Finding clubs that fit just right can be tricky if you don’t know where to look. Going for a custom fitting is a great way to buy new clubs that could be suitable, but what can you do if you’ve already got a set? Can you get fitted for golf clubs you already own?
The answer to this question is yes, but there are a few things you should keep in mind before you dive into the process. On this page, we’ll be exploring all things related to custom fittings. We’ll cover the options that exist for most people in 2022.
Read on to perfect your kit!
What is Golf Club Fitting?
In short, golf club fitting is how players find clubs that perfectly match their play style and swing. They’re assessed by a professional before recommendations or adjustments are made.
There are plenty of snake oil salespeople out there willing to bend the truth about which things you should pay for. That’s why it’s so important to find a store you can trust. We explore the two main types of club fitting below.
For Buying New Clubs
Some stores offer a club fitting service for customers looking to buy new clubs. You’ll take several swings with different clubs while your service provider assesses your technique. A plethora of different technologies is often used too to collect information about your performance.
This includes tracking cameras, lidar scanners, and more. All this data is then used to make recommendations about the kind of clubs that may work best for you. In a best-case scenario, you’ll leave with the perfect new set of golf clubs that feel fantastic each time you use them.
A custom fitting typically costs between $100 and $200 but is well worth it if you’re in need of the perfect upgrade. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely be wasting your money if you’re a newcomer to the sport; newbies won’t really benefit from a more bespoke approach until they’ve got some experience under their belt.
What About Clubs You Already Own?
But what if you’ve already got a set of clubs? Is it possible to have them fit to your play style? In short, yes, but it can be a little harder to find than the first type of fitting described above.
For some stores, custom fitting exists as a form of marketing; it’s a way to push their more premium products onto unsuspecting buyers. For this reason, they may be reluctant to offer a fitting service for previously purchased clubs. This is why it’s so important to find a custom fitter you can trust.
A good fitter will take your swing into account and make adjustments to your existing kit that help to move your gear closer to perfection.
What Can They Actually Change?
The specific parts of your club that your fitter will be able to change will come down to the equipment they have available and the service that they offer. That said, most fitters can do some or all of the following:
The Grip
If your main concerns with your clubs are how the handle feels, you might just need a regripping service. Your local store should be able to remove your old grip and replace it with a new one of your choosing. This is an opportunity to try out something ‘grippier’ or smoother if you wish.
Some people like to add some flair in the form of new colors here too!
The Loft/Lie
Loft/ lie alterations are a super common tweak that most good golfing stores should be able to offer. The angle of your club’s head can be tweaked to change how it strikes the ball and moves through the air.
Keep in mind that this type of alteration is probably a waste of time if you’re new to the sport. It’s best to get an idea of what kind of changes you might actually benefit from before wasting your money.
The Shaft
Shaft alterations are another common change for a custom fitting. In some cases, a club’s shaft can be completely replaced with a new one. This is usually done for one of the following reasons:
- The old shaft is irreparably damaged
- The old shaft was too long
- The old shaft was too short
When implemented correctly, a shaft alteration can craft new clubs that fit like a glove.
Head Replacements
Not happy with the size or design of your club’s head? It may be possible to get it replaced. Again, this is either done to fix severe damage or to alter the performance of an existing club.
If you’re unsure what option might work best for you, talk to your local fitting service. They’ll have the expertise you’ll need to guide you on your journey.
Getting Fitted for Existing Clubs – Things to Keep in Mind
In this section, we’ll address a few things to keep in mind when getting fitted for clubs you already own. None of this is rocket science, but it always pays to be prepared!
The Cost
Even a more affordable fitting will cost at least $100, and that’s just for the assessment alone. Actually adjusting your clubs will incur additional costs that can swiftly become prohibitive if you’re not careful.
Depending on the adjustments you’re making, a full set of changes can easily cost you hundreds of dollars.
Consider Fitting Just One or Two Clubs
A good compromise here can be to fit just a couple of clubs to start with. Your most-used clubs like your driver and fairways can be a good place to start. You could then make further adjustments later on to spread the cost.
Find Somewhere That You Trust
Be careful out there! A good custom fitting can work wonders, but there are plenty of people in this industry who are more than happy to sell you snake oil. Keep your wits about you and do your best to find somewhere you trust.
Conclusion
We hope the discussion above has been helpful. Our main advice here is to ask around for a decent custom fitting service before pulling the trigger. It’s vital to find a trustworthy option before parting with your money.
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