How to Get Fitted for Golf Clubs
The advent of the launch monitor has transformed the way golf clubs are purchased. The term "fitted clubs" no longer means knockoffs made up for you after you've had the length of your arms measured. Fitted clubs may use a clubhead from one company, a shaft from another and a specific grip. It may also include exact specifications for loft and lie of every club and even a recommendation of what ball to use. It's a whole new world.
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Instructions
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Wait on purchasing fitted clubs if you are just taking up golf. If you are just beginning, you probably don't even need a full set of clubs--a "starter set" will suffice. Spend your money on lessons with a PGA professional.
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Be selective about who does your club fitting. If you are a member of a country club, check with your pro for a referral. If they are on staff for an equipment company, they may be able to wangle a fitting at its national fitting center.
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Check a source that describes the factors used in club fitting. Read about the equipment used to analyze swings and match clubs to the specifications of the swing.
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Check out a website from one of the major equipment companies like Ping or Taylormade. These have become the club-fitting gold standard.
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Explore a variety of different types of clubs at the larger golf discount houses or your courses pro shop. Get a general feel for what looks good and feels good, even if you feel committed to the brand of club you are using and are simply seeking an upgrade.
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Discuss the process with at least two centers to find one where you are comfortable and to do price comparisons.
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Schedule your fitting. Clubs typically will take 2 to 4 weeks after fitting before they are in your hands.
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Tips & Warnings
The reason it's a waste of money for a beginner to have clubs fitted is the change in swings that occur as a beginner progresses. Clubs that are fitted before a person has ever played a round of golf may be totally unsuited to his game after he takes a series of lessons and has played for a year or two.
The basic equipment used in the fitting process is widely available. Its use has become a selling tool for hundreds of "golf clinics," sporting goods stores, and discount houses. Obviously, not all these places know what they're doing. Even if you get a deal, if your clubs are totally mismatched to your swing, you've wasted your money.
