Instruction
Why you’re not good enough not to get fit
Since the beginning of custom golf club fitting, players have always wrestled with the question “should I get custom fit?” or “am I good enough to get custom fit?”
While these seem like valid questions, I tell golfers who play once a week that they are not good enough not to get custom fit! In fact, they are doing themselves a disservice, because professionals can adjust to poorly fit equipment while amateurs cannot!
One of the biggest issues with poorly fit clubs is the yardage gaps in relation to carry and roll. To prove this point, I took one of the scratch players at the course where I teach, Bighorn Golf Club in Palm Desert, Calif., and ran him through a simple test. He was told nothing other than to hit balls with every club in his bag, so he was blind as to what I was trying to accomplish.
Below you can see what yardages he had with his set make up of:
- TaylorMade SLDR 5 Wood (set to 20.5 degrees)
- TaylorMade SpeedBlade irons (3-PW) with True Temper Project X 6.0 shafts
- TaylorMade ATV wedges (56 and 60 degrees)
Note: His irons and wedges have TaylorMade’s standard lofts that were verified on my loft/lie machine.
As you look at the CARRY data above without reference to the actual numbers below, you will see that some of these yardages tend to blend together.
- The 60-degree and 54-degree wedges, as well as his SpeedBlade PW and 9 iron have good spacing.
- His 7 iron and 6 iron are a touch too close together.
- His 5 iron, 4 iron, 3 iron have yardage gaps that are too close together.
One might think that his 7 iron loft might be strong or the 6 iron loft could be weak, but again both were tested and were spot on per the stock lofts set up by the factory. As with most golfers, once we get to the longer irons the flight became quite a bit flatter. That reduces the carry distance the player can obtain. Golfers want all clubs to peak out the same height so they can also have better control of their angles of descent so the ball won’t chase over the green every time. In fact, the goal is to keep all of our hybrids and irons above a 45-degree landing angle. With this being said, let’s dig a touch deeper into the data for a more precise fitting for this player.
As stated earlier, there are really no issues with the 8 iron through 60-degreee wedge, as all the distance data seems to be spot on. But here are several things to note:
- The 7 iron carry is 165.9 yards with a height of 84.6 feet and a landing angle of 43.5 degrees.
- The 6 iron carry is 180.1 yards with a height of 80.4 feet and a landing angle of 41.4 degrees.
The yardage carry gap appears fine, but when you look closer, you will see that the height has dropped down and the ball is chasing forward a touch too much: around 13 yards. I would prefer to see the 6 iron to go a touch higher and would suggest adding 0.5 degrees of loft to reduce the gap, giving his shots more height so they land more like a short iron.
- The 5 iron carry is 192.4 yards with a height of 74.8 feet and a landing angle of 38.0 degrees.
- The 4 iron carry is 199.1 yards with a height of 77.9 feet and a landing angle of 39.1 degrees.
- The 3 iron carry is 205.4 yards with a height of 66.3 feet and a landing angle of 34.0 degrees.
There was also a huge gap between his 3 iron carry and his 5 wood carry, with the 3 iron carrying 205.4 yards and the 5 wood carrying 233.6 yards.
So what does this tell me? The 5 iron is a borderline club in this player’s bag, as it is coming in way too low and flat. I would suggest changing shafts or adding a touch of loft to make the ball fly a touch higher with almost the same length.
The 3 and 4 irons should be instantly replaced with hybrids so that this player can have a chance to stay on the green from 200 yards. Currently, there is no chance for this player to access a front pin location with this set make up from 200 yards without his shots chasing to the back of the green. This is the precise reason why hybrids are in professionals’ golf bags; they are easier to hit, have a higher ball flight, carry farther and land softer. I believe that with the right hybrid and wood fitting, this player could gain yardage with his 3 and 4 irons. He would gain that distance by hitting those clubs higher with better yardage spacing, and that would unify the gaps between his 5 wood and 5 iron.
I would highly suggest that all players go through a yardage testing protocol and get fit. What you will gain will be the understanding of what you actually do versus what you think you do. From there you can make more educated decisions as to what clubs you need to investigate at the next demo day.
The LPGA Tour is kicking off its 2026 season this week at Lake Nona Golf and Country Club in Orlando, and the pros are dealing with something most Florida golfers rarely face: freezing temperatures.
“It’s colder here than in the UK at the minute, which is a first,” said England’s Charley Hull during Wednesday’s media day at the Hilton Grand Vacations Tournament of Champions.
Even Lydia Ko, who lives at Lake Nona, seemed surprised by the cold snap. “We’re pretty much getting to below zero in celsius here, which maybe in other parts of the country they would be thankful, but when you’re in Florida it is a little bit of a surprise,” she said.
If the world’s best players are adjusting their games for cold weather, recreational golfers should, too. Here’s how to play smart when the mercury drops.
Understand What Cold Does to Your Game
Before you change anything, you need to know what you’re fighting against. Cold air is denser than warm air, which means your ball won’t fly as far. Period.
Hull noticed this immediately during practice rounds at Lake Nona. She mentioned hitting a gap wedge into the 18th hole during a previous win but needing a 4-iron during Tuesday’s practice round. That’s a difference of four or five clubs for the same shot.
Action item: Expect to lose 5-10 yards on every club in your bag when temperatures dip below 50 degrees. Plan accordingly and don’t be stubborn about club selection.
Layer Up Without Restricting Your Swing
Hull admitted she wore three pairs of pants during practice. While that might be extreme for most of us, staying warm is critical to playing well in cold conditions.
Your muscles need warmth to function properly. When you’re cold, your body tightens up and your swing gets shorter and faster. Neither of those things help you hit good golf shots.
Action item: Wear multiple thin layers instead of one bulky jacket. Look for golf-specific cold weather gear that stretches with your swing. Keep hand warmers in your pockets between shots. And don’t forget a good hat because you lose significant body heat through your head.
Take More Club Than You Think You Need
This is where ego gets in the way of good scores. When it’s cold, the ball doesn’t compress as well off the clubface. Combined with denser air, you’re looking at serious distance loss.
The pros at Lake Nona are dealing with a course that measures 6,642 yards but plays much longer this week. If they’re adjusting, you should too.
Action item: Take at least one extra club on every approach shot. In temperatures below 40 degrees, consider taking two extra clubs. It’s better to fly the ball to the back of the green than to come up short in a bunker.
Adjust Your Expectations on the Greens
Cold weather affects putting in ways most golfers don’t consider. The ball is harder and doesn’t roll as smoothly. Your hands are cold, making it harder to feel the putter. And if there’s any moisture on the greens, they’ll be slower than normal.
Ko mentioned that she still sometimes reads the greens wrong at Lake Nona despite being a member for years. Cold weather makes that challenge even tougher.
Action item: Hit putts more firmly than usual. The ball needs extra speed to hold its line on cold greens. Take a few extra practice strokes to get a feel for the speed before you putt.
Embrace the Mental Challenge
Hull said something interesting about cold weather golf: “I like the mental toughness of it.”
That’s the right attitude. Everyone on the course is dealing with the same conditions. The player who stays patient and doesn’t get frustrated by the extra difficulty will come out ahead.
Action item: Lower your expectations by a few strokes. If you normally shoot 85, accept that 90 might be a good score in 40-degree weather. Focus on solid contact and smart decisions rather than perfect shots.
Warm Up Longer and Smarter
This might be the most important tip of all. Cold muscles are tight muscles, and tight muscles get injured easily.
World No. 1 Jeeno Thitikul revealed she’s been protecting a wrist injury that bothered her late last season. Cold weather makes those kinds of injuries more likely if you don’t prepare properly.
Action item: Spend at least 20 minutes warming up before your round. Start with stretching, then hit easy wedge shots before working up to your driver. Keep moving between shots on the course to maintain body heat and flexibility.
The pros at Lake Nona this week will adapt and compete at the highest level despite the cold. You can do the same at your local course by following these tips and keeping a positive attitude.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Brooks Koepka is back on the PGA Tour, and whether you love him or hate him, the guy knows how to win when it matters. After his LIV Golf stint, the five-time major champion returns this week at the Farmers Insurance Open.
What makes Koepka fascinating? He doesn’t fit the mold. His swing isn’t textbook. He doesn’t obsess over mechanics. Yet he’s won three PGA Championships and two U.S. Opens, regularly making it look easier than guys with prettier swings.
So, what can average golfers learn from someone who treats the game so differently? Quite a bit.
Stop Overthinking Every Shot
Koepka describes his approach as “reactionary” rather than mechanical. While most tour pros grind over swing thoughts, Brooks sees the target and hits it. No mental checklist.
This might be the most valuable lesson for weekend golfers who’ve watched too many YouTube swing videos.
How to actually do this:
On the range, hit five balls where you stare at the target for three seconds prior to addressing the ball. Don’t think about grip or stance. Just burn that target into your brain. You’ll be shocked at how pure you hit it when your brain focuses on where the ball is going instead of how you’re swinging.
Next time you play, give yourself a rule: Once you pull the club, you’ve got 15 seconds to hit. Koepka is one of the fastest players on tour because he doesn’t give his brain time to sabotage him.
If you feel tension in your hands at address, you’re trying to control too much. Koepka’s grip pressure is famously light. Loosen up until the club almost feels like it might slip, then add just enough pressure to hold on. That’s your swing thought: soft hands, see the target.
This approach works better under pressure. When you’re standing over that shot with water left and OB right, the last thing you need is a mental checklist. See it, feel it, hit it.
Play to Your Strengths (Even If They’re Not Pretty)
Koepka uses a strong grip that wouldn’t pass muster in some teaching circles. But he’s built his game around what works for him, elite driving distance and recovery skills. He doesn’t try to be someone he’s not.
Here’s how to build your game like Brooks:
Look at your last five rounds and figure out where you’re actually gaining strokes. Bombing it off the tee, but can’t hit greens? Lean into it. Play courses where distance matters more than precision. On tight holes, grip down on your 3-wood instead of trying to thread a driver through a keyhole you’ll miss seven times out of ten.
Koepka knows he can scramble, so he’s not afraid to miss greens. If you’re deadly from 50 to 75 yards, start leaving yourself those distances on the par 5’s instead of going for them in two every time.
Know when to take your medicine. Koepka in the trees at the PGA? He’s punching out to 100 yards, not trying to bend a 6-iron around three oaks. You’re in the rough with a flyer lie and water short? Hit your 8-iron to the middle and move on. That’s not playing scared, that’s playing smart.
Save Your Best for When It Counts
Here’s a wild stat: Koepka’s putting average in majors is often more than a full stroke better per round than in regular events. He elevates when pressure is highest.
How does an amateur tap into that gear? It’s not about trying harder, it’s about caring differently.
Here’s what actually works:
Decide which rounds matter to you. Club championship? Member-guest? That annual trip with college buddies? Circle those dates and treat them differently. Koepka doesn’t care much about regular tour events, but majors? That’s when he locks in.
Two weeks before your big round, change your practice. Stop beating balls mindlessly. Play nine holes in which every shot has consequences. Miss the fairway? Hit from the rough on the next hole too. Three-putt? Twenty push-ups. Koepka’s practice intensity ramps up before majors because he’s rehearsing pressure, not just swings.
Develop a between-shot routine that resets your brain. Koepka is famous for his blank expression after bad shots. Try this: After any shot, take three deep breaths while walking, then find something specific to notice, a tree, a cloud, someone’s shirt. That’s your reset button. By the time you reach your ball, the last shot is gone.
The Bottom Line
Brooks Koepka’s return reminds us there’s no single path to success in golf. His “substance over style” approach proves that results matter more than looking good.
You don’t need a perfect swing; you need a reliable one that holds up under pressure. You don’t need to hit every shot in the book; you need the shots you can count on. And you don’t need to play great every time; you need to play great when it matters.
Welcome back, Brooks. Thanks for the reminder that golf is ultimately about getting the ball in the hole, not winning style points.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “Playing Through” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
Blades Brown made a big impression last week in the California desert, and not just because he’s only 18. He put up numbers that would catch any weekend golfer’s attention. Most of us won’t hit 317-yard drives or find 86% of our greens in regulation, but there’s a lot to learn from how Brown managed his game at The American Express.
Here are three practical lessons from his performance that you can use on your own course this weekend.
Step 1: Give Priority to Accuracy Over Distance Off The Tee
Brown’s driving stats are impressive. He averaged almost 318 yards off the tee, ranking 12th in the field. More importantly, he hit 76.79% of his fairways, tying for fourth place in the tournament.
Think about that ratio for a second. Brown could have swung harder, chased more distance and tried to overpower the course. Instead, he played smart golf and kept his ball in play.
Your Action Item: Next time you’re on the tee box, ask yourself a simple question before pulling the driver. Do you need maximum distance here, or do you need to be in the fairway? If there’s trouble lurking or the hole doesn’t demand every yard you can muster, take something off your swing. Grip down an inch. Make a three-quarter swing. Do whatever it takes to find the short grass. Brown’s approach illustrates that fairways lead to greens, and greens lead to birdies. He made 22 of them last week, along with an eagle.
The math is simple. When you’re hitting three out of every four fairways like Brown did, you’re giving yourself legitimate looks at the green with your approach shots. That’s when scoring happens.
Step 2: Commit To Hitting More Greens
This is where Brown really separated himself. He hit 62 of 72 greens in regulation, an 86.11% clip that tied for first in the entire field. Read that again. An 18-year-old kid tied for the lead in one of the most important ball-striking statistics in professional golf.
How did he do it? By keeping his ball in the fairway (see Step 1) and giving himself clean looks with mid-irons and wedges.
Your Action Item: Start tracking your greens in regulation. You don’t need a fancy app or a statistics degree. Just mark down whether you hit the green in the regulation number of strokes. Par 3s in one shot. Par 4s in two shots. Par 5s in three shots.
Once you know your baseline, set a goal to improve it by 10%. If you’re currently hitting five greens per round, aim for six. The beauty of this approach is that it forces you to think strategically about club selection and shot shape. Brown’s strokes gained approach number was positive (0.179), meaning he was better than the field average. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be on the dance floor more often.
When you hit more greens, you eliminate the need for heroic short game shots. Brown only had to scramble 10 times all week, and he got up and down 70% of the time. That’s solid, but the real story is that he rarely put himself in scrambling situations to begin with.
Step 3: Minimize Mistakes And Stay Patient
Here’s the stat that jumps off the page: Brown made only three bogeys all week. Three. In four rounds of professional golf against the best players in the world.
He also made just one double bogey. That kind of clean card doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when you play within yourself, avoid the big miss and trust that pars are never bad scores.
Your Action Item: Before your next round, decide that you’re going to play boring golf. No hero shots over water. No driver on tight holes just because you can. No aggressive pins when there’s a safe side of the green.
Brown’s performance shows us that consistency beats flash every single time. He didn’t lead the field in any single strokes gained category, but he was solid across the board. That’s how you post numbers and cash checks.
Give these three steps a try. Your scorecard will thank you.
PGA Professional Brendon Elliott is an award-winning coach and golf writer. You can check out his writing work and learn more about him by visiting BEAGOLFER.golf and OneMoreRollGolf.com. Also, check out “The Starter” now on R.org, RG.org’s partner site, each Monday.
Editor’s note: Brendon shares his nearly 30 years of experience in the game with GolfWRX readers through his ongoing tip series. He looks forward to providing valuable insights and advice to help golfers improve their game. Stay tuned for more tips!
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Daniel
May 7, 2014 at 2:52 pm
Tom, Great article that reminded me of some of the info in Dave Pelz’s book “The Short Game Bible”, at least I think it was that book. He talked about how the lofts on current sets mean a player will have 20 yd gaps between the scoring clubs and less than 10 yds between long irons. Looking at the data you provided shows this exactly. Why doesn’t a manufacturer make a set with only 2-3 degree gaps from SW-8 iron and then 5-7 degree between long irons? Wouldn’t that mean less half shots from scoring range and thus better scores?
tom stickney
May 13, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Good call…wish I knew!
Pingback: Should the average player get fit for clubs? | Geoff Dean, PGA
Nagah
Apr 16, 2014 at 11:42 pm
Get fitted. Whether you are a 36 cap or plus cap. Fitting can pay massive dividends with the right lie angle, correct shaft and measurements.
My clubs were 4 degrees to upright, had them adjusted and now swing with confidence knowing that I can play shots that are needed.ie draw or fade. Not a hook or slice.
Tom Stickney
Apr 17, 2014 at 1:44 am
Makes the game easier for sure
Larry Jonak
Apr 16, 2014 at 11:35 pm
I have been to six different club fitters. Some of them on the Golf Digest top 100. Only one of them did a yardage test on each club only to recommend an off the shelf set that I think he was trying to unload. The others had you hit a couple of 6 irons on trackman and then recommend the one that went the farthest. I traveled 180 miles for a driver fitting and after hitting 10 different clubs was told he couldn’t help me. I am a 9 hdcp so I can find my way around a course but as far as a fitting I go by trial and error.
Instead of an article on the virtues of getting fit, I would like to see an article on how to get a good fit and find guys that can do it right.
Tom Stickney
Apr 17, 2014 at 1:47 am
Sad story that I’ve heard before; you must do your homework before committing to anyone. I always suggest an interview process first to see if this fitter or teacher has your best interests at heart. Then I’d check his credentials and noteworthy clients etc
Bert
Apr 19, 2014 at 9:33 am
Absolutely – I have found most fittings are scams. If you get fit at a retailer,they hand you clubs from stock to try then tell you this one works best; buy it! That’s not getting fit,it’s trying out clubs.
I guess I just don’t understand – buy quality retail matched sets of irons and they go incorrect distances? An iron has degrees of loft, length and supposedly correctly installed shafts. So are you really saying one cannot buy a matched set of clubs that fit them,they must be individually set up? Something seems incorrect here – Buy a set of top line irons and then have each re-shafted, bent, or whatever to fit?
leftright
Apr 16, 2014 at 8:10 pm
I recommend every golfer evaluate these 3 things before doing anything. I am writing a book on this and have a publisher currently.
Timing, Tempo and Talent, The 3 T’s. Playing golf for 45 years and being from a starter to a +3 at my best I have met thousands of golfers, given hundreds of lessons and met unknown amounts of personalities, some good, some not so good. This is applicable to almost any sport and an individual can evaluate the 3 T’s from the first time he plays golf.
Does he have the talent to play well?
20 swings can tell a teacher if he can be single digit or not, even if he has never swung a golf club before.
Timing (Time)Will he play, put forth effort or just become some mediocre person who does not love or desire the game. Just another guy/girl who wants to play golf.
Does the person have Tempo? This is applicable not only to the golf swing but to life as well. Are they Type A’s or Type B’s, is their life balanced or plum out of whack. Is this person neurotic or does he have the social skills to advance.
Golf is a game of life, not only a sport.
To make a long book short, fitting is only a sentence in the book.
Tom Stickney
Apr 17, 2014 at 1:53 am
I try not to decide for the student what is best for them; I try and let their goals direct my actions from the start.
JDF
Apr 16, 2014 at 2:48 pm
After reading this I scheduled a Trackman fitting to go through the clubs in my bag – didn’t even know there was one in my area. I’m sure it is going to be an eye-opening experience.
tom stickney
Apr 16, 2014 at 3:26 pm
It’s unreal…you’ll have a blast.
Dim
Apr 16, 2014 at 1:36 pm
Seems to me most of this players problems relate to the speedblade lofts. I wonder how his gapping would be with more traditional lofted irons you find in most CB irons these days.
tom stickney
Apr 16, 2014 at 3:28 pm
Even the speedblade lofts are spaced out between 3-5 degrees as are most sets on the market. It’s impossible to program lofts that work for everyone in a stock set, so manufacturers just set up what tends to work best for the masses…thus the need for clubfitting and gap testing with trackman
Lefty89
Apr 16, 2014 at 1:35 pm
Might be a little long-winded but here goes:
This is a great observation, the only thing I think is missing, and something most golfers fail to realize, is that club-fitting is a life-long process. You don’t get fit once and get set for life. When I was starting out 7 years ago, I was fit into Rifle 5.0s and carried hybrids. Today I am a scratch player who launches the ball high enough where a 2-iron makes sense for me and I can’t find a shaft that spins too low. One of my closest friends who I helped teach the game to, was fit after being in the game 1-2 years and his game (and enjoyment) have improved so much. Higher handicap players need the fitting way more than scratch players and this article hits it right on the head. Invest in your game and it will pay it back 10-fold, if you go to the right fitter.
As far as ego and hybrids, I think it definitely depends on the player. I used a hybrid for a long time and loved it, however as of late I added a very-forgiving 2 iron to my bag and have found much more use for it than I ever did a hybrid in just 6 short months. In the right hands 2 and 3 irons are wonderful tools that I do not see hybrids ever replacing fully. If you can create the proper launch conditions on your own, why wouldn’t you?
tom stickney
Apr 16, 2014 at 3:30 pm
That’s the great thing about hybrids, higher lofted woods, and long irons is that it gives the PLAYER the option as to how he’d like to best handle the golf course and it’s conditions on a daily basis. You can always mix and match…most of us do from time to time.
TERRY
Apr 16, 2014 at 11:39 am
what if face tape tells you are all over the face of the club…not consistent striking … will fitting help?
tom stickney
Apr 16, 2014 at 3:32 pm
You might be hitting it all over the face due to the wrong shaft flex or trying to make up for an improper lie of the club by manipulating the club during impact. I’d suggest a fitting and a few lessons as well…no fun to beat it all over the face. I know from experience! 🙂
Neal G
Apr 16, 2014 at 11:14 am
Tom, eye-opening information (for me)! Could you take a few moments and research who I might look as a fitter in the D.C.-Baltimore metro area? I’ve discussed fittings with a PGA-authorized guy at a Dick’s Sporting Goods store in Columbia, MD, and they “seemed” knowledgeable; would that be a possible choice?
tom stickney
Apr 16, 2014 at 3:34 pm
Check out golf digest top 100 clubfitter’s listing…just looked and there are a few outlets around your area that are on the list
DAVE
Apr 17, 2014 at 10:20 am
IF YOU WANT A FITTER IN THE DC AREA THAT WILL TAKE THE TIME AND GET YOU SET RIGHT IS GOLF CARE CENTER IN BETHESDA MD. WADE WILL DIAL YOU IN PERFECTLY. HE EVEN GAVE ME A COUPLE OF MINOR TIPS THAT INSTANTLY TOOK MY 84 MPH SWING SPEED TO 90 MPH. HES A LITTLE PRICEY $200 FOR A IRON FITTING BUT YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR…
Wisconsin Terrapin
Apr 18, 2014 at 11:04 am
Tom is being nice, but you can’t really get full benefit of a fitting hitting into a net. Trackman can give out numbers, but the carry and roll are averages of atmospheric and ground conditions – not necessarily where you live. I’m not trying to impugn the integrity of the PGA you are seeing, but from time to time box store fitters get incentives to encourage certain brands through the year. Both Ping and Titleist list fitters on their websites, and most fit more than one brand, so as part of the research, include outdoor sites. I can vouch for the 1757 club in northern VA. He is a Titleist fitter and fitted my son into Mizuno J series irons as the best irons for him.
Tyler
Apr 15, 2014 at 5:54 pm
Hey Tom,
Loved the article, but like a few others I am at a loss for who in my area could help me with this. I attempted to go for a fitting a few times, once at a nicer place in the area and left with what was basically a lesson and no suggestions in terms of a fitting. I play in the York area in PA. There are a lot of courses around and a few great teachers (at least one on the top 100 list). Any direction on places to try would be greatly appreciated! (the closer the better!)
Tyler
tom stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 6:06 pm
Check out golf digest top 100 clubfitter’s listing…golf magazine top 100 teacher listing…mytrackman.com for user listing. One of these should list somebody that is close to where you live. Sadly, I’m not too familiar with the northeast. Sorry.
Tyler
Apr 15, 2014 at 6:12 pm
That is still helpful, thanks a lot for the quick response.
nikkyd
Apr 15, 2014 at 5:11 pm
Never forget, use the ball your going to game with. When you get fitted
tom stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 6:07 pm
100% correct if you have the opportunity!
Bert
Apr 19, 2014 at 9:37 am
Range balls work best in this area for a proper fitting (LOL). Unfortunately that’s what you will see our area for club fittings.
Ryan
Apr 15, 2014 at 10:27 am
Tom – Always enjoy your articles as they are very informative and “accessible” for any golfer.
I purchased my current iron set about 4 years ago and was fit for them at the time. My swing has developed since then and I was never fitted for the other clubs so interested in getting it all evaluated. I’m sure every place differs a little, but what should I expect from a session like this? Is it an hour with the pro and a trackman? Are lie/loft adjustments generally included in the cost? I’m pretty sure my irons and wedges can be bent without an issue (Mizuno MX-300’s for 5-PW, Vokey SM4 52* & 58*). I’ve been carrying a 2, 3, and 4 hybrid (18, 21, 24) for almost 6 years now and love them but I’m wondering if they are the right shaft (only regular shafts in my bag) and if I can benefit from some newer hybrid tech too. Actually *knowing* the carry, decent angle, and roll out of each would be tremendously useful.
That said I still only know of one (public) facility that allows you to rent trackman time. I constantly hear and read about “knowing your yardages” like the pros but its not that easy due to access to a facility (simulator at the PGA tour store doesn’t cut it) and range balls being what they are. There are a lot a private clubs in my area (north Atlanta) that may have this for all their members (I have no knowledge of it) but access to those clubs or equipment to do this properly at range is not something I’ve seen except at just the one place mentioned. Any suggestions on where to look/how to go about this? For my level of play and frequency (high 80’s shooter, two or three rounds a month) I’d love to be able to do a “yardage check” once or twice a season.
tom stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 12:58 pm
Every place has a different fitting package…call Danny Elkins at Georgia Golf Center- tell him I sent you and ask him what his fitting packages consists of in general…he has a trackman and does fittings and gap testing. I know him personally and he is a very solid teacher/fitter in Atlanta.
Georgia Golf Center
345 Cox Rd., Roswell, Georgia
(770) 992-4233
Ryan
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:47 pm
I’ve only been there once but that is where I intended to go because of the trackman availability. Glad to have the recommendation on Danny; I’ll give him a call. Thanks!
Dominate
Apr 23, 2014 at 8:29 am
You can also try Rob Stocke at The Golf Club of Georgia, he is the Director of Instruction and the Flightscope rep for GA. I believe they have Pro V1 range balls.
Greg
Apr 15, 2014 at 8:05 am
Great article. I need to print this out to give to most my students. I end up giving most my lessons to college students who just want to buy a cheap set at Dick’s or some other box store, or buy used off ebay/craigslist. They don’t really listen when I tell them at least com back so I can adjust it to their needs. The common excuse I hear: “I’m gonna shoot 120 anyways, so why bother?”
Any suggestions as to how to get those players to buy in?
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 10:05 am
Thx. Tell them to just buy a beat up 1970’s car…they are just going from point a to point b so why does it matter? Seriously, you can always modify their equipment to the best of your ability with what they bring you. Lead tape, shaft extensions, loft/lie adjustments etc
Adam Beede
Apr 15, 2014 at 6:56 am
great post. My question- is a 45* descent angle a non-negotiable? I’ve been fitted for all my clubs, and I have carry distance clusters very similar to your test subject, but I play in N. Texas with a fairly consistent 10-20 mph wind. So, would a consistent descent angle slightly lower be optimal? Currently, I know all my carry distances, and have just come to terms with my 5,4,& 3 irons carry being within 16 yds of each other (189, 196, 205). I do play a 3 hybrid when the wind is down that carries 215.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 10:06 am
All depends on conditions….correct.
MHendon
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:46 am
This article through me for a loop. At first I thought you where advocating high handicap golfers get fit, then I went back and reread this part, “I tell golfers who play once a week that are not good enough (not) to get custom fit!” Then I realized that in fact you where suggesting they don’t. I couldn’t agree more. I’ve actually made this same point in other threads with golfers who are always looking for that magic in a bottle. If your swings not consistent you simply can’t be fit effectively. I’m not saying your swing has to be perfect like Adam Scott’s, just consistent. Also I couldn’t agree more about the hybrids. My 2 iron got replaced by a 20 degree hybrid years ago and my 3 iron got replaced by a 22 degree a year ago. Not only are they easier to hit from all kinds of lies but my distance gaping improved quite a bit. The ego thing is a problem for a lot of good golfers. They see hybrids as clubs meant for slow swingers but what many don’t realize is its not their club head speed that’s the problem, its these new low spinning balls. My club head speed is the same as it was 10 years ago but I noticed my 3 iron wasn’t flying as high and carrying as far and that’s because the strong loft of a 3 iron doesn’t start the ball high enough with out significant back spin to help the ball climb. So once they realize its not their swing that’s the problem but the modern ball instead, that should help them get past their ego.
MHendon
Apr 15, 2014 at 2:01 am
Ooops read it again and some of your responses to people questions and you are advocating high handicappers get custom fit. I’m afraid I don’t agree with that. Like I said before a golfer must have a consistent swing to effectively be fit. If your swing is constantly changing then you can’t really figure out whats right for someone.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 10:09 am
Everyone has a “baseline” swing..it won’t change that much while you are learning…you need the right length, lie, lofts, set make up, and flex to have a chance to learn correctly.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 10:07 am
Sorry but I am suggesting high handicap players get fit because they are unable to adjust to poorly fit equipment and need all the help they can get.
MHendon
Apr 15, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Well I guess we’ll just have to agree to disagree on this one. However I find it odd you used a scratch golfer instead of say a 15 to 25 handicapper to prove your point. I mean how can you fit someone who is very inconsistent from swing to swing. After all it’s the speed and tempo of your swing along with your swing path and impact position that determines most of the fitting criteria. If a player is so inconsistent that he/ she sets up with their hands a little higher or lower from swing to swing or they set up a few inches closer to or further from the ball, this could impact lie angle and face angle significantly. Not to mention a constantly changing swing path, poor balance, not maintaining their level or center. Plus as they improve assuming they improve all these fitting will certainly change. I would say about the only thing you can fit a high handicap golfer for is grip size.
Grog
Apr 16, 2014 at 12:28 pm
That was my total WTF? Issue with this article. Who makes a point about high handicappers at once a week players and then illustrates it with a scratch golfer using a brand new custom for set. Is this the high capper, weekend warrior you’re talking about?
MHendon
Apr 16, 2014 at 5:39 pm
It’s obvious why, if he had used a true high handicap golfer like I said say a 15 up then you would have seen from the flight scope numbers his distances, trajectories, and flight mostly slices and some pulls would be all over the place. Basically impossible to determine a proper set make up. But hey look at the source of the information, if you ask a car salesman should I get the extended warranty what do you think he’s going to say? Custom fitting is the new buzz in golf and just another way to try and sell NEW CLUBS plus the guys doing the fittings a lot of times charge for their services to. When I was new to the game I asked a club fitter about getting fit and his remarks where to me, until you develop a consistent swing it won’t do you any good. You always get the truth until someone figures out they can make money from it!
Craig Peckham
Apr 15, 2014 at 12:08 am
I am a high handicapper who doesn’t even play once a week, but I am constantly thinking about and changing my swing the few times I play or hit the range. Each year there are improvements; I never slice the ball and have developed the ability to put a baby draw on most of my irons through developing a proper swing path. Yet, I know my weight transfer isn’t well developed yet, in fact, there are a lot of inconsistencies from week to week; including finding the best swing plane for me (more upright, or flatter). How can someone fit me for clubs if I haven’t developed or use a similar swing from week to week? My biggest weakness in my game is my chipping, add about 7 – 10 strokes a round because of chunks, etc.. I am likely a mid-handicapper with a terrible short game…lol.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:31 am
The baseline moves are there within your swing currently that we can fit. It’s not going to change that much for a bit.
Craig Peckham
Apr 15, 2014 at 11:39 pm
Thank you…that’s good to know moving forward.
Kelly
Apr 14, 2014 at 9:59 pm
Very interesting and a good read. What do recommend as yardage gaps?
I’m trying to find the right set make up right now. Previously I played a 5-pw, 52, 58, 21 & 24 degree hybrids and a 14 degree 3w. With that set up I didn’t have a 195 club. I now have a 4-pw(46), 52, 58. with the same hybrids and 3w. I think I need to look at a hybrid or FW in the 17-18 range and a hybrid in the 21-22 range.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:32 am
Your set make up is totally dependent on the courses you play most and the strengths/weaknesses of your current game
Ben
Apr 14, 2014 at 9:42 pm
Is there somewhere to look up where some of these places might be? I’m in Kansas City, so I think I know of a couple places, but I’d want to make sure this happened with good equipment on the fitter side, and actually be outside to see the flight as well?
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:32 am
Find any fitter with a TrackMan or flightscope in your area.
Bradley Lawrence
Apr 14, 2014 at 8:26 pm
Tom,
What are you thoughts on “driving irons” I tend to have a number of players who want these but they still don’t hit them as high as a hybrid.
Tom Stickney
Apr 15, 2014 at 1:33 am
Good for low driving accurate shots off the tee…not much else.
Ponjo
Apr 14, 2014 at 5:51 pm
Ego’s are very annoying. Kucher and Sneds use graphite in their irons and hybrids. Those guys who feel it is wimpish to go from extra stiff irons and rely on 2 and 3 irons need to wake up.
Tom Stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 8:20 pm
Couldn’t agree more. Including myself in that as I just ditched my 3 iron for a 5 wood
Grog
Apr 16, 2014 at 12:30 pm
Ridiculous comparisson. They don’t use graphite, they use Aerotech steelfiber shafts. The reason you don’t see more amateurs playing aerotechs is we actually have to pay for our equipment. Enjoy your $100/shaft aerotechs… I’m fine with the steels I’ve used for years.
Chris
Apr 14, 2014 at 5:43 pm
Always learn something new with your columns. Thanks
Tom Stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 8:21 pm
Thank you.
Nathan H.
Apr 14, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Should someone who is a high handicapper get fitted for clubs? Or lessons first? I’ve been playing my entire life but have not really gotten a consistent game. Should I work on my game first with standard clubs first?
Tom Stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 8:22 pm
No. Get fit quickly. Be like learning to run a mile for time with shoes that don’t fit. Would screw up your gait and overall time. Only pros can adjust to poorly fit clubs but only to a point.
Jim
Apr 14, 2014 at 8:43 pm
I would say get fit for your clubs and take lessons . Then as you get better and need clubs for different shots upgrade but get fit again . Its amazing the difference it can make
cole
Apr 14, 2014 at 9:24 pm
Can usually find lessons where you get fitted.. Two birds with one stone.
Dan K
Apr 14, 2014 at 3:46 pm
I don’t understand… wouldn’t a good fitting that also analysed yardage gaps solve the above problem? It appears this player has bought his clubs “off the rack” given his set make up, where as he needs a mix of hybrids or long irons with different shafts and/or loft adjustments to make the set suit his game. Isn’t that the whole premise behind custom fitting?
tom stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 4:50 pm
Without a doubt…the problem is that most players do just what this guy did…buy clubs off the rack. Or if they also buy hybrids they are not sure what lofts best fit their gaps hence the reason why a fitting is suggested
luke keefner
Apr 14, 2014 at 3:06 pm
the gap problem seems to me to be between the 7 and 8. did this guy never here about hybrids?
tom stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 4:51 pm
the eight could be weakened a touch if this player would like as well
tom stickney
Apr 14, 2014 at 4:53 pm
Also he was a 0 handicap…a lot of these players do not carry hybrids due to “ego” and this is another trend I see with good club players
Marty Neighbour
Apr 16, 2014 at 12:15 pm
It’s not always “ego” that is the reason. I play a 2-3-4 iron. Single digit handicap. My last set of irons I got in 5 iron down, and bought a 3/4 hybrid. I couldn’t hit them. Terrible ball flight. Went back to my 3/4 iron and everything was right again. I don’t know if it’s my swing, or just a mental block. But either way, I could not hit them with any level of comfort in comparison to my irons.
MHendon
Apr 16, 2014 at 5:50 pm
Marty what type of hybrids did you try. If your a hard swinger like me you’ll find player or tour type models best. I personally use a 20 degree adams A12 tour and 22 degree adams pro black. They give me long iron type flight with a h*** of a lot more forgiveness and much easier from difficult lies.