Golf Club Fitting Myths
Getting fit for golf clubs might be the most misunderstood topic in golf equipment or improving your game. We’ve heard all the opinions on whether or not someone should get fit for their clubs, including:
Only low-handicap golfers should get fit
Club fitting is way too expensive
You should pay for lessons instead of a fitting
Over the last few weeks we’ve received numerous questions about club fitting on our TikTok page from golfers of all abilities. In this article, my hope is to address many of the myths around getting fit for clubs and how you can start improving your game today.
Still have questions about getting fit for clubs? Send us a message here.
Myth 1: Only good players should get fit for golf clubs
Verdict: False.
While it is true that better players will be able to detect small differences in their golf club specifications, it is also true that high handicap players stand the most to gain from a club fitting.
Have you ever tried to lose weight or start a new fitness program? Chances are that after a few short weeks you begin to see gains from your efforts really quickly, especially compared to your gains much later on. This is because novices have the most to gain right away but then begin to taper off over time.
The same is true with high handicap players improving their scores fastest at first while low handicap players have to dedicate much more time to see an improvement. This is simply due to there being more room for improvement when you are just starting out.
Myth 2: High handicap players should always get lessons first before a club fitting.
Verdict: False.
Learning how to play the game with ill-fitting equipment won’t help you in the least. Sure, those garage sale clubs might help introduce you to the game of golf, but trying to hone a golf swing with clubs that are too long, too short, or too heavy will hurt more than help.
Let me be clear: golf lessons are vital to improving your game. However, any respectable golf instructor will also check your golf clubs to make sure they are right for your game. There is no point to teaching a student how to play the game with clubs that don’t fit them. Before scheduling your lesson, ask the instructor if they will also check the fit of your clubs during the process. If they decline, hang up the phone and call someone else.
Myth 3: Club fittings are too expensive.
Verdict: It depends.
It is true that golf club fitting companies charge a healthy fee for custom fit golf clubs. This is also true for any custom-made product in the world, however, and golf is no different. The actual cost of the fitting process itself is much less expensive if you don’t plan on buying the equipment.
On average, the cost of the club fitting process is $200 or less, depending on how many clubs you want fit. This doesn’t include the cost of new clubs, obviously, but it does include specification checks and measurements for your current golf clubs. This information alone can be incredibly helpful for the golfer, who can then shop around for clubs that meet those recommended specifications.
It should be noted that club fitters often work on commission and will absolutely do their best to sell you new clubs. It’s their job, so don’t be surprised when they turn on the sales tactics. You always have the option to decline buying anything.
Myth 4: Any golfer can learn to play on any set of golf clubs.
Verdict: Totally false.
This myth should go without saying, but golf clubs are not one-size-fits-all and should not be treated as such.
It’s all a matter of perspective. If a brand new golfer who has never stepped foot on a golf course or driving range just wants to get a feel for swinging a club, then any set of clubs will likely fit that bill. However, if a player wants to actually improve their game and get the most out of their time on a golf course, playing clubs that are the right length (at a minimum) is imperative.
You wouldn’t hand a full-length driver to a child, right?
While it is true that custom golf equipment is more expensive than off-the-rack equipment, the investment in your game can only help you in the long term. This has been proven time and time again by numerous studies that a quick Google search can yield.
Golfers are encouraged to shop around and find the best club fitting deals and specials in their area. Local golf pros can also help with this process, especially in areas that don’t have access to leading club fitting brand locations.
