Last Updated on July 30, 2024 by Britt Olizarowicz
Custom golf club fitting very quickly moved from being something only professionals did to something recommended for all players. Having played for nearly 30 years, there are times that I have bought both custom and stock clubs. I think that it’s very easy to say a custom fitting is worth it, but if there are budgetary concerns, it may likely not be. Here are a few times that custom fitting is overrated.
The Beginner Golfer
A beginner golfer with endless funds for golf clubs can go ahead and get fitted and get custom gear.
However, most beginner golfers are not in this situation.
Here’s the problem with a custom fitting for beginner golfers – data.
Custom fittings are all about data. The fitter will ask you questions about your game, compare that to the data they collect, and suggest options that likely suit your golf game quite well.
There is very little data to work with for beginner golfers. In addition, much of this data will be inconsistent. There are outliers and times when just getting the golf ball up off the ground is difficult for beginner players.
Therefore, get some clubs to get you started; make sure they are forgiving and easy to use. Then go for a fitting, trade those in, and move on. Even if you play the first year with a forgiving and easy-to-hit beginner set, it won’t hurt your chances of one day becoming a great player.
Until you can make a repeatable swing with some consistent results, don’t expect custom fittings to be worth it.
The Occasional Golfer (Outings and Weddings)
Are you one of those players who pulls the club out of the garage three or four times a year? Playing in outings and for bachelor parties is fun, but you aren’t investing enough time into your golf game to pay thousands of dollars for custom equipment.
Would custom golf clubs help you play better the few times a year that you get out on the course?
Probably.
Is it worth the extra spend? Probably not!
The cost of custom fitting and clubs may not be justified for the limited use of the equipment.
For infrequent play, consider renting clubs at the course or borrowing from friends. It may be a better way to play with relevant equipment without investing too much money.
The Experienced Golfer Stuck in Old Habits
I’ve been playing for 30 years; I know the exact specifications of the clubs I need. They have to be half an inch short and 2 degrees flat. That hasn’t changed, and it never will.
So if I hit a set of irons I like, I can just order something with those specifications and be set.
If you have always played the same specs, you probably don’t need a fitting to tell you what you’ll have to order in your new setup. However, it is still worth trying new equipment for technological advancements.
Launch monitor technology is continually improving, so if you plan on playing with equipment specifically suited to your game, look for the proper spin rates, distance, and dispersion.
Conclusion
Custom fitting has its place in golf. However, the idea that everyone can and should have a custom club fitting isn’t exactly accurate. Before you sign up for your next club fitting, consider whether it’s the right solution for your game.
