Many off the rack golf clubs are made to specifications that the manufacturers feel are for the average person. However, every person is unique when swinging a golf club. Everyone has different athletic abilities, hand-eye coordination, and tastes with respect to the cosmetics of their golf equipment. The custom fitting process takes into consideration each person's uniqueness to determine their proper club specifications.

The first step to fitting a person is basically finding out as much as possible about their particular game. How much do they play? What scores do they shoot? What are their favorite clubs? What are their least favorite and why? Are there any physical problems to be addressed? A review of their current equipment can be very useful while having the player hit some shots to determine swing characteristics.

The next step involves basic static measurements to determine the correct length. Length of the golf club is not based on just how tall you are but also body type, such as long arms and short legs, or a long torso and short arms. Proper length promotes proper game posture and impact position on the
club head. Another static measurement is hand size. Hand size determines grip size for the proper release through the ball.

Swing analysis in the fitting process determines the head type and shaft information. What is the ball flight? What is the club head speed? What is the shaft load? What is the spin rate? This information determines the proper shaft flex, kick point weight and material (graphite or steel).

At this point a demo club close to the player's specifications is used to determine solid shots and lie angles. Lie angle is either upright or flat based on the player's swing at impact and head and shaft combination. A proper lie angle is determined by hitting shots off a board with impact tape on the bottom of the iron. Proper lie is determined when the tape shows marks in the middle of the club sole. A club too flat usually causes ball flight to the right, while too upright leads to ball flight to the left. Lie angle without the mat is how the club digs into the ground.

Once the basic specifications are determined, the last step is a final review of the player's game in relationship to club strengths and weaknesses. For example, if long irons are a weakness the player may be better off with a fairway wood or hybrid. A major part of the fitting process is the makeup of the set, i.e. driver, 3, 5, 7, 9 wood, 5 through sand wedge.

Most of all the clubs must look good to the player's eye. Much of golf is mental. While the clubs may have the proper specifications, they may never satisfy the player if they are not happy with their appearance.

Properly fit clubs will help you play better and feel better about your golf game.