If the Golf Club Fits...

By Read Fay

There are a variety of ways to shop for new golf clubs, but it’s important to understand the value of a Tour-level club fitting

When you’re looking for new clubs, what’s your first step? Do you read latest golf magazine for clubs that might suit your game? Do you try your buddy’s new driver? Do you head to the nearest pro shop or big box store to try the latest and greatest clubs on an indoor simulator? Most golfers will use those one of those methods, but those serious about improving their game will find a place that will give them great customer service and real data drawn from their unique swing.

If you want to use today’s technology and measurement systems, then beeline for the nearest Club Champion location (there are currently 40 locations nationwide). I spent nearly three hours at the company’s newest location in Tigard, Oregon. Open just two months, the store is quickly establishing itself as Portland’s premier golf fitting center.

Now, I’ll admit, walking into the store is somewhat intimidating. Customers are greeting by a wall filled with hundreds of shafts, club heads, and grips that makes a person wonder how the fitting process really works.

The fitting started simply enough, with a conversation around my golf game and my goals moving forward. After that, the Club Champion fitters will measure data while you hit your current clubs to get a baseline on your ball flight, swing speed, spin rate, and smash factor (to name just a few). After that, the question becomes “what if?”

What if we changed the head to make it lighter or more forgiving? What if a different shaft changed your ball flight? Club Champion gives you the answer to just about any ‘what if?’ you might come up with. You’ll get immediate feedback and data that lets you compare your old equipment with new options, all without major swing changes. The fitting pros work with your swing to customize equipment to help you maximize your golf potential. Surprisingly, they can fit ANY club in your bag, from driver all the way to putter. It’s a fun, educational process.

As a mid-handicap golfer, I must admit that I was skeptical prior to visiting the store. But after spending a couple of hours with Connor Griess, reviewing my equipment and establishing my baseline, I was pleasantly surprised how, after just a few club head and shaft changes, I was able to increase distance and control. With Club Champion, golfers have a business that can customize equipment and allow you to make informed decisions before spending big money on new gear.

Club Champion is unique in that they work with all level of golfers and use an unbiased approach to find clubs that produce optimal results. No specific brands are promoted, instead they focus on the best component combinations to lower scores.

When customers do order clubs based on their fitting sessions, each club is hand-built to maximize their performance on the course. Follow-up sessions give customers the peace of mind to know that something isn’t working as expected, Club Champion will make it right.

Pricing for Fittings

Club Champion has a variey of offerings that should fit just about every budget. Full bag fittings come in at $350, driver & iron fittings at $150, fairway woods/hybrids and putters at $100, and wedges for just $80.

What Can Club Champion Do?

Club Fitting

Club Champion is the largest, company owned club-fitting retailer in the United States. They offer golf club fitting for drivers, irons, wedges, putters and more.

Golf Club Sales

Club Champion offers one of the widest selections of golf clubs, shafts, and grips in the country and will sell golfers fitted and non-fitted equipment.

Club Building and Repair

Club Champion certified builders are experts in all facets of club building, repair and customization.

MORE INFORMATION

For a list of Club Champion locations, visit them at ClubChampionGolf.com.