The practice of fitting clubs is the subject of much debate as many golfers continue to believe they’re not yet good enough to get a custom golf club fitting. However, this view is far from reality, but that’s something to be discussed on another day.
After you’ve made the decision that you want to spend money on your equipment and your game the next step is to figure out the best way to find a professional club fitter, as you can see, in contrast to professionals from other industries the club fitting “certification” is somewhat similar to the Wild West. Although there are courses for certification and training modules from OEMs about how to use their special equipment in different companies, there are still minor differences in how they are conceived.
There are also agnostic fitting services that use an equipment matrix that is curated that comes from several manufacturers. Some have multiple locations across the nation, while others might have just a few smaller central locations within the city of their choice. In some instances, it is possible to locate sole-person businesses.
One big question that many customers face is – how do you distinguish between the best and the worst in the club fitting industry? This is the big question for golfers trying to improve their game through golf club fitting. It may be a bit daunting if you’ve never gone through the fitting process before or have a basic understanding of fitting. This guide will assist you in asking the most pertinent questions and focusing on the things you need to be aware of in order to ensure you’re enjoying the best experience from the fitting.
The characteristics of a top fitter
Experience with the launch monitor
The possession of a certificate for a launch monitor is not necessary, but being able to be able to comprehend the interpret parameters that it presents is! A good fitter will be competent in explaining the parameters they use to assist in selecting the appropriate clubs and know how to modify specifications to make sure you’re the best performer. The exact way to label your clubs can vary dependent on the kind of launch monitor used, however, they will all provide the same information.
Communication abilities
Being able to explain clearly the reason and how the changes are made is a sure sign that your fitter is experienced. It will feel like you’re learning as you go along and this is a great thing to have. Remember that communicating is an ongoing process therefore being a great listener is another indicator that you’re working with a reliable fitter.
Transparency
It involves matters like discussing prices budgets and preferences for a brand from the beginning. This will prevent you from being handed something that isn’t within your budget and taking the opportunity to make a few swings in your decision.
Focus on getting better
Whether it be hitting more straight and further with your driver, or hitting better greens, the fitting must be focused on the goal. This involves taking a look at all sorts of aspects to determine if the clubs you’re getting are superior to the current clubs. The driver you hit 10 yards further won’t help when you don’t know the direction it’s heading. ….A knowledgeable fitter should determine the best option and narrow the options to 4-5 and then focus on optimizing the results from there.
Respect and Honesty
These are so obvious and I’m not even required to add them to the list. I would like to see these characteristics from anyone in a sales position working with customers who look to them for information and information…If you, as a golfer is only getting only marginal benefits from a brand new item or upgrade, you must be told and provided with sufficient details to make an informed choice. The top golf fitters are quick to tell golfers, “I don’t think we’re going to win with (X) clubs today. but maybe we should take a look at a different part of your bag that you are struggling with.” This type of relationship builds trust and ultimately leads to happy golfers as well as highly respected fitting professionals.
The Indicators of a Poor Golf Club Fitter
Promoting an agenda
This can be found in various dimensions and shapes if it’s a specific attraction to specific brand names or clubs and shafts. If you ask players who have gone to the exact fitting facility and their swings and levels of skill differ, yet the clubs or shafts they get (from an unbranded facility) appear to be very similar, it could be time to inquire about the issue.
Communication issues
As you are fitting and warming up, you should feel you’re being interviewed to gather data and solve your problems. This process can help provide a foundation of data to your fitness trainer. Suppose you’re not experiencing this, or your fitness professional isn’t able to answer your questions clearly. They don’t. In that case, you have an issue with their communication, which could indicate insufficient knowledge of their abilities.
Incomplete transparency
If you feel like you’re not getting the answers to your basic questions or a fitter says, “not to be concerned about it,” it’s my top concern. Side note: I believe golfers should be paying for fittings and, in a sense, take it as a gathering of knowledge. The final goal of a golfer indeed is to find better, more modern fitting clubs and to get fitter to try and sell the new clubs (let’s be honest in this instance). However, it is important never to feel like you’re not getting the correct information disclosed transparently.
Sales tactics that are based on pressure
It exists in every industry, I understand it; however, if, for your fitting, you’re paying for information. Use the data to gain. Don’t be compelled to purchase the item, and it’s never a bad idea to ask for a knowledgeable third-party view ( knowledgeable being the most critical word in the paragraph!). If you’re receiving the”hard sell” or any of the features above, there’s the possibility that you’re not getting the right fitting expert for you.
Final thoughts
Hopefully you have found some useful information on the difference between a good and bad golf club fitter and will be able to go in asking some questions and knowing what to look for.
Good fitters with an excellent reputation and the right knowledge have lengthy lists and even waiting lists of golfers waiting to meet them. One of the most critical indicators of a top fitter is the extensive list of customers who return repeatedly.
Golf is a sport that can last the rest of your lifetime, and, just as with swing coaches and instructors, The best ones will be there for the long run to aid you in your play and establish a relationship, not just offer you the most recent and best (although we all enjoy new equipment, myself included) since they could make an extra few dollars.
Don’t be afraid to trust your instincts, question what they tell you, and ask why!
