Difficult Conversation...

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By BNewton

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  1. BNewton

    BNewton

    So... Here's a difficult conversaiton we should all have. And before I get started, be realistic with your game and your performances.

    Fitting. It matters or it means nothing to me?

    That's the real question everyone should ask themselves. And I bring that point up because we're looking at an essential question. Before I spend $1500 on a new set of irons or $700 on a new Driver... Do I really need to go into someone to tell me what I should and or should not be buying shaft, head, loft, lie wise?

    For me, yes you have some aspects of that whole equation that are absolutely critical. BUT... don't get lost in the sauce with the process. And I suspect that MANY are getting lost and buying equipment that is no better for them than if they went in and bought the box off the shelf.

    Let's take for example the T-150 irons I'm playing. I was a T-100S guy. They came with the DG 120 Black shafts. I replaced the shafts with some Steel fibers and loved them. However, admittedly, that whole thin top line made me cringe and pucker from the backside as I get up in the 5 and above. Got rid of them and tried something else, hated it, and then bought a set of T-150's. They came with the stock LZ shaft. Now that was sight unseen. I was certain I'd replace the shafts and go with the Steel Fiber 110 CW shafts I played previously in the S's, but I played 2 rounds with the stock shaft in there and was blown away with the performance. That has continued for the past 1 year that I've had them too.

    So is the question, did I get lucky or is it i really didn't need the whole full blown fitting? I think the answer is somewhere in between. The lie and lofts are important and I fully support that. BUT, I think you can get too crazy and then lose yourself in the process. The lie and the dispersion are the key components. No matter what someone tells you, I've never seen any data that supports otherwise. If you dial in dispersion and the flight, then the rest is all relevent. Just what I've seen.

    But, please, tell me your experience and lets have a discussion. I'd love to hear everyones opinions.

    Hit them straight! Newt

  2. Don O

    Don O
    Madison, WI

    Most pros can adopt their game to just about any rack set. I’m not a pro and need to get fit to match the clubs to my game other than putter, none of my clubs are off the rack. Being LH and 74 closes that deal. I’m at the end of the bell curves in so many ways.
    Why purchase new clubs? Ego/vanity is one reason. From time to time, I have done that. At this point, if a new club fitted can improve over the last, I will likely do it. Playing one club shorter into a green is really helpful now.
    For those that are satisfied with the performance off the rack, great. But getting fit and updating with performance changes is also a valid pathway The less expensive options typically sell only 6 & 7 club sets. Maybe with a shaft option. Buying Titleist costs more but the flexibility to buy by the club is a value in itself.
  3. Craig D

    Craig D
    Canton, OH

    I would always prefer to have a fitting as it is fun to try new things. It has helped eliminate some possible choices where maybe on paper the shaft/head looked to be a likely candidate, but when I actually tried them in a fitting, I knew right away it was not going to work. I have experienced it both ways though in when I was fit and walked away with a T100-S/T200 combo (2021), it just did not work out after playing live rounds for 6-8 months after receiving them. Ended up having the clubs reshafted and then did not hold on to them long. Currently playing the T150 (2023) that I did not go through a fitting for, but based on some research and experience with the same shaft manufacturer in my Tsi3 Driver and Tsi3 3W, worked out really well. Did have a small adjustment in lie angle from my usual (2 up) though based on how they sat in they just looked too upright, but at 1 UP, great result.
  4. JYoung

    JYoung
    Ohio

    I had never been fit for clubs until last year. Always bought what I thought I needed or wanted off the shelf. After doing a fitting I can say I really enjoyed the process. Did a driver/3w fitting last year and an iron fitting this year. My handicap has gone down from 14 to 9 but not sure I can say it was all because of the fitting. New clubs definitely helped but they weren't the only reason. I also took lessons for the first time over the winter. While I do hit each club further than my old set, my swing has improved too. Fittings are great but you also need to improve yourself to get the most out of those new clubs. You can't just try to buy talent.
  5. Listentomewine - CJ Andrews

    Listentomewine - CJ Andrews
    Valencia, CA

    I don't think this is a difficult conversation. I am a huge believer in getting fit. I also think the best way to get fit is outdoors, off of grass, with the ball that you play. Seeing what the ball is doing in the air is much better than watching a tracer line on a screen. I have had experience being fit indoors and out and by far and away the three outdoor sessions (PXG and then two separate Titleist sessions) have yielded the most improvement for my game. It's also important to let the fitter do their thing and not get too in the weeds about what you think you need and keep an open mind to their suggestions. Being able to provide solid feedback about what you are seeing and feeling is crucial to the process. They will make the necessary adjustments for you, especially the Titleist fitters. I can't say enough good things about my Titleist experiences. In regards to putters, I believe the same rules apply. Outside, on greens you normally play! Roll 5 footers, 10 footers and lots of lags. Head weight is important based on the length of your putter and the green speeds you play. You will find the right gear that works the best for you, faster, rather than having to continue going back to the rack!

    Cheers,

    Chris
  6. JoeyD

    JoeyD
    Texas

    Honestly, I don't believe a fitting is necessary unless and until you have a repeatable swing. If you are constantly searching for a new way to strike the ball, a new way to hold the club, a new way to release the hands then it will change everything you need to be fit for. Most people I see, do not swing consistent enough to benefit from a real club fitting. And I stress this as a "real" club fitting too because most people going to pga tour superstore think they're getting a real fitting but are not. I'm a single digit handicap and I have to tweak my clubs every now and again when I change something in my swing. I use a lie board and swing weight and bend my own clubs as needed. Yes a basic club fitting for a beginner may help choose between shaft flex for their swing speed but until they are hitting consistently, there's really no need for an in depth fitting.
  7. duke m

    duke m

    I am an average golfer (10 handicap). My iron golf swing can vary from day to day. Some days my natural draw is working fine, but other days that natural draw becomes a hook. This is why I always warm up before a round of golf to see what swing I have for that particular day. Now when most golfers get fitted it is for one day. So the key question is what is the test-retest reliability of the golf swing for the average golfer. It is pretty good for the professional, but not that reliable for the average golfer. There is really very little research on the topic (please see pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/.../ for the best available research. For me I am better off taking a set of irons to the golf course for a few days to see how they perform. I believe this is a much more reliable method for the average golfer. Golf stores like global golf allow you to return most clubs at no cost, so this works fine for me.

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