Equipment
Why True Spec Golf’s acquisition of Club-Conex is so important
Custom club fitter True Spec Golf has purchased what is arguably one of the most important companies in golf club fitting, Club-Conex.
Club-Conex, based in Rockford, Ill., produces universal adapter systems that allow for the interchangeability of club heads and shafts regardless of manufacturer. Founded in 2004, Club-Conex’s products have helped consumers, instructors and custom fitters compare the performance of different golf club heads and shafts without the need to purchase multiple models of the same shaft.
Here’s how the testing/fitting process works without Club-Conex. Say a golfer is using an adjustable club head and shaft from Brand A, but wants to try that shaft in Brand B’s adjustable club head. Since each brand’s adjustability systems are incompatible with each other, the golfer has two options:
- Remove the shaft adapter from Brand A’s shaft, and install Brand B’s shaft adapter.
- Purchase an additional shaft and install Brand B’s shaft adapter in order to compare the performance of the two club heads at the same time.
Option 1 eliminates the ability to simultaneously test the clubs, while option 2 is expensive, forcing golfers to purchase an additional shaft and shaft adapter.
While only a small percentage of golfers will go to such lengths to compare products on their own, the ability of custom fitters to compare different models of club heads and shafts is essential to their businesses. Custom fitting companies can stock anywhere from a few to a few dozen different brands of golf clubs, each with their own unique adjustability systems. Many premium club fitters have taken the costly route of stocking multiple shafts for each type of club head in order to please consumers who are increasingly interested in trying a variety of expensive, aftermarket shafts, while others have turned to Club-Conex.
Club-Conex offers universal adpater systems for metal woods, as well as irons and wedges.
Forty of the top 100 club fitters in the U.S., as well as more than 1,000 club fitters worldwide are currently using Club-Conex, according to Hoyt McGarity, co-CEO of True Spec Golf, which has plans to expand on the five custom-fitting centers it has located in the U.S., Bahamas and Switzerland. McGarity and co-CEO Kyle Monfort were the leading forces behind the acquisition, which was rooted in concern that another custom fitting company would purchase Club-Conex.
“Imagine if I had to have designated shafts for each company?,” McGarity said. “I’d have 800 shafts on the wall. It wouldn’t be cost effective, and I’d be bankrupt.”
Club-Conex’ management and production will remain in Illinois and it will be “business as usual” for the company, according to a True Spec press release.
“We’re looking forward to assisting them in product evolution and marketing,” said Jeff Sparling, Director of Business Development for True Spec.
In 2014, Club-Conex’ UNIT-FIT driver assembly, which consists of a universal tip adapter and specific hosel sleeve that is paired to each manufacturer’s driver head, was approved by the USGA and R&A for tournament use.
McGarity said that he and Monfort plan to improve Club-Conex’s products as they examine current market trends, and will develop new options for teaching professionals at the PGA Merchandise Show in January.
Club-Conex’s products will continue to be sold through its website.
“The determination to sell the company was not only driven by financial reward, but one where the new ownership and I share a common vision for the growth of the company,” said Eric Burch, Club-Conex Founder. “I look forward to continuing to design products that help the club fitting business run more efficiently and I am eternally grateful for the past and continuing support.”
- LIKE126
- LEGIT15
- WOW11
- LOL2
- IDHT2
- FLOP0
- OB3
- SHANK19
- Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage.
Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 6 X
3-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (15 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
5-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (18 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 8 X
7-wood: TaylorMade Stealth 2 (21 degrees)
Shaft: Fujikura Ventus TR Blue 9 X
Irons: Titleist 718 TMB (2), Titleist T200 (2), Titleist T100 (4-PW)
Shafts: KBS Tour Hybrid 105 X (2), KBS Tour 130 X
Wedges: Titleist Vokey Design SM10 (50-08F, 54-10S, 60-08M, 60-04T), WedgeWorks Proto (60-10V)
Shafts: KBS Tour 130 X
Putter: Odyssey White Hot Versa #1
Grips: Golf Pride MCC
Ball: Titleist Pro V1x
Check out more in-hand photos of Ludvig Aberg’s clubs in the forums.
- LIKE1
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
We have seen a few new mini drivers from the likes of Titleist and TaylorMade being tested out on tour recently. Now, Callaway looks to be jumping into the mix at the RBC Heritage. We spotted Christian Bezuidenhout testing out a new Paradym Ai Smoke Ti 340 mini driver on the range. We don’t have any details yet but the club clearly states “mini driver” on it, and the “340” could easily refer to how many CCs the head is.
What we do know is that this mini driver has a very similar design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond 3-wood. The sole looks to be made from steel or titanium, not forged carbon like the Paradym Ai Smoke drivers. It has weights up near the face and at the back of the club. Callaway’s OptiFit hosel is also present on this driver to allow loft and lie adjustments, and if you look closely on the face, you can make out the “Ai Smart Face” text at bottom center. The crown looks to have the familiar carbon fiber weave and Ai Smoke logos we have seen on the current clubs.
Callaway Paradym Ai Smoke DUW
The other Callaway prototype that was spotted looked to be a little more of a traditional fairway wood — but with non-traditional weight placements on it. Callaway’s Paradym Ai Smoke DUW looks to have four adjustable weights on it — two on the sole, one on the hosel, and one on the toe. This hosel isn’t adjustable, and I would assume that is to save some weight from creating spots for the movable weights.
It is hard to tell from the photos, but the face looks to be a touch deeper than the traditional Triple Diamond fairways. This deeper face could be where the “DUW” name comes from. With three weights all pushed forward near the face this DUW has to be a very low spinning and launching head. The sole is made from metal and similar in design to the current Paradym Ai Smoke Triple Diamond fairway woods as is the carbon crown.
- Check out more of our photos from the 2024 RBC Heritage here.
- LIKE1
- LEGIT1
- WOW1
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
At GolfWRX, we are a community of like-minded individuals that all experience and express our enjoyment of the game in many ways.
It’s that sense of community that drives day-to-day interactions in the forums on topics that range from best driver to what marker you use to mark your ball. It even allows us to share another thing we all love – buying and selling equipment.
Currently, in our GolfWRX buy/sell/trade (BST) forum, there is a listing for a LAB DF3 green head putter.
From the seller: (@Lvanwheeler1): “LAB DF3 green head with white Accra shaft. 35 inches and 69 lie angle. Is brand new and hasn’t been taken outside of the house except for the pics I took in the yard. A bit over retail but this one is hand and will be to you in a matter of days. $650 and this one is firm.”
To check out the full listing in our BST forum, head through the link: LAB DF3 green head putter
This is the most impressive current listing from the GolfWRX BST, and if you are curious about the rules to participate in the BST Forum you can check them out here: GolfWRX BST Rules
- LIKE0
- LEGIT0
- WOW0
- LOL0
- IDHT0
- FLOP0
- OB0
- SHANK0
Dave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
John Daly stuns fans into silence with brutal opening tee shot on PGA Tour Champions
Things got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
Tiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
Scottie Scheffler WITB 2024 (March)
Photos from the 2024 Arnold Palmer Invitational
Report: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
Joaquin Niemann names 3 PGA Tour events he’d love to play each year ‘in a perfect world’
Spotted: Bettinardi irons at the Arnold Palmer Invitational
2-time major champ announces shock retirement from the sport at age of 33
Ludvig Åberg WITB 2024 (April)
Ludvig Åberg what’s in the bag accurate as of the RBC Heritage. Driver: Titleist TSR2 (9 degrees, D4 SureFit setting)...
Max Homa WITB 2024 (April)
Max Homa what’s in the bag accurate as of the Masters. Driver: Titleist TSR3 (9 degrees, D1 SureFit setting) Shaft:...
Bryson DeChambeau WITB 2024 (April)
Driver: Krank Formula Fire Pro (6 degrees) Shaft: Project X HZRDUS T1100 75g 6.5 Mini driver: TaylorMade BRNR Mini Driver...
Scottie Scheffler’s winning WITB: 2024 Masters
Driver: TaylorMade Qi10 (8 degrees @8.25) Buy here. Shaft: Fujikura Ventus Black 7 X (45 inches) 3-wood: TaylorMade Qi10 (15 degrees) Buy...
-
19th Hole6 days agoDave Portnoy places monstrous outright bet for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoThings got heated at the Houston Open between Tony Finau and Alejandro Tosti. Here’s why
-
19th Hole1 week agoTiger Woods arrives at 2024 Masters equipped with a putter that may surprise you
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoReport: Tiger Woods has ‘eliminated sex’ in preparation for the 2024 Masters
-
19th Hole2 days agoTwo star names reportedly blanked Jon Rahm all week at the Masters
-
19th Hole1 day agoNeal Shipley presser ends in awkward fashion after reporter claims Tiger handed him note on 8th fairway
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoAddiction, spinal fusion, and scam artists – Everything Anthony Kim revealed in candid interview with David Feherty
-
19th Hole2 weeks agoAnthony Kim says doctors told him that he ‘may not have much time left’ ahead of LIV return
Pingback: TSG / Club-Conex feature on GOLFWRX.com - True Spec Golf
lew
Nov 12, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Im lost on why people think this is not great for golf. If you have shafts and adapters for a few different heads and brands you can use these to test between without the issues of pulling and re-glueing eventual killing the shafts.
From the fitters point the saving over having many shafts for each adapter passes is amazing.
From a customers view they should see some savings as it costs the fitter less too.
Win win win if u ask me.
Styles
Nov 10, 2015 at 6:33 pm
The article claims conex is important but doesn’t backup the headline assertion that the acquisition by true spec is important. It also doesn’t explain why conex is important. Are independent club fitters relevant to the 99% of golfers?
Steve
Nov 12, 2015 at 9:32 am
Definately makes no sense. Is it “so important” when it effects only 40/100 U.S top clubfitters and return effects less then 1/1000 golfers? This is a infomercial more or less, most likely paid by the company to write it.
Mat
Nov 10, 2015 at 4:12 pm
It sure would be nice if they sold to consumers…
Apprenti23
Nov 10, 2015 at 9:40 pm
They’ve been available for purchase by Joe Schmoe for the past ten years. You can buy them online through golfworks or either golfsmith, i can’t remember who sorry
Mat
Nov 11, 2015 at 1:27 am
Let me rephrase; it would be nice if they offered “off the shelf kits” or a simple online store that would let me just buy the parts I need, and take them to a club shop.
JD
Nov 11, 2015 at 11:11 am
http://www.clubconex.com/#!shop-all/cav5
Mike
Nov 10, 2015 at 2:40 pm
I wish this would be put out of business by an industry standard adapter…
Charlie
Nov 10, 2015 at 1:34 pm
Seriously, why? Did I miss part of the article?
George
Nov 10, 2015 at 1:01 pm
Nice advertising for True Spec, important not really
cho
Nov 10, 2015 at 2:36 pm
George.. they arnt sponsors but nice try.
Two clubfitters in the area I live has this setup and it is awesome. I can test any shaft I want and not just the ones the manufacturer has in their fitting cart. It also allows the small guy to only buy one shaft to cover all heads.
Steve
Nov 12, 2015 at 9:35 am
You would go to a fitter with only one shaft to try?
SKip
Nov 10, 2015 at 12:48 pm
Soooo, this acquisition is important because…..?
Joshuaplaysgolf
Nov 10, 2015 at 2:28 pm
Because the name on the building/products will be changing. ITS ASTRONOMICAL!!!!!
Actually, it’s huge because the dudes that started the company can move out of Rockford. I grew up about 30 miles west of there down route 20 and it’s gone steeply downhill in the past few years from quiet, mid-size Midwestern city to major drug hub riddled with daily violence. Not awesome. Good for those guys.
Tom
Nov 10, 2015 at 12:09 pm
This is great for the industry.