How do you trust a fitter?

[OldSchoolFlusher]

Interesting topic… so for context I’m UK based and the system may be slightly different to US.  But here’ my thoughts.. 

I tend to avoid shops that offer all the above brands (eg American Golf) on the basis of what has already been raised in incentives to sell one brand over another. Brands in the UK tend to do free fitting days across regions and via their websites it is easy to find / attend one probably within an hour or so travel, maybe touch more.  Brand specialist fitters in my experience don’t push the clubs, just the data and give you the spec to compare. They are also hugely passionate about their product and know the details about it.  I’ve spoken to TM, Mizuno and Titliest recently and none tried to sell me anything… they asked me my goals, what I was looking for and challenged me a little as well which was good… 

So in last few months, I have looked to replace driver, add a fairway wood and move away from my blades to something with a little more forgiveness and updated tech, given my irons are 10 years old. Been through Mizuno, Taylormade and Titleist for this. I’ve attended free fitting for each and then made notes post the fitting and asked for the data to compare etc. I’ve ended up with a TM driver, Mizuno 243 irons ST-G 5 wood, SM9 Vokeys and moved to a Titliest ball as well. All from fittings. 

I am fortunate to have a good understanding of data from previously working in the game and this helps, and I’d suggest getting familiar with the key numbers to compare. 

Otherwise, the key points to confidence are:

1) ask as may questions as you want, there are no stupid questions. If you don’t understand something ask… if you have a coach check anything that’s not clear / recommendations with them, I do. 

2) as previously said - you can research fitters, most Pro’s will know someone to recommend as well and this can be useful. 

3) use websites to find fitting days for free and attend… 

4) Don’t expect a fitting to cure swing faults.. sometimes it’s about working with you have and talking to the fitter openly and honesty about this.. ie don’t tell them you’re putting in hours of practice per week to correct swing issues if you’re not. 

Sorry bit of a ramble… 

 

 

[deikner]

I do my homework and lots of due diligence. Currently I use a fitter that I know personally and trust them as a friend also. 

[Shrek74]

22 hours ago, deattle said:

My experience with golf fitters over the years have been mixed. However the one constant is that they seem to be very close to car salesman. I’m not classifying them all in that vane, just going by my experience. They bring you in and have you test drive various models, mostly pushing the more expensive clubs. They are swayed by incentives or relationships they have with vendors to push their brand. 
 

When club fitting is such an important step in your golf journey, it’s concerning to think that it can be filled with such salesmanship. So my question or topic is, how do you trust this process?

I'm not going to go over the who research ahead of time thing, as that's been pretty well covered above. But it is excellent advice.

What I think you should strongly consider is taking some time to write up your "game plan" on a fitting as well as write up a review of your current game and clubs. Let me try and explain what I mean.

Writing up a review of your current game and clubs basically comes down to knowing your game - how you play on the course, your distances, your strengths, your weaknesses, and what you really want/need to focus on for improvement. If you know each club's yardage, that's another important detail you can utilize in your fitting. But being honest about your game to yourself first, will help you be honest with the fitter and will help to focus on what's truly needed from them and for you.

Now, the game plan for your fitting is closely tied to the current game review you just completed. Once you know your strengths and weaknesses, you'll have a much better understanding of what might need more focus at your fitting. Write out how you want the fitting to go and where you want to focus more of your effort. If you're only there for irons, then you know that's what you're going to be focusing on. But if it's a full bag fitting, make sure the fitter knows your primary, secondary, and tertiary focus points (goals) and how you'd prefer to order things in the fitting. That way you're not wasting swings on an area of the bag that isn't as important to you as something else.

Once you have all this data written out, add your current club details with any alterations to them (length, lie, loft, etc) as well as a budget for the total or for each focus point if there's more than one, so the fitter has no excuses when it comes to making suggestions. Take this all with you to the fitting and share it with the fitter before any clubs are even touched, and discuss it. A good fitter will be excited and appreciative of the effort you took to be prepared and to help them be more focused in the fitting so no one's time is being wasted. If the fitter ignores it and doesn't do anything with it, you might want to consider asking for a different fitter.

When it comes to budget, you both need to be well aware of the costs of the various manufacturers and any upcharge shafts. Do your research here ahead of time, as most of this can be gotten on the manufacturers sights. Have your list of preferred test heads and shafts ahead of time before going in. Again, this will help you both focus your time and effort. Plus it's really fun (or at least I think it is). If your budget for a driver is $600, then they shouldn't be suggesting a TSR2 with a Ventus Velocore shaft. If they do, it's your responsibility to say no, and that they are not sticking to the game plan that you discussed at the start. As much as you're there for their expertise, it's really your show to run.

And have fun. Fittings are supposed to be fun. Hitting new gear and learning about it all is supposed to be an enjoyable experience.

Hopefully all this is helpful.

[Mark Shipley]

My problem is I got fitted with a 6 Iron. The courses I play I never hit more than an Eight iron and seldom ever get to hit my 6 Iron. I wish I could get fitted with an 8 or 9 iron.

[Sheldon Raes]

I have had mixed results from simulators giving reliable data and  inflated distance numbers so I like to take my current 7 iron with me to gauge the numbers coming at me. I have a pretty good idea of how far it travels so I have a much better idea on the accuracy of the numbers.

[RickyBobby_PR]

1 hour ago, blackhawk1539 said:

Come to find out the it was mainly the shaft as that’s a high launch shaft. Never once did he try different shafts.

Shafts don’t launch. What you found out is that this shaft doesn’t fit your swing. Shafts are a timing device. They don’t launch or spin. Your swing determines how the club is delivered, the delivery of the club is what causes spin and launch. When the shaft doesn’t work for you swing it causes you to deliver the club in a non optimal way. You were more than likely delivering a lot of dynamic loft and hitting the ball low on the face

[RickyBobby_PR]

1 hour ago, paul6057 said:

I have never seen any site that has reviews of club fitters, so I don't know how you would go about doing that. I've always felt that getting fittings at an establishment that has a stronger reputation for "golf" gives me comfort that they're hiring and training proper fitters. I also think understanding the situation around the fitting important, as I have clubs here that offer "fitting" services but they're on a range hitting range balls. That's completely useless!

It’s no different than finding reviews on a restaurant, electronic equipment and so on. Search the internet and find help reviews or hits that come up from various sites. Search for fitters in whatever area. I’ve found good fitters in another state this way so that while I was there if I decided to get fit I knew where to go

its not that hard to find reviews on people and the services they offer.

[pfsgators]

As a master fitter myself this cracks me up. A couple things, you are going into the store to BUY clubs so the fact that the fitter is trying to sell you shouldn't be a shock to you. Pre-fitting if the fitter hasn't discussed your complete golf history from scoring, shot shape, your desired results and budget, don't work with him. He should ask what research you have done and will that influence what clubs you would like to hit. Your fitter should be brand agnostic focused only on your results and which club obtained those results from a mix of heads and shafts. A true master fitter has spent years and countless hours of education learning the craft. There should be a marked difference between a salesman and a true fitter. Lastly, our store does not have spiffs or pay extra to sell certain brands. We are paid to fit correctly and have the customer spread the word of a positive experience. And I have better things to do than do free fittings, just don't do them.

[Erin B]

2 minutes ago, pfsgators said:

As a master fitter myself this cracks me up. A couple things, you are going into the store to BUY clubs so the fact that the fitter is trying to sell you shouldn't be a shock to you. Pre-fitting if the fitter hasn't discussed your complete golf history from scoring, shot shape, your desired results and budget, don't work with him. He should ask what research you have done and will that influence what clubs you would like to hit. Your fitter should be brand agnostic focused only on your results and which club obtained those results from a mix of heads and shafts. A true master fitter has spent years and countless hours of education learning the craft. There should be a marked difference between a salesman and a true fitter. Lastly, our store does not have spiffs or pay extra to sell certain brands. We are paid to fit correctly and have the customer spread the word of a positive experience. And I have better things to do than do free fittings, just don't do them.

Where is your store? 

[RickyBobby_PR]

17 minutes ago, Mark Shipley said:

My problem is I got fitted with a 6 Iron. The courses I play I never hit more than an Eight iron and seldom ever get to hit my 6 Iron. I wish I could get fitted with an 8 or 9 iron.

Not really an issue. A good fitter is going to be able to fit your irons based on the data from a 6 or 7 iron. The shaft choice and head choice will lead to the right weight progression thru the set as will getting loft and lie from the 6i.

Also the 6 or 7 is chosen by manufacturers because it’s where the swings for amateurs start to have issue so when that’s dialed in so will the rest of your set

[Arnie C]

I’ve had three experiences with fitters. One was with PXG and the other two were at 2nd Swing Golf. My experience at PXG was somewhat disappointing. The fitter seem to be distracted at times like he had somewhere to be and he seem to be dead set on recommending a set of irons for $1500 even though I made it known upfront that I wasn’t going to be buying anything before I made the appointment. I made it very clear to him that I was going for the experience and I was curious about my statistics so I could learn more about my swing. He assured me that there would be no pressure and that he would be glad to go over my statistics with me. Even though the fitting at PXG was only $25, I felt the fitter should have honored my request instead of being pushed clubs that I didn’t have any plans on buying. The fitting center was a great looking facility which was very clean and organized. I did walk out buying a shirt and a hat which ran about $150.

My experience with 2nd Swing Golf was a lot more positive especially the second time around when I went for a driver fitting to improve on the PXG that I had bought on an earlier visit. The fitting is free (a $100 value) when you purchase a golf club. I ended up buying a Callaway Epic Max that was more suited to my swing style over the PXG. The fitter honored my request that I wanted to stay under $225 and never push me on a more expensive driver. I was able to reach a 90 mph swing speed and my spin rate was between 2220 and 2600. A huge improvement over the PXG. I tried also a Titleist TSI3, and a Taylormade SIM. But the Callaway won out. 

I highly recommend 2nd Swing Golf if you have one in your area. The appointment is for one hour and they have awesome Trackman hitting bays along with a very nice putting green where you can easily kill one to two hours just testing out different clubs.

Edited February 26 by Arnie C

[RickyBobby_PR]

1 hour ago, No3Putts said:

Find a brand agnostic fitter and you should be fine.  The fitter I use has access to all the brands but doesn't represent them.  On my last fitting, we went through several brands/set ups and once we had the right configuration, he gave me my fitting sheet.  Told me what he could order them for, but suggested I check around to see if I could find a better price.  Told me that, once I had the clubs (regardless of where I got them) to bring them to him and he would check them to be sure everything was correct.  Even told me that he would install the grips as I have larger hands that need extra wraps.  All part of my fitting fee.  

A brand agnostic fitter doesn’t guarantee a good fitting. The fitting is only as good as 1) how good the fitter is and 2) the communication between fitter and golfer. 
 

A bad fitter with multiple brands is still a bad fitter and will lead to a bad fitting 

[MIGregB]

6 minutes ago, Mark Shipley said:

My problem is I got fitted with a 6 Iron. The courses I play I never hit more than an Eight iron and seldom ever get to hit my 6 Iron. I wish I could get fitted with an 8 or 9 iron.

That's actually a question/concern I've had. Around SE Michigan, Carl's Golfland is at least a pretty reputable fitter (annually rated a top 100 fitter nationally) and my personal experience on a more superficial level has been good. I asked about getting fit on more than just a 6 iron. The floor guy I spoke with said that while he understands the question, it would be nearly impossible to have complete sets of irons with swappable shafts in more than a few models. The fitting inventory would be massive.

But, Carl's, and I'm sure many others, have complete sets of stock irons that one can demo. So, IF you could do some pre-fitting demoing of several irons in the stock set and have a couple models in mind, and then get fit with the 6 irons of those models, could that perhaps improve your chances of getting an overall set that works for you? You'd still need to be realistic about the low end of the bag (at least the 4 and 5 iron) and whether a hybrid or combo of other models would be better, but that might improve your overall satisfaction level. I'm guess I'm asking, not telling. Comments? 

[Trenton 365]

I had my fitting a few months ago via PXG Philly/King of Prussia. Stoked to play!

My review on Google Maps

Check out this review of PXG Philadelphia on Google Maps
https://goo.gl/maps/eH43vC6ckwuRt4G97

 

 

[Erin B]

16 minutes ago, Arnie C said:

I’ve had three experiences with fitters. One was with PXG and the other two were at 2nd Swing Golf. My experience at PXG was somewhat disappointing. The fitter seem to be distracted at times like he had somewhere to be and he seem to be dead set on recommending a set of irons for $1500 even though I made it known upfront that I wasn’t going to be buying anything before I made the appointment. I made it very clear to him that I was going for the experience and I was curious about my statistics so I could learn more about my swing. He assured me that there would be no pressure and that he would be glad to go over my statistics with me. Even though the fitting at PXG was only $25, I felt the fitter should have honored my request instead of being pushed clubs that I didn’t have any plans on buying. The fitting center was a great looking facility which was very clean and organized. I did walk out buying a shirt and a hat which ran about $150.

My experience with 2nd Swing Golf was a lot more positive especially the second time around when I went for a driver fitting to improve on the PXG that I had bought on an earlier visit. The fitting is free (a $100 value) when you purchase a golf club. I ended up buying a Callaway Epic Max that was more suited to my swing style over the PXG. The fitter honored my request that I wanted to stay under $225 and never push me on a more expensive driver. I was able to reach a 90 mph swing speed and my spin rate was between 2220 and 2600. A huge improvement over the PXG. I tried also a Titleist TSI3, and a Taylormade SIM. But the Callaway won out. 

I highly recommend 2nd Swing Golf if you have one in your area. The appointment is for one hour and they have awesome Trackman hitting bays along with a very nice putting green where you can easily kill one to two hours just testing out different clubs.

Wish they had a store near me. https://www.2ndswing.com/store-locations

[Guest-0]

14 minutes ago, Arnie C said:

I’ve had three experiences with fitters. One was with PXG and the other two were at 2nd Swing Golf. My experience at PXG was somewhat disappointing. The fitter seem to be distracted at times like he had somewhere to be and he seem to be dead set on recommending a set of irons for $1500 even though I made it known upfront that I wasn’t going to be buying anything before I made the appointment. I made it very clear to him that I was going for the experience and I was curious about my statistics so I could learn more about my swing. He assured me that there would be no pressure and that he would be glad to go over my statistics with me. Even though the fitting at PXG was only $25, I felt the fitter should have honored my request instead of being pushed clubs that I didn’t have any plans on buying. The fitting center was a great looking facility which was very clean and organized. I did walk out buying a shirt and a hat which ran about $150.

My experience with 2nd Swing Golf was a lot more positive especially the second time around when I went for a driver fitting to improve on the PXG that I had bought on an earlier visit. The fitting is free (a $100 value) when you purchase a golf club. I ended up buying a Callaway Epic Max that was more suited to my swing style over the PXG. The fitter honored my request that I wanted to stay under $225 and never push me on a more expensive driver. I was able to reach a 90 mph swing speed and my spin rate was between 2220 and 2600. A huge improvement over the PXG. I tried also a Titleist TSI3, and a Taylormade SIM. But the Callaway won out. 

I highly recommend 2nd Swing Golf if you have one in your area. The appointment is for one hour and they have awesome Trackman hitting bays along with a very nice putting green where you can easily kill one to two hours just testing out different clubs.

That's fantastic!! I have bought clubs in the past from 2nd Swing as I have two identical sets and keep one at both my homes so I don't have to travel them but was completely unaware they had fittings and even more a retail outlet??? I thought it was strictly online and feel iam either blind or they are missing the marketing mark??? You are the 3rd person I've heard of having a negative experience at PXG as my good buddy just went there out west and said the "pro" was drunk from the night before and reeked of booze and didn't listen to a word he said.  Sad.  Good stuff and I learned something this morning my day is complete!!!

[Guest-0]

5 minutes ago, MIgregb said:

That's actually a question/concern I've had. Around SE Michigan, Carl's Golfland is at least a pretty reputable fitter (annually rated a top 100 fitter nationally) and my personal experience on a more superficial level has been good. I asked about getting fit on more than just a 6 iron. The floor guy I spoke with said that while he understands the question, it would be nearly impossible to have complete sets of irons with swappable shafts in more than a few models. The fitting inventory would be massive.

But, Carl's, and I'm sure many others, have complete sets of stock irons that one can demo. So, IF you could do some pre-fitting demoing of several irons in the stock set and have a couple models in mind, and then get fit with the 6 irons of those models, could that perhaps improve your chances of getting an overall set that works for you? You'd still need to be realistic about the low end of the bag (at least the 4 and 5 iron) and whether a hybrid or combo of other models would be better, but that might improve your overall satisfaction level. I'm guess I'm asking, not telling. Comments? 

That's another interesting take I haven't heard? I was unaware anyone used a 6 iron as all the manufacturer fitting carts I've ever been around are stocked with 7 iron heads. I would guess a Carl's or Dicks probably make their own fitting carts though as they need so many????

[Oudefart]

Well, as you can imagine, 2 sides to every story. Full disclosure, I've been a fitter for 10 yrs and a big box retail. I'm not trying to be confrontational, just know "we" have experience(s) too.

I've seen way more of you than you've see of me. The internet is your friend, but not necessarily mine. It's nice to have informed customers, but don't come in if you think you know more than me and you're going to tell me I'm wrong. That's a waste of both our times. We do have product training from every manufacturer we sell. Like anything else, it's on us to learn it and apply it. At our store, we have NO incentive to push one OEM over the other. We are afforded PUD pricing on product and those purchases are monitored by management, so one can't just buy everything.

Someone mentioned a good fit being part lesson. I guess that's true (sort of). However, if you wanted a lesson, presumably you'd be going to a PGA pro and not me. Personally, I've been around many PGA Class A pros and really good players for years, so I have a fair amount of experience. However, any "tip/suggestion" you'd receive from me would have nothing to do with changing any mechanic in you swing. It's really difficult to fit a customer who CAN NOT make a consistent strike or pass at the ball. In addition, realistic expectations and honesty are really helpful. I've lost count of how often I hear, "I just can't hit indoors ...", "I'm just having a bad day ...", "I usually hit it much farther than this ..." From watching your swing, I doubt those things are true.

I notice when I read many of these forum posts, I always check the posted index in the bio. More often than not, the higher index people (16 and up) have the most "answers" on topics like this and club choices/comparisons. Hmmm ...

After a discussion of your goals, needs, wants and budget, I used the PING chart for static measurement and the Mizuno Swing Analyzer for shaft. It's a great tool and Mizuno carries 85%+ of the shafts other manufacturers also order, so I find it a great place to start. If you're not interested in Mizunos, we never go there from that point on. One quick Mizuno plug, they are they only manufacturer (for us anyway) that has basically no up charge on shafts (SteelFiber excluded).

I've been to many many OEM fittings days and because it's a free-for-all, it's kinda on you to get the attention/information you need, even when they do it by appt. at green grass clubs. And again, those "fitters" are usually younger kids, tying to get into the business, with no ties that prevent them from living in there cars as they do it 8 days a week. Doesn't mean they don't know anything, but like before, if they don't love it and live it, that's the quality you receive.

We have competitors for sure, some good some not. Inside my store, we have 7-8 employees who's title is fitter. You will undoubtedly get that many variations. Again, how much some mid-20 yr old kid, working through school, or someone more seasoned like myself, retired and immersed in the game knows is widely different. It's on you to do your due diligence.

I don't mean to bash anyone, but I do have to say because I see it every day where I work. Club Champion and the shaft pureing. CC owns Pure SST, it's not hard to figure out why they push the extra $$ for a service that at this point is highly debated (check past forums).

Lastly, though I do make commission and it's my job to have to leave the store with product and a sale, I repeatedly refuse to sell to you if it's not better. I'd rather make you a customer for an honest experience than feel badly and turn to Yelp to say so. I've even had customers call my manager to complain that I wouldn't sell them a driver. What I did was recommend they spend $500 on lessons first and then come back.

Appreciate anyone reading this far.

[MIGregB]

7 minutes ago, Marlin Dave said:

That's another interesting take I haven't heard? I was unaware anyone used a 6 iron as all the manufacturer fitting carts I've ever been around are stocked with 7 iron heads. I would guess a Carl's or Dicks probably make their own fitting carts though as they need so many????

Sorry, maybe I have that wrong and it's actually a 7 iron. My point was that they don't have all irons in a set for fitting, but they do have complete stock sets of current models in several stock shaft offerings that you can try to try to narrow down your choices.  

[fozcycle]

If they have a white belt and shoes, walk away

[SteveGH7]

I've done 3 fittings on separate occasions - irons, fairway wood, and a driver fitting.  The irons were with a local, well reviewed fitter.  I thought the fitting was thorough and well worth it.  We tried a large amount of irons that I had in mind, plus a couple he recommended.  Once we zeroed in on a potential fit, we tried some shafts in that iron head, and then the lie and length measurements.  It felt exactly like how a fitting should go.  The second fitting was for a fairway wood with the same fitter.  This time wasn't as detailed.  He had me try a large number of different brands, but didn't get into measurements or different shafts, which I thought was somewhat odd.  Both fittings he sent me my data afterwards.

Lastly, I did a driver fitting at a big box store.  The fitter was nice and we had a good conversation, but I felt a little rushed.  He kept the samples limited, as well as the shafts, but did test a couple different weights and lengths.  I felt like we landed on a good option, but everything was rushed and I did not get the data sent to me (I should have asked).  He also didn't test the recommended winner in the same shaft that my gamer was in (same brand head, different model and different shaft), which I thought would have made sense.

All this to say, each fitting can be different even with the same fitter so make sure you do some research on what you want out of the fitting and bring with you the questions you'd like to ask.  

[RanMan]

I was fitted with a super lightweight shaft to supposedly increase my swing speed. However, control went out the window.  You might be careful what you wish for.

[Guest-0]

9 minutes ago, Oudefart said:

Well, as you can imagine, 2 sides to every story. Full disclosure, I've been a fitter for 10 yrs and a big box retail. I'm not trying to be confrontational, just know "we" have experience(s) too.

I've seen way more of you than you've see of me. The internet is your friend, but not necessarily mine. It's nice to have informed customers, but don't come in if you think you know more than me and you're going to tell me I'm wrong. That's a waste of both our times. We do have product training from every manufacturer we sell. Like anything else, it's on us to learn it and apply it. At our store, we have NO incentive to push one OEM over the other. We are afforded PUD pricing on product and those purchases are monitored by management, so one can't just buy everything.

Someone mentioned a good fit being part lesson. I guess that's true (sort of). However, if you wanted a lesson, presumably you'd be going to a PGA pro and not me. Personally, I've been around many PGA Class A pros and really good players for years, so I have a fair amount of experience. However, any "tip/suggestion" you'd receive from me would have nothing to do with changing any mechanic in you swing. It's really difficult to fit a customer who CAN NOT make a consistent strike or pass at the ball. In addition, realistic expectations and honesty are really helpful. I've lost count of how often I hear, "I just can't hit indoors ...", "I'm just having a bad day ...", "I usually hit it much farther than this ..." From watching your swing, I doubt those things are true.

I notice when I read many of these forum posts, I always check the posted index in the bio. More often than not, the higher index people (16 and up) have the most "answers" on topics like this and club choices/comparisons. Hmmm ...

After a discussion of your goals, needs, wants and budget, I used the PING chart for static measurement and the Mizuno Swing Analyzer for shaft. It's a great tool and Mizuno carries 85%+ of the shafts other manufacturers also order, so I find it a great place to start. If you're not interested in Mizunos, we never go there from that point on. One quick Mizuno plug, they are they only manufacturer (for us anyway) that has basically no up charge on shafts (SteelFiber excluded).

I've been to many many OEM fittings days and because it's a free-for-all, it's kinda on you to get the attention/information you need, even when they do it by appt. at green grass clubs. And again, those "fitters" are usually younger kids, tying to get into the business, with no ties that prevent them from living in there cars as they do it 8 days a week. Doesn't mean they don't know anything, but like before, if they don't love it and live it, that's the quality you receive.

We have competitors for sure, some good some not. Inside my store, we have 7-8 employees who's title is fitter. You will undoubtedly get that many variations. Again, how much some mid-20 yr old kid, working through school, or someone more seasoned like myself, retired and immersed in the game knows is widely different. It's on you to do your due diligence.

I don't mean to bash anyone, but I do have to say because I see it every day where I work. Club Champion and the shaft pureing. CC owns Pure SST, it's not hard to figure out why they push the extra $$ for a service that at this point is highly debated (check past forums).

Lastly, though I do make commission and it's my job to have to leave the store with product and a sale, I repeatedly refuse to sell to you if it's not better. I'd rather make you a customer for an honest experience than feel badly and turn to Yelp to say so. I've even had customers call my manager to complain that I wouldn't sell them a driver. What I did was recommend they spend $500 on lessons first and then come back.

Appreciate anyone reading this far.

EXCELLENT take from an actual pro in the field. This was extremely well written and offers an explanation that couldn't come from anyone outside that business. Impossible to have a generic "club fitter" as human beings vary massively and I think this underscores the reason maybe to look into a place/store policy regarding a club fitting to see what their business plan entails with a fitting. So here is a question for you as it was brought up this morning. All the manufacturers fitting carts I've seen have 7 iron heads and I always assumed this being the middle of the bag it was the best one to use but then I heard about fittings with a 6 iron and I believe an 8 iron was mentioned what is the thinking behind using a specific iron???

[Nick_D]

I've had great experience with a family owned shop local to me. Have gotten fit with the same guy multiple times and he never has tried to push the more expensive product. I recently went in for a driver shaft fit and wanted to test a few new driver heads as well just to see if there was improvement. He fit me into a very affordable shaft and recommended against buying a new driver head as there wasn't much improvement to be had over what I already owned. I could have easily been convinced into getting a whole new driver that day

[Guest-0]

8 minutes ago, MIgregb said:

Sorry, maybe I have that wrong and it's actually a 7 iron. My point was that they don't have all irons in a set for fitting, but they do have complete stock sets of current models in several stock shaft offerings that you can try to try to narrow down your choices.  

I believe the 7 iron being the middle of the bag offers the best baseline but that's not my profession and I cannot be sure

[Guest-0]

10 minutes ago, fozcycle said:

If they have a white belt and shoes, walk away

Skinny jeans white belt and shows

[cnosil]

7 minutes ago, MIgregb said:

My point was that they don't have all irons in a set for fitting, but they do have complete stock sets of current models in several stock shaft offerings that you can try to try to narrow down your choices.  

No one will have all the irons for a fitting.    Yes they have sets on the shelf for sale.   But:

• Do you want them to tape the face or are you willing to buy a used set of clubs?   Once you take that plastic off the head and hit it once it is a used club. 
• Are you going to buy that prehit set that someone tried and didn't like?   
• Are you willing to pay more for the irons since the stores have to purchase more clubs to be part of their fitting cart

Yes,  hitting every club would be nice especially if you want to do a blended set.   But the logistics of making it a reality is difficult.   The best way to accomplish this would be to go to the OEM official fitting center like The Kingdom, Callaway Performance Center,  or the Ping Fitting Experience.  

 

[Rtracymog]

Communicate with your fitter. Be clear on your goals, your swing, your budget, etc. Any fitter worth their salt, will ask you these things and more. Ask for an explanation of the data. Most good fitters are using high quality machines that take in a ton of data points. Based on your knowledge of the swing, they will walk you through these data points and what they are looking for in each category.

Make sure that your swing is ready for your fitting. If you come in after months of not hitting or playing sparingly, you might get very different data than from when you are in the groove. Ask questions! Learn as much as you can. Come in with an idea of the type of iron you want, but give your fitter a chance to do their job.

I know this is about trusting your fitter, but you have to do a bit of research and rely on the experts here. If you're getting a bad vibe, go with your gut. Don't just assume that you're being sold something. Think of it as you're paying for your fitter's time and expertise; not that you're paying for new clubs. Plus you can always take the data you're given and go back and try it out again on your own to see if you're seeing the same results before pulling the trigger.

[blackhawk1539]

Y’all are going to kill my phone and watch battery with this post, all these notifications. Such spirted conversations . Love it!


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[McGolf]

On 2/25/2024 at 10:36 AM, deattle said:

My experience with golf fitters over the years have been mixed. However the one constant is that they seem to be very close to car salesman. I’m not classifying them all in that vane, just going by my experience. They bring you in and have you test drive various models, mostly pushing the more expensive clubs. They are swayed by incentives or relationships they have with vendors to push their brand. 
 

When club fitting is such an important step in your golf journey, it’s concerning to think that it can be filled with such salesmanship. So my question or topic is, how do you trust this process?

I did not read any of the comments on purpose to answer: Based on the post above it would seem you really did not attend a fitting.  You may have gone to a place such as big box store to "test drive" a golf club and yes the person watching is following orders to push a particular brand based on his supervisions direction. Ok that's business.  

If you are looking for a fitter that has your best interests in mind I would suggest that you look for one that starts with finding the best parameters for your game THEN making recommendations based on the manufacturers availability because contrary to popular opinion not every maker has a club to fit you.