When and Why Should I Get Fitted for Golf Clubs?

What's the best collective noun for golf shafts? A bag, a bunch, a quiver?

I get asked both questions a surprising number of times. Let's start with the when. There used to be an easy answer and it was a function of the golf club manufacturers launch schedule. January is the PGA Merchandise Show in Orlando and having been a participant for the past 25 years, I know "the show" pretty well. All the big boys, Callaway, Nike, Ping, TaylorMade, Titleist used to launch all their new clubs in January and make them available to the public soon afterwards.

All that has changed as the manufacturers have embarked on a crazy launch schedule that has literally swamped the trade with new drivers, fairway woods and irons every few months. Callaway has launched eight drivers this year - I kid you not, eight! It's non-sensical of course and hasn't resulted in additional sales. But, that does help answer the question of when to get fitted.

So, "Why should I get fitted?" My response is always the same. Are you serious about the game? Do you want to make the best of the time you have on the golf course with the right equipment or trust to luck that the clubs you have in your bag are the right ones. Only the other day, I was playing golf with a friend who has clubs in his bag that were perfect for him 15 years ago - now...not so much. He has a bad hip and is swinging 10 miles an hour slower than he used to and wonders why the ball isn't going as far as it used to. It's an easy fix - check your ego at the club fitting door and get the right shafts. Ask yourself a simple question. Do I want to look good with X-100 shafts or play well with "pured regular shafts"? And if you don't know what "pured" means you really need to get fitted. There isn't a professional on any Tour that doesn't have "pured" shafts.

So here's three great reasons to get fitted now

1. It makes no sense to wait until February or March for the latest products - they are already available - the show product will be simply more variations on a theme.

2. Get fitted when you are playing well or at least feel like you are in the groove - for most of us that means at the end of the season. I'm in D.C, so now is the best time - the leaves are coming down, I've played lots of golf and so feel good about my swing. Getting fitted in March or at the beginning of your season is crazy - you won't have really played that much and will be trying to find your swing in the fitting studio.

3. Everyone else waits, so book now and you'll get the appointment you want, when you want it. It's like the Buffett stock theory - buy when everyone else is selling!

If you are serious about getting fitted correctly take a look at Club Champion, a company that has ten club fitting locations around the country including my home town of Washington D.C.