Are you apprehensive about getting a custom fitting? There are a few myths related to Custom Fitting where players will see PGA Professionals trying to sell them clubs to get more revenue. This is not the case. Here at THSG, we use the latest ball data system (GC Quad) to compare data from different clubs and shafts to see what works best for you. If there is no improvement from your current gamers, then simply there is no need to change or buy new equipment. You will put your mind at ease that you have got clubs in your bag that work well for you and can go out and play.
* This time of year more and more manufactures have released new equipment such as Taylormade and their Stealth Carbonwood, Titleist and their new SM9 Vokey wedges and Ping and their Glide Forged Wedges. Do not be afraid to try these out and see what you like or dislike.
You should look at your golf bag like a tool box. You have up to 14 clubs/tools to choose from and each one provides a different job to give you the best chance of improving your game. For example, having a lofted 7/9 wood to help you land the ball softly on the green, or adding a 60 degree to help you get out of jail around the greens. There is always clubs you can recommend but some clubs can be used for a special task that you have on the course often. These task clubs do not need to go a certain distance but need to help you hit a certain shot. Discussing these shots with your Custom Fitter can help them understand the make-up of your bag and what can help you score your best.
As we are all built in different shapes and sizes, we should have clubs that work well for us. Height, strength, flexibility and technique all contribute to a club being right for you. For example, if you have a club too long for you, this could cause inconsistency of strike and loss of distance. Many believe having a longer club increases distance and swing speed. This is correct providing you hit the middle of the club face.
A variable that many players overlook on their clubs is the lie angle (The lie angle of a golf club is the angle that is formed between the club shaft and the ground when the club is soled properly at address). The lie angle can affect start direction, curvature and strike. For example, having a club with too flat of a lie angle will cause the face to point to the right. This causes the ball to start right of target and potentially promoting a slice ball flight (right-handed golfer). Making sure the lie angle is right for you will improve consistency and reduce any compensations you have to make, at set-up or in-swing, to hit a great shot.
Finally, the most overlooked equipment is the Golf Ball. We see many people use varying golf balls and use golf balls that they find on the course. This equipment is used on every shot and therefore it is important to keep this consistent. Changing golf ball changes feel and potentially performance so therefore it is important to stick to one golf ball. A few things to think about when choosing a golf ball:
Price - Price is a determining factor in relation to golf ball choice. Better golfers generally use the premium golf balls (Titleist Pro V1, Pro V1X, AVX) for example. These golf balls are the most expensive for a reason. They provide distance of the tee but most importantly lower launch with wedges and spin around the greens. No matter what level of golfer, everyone would improve if they used a premium golf ball.
Ball flight - some golf balls enable players to hit a different ball flight than other golf balls. For example, the Titleist Velocity is a relatively cheaper golf ball which produces a higher launch, soft feel and relatively low spin. This ball can be beneficial for a low hitting player that doesn’t want to spend too much money. Alternatively, you have a Titleist Pro V1X which is relatively harder ball which increases ball speed slightly with a driver but producing the most spin with mid irons to shots around the green. If you struggle to stop the ball on the greens, this can be a great ball for you.
* A new ball has been produced by Titleist which is called the Pro V1X Left dash. This ball is currently in the shop and has a similar feel to the Pro V1X but produces slightly less spin. This ball is worth a try so ask any PGA Professional in the THSG shop for more information.
Any questions, please talk to a PGA Professional or book a fitting with Zach.
Thanks
THSG