3 things to understand before being custom fit for golf clubs
Getting custom fit for clubs is one of the most important things golfers can do to maximize their performance on the course… but there’s a right way, and a wrong way to get fit. In the video above, I explain the 3 things golfers need to understand before they go for a club fitting.
Aronimink is not a storied club, but when Donald Ross himself proclaimed it to be as good as he can design and build, one had to take notice. Jay Sigel was the pre-eminent male amateur golfer from the mid-1970s to the mid-1990s. He might have called any number of Philadelphia clubs home, but he chose Aronimink. It served him well. Gary Player won a PGA Championship here in 1962, and was followed by the 1993 winner … nobody. Aronimink gave that event away to Inverness, for reasons of which it is certainly not proud. So be it. We had to wait sixty-four years for the PGA to return to Newtown Square, but here we are. Aronimink has been neo-restored by Gil Hanse and team, to return Ross features with an eye toward defense against the dark arts, errrr, high-tech equipment.
Day one saw Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau dig big holes, to the tune of plus-four and plus-six, respectively. Since the first-round lead will be minus-three at worst, many shots will need to be made up for the power couple to reach contention. By nightfall, seven golfers held the day-one lead at three-under par 67. Shots and sticks caught our attention, and we are proud to present Five Things We Learned on Tech Thursday at the 2026 PGA Championship. Thanks to InsideTourGolfer, Today’s Golfer, and GolfWRX for initial equipment research.
First, meet Min Woo Lee
Min Woo Lee, aka Dr. Chipinski, has once again thrust himself into the conversation of Can he, will he, when will he? Lee has so much talent, wins not nearly as often as we believe that he should, and has no major near-misses (much less titles) on his wiki. The young Aussie is getting older and wiser, but is he able to avoid the scarring that holds the older and wiser back from breaking through? Philadelphia offers another opportunity. Min Woo signed for five birdies and two bogeys on day one, and grabbed a share of the opening-day lead at Aronimink. Winners transcend history and the moment, and Lee will need that sort of ascent to lift the Wannamaker on Sunday.
Second, meet Aldrich Potgeiter
The young South African golfer can rip driver with the best of them. Aronimink tips out at nearly 7400 yards, but beyond the fairway bunkers that ensnare only the mortals, Potgeiter can take his chances with wedge from the rough. On Thursday, he spent plenty of time in the spinach. Like Popeye, he used his muscles to gouge and thrash and dig his way out. Six birdies against three bogeys on the card brought AP in a three deep.
Third, meet Martin Kaymer
Not a major event takes place without a where’s he been throwback moment. We know that Martin Kaymer left the PGA and DP World tours for LIV golf, but the two-time (US Open and PGA) major winner has a lifetime exemption into at least one major event, and he seizes the opportunity each May. Kaymer joined the six-seven brigade with four birdies and a solitary bogey on day one. Kaymer was never a long hitter, and the years are kind to no golfer. The German champion will need to uncork every bottle of guile and strategy in his cabinet to remain in contention. For today, though, he occupies a rung on the ladder of Tour Tech.
Fourth, meet Scottie Scheffler
Let’s see, he’s the defending champion at the PGA, and he found his way back to the top tier with five birdies against two bogeys. To be a favorite and then play up to that stature and expectation is quite difficult. Just ask Rory, Bryson, and some of the other pre-tournament heartthrobs. Scheffler’s game is complete, and to knock him off the OWGR #1 pedestal, one needs to defeat him at the majors. Aronimink is the sort of course that fits Scheffler’s game. Better yet, it unfits the game of many of his challengers. Don’t expect Scheffler to go away anytime soon. Come Sunday, he’ll be around.
Fifth, meet Stephan Jaeger
Clocking in for the unheralded players shift are Ryo Hisatsune and Stephan Jaeger. Hisatsune logged seven birdies on day one, but gave most of them back with four bogeys. Still, he’s tied at the top for a time. Jaeger pitched five birdies against two bogeys, including a run of three consecutive, from holes four through six. Odds are that one of the two will hang around through 36 holes. Odds also suggest that both will be gone by Saturday evening. Still, the PGA Championship has historically been the major most likely to be won by an under-known. Both Hisatsune and Jaeger feature on that list, so good luck, lads!
On this episode of the Club Junkie Podcast, I head to the Titleist Performance Institute for a full driver fitting with the new Titleist GTS lineup. We dive into the fitting process, talk about what made the biggest difference in performance, and break down how the different GTS heads and shaft combinations compare on the launch monitor. If you are thinking about a new driver setup for this season, there is a lot to take away from this one.
I also get into Brooks Koepka and the gear setup he brought to the PGA Championship, including the putters that caught my eye during the week. There are some interesting equipment trends showing up at the highest level right now and we break down what stands out.
To wrap things up, I talk about reshafting a few wedges, what I learned during the process, and swapping an adaptor onto a new shaft for another build project in the shop. A gear packed episode from start to finish for anyone who loves golf equipment and club building.
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Excited for this week’s WITB as we get to add the new Titleist GTS woods to the bag! I was fit at Titleist’s TPI facility in Oceanside California a few weeks ago and my new clubs just showed up. I am also adding a cool set of irons that I built last year some wild custom wedges into a new golf bag. Speaking of the bag I have a new Ghost Anyday Black Ops stand bag that I will be using on my Motocaddy Remote M7 electric cart.
Driver: Titleist GTS3 (11 degrees @ 10.25)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 6s
3-wood: Titleist GT1 3Tour (14.5 degrees)
Shaft: Graphite Design Tour AD CQ-7s
5-wood: Titleist GTS (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s
9-wood: Titleist GT1 (24 degress)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Red 7s
Irons: Bettinardi CB24 (5-PW)
Shafts: KBS C-Taper Lite 110 stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (50-09 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (56-12 SB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Wedge: TaylorMade MG5 (60-08 LB)
Shaft: Mitsubishi MMT 125 Stiff
Putter: Dan Carraher ZT Proto
Ball: Callaway Chrome Tour
Bag: Ghost Anyday Black Ops Stand Bag
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Matt
Jun 29, 2016 at 4:55 pm
Agree with Mark, a fitting is as much of a lesson as it is trying to find the right equipment to suit your swing/game. I love teaching the game of golf to people and when custom fitting I will work with the player to address the needs of the swing and the equipment! It is crucial this is assessed and addressed when custom fitting otherwise all else is void. Strike is also imperative and must be looked at in conjunction with the performance of the shots to find the right balance.
jimjim
Jun 28, 2016 at 4:31 pm
This is completely biased from a swing-coachers perspective.
Of course, mark’s emphases are consistently around the swing. most clearly when he says, “the clubs aren’t gonna do that much of a change” (6:09 mark). While that is partially true, modifications can be made to the club that can promote certain ball flights, spin rates, etc.
I’m not arguing in favor of the club-fitter, but that there needs to be more balance between fitter/teachers out there.
larrybud
Jul 22, 2016 at 12:27 pm
I’ve seen proper driver fittings give a guy an extra 25 yards!
Rancho Bob
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:03 pm
The thing I find interesting is that the fitters I’ve been to generally use range balls for the fitting.
When I was fit recently by Cool Clubs in Irvine, they used range balls, many of which were fairly beaten up. Lots of different shafts and heads to pick from, but I have to wonder if my new driver is truly optimized for my swing given the balls that I was hitting.
Rarebit
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:19 am
You’ve just sent the entire retail section of golf club equipment sellers into a real hiding Mark! Oh boy, are you in trouble now! Most, and I mean most, do exactly as you were saying, they are there to sell clubs, not give lessons. Besides, those retail outlets do not have qualified players nor teachers, they are all mostly SALESMEN and WOMEN in the traditional sense. So what do we do about that, Mark?
Jim
Jun 28, 2016 at 7:50 am
That would depend on what they have on hand as far as fitting equipment. Golf Galaxy near me has a fitting cart for Titleist, TM, Mizuno, and Callaway. Another local shop has those same brands plus Ping and Wilson.
For me I steer away from a sponsored fitter unless I want that specific brand. You can’t go to a titleist fitter and expect to get a quality fitting for anything other than titleist. Brand loyalty is a killing point.
The other part, which Cain brought up is fitters who try and talk you into a set of clubs. I’ve always maintained its your money that is being spent, not theirs. If there is a specific club you want, you are paying them to fit that club for you, you are not paying them to sell you a different club because of what they think is better.
Rarebit
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:08 pm
Did you even WATCH the video? Mark said a fitting is also a lesson. Would you like to take a lesson from one of these so-called fitters who is, in fact, just a retail salesperson who has no qualification, who is there to sell clubs and equipment because retail shops do have to meet the bottom line?
Jim
Jun 29, 2016 at 6:39 am
Yeah I did watch the video…What does that have to do with my comment? I was replying to you on the whole retail section. Some places, even retail have pro fitters. Golf Galaxy near me does. I would trust him over Dick’s Sporting goods that is right down the road and is the parent company. Why? Because as I mentioned he has more fitting carts for more brands, which to me is a big deal. Again I don’t trust any place that only fits “one brand”.
The lesson parts depends on who is fitting you. If it is the salesman, than it is a total rip off. You’re wasting your time. But if you go to Miura and ask for a fitting they will first start off with asking “What suits your eye” not “What is your handicap”. The notion of getting fitted for clubs that someone else thinks is “best” for your game, is a sales tactic and a gimmick.
So how are our replies any different at all? I’m merely agreeing with you, hence why I replied.
B
Jun 30, 2016 at 3:00 am
Yeah you completely misunderstand what Mark was saying. We didn’t need your opinion on different retailers, some having pro fitters and other not. You started your whole argument about this by saying it’s about what the retail shop carries as far as what kind of fit cart, you did not start your point by agreeing with Mark as he says, that a fitting is lesson and if it is not, then it’s a useless fitting and just a equipment sale.
Jim
Jun 30, 2016 at 7:52 am
I’m not quite sure where I misunderstood what Mark was saying. I am just expanding on parts of it.
A quality fitting will include a lesson, and I also mentioned that I look for how much fitting equipment they have as well. I don’t care how good the lesson is, if all they have is Titleist (for example) to me it is still a waste of time. I’m there to get fitted not just for one brand. I guess you missed that part. I guess next time I just won’t use examples.
Quality fitters are hard to find. They also have more than just one or two brands of fitting carts. That was my point on top of what Mark was saying. Another way to determine the quality is what they have available to fit you to. How do you not get that?
jc
Jun 30, 2016 at 4:18 pm
Your understanding of English is very poor
DK
Jun 30, 2016 at 7:50 pm
Nobody in this thread understands the video, including rarebit. The video had nothing to do with retail shops to begin with. Jim was trying to elaborate more on why retail shops are not good. So really no one has a clue.
Marks video is about quality fitters and what you should be getting out of one. No retail shop has quality fitters. However; mark points out that even some quality fitters will still mislead folks.
Nobody from rarebit down understood the point of the video, and nobody even understands what those who reply mean. It’s easy to see how Jim was also bashing retail. However; Jim doesn’t even get the video.
Sad really. Maybe comment specifically on one of the three points and how that relates to retail…
DK
Jun 30, 2016 at 7:55 pm
The video is about custom fittings. Since when does retail give custom fittings? You want a custom fitting you have to go see a custom fitter. Retail almost never custom fits. The closest thing to custom fitting at the retail level is a pro fitter. Taking static measurements and adjusting clubs is not custom fitting. Custom fitting fits every club to you the individual. Tom Wishon is a custom fitter….Not retail.
Do you even understand the video? Did you even watch it?
2x
Jun 30, 2016 at 11:11 pm
Yeah you’re clueless as well DK, but only 2nd to Jim
Signed, wum
Xav
Jun 27, 2016 at 12:16 pm
After much trial and error I finally found a set of irons that I am truly happy with: Mizuno MP53’s. The shaft they were fitted with were Dynamic Gold SL S300’s were just not the right fit and a full inch over standard in length.
Wanting to dial in my equipment (length,lie,shaft stiffness) I went to my local PGA superstore that offered a “free fitting.” The lady who initially performed the fitting had very poor knowledge and I felt that I was there less to do a shaft fitting and more for her to try and sell me a brand new set of clubs. I started getting aggravated because she was doing everything she could to have me test new equipment on the monitor as opposed to getting my shaft dialed in correctly.
Finally I got another one of the salesman involved who was much more knowledgeable and got me fitted for TT’s XP115’s.
So ya for you guys out there looking to just get your current equipment dialed in… make sure you step into the right shop for your fitting. I would suggest you go somewhere where you can use the Mizuno Shaft optimizer for good measure. I hope this helps!
Dave
Jun 27, 2016 at 11:42 am
Could not agree more with Cain been there and done it . Got talked into buying a club that some flat belly 20 something would use. Bought it took it golfing hit it three times then give it to my buddy to sell . Yup fool me once shame on you fool me twice shame on me, never again. Lesso learned.
Cain
Jun 27, 2016 at 10:46 am
NUMBER ONE, get fit in Clubs You Want to Play, If you see that a set of irons fit your eye and the first thought when picking one up is “I love this club” those are the ones you will play best no doubt…you may need a little more or less in shaft flex or a little up or down on lie angle but get fit for something you love….too many guys and gals let the fitter talk them into a brand or style of club that just does not fit players eye..almost without fail the customer will never play their best because it is not the club they really wanted and it is easy to be the club you come to hate..even if it fits…..
4pillars
Jun 27, 2016 at 9:23 am
Interesting and makes sense apart from the last bit.
In my experience there are very few coaches who use Lunch monitors and have a good range of clubs and shafts with a good fitting cart.
Seems more an Utopian dream.
john
Jun 28, 2016 at 1:47 am
ive had the opposite experience, everyone has fitting carts and most clubs have a launch monitor (usually an overpriced trackman)
Rarebit
Jun 28, 2016 at 3:20 am
You must state where you are to qualify and quantify anything you say, John, otherwise you’re just a WUM