Women come in all different shapes and sizes. We are each unique in our physical build, strength and flexibility. As a consequence it’s not often that two women will actually suit the same set of clubs.
I’m the perfect example of someone who is far from ‘standard’. I’m short (only just over five-foot tall) yet strong (I can bench press 80kg and have a driver swing speed of around 80-85mph).
What this means is that while on paper my height and size might suggest I should be using women’s golf clubs, my strength and ability to swing the golf club at a speed more akin to a man, means that I need a shaft that’s actually stronger and more stable than a women’s flex.
The only solution for me is a bespoke set of custom fit clubs.
Just like made-to-measure clothing from a tailor, they come with a slightly higher price tag but if you are going to make an investment somewhere in the region of a $1,200 plus, would you not rather pay a little bit extra and know that they are really going to work for you?
What Exactly Does A Custom Club Fitting Involve?
During a custom fitting, a trained club fitter matches you and your unique golf swing to the ideal set of clubs. This includes getting the proper clubhead, loft, shafts, lie angle and grips that perfectly match your swing.
A fitting can take place indoors using a golf simulator and launch monitor to capture your swing and ball data, or it can take place on a driving range where you can see the ball flight, alongside the use of a launch monitor to analyse your shots.
Every club in the bag can be custom fit, from the driver right through to your wedges and even the golf ball.
The fitter will usually start by asking you a few general questions. What are your good and bad shot tendencies? What is your typical ball flight shape and height? Which clubs do you struggle to hit the most?
Then they will ask you to hit some shots, and these will be tracked by a launch monitor, giving data including club speed, ball speed, spin rate, launch angle, club path, carry, and overall distance.
Using the data, the fitter will then select a clubhead with a suitable loft by trying different golf shafts of different material, flex, and kick points until they find one that best fits your swing.
Fine adjustments to weight, changing bias in the head to encourage draw/fade shapes and shot height, will all be part of the fit.
Why Custom Fit?
A custom fit gives you the flexibility to choose whatever brand you want. You could have a complete mixed bag of clubs from different brands, selecting the best for you in each category.
You may prefer the look of a certain driver from one brand, a different set of irons from another, maybe a different putter and so on…If you go down this route then there are specialist fitters who offer a whole range of clubs on the market.
Most independent custom fitters offer what is known as brand agnostic fitting, meaning they do not just specialise in one club manufacturer. Instead, they have hundreds of shafts and clubheads from various brands.
Therefore, regardless of the club manufacturer, you will get the best possible clubs for your swing style and needs.
Demo Days
A great way to experience club fitting for the first time is to look for the schedule of demo days.
These are events held at golf clubs or driving ranges by equipment manufacturers where you can go along and test the latest golf clubs on the driving range, while getting expert advice from the fitter on the day.
If you’re undecided about a certain driver or a new set of irons, a hybrid or woods, this is a great way to try before you buy.
The fitter at demo days will have a vast selection of different clubheads, shafts and other options.
Book A Solo Custom Fit
If you already have a brand preference and want a particular driver or set of irons, then it is well worth booking direct with the manufacturer to get custom fit.
Virtually all the main equipment manufacturers offer this service, including Titleist, Callaway, TaylorMade, Mizuno, Ping…the list is long.
For the location of their nationwide fitting centers, refer to the individual brand websites.
Are Women's Clubs A Dying Breed?
With so many options in the custom fitting world available there really is no reason to compromise when it comes to your golf gear.
That’s why more and more brands are choosing to move away from making clubs they label as ‘women’s’ and instead offer new equipment that is genderless.
Are Custom Fitted Clubs Worth The Expense?
If you are serious about improving your golf game, then I would say yes absolutely, custom fit clubs are worth their weight in gold, or should I say worth the shot-saving to your scorecard.
They can increase distance, accuracy, and add consistency to your golf game.
In addition, custom fit clubs will definitely give you an added boost of confidence when you’re preparing to hit each shot, knowing that you have the right clubs to help you.
However, if you’re a social golfer who only plays a few rounds a year, then you might be better off saving your money and buying straight from your pro shop.
