11 replies to this topic

[Greyboy]

I'm an 8 handicap who hasn't been fit to my clubs.  My problem is that depending on the day, hit different shaped shots.  Some days I hit a draw, sometimes a fade, sometimes a slight pull but straight, sometimes a slight block with fade... none the less, all are totally different.  I'm not intentionally shaping my shots, rather just particular day.

Now I want to get fit for a driver, and irons this year, but my question is (for those of you with experience), if I go get fit and I'm hitting a fade that day, how is that going to effect me the next time I take those fitted clubs out and I'm putting a draw swing on it?  

Is this even a big deal, or not really?  I can't be the only person this happens to?  Thoughts, suggestions, remmedies?

Thanks in advance!

[jaskanski]

A good fitter will identify your baseline results (perhaps viewing a common pattern) amongst your shots. This can also be a certain amount of physical swing moves, ball position, grip, posture etc. All of these factors have an effect on how the ball is struck. The equipment is the meat in the sandwich. It's entirely possible that the inconsistency you have is equipment related and the fitter will identify that within a short time I would of thought too. Obvious things such as incorrect lie, wrong length and flex of shaft and even grip size have a major impact on this.
It's impossible to say that the equipment will be the major factor on your inconsistency, but it's important to eliminate that variable factor in order to move forward. Put it this way - is there any negative reason to be properly fitted? Of course not - it's just one piece of the puzzle, but at least you know it's a piece of the puzzle that fits.
Approach the fitting session with a relaxed and open mind - don't try and be something you're not. Listen to the fitter and see what changes can be made and look at  the results. Pretty soon you'll feel comfortable with your swing and your ball striking will improve as a result - I guarantee it.

[Bravo36]

Jaskanski is absolutely dead on with his above assesment.  Could not have said it any better.

[nmk]

jaskanski, on 26 April 2012 - 02:14 PM, said:

A good fitter will identify your baseline results (perhaps viewing a common pattern) amongst your shots. This can also be a certain amount of physical swing moves, ball position, grip, posture etc. All of these factors have an effect on how the ball is struck. The equipment is the meat in the sandwich. It's entirely possible that the inconsistency you have is equipment related and the fitter will identify that within a short time I would of thought too. Obvious things such as incorrect lie, wrong length and flex of shaft and even grip size have a major impact on this.
It's impossible to say that the equipment will be the major factor on your inconsistency, but it's important to eliminate that variable factor in order to move forward. Put it this way - is there any negative reason to be properly fitted? Of course not - it's just one piece of the puzzle, but at least you know it's a piece of the puzzle that fits.
Approach the fitting session with a relaxed and open mind - don't try and be something you're not. Listen to the fitter and see what changes can be made and look at  the results. Pretty soon you'll feel comfortable with your swing and your ball striking will improve as a result - I guarantee it.

Excellent advise, wish I knew this when I bought the first of my many sets of clubs.

Find a fitter who does not rely only upon the launch monitor numbers.  Here in Holland, mostly they look at what is shown on the computer screen and me, amongst many, will try to post some big numbers on the LM, completely not what I would do on a course.

I recently found a fitter who took more notice of my swing, tempo, set up, etc. than the LM numbers.  He only told me to swing easy, swing naturally and hit the ball.  We had no real discussion about the LM numbers so in the end I wasn't trying to impress and blast the driver 280 meters.   But he did ask me how I viewed the game, where do I want to be one or two years from now, willl I push myself to improve, etc.  Well, he reshafted my driver, irons and wedges and wow, I couldn't be happier! I think I found my set to last me the next 5 or more years.  Had I met him earlier, I could've saved a load of money and probably would've enjoyed the game more!

Oh and a good fitter can do wonders. The shop that sold me my clubs said I cannot have KBS Tour with MP68 with swing weight D2. Even the Mizuno rep said the same so I ended up with XP Lite.... Strange but this fitter set me up with the KBS Tour for my irons, D2 and perfectly balanced. KBS wedge for the wedges and an awesome Rombax Z for my Ping i20. I wanted to reshaft my 3W and 21*H but he told me to wait, play a bit with the driver/Rombax Z set up and then we can decided on the remaining 2 clubs. Better to know what i want than to rush into poorly fitted clubs and blow a lot of money.  Cool!

Edited by nmk, 26 April 2012 - 02:56 PM.

[Greyboy]

Cool this is good to know and makes me feel a little more comfortable.  I'm looking forward to getting fit properly.  Hopefully in May sometime

[dbogeyguy75]

I've read comments from past tour professionals who indicate that even they would need to play the swing they brought that day.  Nicklaus comes to mind.   Most days the fade,  but sometimes the draw.  Most times intentional, but he admits sometimes not, even when winning a tournament.   If you are playing to an 8 likely you're not so inconsistent as to require extreme fitting options (dramatic hook face, big offsets,  odd swingweights) that would require compensations day to day.   Get a well fit set with a common sense approach to the purchase on your part from someone reputable.   I personally focus on loft,  length,  lie,  weight,  swingweight, x and profile,  for my own personal clubs.   Those variables are not likely to change.   Moreover,  a cometent fitter would likely diagnose swing faults that cause those different results like inside take away,  over the top move,  too long back swing,  tempo,  and not over compensate accordingly.   It is a myth that one needs a mechanically perfect swing to enjoy golf and score well.

[Ri_Redneck]

Back when I was into fitting, I liked to play 18 with the client and see how he approached things when playing.  Many people have different tendencies when on the range. I considered this beneficial in the fitting process.

BT

[sui generis]

Greyboy, on 26 April 2012 - 01:50 PM, said:

I'm an 8 handicap who hasn't been fit to my clubs.  My problem is that depending on the day, hit different shaped shots.  Some days I hit a draw, sometimes a fade, sometimes a slight pull but straight, sometimes a slight block with fade... none the less, all are totally different.  I'm not intentionally shaping my shots, rather just particular day.

Now I want to get fit for a driver, and irons this year, but my question is (for those of you with experience), if I go get fit and I'm hitting a fade that day, how is that going to effect me the next time I take those fitted clubs out and I'm putting a draw swing on it?  

Is this even a big deal, or not really?  I can't be the only person this happens to?  Thoughts, suggestions, remmedies?

Thanks in advance!

And ... in addition to club specs, a very important piece of the puzzle is set makeup. With some extra effort on the fitter's part, he can help you put the right 14 clubs in your bag.

[Mikepaul]

and play the most flexible shafts you can handle. Nicklaus played R flex, can you image how long a 25 year old Jack would be now - probably longer that Bubba

Pros play every day and hit up to 500 balls in one session, so they can handle v-stiff shafts. On holidays after 5 days of golf my swing speed increases, but I have an office job and children so can play every day that often.

Edited by Mikepaul, 27 April 2012 - 01:37 PM.

[craniac24]

Mikepaul, on 27 April 2012 - 01:34 PM, said:

and play the most flexible shafts you can handle. Nicklaus played R flex, can you image how long a 25 year old Jack would be now - probably longer that Bubba

Pros play every day and hit up to 500 balls in one session, so they can handle v-stiff shafts. On holidays after 5 days of golf my swing speed increases, but I have an office job and children so can play every day that often.

No way Nicklaus played R flex.

[dbogeyguy75]

Jack played stiff shafts and talks about it in his book.  He experimented with x flex.

[nbg352]

In a time before all golfers did range time before a round, Sam Snead, one of golf's greatest, used to hit a few balls before each round. "You gotta dance with who you brung", he said. " So, I like to know who it is."
Everyone's swing changes a bit from game to game, for a myriad of reasons. It's natural and normal and just one more factor that makes this game what it is.