminders for everyone who may be doubtful of the process but also for those who think all it takes to become a scratch golfer is properly fit clubs. Take a look and you'll see what I mean.

Keep it vertical,

The Surge!
Don Trahan
PGA Master Professional

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Comments

NeilofOz's picture

Submitted by NeilofOz (not verified) on

Doc, think you've just destroyed my reason for playing golf by using those words
"Skill Set", think I'll take up crochet like Grandma should, LOL. 

Massy's picture

Submitted by Massy (not verified) on

Doc,
I understand the need for getting a club fitting.  My question is, when do you get fitted when you start golfing?  Do you get fitted, before you start learning to golf?  During the time you are taking lessons?  Or wait until you have played a while before getting fitted?

Thanks,

Massy

Robert Meade's picture

Submitted by Robert Meade (not verified) on

Massy,
Hopefully Doc will come along and answer this one for you. Past answers to a similar question have gone something like this.
      If you you were going to get anyone started in any sport requiring equiptment, ie., Baseball, tennis,bowling ect., wouldn't you get the equiptment that best fits the persons size, strength, speed, physical fitness, athletic skill, and so forth? Of course you would. likewise with golf.
Personally I wouldn't over spend initially. I would invest modestly IF the newby was not 100% comitted to learning the game. They should have the clubs that fit them but only after they start to show real interest would I fork out alot of $$. That's not to say getting fit by Doc or another PPGS fitter would be much more than buying so called "name" clubs would be
    So Massy it's up to you of course, but if you are serious about playing this game to your potential and not having to blame your golf clubs, yes you should get fit while learning. Likely as with other sports, as you grow and improve you will get fit again at a latter date. Few golfers stay with the same clubs for their golfing life. As we change and improve we continue to evolve our equiptment too.

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

Do a search on this site.  Go to the rectangle above under the picture of DJ and type in 1 iron golf and hit the magnifying glass.  It will give you all the information that you are wondering about.

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

Advantages of a Swing Surgeon Certified Fitter: They understand the vertical swing so are less likely to fit you with clubs significantly too long. They all have gone through a certification process whereby Doc and Don have verified their skills and philosophy, and I believe all construct the clubs themselves to guarantee that each piece is what they need it to be (not something you're likely to get from an off the rack set or even a set "ordered to specs" by a "fitter" for one of the major manufacturers).

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

I'm here at the Surge's Spring Tournament in Hilton Head.  I played with 3 other guys today all of whom have been fitted by me and playing my clubs.  It was very humbling to experience this and I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all those that have travel to see me and some from some very long distances.  My hat is off to you all and "better golf is just a fit away!"

Bob H's picture

Submitted by Bob H (not verified) on

Is there a certified club fitter in my area? I live in Toronto ON Canada.
What does it cost for a set of custom fitted clubs?
GolfBob

Robert F's picture

Submitted by Robert F (not verified) on

Wait, you mean you don't make magic clubs that always hit the ball straight and long no matter what I do? Damn. Well, the driver you built me does hit it long and straight as long as I don't screw up the swing. :)

Roy Reed's picture

Submitted by Roy Reed (not verified) on

Doc Griffin:  Great video and food for thought!  And, I certainly agree with Lynn, Robert and Amos - the driver you built me is BY FAR the best "arrow" I have ever played with!  Just started playing again after a long winter and picked up right where I left off last fall - right down the middle :-))  I believe that playing the right equipment gives you the desire and confidence  to develop and hone your skills; golf is just so fun!!!!  Thanks for everything you do.  Hit 'em straight!  R2 

Lynn42's picture

Submitted by Lynn42 (not verified) on

Doc,
 
The driver you built me sure beats the heck out of the shovel headed driver I was using.  Don't try to tell me it's not a magic shaft filled with pixie dust.  Now, if I can just fix the indian.  ;0)

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

Thanks R2!!

Amos 's picture

Submitted by Amos (not verified) on

Robert F:

    DITTO for me !

 Amos

Doc Griffin's picture

Submitted by Doc Griffin (not verified) on

No there isn't but you may want to consider the Long Distance Fitting Program. Several of those posting comments here have used it.  

Varies but is generally comparable to what you'd pay at a retail store.

Henri's picture

Submitted by Henri on

Good video. I think the approximate equipment Will Work when learning a swing. One can choke down (and can even lengthen with grip replacement a little.) However to maximize one's potential he must have the the equipment which best suits him. I had a young golfer on my team who took lessons from Jack Grout with a set of off the shelf off brand clubs. To my knowledge Jack never had him change clubs or be fitted as they were close enough. BUT after achieving a level of proficiency he purchased some high end clubs. Ideally Doc is correct in that it is best to start with fitted clubs.