A lot of amateur golfers with varying ability levels hinder the development of their game by believing they’re “not sufficient” to be able to have a fitting. They claim that when their golf game begins to improve, they’ll seek out an experienced fitting however, it’s not worth the cost yet.
To put the facts straight, I spoke with a professional fitting professional (Tim Briand) and a professional swing coach (Todd Sones). Although Briand is a fitter for clubs as well as Sones has a teaching position, they both agree that learning to play golf with inadequately fitting equipment can be an enormous obstacle to both growth and enjoyment.
“Some golfers think they have to be at the same level to become fit, but this is an incorrect assumption,” Sones said. “Using the wrong club for you could negatively impact your swing and lead to develop poor habits.”
Sones have compared the process of learning with the wrong club to learning how to cycle on the wrong bike, which is either too small or too large. The problem is that not only does the wrong equipment result in inadequate swing development as well, it causes the game to be more difficult which discourages you from playing.
“It’s vital that novices become fit, as we build our swings based on the equipment we are using without even conscious of that we are doing it” Briand says. “For instance, John Daly started out with his father’s heavy golf clubs. So one reason his backswing became long was due to the fact that he didn’t possess the strength to swing the clubs.”
It was evident that it worked eventually for Daly however, that story illustrates how your swing is heavily dependent on the clubs you play with at the beginning of your learning the game. If a golf club is too short or long, it could be too lightor heavy and your lie angle could be wrong, the design of the club has a flawed style, or the other elements are not right it could set yourself to fail.
“Sometimes individuals have negative first experience in golf, and then they’re discouraged from playing before they get started. However, it could be because they’re using clubs that aren’t designed for the swing they’re playing,” Sones says.
So, what’s the best method to get the best clubs, and to also enhance you golf technique?
Briand and Sones both Briand and Sones both agree on a solution. Prior to beginning lessons and altering your swing it is recommended to talk to a professional club fitting service or a local professional to conduct a baseline assessment. A professional must make sure that the clubs you own are appropriate for you or at a minimum, are within the correct wheelhouse. If they’re not, hire a professional to build your club, alter or you can replace your clubs by acquiring a new set.
When you receive that golf consultation, pay attention to what the instructor has to say and make detailed notes. For those who are just beginning, that the professional recommends higher loft for your driver, shafts lighter with less flex, and more accommodating irons. For instance, if you’re a beginner golfer and is using blade irons with stiff steel shafts that are long and hefty It’s likely that they’re not the right choice for you. Even if your swing improves dramatically by working with an expert golf instructor, you’ll have to fight an uphill fight.
It’s crucial to keep in mind that you don’t need to purchase the newest and most powerful equipment to make it a perfect fit. It’s not necessary to shell out $3000 on new and shiny clubs, and you do not even need to purchase an entire set.
Sones suggests that beginning students begin with a handful of clubs that are suitable for. For instance, you could start with the sand wedge pitching wedge or driver. This will give you some appropriate tools to begin learning with.
After you’ve got some clubs or a complete set that’s within the right wheelhouse for your level of skill and size, as well as budget, you’ll be able to begin to improve your golf swing with a seasoned instructor. Save the money you’ve saved by buying second-hand equipment and invest it in lessons with a professional instructor.
“Your experiences on the front end has an impact on how much you’re enjoying the game,” Sones says. “You must consult with a fitter from your club at the earliest time you realize that you’ll be playing the game. Do your homework. Find the best instructor. Remember that one great lesson can be worth five poor lessons in the end.”
Additionally, once you’ve found the perfect instructor the communication will be a major factor. Discuss with your instructor regarding your equipment. Inform the teacher about the equipment you own and plan to get a complete club fitting in the near future. Make sure to get the club fitter in contact with your swing instructor in order to create a complete, extensive plan.
It is probable that your swing pattern will change after several lessons. The angle you strike may alter, your way of getting the club out of your hands could change or change, and you’ll (hopefully) increase strength and speed, too. If those improvements begin to appear and your game is advancing beyond your initial set of clubs, then you’re in the right place for a complete bag fitting, and you’re able to invest cash in new clubs.
In the end this is the suggested steps you can take to get yourself ready enjoy great golf and have fun for many years to come:
1. Request a club consultation with an experienced professional
2. Make the appropriate adjustments to your current set or invest in a more affordable set as a starter (anywhere between 1-14 clubs)
3. Look up instructors in your region and select one
4. Talk to your instructor about the equipment you have.
5. Do your best in order to enhance your golf swing.
6. When your game and your finances are in order, you can get the full fitting of your bag and get the correct clubs for you.
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