As a beginning or struggling golfer, stepping onto the course can be both exciting and intimidating. One of the keys to improving your game is having the right equipment, and that starts with properly fitted golf clubs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the basics of golf club fitting, hopefully demystify the process, and help you make informed decisions when choosing your clubs.

Before we delve into the specifics, let’s understand why club fitting matters:

Now!

My new or struggling students often tell me something like this: “I’m not good enough to have fitted clubs. I’m the problem, not the clubs. When I swing better, I’ll get fitted clubs.” On one level, that sounds logical…

However, think about it this way: If you were shopping for golf shoes, would you tell the salesperson? “It doesn’t matter what size the shoes are; I’m the problem, not the shoes.”

See how silly that sounds? Anything that YOU will be using must fit YOU. It’s possible that the clubs your buddy gave you, or that your spouse handed down, could fit you. But more than likely they won’t. And if they do, an honest fitter will tell you that, and then you just have to decide if you want new stuff :)

​So, while you might have a lot of skill still to develop, please remove the equipment variable. Decide to use clubs that fit you. Your progress will accelerate, and you’ll have more fun while you learn.

1. Visit a Professional Fitter

Start by visiting a certified club fitter or a golf pro.

Does this sound intimidating? Well, it kinda is. Having someone watch everything you’re doing can be stressful. But, understand that the fitter isn’t judging you. They are learning what you do, and what clubs will make what you do better.

Another reason a fitting can be intimidating is because of the data the fitter has at their fingertips to help them make good fitting decisions. Your fitter will know how much information they need to share with you; and if they are giving too much (or not enough) then ask them to change accordingly.

2. Swing And Ball Measurements

The fitter will look at your swing using launch monitors and other technology. They’ll identify what your golf club and golf ball are doing when you are hitting. This data then informs club recommendations. You don’t need to know what all these terms are in order to benefit from a fitting. Your fitter is the professional and the stress of making good fitting choices is theirs.

3. Club Length

The length of your clubs affects your posture and swing mechanics. Too long or too short can lead to inconsistent shots. The fitter will identify the ideal length for each club. This is one aspect of fitting that everyone benefits from, regardless of your skill level. If you’ve never hit a golf ball, you’re going to hit it better if the clubs are the right length.

4. Lie Angle

If you are unfamiliar with this term, that’s okay. But, it is an important part of being fitted. The lie angle determines how the clubhead interacts with the ground at impact. Adjustments ensure the club comes into impact (the moment you clubhead hits the ball) most optimally.

5. Shaft Flex

Shaft flex can become a complex rabbit hole. Think of “flex” as “weight.” Flex is commonly talked about in degrees or amount of stiffness. Some golf shafts are less stiff than others. The shafts with less stiffness generally have less weight as well. Stiffer shafts weigh more. Your ideal golf shaft weight/flex will be something your fitter identifies.

6. Grip Size

The “grip” we are referring to here is the part of the club that you hold. This is sometimes also called the “handle” of the club. Grips help make the club more comfortable and more controllable. Grips come in different sizes and materials. The fitter will recommend the right grip size. They also come in different colors, and so your grips are one way you can add some personality to your golf clubs.

7. Clubhead Design

Golf club manufacturers design and make clubs for players of all skill. By using a professional fitter, you remove the question of what type of clubhead design is best for you.

8. Set Makeup

​The rules of golf allow you to play with 14 clubs. You don’t need to have 14 clubs necessarily, but you cannot use more than 14. Your fitter will recommend how many and what kind of clubs should be in your set. If you’re allowed 14 clubs then it makes sense to make sure each of those is actually helping your game.

While custom fitting is ideal, golf clubs, and the fitting session, can be expensive. Here are some budget-friendly tips:

Insider Tip: You do not need to buy your clubs through your fitter. Ask them for the summary and their recommendation (that’s the service that you have paid them for) and then use that information to order from Sub 70 (or your preferred equipment maker).

​Caution: If you’re going the online direct-to-consumer route, do your research. Buy from reputable sellers. Counterfeiting is a real thing in the golf equipment world, so do your homework. 

Remember, golf club fitting is an investment in your game. If you’re committed to learning to play, then give yourself the best chance at learning correctly!

​As always, reach out if you have any questions about this topic.

Ideas and editing: Coach Karl
Writing assitance: MS Copilot