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.
There may be no more painful affliction in golf than the “yips” – those uncontrollable and maddening little nervous twitches that prevent you from making a decent stroke on short putts. If you’ve never had them, consider yourself very fortunate (or possibly just very young). But I can assure you that when your most treacherous and feared golf shot is not the 195 yard approach over water with a quartering headwind…not the extra tight fairway with water left and sand right…not the soft bunker shot to a downhill pin with water on the other side…No, when your most feared shot is the remaining 2- 4-foot putt after hitting a great approach, recovery or lag putt, it makes the game almost painful.
And I’ve been fighting the yips (again) for a while now. It’s a recurring nightmare that has haunted me most of my adult life. I even had the yips when I was in my 20s, but I’ve beat them into submission off and on most of my adult life. But just recently, that nasty virus came to life once again. My lag putting has been very good, but when I get over one of those “you should make this” length putts, the entire nervous system seems to go haywire. I make great practice strokes, and then the most pitiful short-stroke or jab at the ball you can imagine. Sheesh.
But I’m a traditionalist, and do not look toward the long putter, belly putter, cross-hand, claw or other variation as the solution. My approach is to beat those damn yips into submission some other way. Here’s what I’m doing that is working pretty well, and I offer it to all of you who might have a similar affliction on the greens.
When you are over a short putt, forget the practice strokes…you want your natural eye-hand coordination to be unhindered by mechanics. Address your putt and take a good look at the hole, and back to the putter to ensure good alignment. Lighten your right hand grip on the putter and make sure that only the fingertips are in contact with the grip, to prevent you from getting to tight.
Then, take a long, long look at the hole to fill your entire mind and senses with the target. When you bring your head/eyes back to the ball, try to make a smooth, immediate move right into your backstroke — not even a second pause — and then let your hands and putter track right back together right back to where you were looking — the HOLE! Seeing the putter make contact with the ball, preferably even the forward edge of the ball – the side near the hole.
For me, this is working, but I am asking all of you to chime in with your own “home remedies” for the most aggravating and senseless of all golf maladies. It never hurts to have more to fall back on!
Over the last couple of decades, golf has become much more science-based. We measure swing speed, smash factor, angle of attack, strokes gained, and many other metrics that can really help golfers improve. But I often wonder if the advancement of golf’s “hard” sciences comes at the expense of the “soft” sciences.
Take, for example, golf instruction. Good golf instruction requires understanding swing mechanics and ball flight. But let’s take that as a given for PGA instructors. The other factors that make an instructor effective can be evaluated by social science, rather than launch monitors.
If you are a recreational golfer looking for a golf instructor, here are my top three points to consider.
1. Cultural mindset
What is “cultural mindset? To social scientists, it means whether a culture of genius or a culture of learning exists. In a golf instruction context, that may mean whether the teacher communicates a message that golf ability is something innate (you either have it or you don’t), or whether golf ability is something that can be learned. You want the latter!
It may sound obvious to suggest that you find a golf instructor who thinks you can improve, but my research suggests that it isn’t a given. In a large sample study of golf instructors, I found that when it came to recreational golfers, there was a wide range of belief systems. Some instructors strongly believed recreational golfers could improve through lessons. while others strongly believed they could not. And those beliefs manifested in the instructor’s feedback given to a student and the culture created for players.
2. Coping and self-modeling can beat role-modeling
Swing analysis technology is often preloaded with swings of PGA and LPGA Tour players. The swings of elite players are intended to be used for comparative purposes with golfers taking lessons. What social science tells us is that for novice and non-expert golfers, comparing swings to tour professionals can have the opposite effect of that intended. If you fit into the novice or non-expert category of golfer, you will learn more and be more motivated to change if you see yourself making a ‘better’ swing (self-modeling) or seeing your swing compared to a similar other (a coping model). Stay away from instructors who want to compare your swing with that of a tour player.
3. Learning theory basics
It is not a sexy selling point, but learning is a process, and that process is incremental – particularly for recreational adult players. Social science helps us understand this element of golf instruction. A good instructor will take learning slowly. He or she will give you just about enough information that challenges you, but is still manageable. The artful instructor will take time to decide what that one or two learning points are before jumping in to make full-scale swing changes. If the instructor moves too fast, you will probably leave the lesson with an arm’s length of swing thoughts and not really know which to focus on.
As an instructor, I develop a priority list of changes I want to make in a player’s technique. We then patiently and gradually work through that list. Beware of instructors who give you more than you can chew.
So if you are in the market for golf instruction, I encourage you to look beyond the X’s and O’s to find the right match!
Most pros take months, even years, to win their first tournament. Lottie Woad needed exactly four days.
The 21-year-old from Surrey shot 21-under 267 at Dundonald Links to win the ISPS Handa Women’s Scottish Open by three shots — in her very first event as a professional. She’s only the third player in LPGA history to accomplish this feat, joining Rose Zhang (2023) and Beverly Hanson (1951).
But here’s what caught my attention as a coach: Woad didn’t win through miraculous putting or bombing 300-yard drives. She won through relentless precision and unshakeable composure. After watching her performance unfold, I’m convinced every golfer — from weekend warriors to scratch players — can steal pages from her playbook.
Precision Beats Power (And It’s Not Even Close)
Forget the driving contests. Woad proved that finding greens matters more than finding distance.
What Woad did:
• Hit it straight, hit it solid, give yourself chances
• Aimed for the fat parts of greens instead of chasing pins
• Let her putting do the talking after hitting safe targets
• As she said, “Everyone was chasing me today, and managed to maintain the lead and played really nicely down the stretch and hit a lot of good shots”
Why most golfers mess this up:
• They see a pin tucked behind a bunker and grab one more club to “go right at it”
• Distance becomes more important than accuracy
• They try to be heroic instead of smart
ACTION ITEM: For your next 10 rounds, aim for the center of every green regardless of pin position. Track your greens in regulation and watch your scores drop before your swing changes.
The Putter That Stayed Cool Under Fire
Woad started the final round two shots clear and immediately applied pressure with birdies at the 2nd and 3rd holes. When South Korea’s Hyo Joo Kim mounted a charge and reached 20-under with a birdie at the 14th, Woad didn’t panic.
How she responded to pressure:
• Fired back with consecutive birdies at the 13th and 14th
• Watched Kim stumble with back-to-back bogeys
• Capped it with her fifth birdie of the day at the par-5 18th
• Stayed patient when others pressed, pressed when others cracked
What amateurs do wrong:
• Get conservative when they should be aggressive
• Try to force magic when steady play would win
• Panic when someone else makes a move
ACTION ITEM: Practice your 3-6 foot putts for 15 minutes after every range session. Woad’s putting wasn’t spectacular—it was reliable. Make the putts you should make.
Course Management 101: Play Your Game, Not the Course’s Game
Woad admitted she couldn’t see many scoreboards during the final round, but it didn’t matter. She stuck to her game plan regardless of what others were doing.
Her mental approach:
• Focused on her process, not the competition
• Drew on past pressure situations (Augusta National Women’s Amateur win)
• As she said, “That was the biggest tournament I played in at the time and was kind of my big win. So definitely felt the pressure of it more there, and I felt like all those experiences helped me with this”
Her physical execution:
• 270-yard drives (nothing flashy)
• Methodical iron play
• Steady putting
• Everything effective, nothing spectacular
ACTION ITEM: Create a yardage book for your home course. Know your distances to every pin, every hazard, every landing area. Stick to your plan no matter what your playing partners are doing.
Mental Toughness Isn’t Born, It’s Built
The most impressive part of Woad’s win? She genuinely didn’t expect it: “I definitely wasn’t expecting to win my first event as a pro, but I knew I was playing well, and I was hoping to contend.”
Her winning mindset:
• Didn’t put winning pressure on herself
• Focused on playing well and contending
• Made winning a byproduct of a good process
• Built confidence through recent experiences:
- Won the Women’s Irish Open as an amateur
- Missed a playoff by one shot at the Evian Championship
- Each experience prepared her for the next
What this means for you:
• Stop trying to shoot career rounds every time you tee up
• Focus on executing your pre-shot routine
• Commit to every shot
• Stay present in the moment
ACTION ITEM: Before each round, set process goals instead of score goals. Example: “I will take three practice swings before every shot” or “I will pick a specific target for every shot.” Let your score be the result, not the focus.
The Real Lesson
Woad collected $300,000 for her first professional victory, but the real prize was proving that fundamentals still work at golf’s highest level. She didn’t reinvent the game — she simply executed the basics better than everyone else that week.
The fundamentals that won:
• Hit more fairways
• Find more greens
• Make the putts you should make
• Stay patient under pressure
That’s something every golfer can do, regardless of handicap. Lottie Woad just showed us it’s still the winning formula.
FINAL ACTION ITEM: Pick one of the four action items above and commit to it for the next month. Master one fundamental before moving to the next. That’s how champions are built.
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” on RG.org 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.