Get Fitted
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t’s officially golf season across the United States this month of April, and Masters Tournament will be played at Augusta National Golf Club during the proper time of year. Last year’s Masters was like no other because it was played in the late fall of 2020 without the azaleas and dogwoods in bloom. The course itself, with young ryegrass, played much softer than usual, and scores reflected this difference. I am in hopes that we see Augusta National playing firm and fast this year. I can’t wait. Although I am not a fan of Nick Faldo’s commentary, I won’t miss a minute of the television coverage. With this being a new year and golf club manufacturers ramping up to offer their freshest, longest and straightest irons and woods, golfers may soon begin shopping for new sets of clubs. A question that is asked of many good golfers by the weekend player is, “what is the best golf club to buy?” That question can never be answered truthfully. All of the golf club manufacturers are making great golf equipment. The best golf club for an individual should fit and appeal to that golfer's eye and ear. Golf clubs consist of a few components; head, shaft and grip. For each of these components, there are several choices to be made and many big names to choose from, such as Titleist, Taylormade, Mizuno, Cobra, Callaway, Ping, PXG, etc. Most people in the golf industry will tell you that one of the most important components of the club is the shaft. A smooth swinging senior does not need a shaft as stiff as a Tour player. Using a more rigid shaft will cause some players to lose yardage and control. The number of choices for shafts is staggering. The third most important component is the grip. Here again, there is a huge assortment of selections from various manufacturers. Golf Pride grips sell more grips than their 14 Lake Martin Living
competitors, but many other companies make terrific products. The size, texture and weight of grips are essential considerations that should be discussed with a pro when ordering new sets of clubs. I find it somewhat funny when golf club manufacturers promote that the geniuses from the research and development group have created the longest and straightest golf club ever made and will reduce a handicap by five strokes. Marketers use this tactic year after year, and my advice is: Do not buy into this sort of marketing. Another bit of advice, do not solely be committed to purchasing the golf club brand that your favorite Tour professional is playing. That golfer uses that brand of equipment because he’s getting paid a king’s ransom to represent them. You would be shocked to find out how those tour players are custom-fitted, especially the elite players. The custom equipment that elite players use is not easily found at the corner golf store. Before buying a new set of clubs, take a few swings with them to ensure that the feel, look and sound supply the desired outcome. The lie angle, length and weight all need to be configured to the golfers swing. Speak with a golf professional before buying a new set. Get his/her opinions on the quality of the clubs that they usually buy and sell. Most good club pros can well fit their members for golf equipment. Some do it better than others, but either way, have the conversation. Some of the discount stores are very good with custom fitting; some are horrible; some will upsell the customer into products that they really don’t need. Others will be patient and work diligently to ensure the customer is buying the club that fits best. Find a golf professional who is good at fitting
