When I started playing golf in 1960 I was “fitted” for my clubs by standing side by side with my club pro. Depending on where my fingers met his, he determined what length my clubs should be. This system didn’t work as the determined clubs were too short for my swing and I had to dip on the way down to get to the ball.
Nowadays, custom fitting of golf clubs is one of the most important things you can do to improve your game. Golfers are different in their size, strength, athletic ability and in their individual swings. Custom fitting is a process of determining the best loft, lie angle, shaft flex, head design, length and grip so your natural swing will strike the ball on the sweet spot of the club. In a complete club fitting, face angle, launch angle, spin rate, ball speed, attack angle and club path are examined to optimize distance and consistency. There are 13 key fitting specs built into each club to meet the individual needs of the golfer to play at the best of his/her ability.
The effects of lie angle variations
If you are a golfer who primarily slices or hooks the ball, you can certainly benefit from being fitted. When the lie angle on your woods and/or irons is too upright when you contact the ball, your ball flight will be hit left of your target. When the lie angle is too flat, the ball will be hit to the right of your target. In order to hit the ball straight, you need to have a correct lie angle at impact.
When I was properly fitted I found out that the lie angles on my clubs were 4 degrees flat. I was a slicer. I took many lessons on how to correct my slice, but it wasn’t until I changed clubs that I could hit the ball straight without manipulating my swing. If you strike the ball too close to the heel or toe of the club, your clubs might be too long or short for you. If the shaft is too stiff, you will hang back to get the ball airborne. When you are constantly trying to overcome a swing flaw or poor ball flight by changing your swing, it becomes a mental problem and affects your confidence in your swing.
The process of being fitted
Golf club fitters are available at almost every club or course. The major golf club manufacturers train their fitters in a comprehensive program. The process usually takes a couple of hours and will probably cost the same as a standard lesson rate. If you buy the clubs from the fitter, the fee will probably be deducted.
Make your appointment on a day where you have sufficient time to stretch, warm up and have time to go through the process without feeling rushed. You want to feel as if you are swinging as you normally do. You will hit balls with your own clubs, and then with several different ones. Even if you do not buy the clubs, you will get the results and can compare them with another fitting.
If your problem is just the lie angle, the heads on your irons can be adjusted so you won’t need to buy a whole set. If you have already been fitted and the grooves have worn down you can have new heads put on the shafts. It is always a good idea to have a check-up session yearly. And at least once a year, because of the impact on the ground, have your irons checked to make sure they are evenly gapped.
Your putter is the club you use more than any other in your bag and requires the most confidence. You can be fitted for a putter, or have your current putter adjusted so that you know it is fitted for you to stroke the ball on the sweet spot every time.
There are an overwhelming number of golf balls available. Discuss with your club fitter the best golf ball to use based on your swing speed, spin rate, and ball flight.
Play “in the zone” with Joan
Entrain Your Heart & Mind for Peak Performances
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