Many golfers buy standard clubs and try to adjust their swings to the set. Golfers aren't the same size and strength, so it makes sense to adjust clubs to fit you. Even better, pro shops are armed with technology that can help you set up your clubs to produce the kind of shots you prefer.
Women's golf clubs have specific swing weights and shaft flexes to account for the difference in strength. According to Titleist, less than 5 percent of golfers fit off-the-rack clubs. It's best to start out with clubs that fit; otherwise, you may develop bad swing habits.
Step 1
Identify the tendencies and weaknesses in your ball-striking, such as hitting the ball too low or high, left or right, or too short. A club-fitter can adjust your clubs to help with any of these areas, so prepare a plan for improvement that's more specific than "I want to hit it like Annika."
Step 2
Decide what kind of service you'd like. If you want analysis with high-tech launch monitors that measure spin rate, launch angle, carry, roll and other elements, look into large golf retailers such as Golf Galaxy, Golfsmith or Edwin Watts. Retailers are extremely helpful if you're trying to buy a new set. Another approach is to find a PGA professional club-fitter at a local course whom you'd like to work with regularly, both in getting clubs that fit and in taking lessons.
Step 3
Attend your club-fitting session. The club-fitter should account for your height, grip size and stance first, making sure your clubs' shafts are the proper length and the grip thickness is correct.
A session should also include hitting shots on a strike board, which will help the club-fitter adjust the lie angle of your irons to your swing. Women's golf club shafts tend to be lighter and more flexible than shafts in men's golf clubs, so the club-fitter should have you try clubs with different shaft flexes, flex points and materials. The loft in your clubs is another area to adjust, to be sure that your set covers a consistent span of yardage between clubs.
Step 4
Don't forget the putter. Putting expert Dave Pelz says that 43 percent of strokes in a round occur on the greens. Putters vary by shaft length, head style and weighting, insert material and loft. Some club-fitters can even use high-tech monitors to show what putter can promote the best roll for you, but most fitting sessions involve finding what feels best and sinks the most putts.
Tips and Warnings
- On irons, don't rule out trying offset clubs, which can help you square the clubface and hit straighter shots. Test one during your fitting session. Irons can be bent to adjust lie angles and loft angles. Swings can change, particularly as you age, so have your clubs checked periodically, especially if you are seeing a pattern of inconsistent pulls, hooks, fades or slices.
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