Fitted up...

[Mawgan]

So, tomorrow is a big day as far as I am concerned as I take my first steps down the custom fitted new clubs route. I am interested in Titleist and Mizuno clubs primarily, and have been torn between visiting the specialist (single manufacturer) fitting centres, or a place where they can give a similar service but with a wider choice. In any event, I intend to buy through my pro at West Malling (who incidentally offers custom fitting but not with a launch monitor). So I am keeping my options open, with a visit to Mizuno at New Malden, followed by an appointment later in the afternoon at Pachesham GC where Mizuno were based until recently (not aware of the reason behind the move).

What am I hoping to achieve and to learn? Well, firstly, to confirm that there is indeed a reason to change clubs (mine were bought 16 years ago from some shop in West Palm Beach) and a benefit to be gained. I expect a comparison of the numbers from the launch monitor to give that information. Then secondly, to be able to draw on the experience of the fitter to focus on the manufacturer and model that will best suit my game, such as it is.

I had a lesson on Saturday and discussed this approach with my pro. He reinforced what I have said above, adding that although these processes will be helpful, ultimately I need to be happy with the look and feel of whatever set is recommended. I am sure that is good advice. He gave me 6 irons from MX200 and MP52 sets, but also a TM Tour Preferred club. Hitting each of them, it was interesting to note a slightly better feel, in my opinion, to the 52 over the 200, but also, to my surprise the nice high draw I got out of the TM club. I haven't really considered them, as I find the clubhead a bit busy with lots of 'go-faster' lumps and stripes, but they certainly seem to do the business. Whatever, I am going with an open mind, even if I do have preferences.

I would appreciate any thoughts on what to ask for from the fitter, and any tips on evaluating the feel of a club.

I'll keep you posted...

 

[bobmac]

I'm pleased your seeking professional advice before splashing your dosh.
Can I just say a few things?
The big golf manufacturers dont make bad clubs these days.
Either wise the tour players wouldn't use them.
If you have a club you like and you look down and think, 'I can hit this', the chances are you will.
As long as you like the look of a club, and the fitter says its ok for you, go for it.
The fitter should fit the shaft for your swing speed, grip size to your hands, shaft length to your height etc. etc. etc but in the end, it's up to you how you feel.
There are so many factors that can go into a club choice such as crunch rate, launch angle, ball tradjectory, spin rate, club head speed, etc, but let the fitter worry about those. He should look at the readings from your swings and suggest 2 or 3 clubs. From that, you just pick the ones you like the look of.
If it looks sexy, Enjoy

 

[HTL]

Have fun in the World of Golf mate, they have everything you could ever want to test out and great service, I love the place.
I use to play at the Pachesham, why are you going there? The world of golf have a far bigger range to try out.

I love my mx200 and really recommend them, just go with an open mind and have fun.

Shame im at the London club tomorrow otherwise we could have arranged a round.

 

[Mawgan]

Bob - Thanks for your comments and advice. That's exactly what I'm hoping for - some guidelines from the fitter as to what will suit and what won't and to be able to take it from there by hitting a few different clubs and noting where there is an advantage.

Hywel - I certainly intend to enjoy! Only going to Pachesham because according to the article on the Mizuno website that is where the chap in the video (also on YouTube) goes to get fitted up, and I felt a bit embarrasssed when they said Mizuno were no longer there! Anyway, I'll get a second opinion if nothing else... Thanks.

 

[HTL]

Forgot about the original post, try out the Titleist AP2 + AP1, new Nike forged irons, New cleveland red etc at the World of Golf, just tell the bloke your handicap and they will give you all the irons that would match that and a massive bucket of balls and off you go to the range for some fun. Its great!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I hope you have a good time. Are you able to try TM and others or is it just Mizuno at World of Golf

 

[Tommo21]

I would go against what has been said. If the guy is worth his salt and gives you the right info then after a while all the technical info will mean nothing.

For me it’s how the club feels in my hand, how it feels when striking the ball, how it sits on the deck, how high or low the ball flies and how consistent I can hit the ball. How it looks is not my real concern as most clubs look good these days. I wouldn’t bother about who makes them either and keep an open mind as it’s too easy to be caught up in the moment. Don’t be frightened to walk away undecided as it’s your money and they want it. Take a mental note of the info if you go from one fitter to the next.

Finally don’t go getting anything new hoping it will cure a problem and make sure your doing this for a right reasons.

 

[haplesshacker]

I don't know if this is a one off. But, a friend of mine has had his TM set of everyting for no more than 2 months, he bought them from a pro shop and had a fitting etc. The 6 iron head had come lose from the shaft and was rotating around the shaft, it then came off in his hand!!

This really surprised me. I'd expect it from some Fast irons or a cheap RAM set from Argos, but a custom set of TMs!?

I've alot of good stuff about TM kit since being on this forum, but this episode has made me a little cautious. I guess it's something that could happen to any make of club.

 

[Kieren]

Hi

The world of customised golf clubs can be a truly daunting area, not to mention expensive if you get your selection wrong. Why not have a go at taking the measurements yourself for your golf grips and shafts, then build your own set.

Not as daunting and expensive as you may think

 

[bobmac]

I would like to be dis-associated with the remarks of the last speaker.

 

[Tommo21]

Can someone call security and have Kieren removed.

 

[HTL]

Just hit the notify moderator button, 3rd one along on the post extras.

 

[andycap]

Thought it may be Alchemygolf's new business venture starting out

Only joking

 

[haplesshacker]

Come on guys. I know it's tongue in cheek. But he is a nooby, and regardless of his opinions, should be welcomed. We were all there once you know!!

We all recognise that CF is not something to do yourself. I doubt if even pros are able to easily 'fit' themselves.

 

[Imurg]

Hi

The world of customised golf clubs can be a truly daunting area, not to mention expensive if you get your selection wrong. Why not have a go at taking the measurements yourself for your golf grips and shafts, then build your own set.

Not as daunting and expensive as you may think

But it'll cost you 20 quid to find out!

Have a look at the site - its a scream.

 

[haplesshacker]

I've had a look at his website. Maybe I was wrong. We have another hawker amongest us!!

 

[HomerJSimpson]

I think we should all log on and send him a nice welcome mail into his account as he did ours.

kj_horizons@hotmail.com for anyone wanting to chat to him privately and "welcome" him. I hear he has a penchant for sandwiches.

 

[HomerJSimpson]

Kieran has put a post in the ask the experts (putter grips) apologising for putting his website up and seeing if it can be taken off. I'm all for welcoming another newbie and retracting my own mail and assumptions.

 

[Kieren]

Sorry for any upset, I have emailed the support team to ask them to remove my post that currently shows my website.

Apologies for any disrespect to the forum.

Regards

Kieren

 

[HarryMonk]

I know from the short period of time I have been here that you guys don't have much time for American Golf centres but I think they are the only custom fitters close to me.

Would you still say keep clear or do they know there stuff?