Question: Spring is approaching and I’m thinking about getting fitted for new clubs. Good idea or bad idea, and how do I get the most out of a fitting if I go ahead with it?
Answer: We highly endorse the idea of going for it now. Although many golfers think, I’ll do that in spring, now is an excellent time to get fit. Longer days are on the horizon, and there is still time to get used to your new sticks before spring and summer.
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As for getting the most out of it, some helpful hints. Obviously, the fitting should include a launch monitor. These devices are wonderful tools as they provide golfers with information on ball speed, launch angle, backspin, peak height, landing angle and much more. But you need to know what the numbers mean. So here’s a little Launch Monitor 101 for you.
Although “high launch, low spin” is an oft-repeated mantra, it’s not for everyone. In fact, you might need more spin to help keep the ball in the air, unlike the players you see on TV. Another thing to be aware of: resist the temptation to be fitted to your best shots. When you catch one on the screws, the numbers on the monitor might dazzle you, but be realistic. Pay attention to the shots that are representative of your game, using several different loft and shaft combinations (a good fitter should have them all) and see what brings the best results.
Oh, and ask the fitter if there is an opportunity to test using the actual ball you play with. That might not be possible at a driving range, but if hitting indoors, you should be able to. That said, it’s a good idea to try different types of golf balls during your testing. You might get better results with a multilayer urethane ball than with the two-piece, harder-cover ball you’re playing – or it might be the other way around. Or you might simply need to go from the lower-spinning version of a tour ball to the higher-spinning one, or vice versa. A different ball can be an effective way to alter spin rate. It’s not always the club that needs changing.
Before I let you go, here’s one more: if you go to a fitting and they have you start hitting balls before asking you some basic questions about your game, you might want to pack up and look for another fitter. Qualified clubfitters will want that information before you strike a single shot. And when they review the launch monitor data with you, they’ll keep it simple and on point. That’s how you get the right fit – and get yourself ready for peak golf season a few months early.
