Simplified Fitting – How too much information is hurting your game
Today’s technology provides a whole range of data relating to both ball flight and club delivery. Throw in websites and forums with everyone giving their 2 cents worth of information and you can see just how quickly golfers become confused about the best way to get fitted.
If I had a dollar for every time I was asked “Glenn, what is the best shaft for me?” without having seen the person swing it or had a look at their numbers I’d be a very rich golf pro! The answer is pretty open, considering there a several hundred different options ranging in flex and weight from each manufacturer.
I’m going to break the fitting process down for you to make it easier to understand that all these numbers, shafts and heads don’t have to be as confusing as what people make them out to be.
For me, the 2 most important factors to get right are shaft length and shaft weight. The correct shaft length is the one that allows the golfer to get into a fundamentally correct posture at address. I understand that we are all built differently but think about it, if you get your body into the correct posture to make a golf swing it doesn’t matter if your 5’5” of 6’5” with long arms or short arms the shaft length will match your set up. Incorrect shaft length, I see, is one of the biggest contributing factors to poor golf swing mechanics.
Shaft weight is the next important component and it allows the golfer to swing the club without trying to force the club or feeling like they can’t control it. On a side note, swing weight is also a factor here.
Shaft weight is the next important component and it allows the golfer to swing the club without trying to force the club or feeling like they can’t control it. On a side note, swing weight is also a factor here.
When it comes to numbers I am only concerned for most part about 2 things, efficiency (smash factor) and peak trajectory. If I can make a player as efficient as possible while achieving a peak trajectory of anywhere between 25 – 35 yards then launch and spin rate generally takes care of itself. On rare occasions where I get a really high or low number then I will make adjustments with both flex and weight.
Gone are the days where looking at launch angles and spin rates is considered a proper fitting. The process, while looking at more numbers, is much simpler now and with a qualified fitter you’ll be sure to get the most out of your new clubs.
Happy Golfing!
Glenn Paul
Certified PGA Member
Advanced - Coaching