EQUIPMENT: The 10 keys to custom-fitting
1 Get the correct shafts
SHAFTS transmit the power from us to the clubhead and, as a result, no other component in a club has as much of an effect on distance, feel and accuracy. Do be aware that there is no industry standard for flex – just because one shaft has an ‘R’ on it and a different shaft has an ‘S’ does not mean that they are different.
Shafts are designed in thirds and each needs to be matched to the player’s swing. Time taken to find the right shaft will benefit you immensely.
2 Take advantage of spine-aligning technology
ONE way to instantly improve a shaft is to ‘spine-align’ it. Every shaft has a spine – the side of the shaft which is the hardest to flex – and if this is incorrectly aligned mishits and a loss of distance will occur.
I can assess your clubs for the spine location and, if necessary, re-align them to give you better results. I believe this is of paramount importance and use the process in all clubs I build.
3 Get the right grip
MODERN grips vary immensely in choice of materials, colour and feel. But above all they must be the correct size for you because they can cause slices and hooks.
I can measure your hand very quickly and let you know what size you need.
4 Get to know the player
MY job is to ensure the clubs suit the player as best they can and I can only do that if I understand the player.
Any fitting includes a discussion with you about your golf game and your goals. You will complete a questionnaire and hit balls indoors and outdoors and, if you’re working upon any swing changes or taking lessons, we will discuss these, too.
5 Get the lie right
IRONS and wedges must be correctly adjusted for lie angle as that affects accuracy. The best way to test for the correct lie is with a dynamic test – hitting a ball off a hard surface and using impact tape on the club’s sole.
One myth is that the player believes they know their lie angle as they had the test done on a previous set.
But that doesn’t mean that applies now.
Why? Because lengths and shaft droop vary from manufacturer to manufacturer – as does the standard lie angle. Plus a player’s swing changes over time and this makes a difference, too.
6 Get measured for your putter
WITHOUT doubt the most important club in your bag is the putter because, on average, it represents 43 per cent of your strokes per round.
During a fitting I will ensure you have the correct type, length, grip size, lie and loft.
The type has to suit your stroke. The three types are face-balanced, half-toe hang and full-toe hang. If your putter does not suit your stroke then the result can be poor distance control and accuracy.
7 You don’t always need new equipment
IT’S important that players know you don’t always need new equipment. Instead it may be that your existing clubs just need fine-tuning. During a fitting I will inspect your existing clubs both visually and by taking measurements of swing weight, length, grip sizing, lie, loft and flex.
8 Select the right wedges
AFTER the putter, wedges represent the next most used clubs. Yet I often see players using the wrong type. The design of the head needs to suit the stroke and the courses they play. Players who play links golf should be choosing a different design to those who take a divot or play lush fairways. I can hand-grind any wedges to suit you.
9 Cure and prevent a slice
THE biggest killer for the average golfer is the dreaded slice. Fortunately, many solutions exist to prevent it. I have several custom-made clubs which I build to suit the player ranging from irons to drivers, all of which combat this swing flaw. This is something off-the-shelf clubs just can’t offer.
10 Have a relationship with your club builder
CUSTOM fitting is about building relationships with the player. As the player develops and evolves so will their equipment. In some instances, it might be better to delay the new clubs as the player is taking lessons, so I can ensure the clubs match the new swing.
HOW TO BOOK WITH GARY
GARY is a Golfsmith Clubmakers’ Association master club builder and is based at the Clays Golf Centre in Wrexham.
If you would like to take advantage of his expertise call 01978 661 406 and ask for Gary or visit www.claysgolf.co.uk
ABOUT CLAYS
CLAYS are among the UK’s leading golf centres with 27 holes, a state-of-the-art driving range and superb Huxley putting surfaces to cater for all your playing and practising needs
Gary Pickering is the master club builder at Clays Golf Centre in Wrexham and this is why he thinks custom fitting is so important