Is Club Champion worth it?

[The_Rough_is_my_fairway]

On 3/8/2021 at 11:10 AM, ChiefMikeOfficer said:

Build quality: my purchase history with them is a full set of irons, 2 driver shafts w/adapters (1 fitted, 1 similar shaft with a better design because I felt like it), a fairway shaft w/adapter, and a hybrid shaft. With those clubs, I've had three build issues - the short irons were set to the wrong lofts (just an oversight in specs on a combo set, but it was significant), the 6 iron had an epoxy rattle (not functional issue) that I simply dumped out when swapping the grip, and one of the driver adapters came loose after about 2 weeks of use. All were easily fixable, but annoying, especially considering the closest location is 90 minutes away for me (had to send in for the iron lofts, and I just fixed the other two myself). 

I think that's the thing that really gets me. I've had a lot of golf clubs in my time - just off the rack - and I haven't had any that just rattle or come apart. Could I just be lucky - maybe - but I mentioned my club guy before and I've NEVER had something like that happen from him. I keep hearing stories from people who have gone to CC having this exact same problem time and time again. Being big means they can do fittings well, but I have to wonder about their build processes and how fast they're moving. 

[tony@CIC]

On 3/8/2021 at 8:12 AM, Middler said:

They fit me for a driver shaft that diminished my results, I just sold it for 24% of what I paid. The process they used with me wasn’t statistically valid, but it ensured they’d have a shaft that appeared to perform better than what I had- I did NOT. Hindsight is a wonderful thing...

Do tell me more. Did you start the fitting process with your existing shaft/head? How were the numbers different in store vs on the course.

I'm asking because I'm scheduled for a "driver fitting" on the 19th at CC. Specifically, I'm looking for a shaft upgrade. Note: I have existing trackman data from my last fitting in 2020 from an independent fitter. Note: while I'm looking to get fit I will be doing a price comparison after the fact (and don't feel obligated to buy from them). 

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

1 hour ago, The_Rough_is_my_fairway said:

I think that's the thing that really gets me. I've had a lot of golf clubs in my time - just off the rack - and I haven't had any that just rattle or come apart. Could I just be lucky - maybe - but I mentioned my club guy before and I've NEVER had something like that happen from him. I keep hearing stories from people who have gone to CC having this exact same problem time and time again. Being big means they can do fittings well, but I have to wonder about their build processes and how fast they're moving. 

It definitely does happen with direct-from-mfr clubs, it just might not be as frequent. I've had adapters come loose and epoxy rattles on those types of clubs too. 

This is 100% a guess (not sure if anyone even tries to keep stats), but it makes sense in my head: I'd expect the least issues in off-the-rack because of how many nearly-identical builds they do; next most in custom-ordered clubs from the manufacturer (similar build process but custom steps might lead to error), and the most in any club that's fully hand-built (whether that's a fitter like CC, expert club builder, etc.). It makes sense to me because those custom shops are likely less precise with things like measuring and applying epoxy. There's skill in club building too, and whether CC has highly skilled builders is a valid question -- the fitters tend to make it sound like they are the ones doing the actual build, and if that's true, I'd expect variance in skill across location; however, I'm pretty sure my last fitter did not build my clubs - he is based in Milwaukee, and I'm pretty sure the clubs were built in Chicago (the cities are close, so not unreasonable for him to go to a Chicago build shop, but how likely is that?). 

[ChiefMikeOfficer]

32 minutes ago, tony@CIC said:

Do tell me more. Did you start the fitting process with your existing shaft/head? How were the numbers different in store vs on the course.

I'm asking because I'm scheduled for a "driver fitting" on the 19th at CC. Specifically, I'm looking for a shaft upgrade. Note: I have existing trackman data from my last fitting in 2020 from an independent fitter. Note: while I'm looking to get fit I will be doing a price comparison after the fact (and don't feel obligated to buy from them). 

Hopefully clear from my other posts here, but I'm 50/50 on CC. Do some research and go in with some ideas of shafts that you'd like to try/compare (some fitters gravitate toward the brand that has worked for them in other fittings), and keep referencing your past results and knowledge of stats/process (better chance of getting the right fit rather than "oh this works")

For driver specifically, I'm happy with what I was fit into, but I am not 100% confident that I have the best shaft for me. At the same time, finding that better shaft might take a ton of work and might not be worth the effort. The best thing for me is the selection that they have in relation to my location (Madison is a sweet city but we're not big enough to attract certain things...) - my top two brands coming out of both fittings were Accra and Paderson, and even though there could be something better out there for me, I don't know if I ever would have tried those without the CC fittings (closest CC is 90 minutes away, and I don't know anyone else within 2.5 hours that carries these brands). 

[Middler]

5 hours ago, tony@CIC said:

Do tell me more. Did you start the fitting process with your existing shaft/head? How were the numbers different in store vs on the course.

I'm asking because I'm scheduled for a "driver fitting" on the 19th at CC. Specifically, I'm looking for a shaft upgrade. Note: I have existing trackman data from my last fitting in 2020 from an independent fitter. Note: while I'm looking to get fit I will be doing a price comparison after the fact (and don't feel obligated to buy from them). 

I went thru it in detail about a year ago if you want to find that thread, and many “experts” here blamed me while completely side stepping the clear statistical flaws I pointed out in CC’s methodology. And I’ve seen others here who had the exact same methodology used at CC on them, so my experience wasn’t an outlier. The some “experts” also told me CC obviously did my fitting in the wrong order, and I should’ve known better! I pay them and then tell them how to do their job? Yeah right...

So I’m not keen on reliving that.

For $450+ the shaft they sold me was worse dispersion and no change in distance vs the OEM shaft I had, I have 6 weeks of stats that prove it. But I am sure under the right circumstances a CC fitting can be value added. They wouldn’t be in business otherwise.

[Dr Strangelove]

Like most things, it comes down to the person(s) at the store.

I am satisfied with my driver fitting and purchase at Club Champion.  I am comfortable that I got to try out all the clubheads that I was interested in and that the shaft selected fit best.  It's expensive, but I believe the fitting is a fair value.  Note: "Fair value" is when you won't pay a penny more and they won't take a penny less.

What I don't like is that you have to pay full price for the driver and stock shaft.  And then the full price of the fit shaft (not an upgrade charge).  But when they come in, you don't get two shafts.  I would have liked to have offset my cost by selling the stock (which I could have done if I just purchased both the club and shaft separately myself).

Also, I'm not a beleiver in shaft puring.  

[revkev]

I read this entire thread and two thinks popped out for me.

1. I’m glad I live in a place where there are multiple fitting options.
2. How did Tony’s fitting go?


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

[null]

13 minutes ago, revkev said:

I read this entire thread and two thinks popped out for me.

1. I’m glad I live in a place where there are multiple fitting options.
2. How did Tony’s fitting go?


Sent from my iPhone using MyGolfSpy

https://forum.mygolfspy.com/topic/44407-a-long-fitting-story-at-club-champion-with-a-different-ending-–-so-grab-a-cup-of-coffee/

[Budsunderpar]

I have been in the consumer goods/customer service business for over 30 yrs and this is very out of character for me to vent publicly, but and I'm extremely frustrated with the company and whole process, pandemic aside, which I know is still affecting all of us, and certain suppliers more than others but. The communication has been really poor from the start, and it’s not even finished...I got fitted on May 2nd, told 5-7 weeks, but likely sooner, AFTER the fitting process, I cringed but was like ok given the state of the world at that time, but was optimistic things would progress sooner…still no equipment, even tho some of the items are sitting at the fitting location according to Fedex, but order not complete.  Let me state that I did have a really good fitting session, believe in the process (my 3rd time being fitted, 1st at Club Champion tho) and it was from the Regional Sales Mgr at the location, solid session, we had a great report, was very happy where we landed equipment wise and felt great walking out despite the $$$erious investment, really stoked, hoping the ‘perfect fit guarantee’ is just that!  But, other than the auto communication on the delays, the dialogue to keep me updated, or furthermore try resolve a pending issue, 'hey we can expedite this by'...nothing, has been crap to put it bluntly...even when I initiated it, NO proactive communication, zilch, crickets....it is like hey, too bad, sucks to be you. Yes I have received the auto-email updates about the order and actually have gotten more C19 details/impacts found the company website v.my fitter.  And when I responded to the store location regarding one of the email updates, and to my cc'd fitter (the Regional Sales Mgr to boot, come on lets go!!) I didn't get any response...period. I texted my fitter as well like he said 'that’s the best way to contact me', again, the Regional Sales Mgr and nothing...so frustrated and have lost almost the whole summer w/out fruits of the process. So I have stopped wasting my time trying to communicate and just waiting patiently. And yes I know what we have all been thru with the pandemic, but there is a way you can handle things with customers that have invested resources toward improving their games. 

[hrfdez]

On 7/11/2021 at 8:47 PM, Budsunderpar said:

I have been in the consumer goods/customer service business for over 30 yrs and this is very out of character for me to vent publicly, but and I'm extremely frustrated with the company and whole process, pandemic aside, which I know is still affecting all of us, and certain suppliers more than others but. The communication has been really poor from the start, and it’s not even finished...I got fitted on May 2nd, told 5-7 weeks, but likely sooner, AFTER the fitting process, I cringed but was like ok given the state of the world at that time, but was optimistic things would progress sooner…still no equipment, even tho some of the items are sitting at the fitting location according to Fedex, but order not complete.  Let me state that I did have a really good fitting session, believe in the process (my 3rd time being fitted, 1st at Club Champion tho) and it was from the Regional Sales Mgr at the location, solid session, we had a great report, was very happy where we landed equipment wise and felt great walking out despite the $$$erious investment, really stoked, hoping the ‘perfect fit guarantee’ is just that!  But, other than the auto communication on the delays, the dialogue to keep me updated, or furthermore try resolve a pending issue, 'hey we can expedite this by'...nothing, has been crap to put it bluntly...even when I initiated it, NO proactive communication, zilch, crickets....it is like hey, too bad, sucks to be you. Yes I have received the auto-email updates about the order and actually have gotten more C19 details/impacts found the company website v.my fitter.  And when I responded to the store location regarding one of the email updates, and to my cc'd fitter (the Regional Sales Mgr to boot, come on lets go!!) I didn't get any response...period. I texted my fitter as well like he said 'that’s the best way to contact me', again, the Regional Sales Mgr and nothing...so frustrated and have lost almost the whole summer w/out fruits of the process. So I have stopped wasting my time trying to communicate and just waiting patiently. And yes I know what we have all been thru with the pandemic, but there is a way you can handle things with customers that have invested resources toward improving their games. 

It is unfortunate.  I'm going through a situation with them at the moment and I will never recommend them to anybody in my area.

 

For a company who has been in business for 11 years and is not accredited by the Better Business Bureau, that should have given me some pause.

Edited July 23, 2021 by hrfdez

[scott80109]

I wouldn’t recommend them. In my experience, they’re going to try to put you into the most expensive clubs and shafts that they can. Better to find a non-chain fitter, and one that lets you hit outdoors, if possible. 

[RickyBobby_PR]

6 hours ago, scott80109 said:

I wouldn’t recommend them. In my experience, they’re going to try to put you into the most expensive clubs and shafts that they can. Better to find a non-chain fitter, and one that lets you hit outdoors, if possible. 

This topic has been discussed in multiple threads the informed consumer can walk in let the fitter know their budget and if they don’t want upcharge shafts they can be fit to stock offerings. Anyone looking for how club champion works can do a Google search and find the same topic discussed almost to the extent of beating a dead horse. They will find that those who had a bad experience typically went in 1) not knowing how fittings work 2) not knowing the business model of club champion and similar businesses 3) didn’t communicate well with their fitter before or during the fitting 4) occasional a bad fitter

[Pooter McGavin]

I find it odd that they wouldn't have a stock shaft even if its a made for, since they don't return them to the customer.

[golfinnut]

Not too keen on going to CC after seeing some of these posts.  

[John W]

I have done a fitting at Club Champion on two occasions at two different locations in the Atlanta area. My experience is that they, in both cases, tried to upsell me into an exotic shaft that was more than the club itself. It was not a very good experience for me. I would go to Golf Galaxy in Greenville (Pelham Road) and have them run you through the Ping G425 with the various STOCK (no upgrade charge) shafts. The GG store there in Greenville has quality launch monitors and some decent staff guys.  Figure out which shaft works best for you and order it directly from Ping or take a look on EBay. My opinion is that if it works for you in the 425 there is a pretty good chance it'll work for you in the 400. I did the same thing when I moved from the G400 to the G410. Ping typically makes very small incremental changes with their new models and I am comfortable telling you that if works in the 425, it'll work in your 400. Just my $.02 worth.........

Edited August 4, 2021 by John W

[ChuckZ]

There is a Club Champion is our area but have never used them.  There are are also a couple of certified fitters in our area that have over 25 years each fitting that I use and trust, one specifically for Titleist and the other who is certified for numerous brands.  A buddy of mine approached me the other day in the parking lot at the local muni where we play and showed me his new clubs.  Was bragging about them and how much he had invested in them.  Said he had been fitted at Club Champion and his total investment was $5500.00.  My only response was WOW.  Not much I could say.  He is a low single digit player and asked if we were playing in the men's senior invitational at the air base this year.  He is the defending champion and love playing with him.  Could not believe the cost of the fitting and the clubs.  Guess it is all about choices and deep pockets.  As to big box brick and mortar, never use them.  Too much turnover.   

[Rob.]

I've had three different fittings with Club Champion and it can be worth it provided you have specific issues that you needs answers. For example, you need to arrive with a fairly narrow set of clubs that you want to try. If your top brands have new and interesting stuff, say a new driver or new set of irons, Club Champion has the widest range of options for the club

• Whole bag fitting is exhausting and I do not recommend it. I was ready to spend $1000's just to make it stop.
• Driver fitting is a a good value provided you have a limited set of heads to try, Club Champion will have the best shaft options available.
• Iron fitting is also a good but then again, I wanted to try just a couple of different heads and slide into graphite shafts

While their fitting expertise is good, golf fitting, in general, tends to overload golfers with tangential information that can muddle the decision. Read up on metrics such as smash factors, ball speed, spin rate and launch angle so that you can cut through all the information. Trust your feel and select what you want.

One last thing, Club Champion has the highest prices on the planet and the add puring which is not needed for higher end shafts. Do not be pressured into making a purchase decision. 

Good luck and have fun!

[rx1232]

I did my first and only fitting (so far) at CC around April up here in Seattle. I felt that it went pretty good, i only fitted for my irons and hybrid. I told him what kind of club i'm looking for, as well as price range. I ended up with the Sim2Max OS irons with R flex shafts and a Sim2 rescue in a R flex shaft. Both shafts were stock and not upcharges. The fitter double checked the shafts that he was giving me to hit to make sure that i wasnt trying on any upcharged shafts. I didnt get my clubs until late June. Overall I think the fitting process was fine, though I would not go back there for my next fitting as the place i'm taking lessons at right now also does fittings for cheaper.

 

I am a "member" now though i havent taken advantage of any of the perks. I tried to book a trackman session once but you can only do so 24h in advance and no earlier, so they were all booked out. 

 

I did not order the clubs right away, but did go home with a spec sheet that i could have used to order. I used that to price check what they were quoting me, and overall it seemed that their price was maybe $50 higher in the totals, which was not a drastic difference to me. This is considering I wanted to make sure that all the specs get entered in right and would rather them do it. 

 

In the end, i think i shoulda taken lessons before i ordered clubs, but my existing clubs were in such bad shape i didnt wanna spend money to spruce them up and then buy new ones. 

[ForeRightAgain]

Went to CC for an iron fitting after a friend recommended them.  Made an appointment before my season starts figuring I would have to play with my old sticks for maybe a round or two tops.  My original appointment in March was canceled due to the fitter having a baby, next availability was a month later.  Fitting went great, really enjoyed the experience and the choices.  Had a little sticker shock when he showed me the invoice, but went with it since I tend to keep my irons for a long time.  Was told that it would take 6 weeks to get them due to the pandemic, etc.  I wasn't happy but figured it is what it is.  On the 6 week mark, end of May, I call up and am routed to a corporate office voice mail.  Left a message and receive an email the next day from the manager of the store I was fitted at that the grips aren't available until July.  Decide on another set of grips and was told probably a week to a week and half more.  Now I'm really not happy.  Then at the 2 week mark, find out it's going to be another week.  Mind you at this point, I'm over 25% into my season.  Ends up taking 9 WEEKS to get my clubs.  No apologies, no acknowledgement that it took an extra 3 weeks than promised.  

Next time I will go to the PGA Superstore near me that is always ranked as being one of the top fitters in the area by the magazines.  Actually did that when I was fitted for a new 3W in early May.

[D.O.]

Be it Club Champions or PGA Superstore or Cool Clubs or any location with a lot of heads and shafts, much of the success depends on the person doing the fitting.  No matter what inventory they have, if the fitter isn't good, the results may not be the best. Good luck!