How Does a Golf Club Fitting Work?
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I recently went in for a club fitting to replace my irons. It’d been five years since my last one and I wasn’t sure it’d be worthwhile. But I was wrong. I walked out with irons that gave me 10 more yards, higher ball flight, and better spin. My only regret? Not doing it sooner.
If you’re on the fence or just curious about how it all works, this article will walk you through the basics of what to expect, how often to upgrade, and how to make the most of your fitting.
How often should you buy new clubs?
How often you buy new clubs is ultimately up to you, but I’d consider doing it around every 5 years.
Here’s a few reasons to upgrade:
- New technology comes out ever year, but in most cases it isn’t a huge improvement year-to-year. However, after around 5 years you’ll likely see noticeable improvements in distance, forgiveness, and performance.
- Wedges wear out and need to be sharp to spin and hold the green. For peak performance they should be switched out after around 75 to 100 rounds of golf. Depending on how often you play, this might be 18 to 24 months.
- Irons last longer, but still wear out. Most people could probably go 5 to 10 years without major impacts.
- Putters last decades, unless you want to upgrade for technology reasons.
What are the benefits of a golf club fitting?
Buying clubs off the rack is a bit like buying shoes without trying them on—they might work, but you’re probably missing out. Here’s how a fitting can help:
- Improved accuracy and consistency: Clubs tailored to your swing help you hit more fairways and greens with fewer mishits.
- Greater distance: A proper fit can increase your carry and total distance by matching shaft flex, loft, and length to your swing speed and style.
- Better ball flight: A fitting can help correct issues like slicing or hooking by adjusting lie angle, shaft, and head design.
- Enhanced feel and comfort: Clubs that suit your height, grip size, and swing tempo feel more natural and comfortable to use. Plus they’ll make you more confident, which is everything in golf.
How much does a golf club fitting cost?
The cost of a golf club fitting will vary, but here’s a ballpark:
- Full iron fitting: $100–$200
- Single club or wedge fitting: $60–$100
- Full bag fitting: $250+
Fitters may waive this fee if you make a purchase through them. Some places like Golftec may include a fitting as part of a lesson package.
How do I get the most out of a golf club fitting?
Here are a few quick tips to make sure you get the most out of your golf club fitting:
- Wear comfortable clothes, like you might wear on a golf course, and shoes you’d actually play in.
- Bring a golf glove and your current set of clubs. You may only need a single iron to calibrate from (typically a 7 iron), but you’ll have the clubs if needed.
- Warm up before: Come prepared to hit balls. You can typically warm up some, but it’s a good idea to stretch and warm up a bit ahead of time.
- Be open with your fitter: Let them know your handicap, swing tendencies (like slicing or hitting it thin), and what you’re hoping to improve. The more they know, the better they can help.
- Be flexible: You can get fit for a specific brand or model, but the more open you are to testing different options the better your club fitter can match something to your swing.
- Trust both data and feel: Make your final decision based on performance, but also on how you like the feel and the look of the club when addressing the ball. I’ve had some clubs where I didn’t like how shiny they were or how they were positioned, so it helped me narrow down my choices.
Final Thoughts
A club fitting isn’t just for scratch players or pros. It’s one of the best things any golfer can do to play better golf with less frustration. Whether you’re buying a whole set or just replacing a wedge, taking the time to get fit can make a real difference.
If it’s been a few years since your last fitting, or if you’ve never had one, it might be time to schedule one. Your future self (and scorecard) will thank you.
