Any Golf Pros Here?

[upsscott]

I have played golf all my life, never consistently and never that seriously. Starting this year I want to start playing at least once a week in the hopes of walking more and just getting better at the game. My question involves getting fitted for clubs. My current set of Callaways are old and don’t fit me correctly. I can go to a PGA superstore and get fitted for free or go to a pro nearby and pay $150 to get a more intense fitting. Anyone here use either of these routes? Any advice would be appreciated.

[hitch911]

I wouldn't hesitate to go get fitted at your superstore after doing it myself last year. Lots of neat impact and ball flight analytics and you can try every manufacturer/shaft/lie/loft combo under the sun. These stores have trained fitters that will get you dialed and along with your own feedback on feel and look you should be able to pull the trigger. Some will take the gained knowledge and shop for lowest prices elsewhere, but since the fitting is free I felt right about buying there and then, plus they had my sticks in stock.

[Steve Carlton]

I'd take a few lessons from a highly regarded local instructor. Maybe he'll change some habits and then have a recommendation for you on who to see about fitting clubs. I'm thinking the swing you evolve to could influence what clubs to get.

[McLovin]

I’m not a pro golfer but I’ve been very involved in the competitive golf world for a lot of years. One of my kids played competitive golf starting at 9 years old, AJGA nationally (from Vermont to California and many places in between), 4 years of high school, 4 year starter in college etc.
So there were a lot of coaches, sets of clubs and club fittings over the years.
IMO for a casual golfer a free PGA superstore type fitting is fine. They’ll get your swing speed and a few other things and get you very close. Like said above, the modern analytic equipment they have is effective.
Modern “game improvement” or “super game improvement” equipment is pretty forgiving of a side range of swings.
Your swing is what matters most.
Unfortunately for most people the best (and often only) way to improve that is by lessons from a good coach.
And the cost of that makes club fitting (or clubs) seems like pocket change.

[McLovin]

But like for most adults getting into (or back into) golf, my advice is to not spend too much money on equipment. Even consider used (used clubs depreciate to almost nothing).
Because it’s statistically highly likely that the person won’t be playing a year from now.

[J-Mac]

Playing golf now for 50+ years. Single figure h’cap for 45 years. Definitely get lessons before new clubs. New clubs won’t fix anything. A couple sessions with a pro will correct some issues, like posture, stance etc. All these nuances affect how you stand to the ball…if you’re too upright you may need to stand further from the ball, or more likely if you’re too bent over you may need to stand nearer to it. The correct position for you in relation to the ball will dictate the lie angle of the club. The lie angle can be changed, but my advice is get your swing optimized before buying a new set. Lastly, depending on your age, shafts are a crucial element in the club. If you’re older I recommend a shaft from the Steelfiber range. They’re a combo of steel and fiberglass and will be much more gentle on your wrists and arms than a pure steel shaft. A vast majority of senior tour players use them now. Good luck on your journey.

[upsscott]

I’ve taken lessons years ago and I wouldn’t hesitate to take more. I think I need new clubs simply because mine are dated and most importantly I don’t think they are sized correctly for my long arms and tall frame(6’4”). According to my scoring app that I use I’m a high teens handicap. As I play more this comes down. I feel like my game is definitely changing as I get older. I can’t rely on the driver like I used to, hence the need for som game improvement irons. Thank you all for the advice. It is what I’m looking for.

[cstreit]

I don't know if I'd consider myself a pro, but once I made it through the windmill on the first try.

[Superman]

I asked a pro recently about club length increments and he basically seemed to say they come in S M and L. Mine are M, which is probably just fine. If you want to do something to improve your game, take lessons. If you want to improve your equipment, put new grips on your existing clubs.

[hitch911]

While new equipment won't give you a fundamentally sound swing, properly fitted clubs to your current swing can make a difference, sometimes noticeable enough to make this difficult game more enjoyable. Making proper swing changes is the soundest advice, but not many are willing/able to dig the secret out of the dirt by pounding a lot of balls. Get yourself fitted for some new sticks, they won't hold you back and slim chance they be ill fitting if you do find an instructor you like and make some swing adjustments. Lies and lofts can be adjusted down the road too, especially on forged irons.

[J-Mac]

Super
SML usually apply to underwear, not golf clubs. If you’re getting fit for a set (not cheap) and the pro says you’re a s or m or l then that’s bollox. Fitting a golf club correctly includes: grip size, shaft length and weight, shaft stiffness, lie angle of head at the very least. If you’re not really serious about your golf just buy off the shelf.

[MMiller]

If there is a GolfTEC in your area, I would stop by and visit with them. I've been very satisfied with the multiple lesson and fittings I've had with them.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by cstreit

I don't know if I'd consider myself a pro, but once I made it through the windmill on the first try.

You deserve a trophy!

[upsscott]

Originally Posted by MMiller

If there is a GolfTEC in your area, I would stop by and visit with them. I've been very satisfied with the multiple lesson and fittings I've had with them.

There is a Golftec about 90 minutes south of me. I sent them an email just now requesting info.

[Bill Douglas]

There is a Swingers bar at the local golf course. Who'd have thought

[strupgolf]

I would forget the PGA store and go to any local guy. They are so much better.

[MMiller]

Originally Posted by upsscott

There is a Golftec about 90 minutes south of me. I sent them an email just now requesting info.

Great! I have worked with my golfTEC instructor off and on for 8 years. Like anything in life it's about finding the right pairing. I got lucky and hit on the perfect instructor fit for me the first time. Had I been paired with the other instructor in the building I don't think I would have stayed. GolfTec offers great tech in general. I'm still able to go review lesson online from years ago.

Give them a test drive.... hopefully it provides what your looking for.

I agree with a lot of the advice in this thread. Swing matters most but having clubs that fit that swing plays a big role. Once you know the parameters of the clubs you need that J-Mac laid out above, then buy used for sure. Irons and wedges from the last 8 years, to a driver ,fairway and hybrids from the last 5 years should serve you well.

It's a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.... especially if you're playing well!

[Steve Carlton]

Goff can be awesome!

[DRONE]

Anyone that has had lessons after having an established swing,knows that they will be in for a year of crummy golf until they unlearn what they were just taught.
a natural swing with your own corrections has worked more often than not

[sugarwood]

I love to walk 18 holes. But carrying got to be a drag.
Years ago, I picked up a used pull cart for $10