Custom Fit or Not?

[john tuttle]

I have been playing with a cheap set of clubs (cheaper than a dozed Titleist Pro-V1's) ever since I started golf, and next spring I am probably going to have to get a new set. I am about 5 ft 3, so what I am wondering is that should I have whatever clubs I get fit to my size? Also, what companies make good forgiving clubs (I will probably get used clubs). I have heard nice things about both Callaway and Ping.

[CG031]

5'3"? Wow, yeah, you need to get your clubs cut down for sure dude.

[john tuttle]

5'3"? Wow, yeah, you need to get your clubs cut down for sure dude.
Haha, thats what I thought. Some drivers would be almost as tall as me!

[Rugger]

Haha, thats what I thought. Some drivers would be almost as tall as me!

Lots of people recommend Tommy Armour Silver Scots. They can be found really cheap if used.

[Jay-Bird]

Ping Zing are probably the most forgiving irons that you can find. You should look for a set on ebay that is gold dot (four degrees below 'standard' black dot) and look for a set that is already an inch or more shorter than standard.

Other Pings that are super forgiving are Eye 2, Zing 2, G2 and others (you can have the lie angle adjusted on any Pings except Zing, so If you find those, get the gold dot (for your heighth)).

If you cut the clubs you have (or cut a set you get) the swing weight is going to change (get lighter), so if you find the shortened clubs are too light - add lead tape...

[joshtpa]

Ping Zing are probably the most forgiving irons that you can find. You should look for a set on ebay that is gold dot (four degrees below 'standard' black dot) and look for a set that is already an inch or more shorter than standard.

Other Pings that are super forgiving are Eye 2, Zing 2, G2 and others (you can have the lie angle adjusted on any Pings except Zing, so If you find those, get the gold dot (for your heighth)).

If you cut the clubs you have (or cut a set you get) the swing weight is going to change (get lighter), so if you find the shortened clubs are too light - add lead tape...

They are forgiving, but I would not go that far. I am guessing you are a little biased towards Ping though. The new Cobra stuff is very forgiving. As are many of the game improvement things of this year.

As far as your height is concerned, one thing everyone forgot to ask, is your age. Are you still growing? Because you dont want to buy clubs cut them down, if your goingt to be 5 inches taller in a year.

[Jay-Bird]

... I am guessing you are a little biased towards Ping though. ...

True. A little. I do use a Nike 4 wood from time to time, depending on the course.

ps. Ping Zings are VERY forgiving.

[joshtpa]

They are very forgiving. They were my old set until this year. But they are just not as forgiving IMHO as most of the new stuff.

[FlopShotArtist]

Depends on your age. If you are still growing, forget about the length of the clubs. I got regular sized clubs when I was about 5'2", and I'm not 5'8" only 5 months later.

[john tuttle]

Depends on your age. If you are still growing, forget about the length of the clubs. I got regular sized clubs when I was about 5'2", and I'm not 5'8" only 5 months later.
I am growing, but I am considered short for my age. I want the clubs to last about 2-3 years minimum. My predicted max height, which is when I stop growing, is about 5ft 9, so the clubs should last till I am about 5 ft 5.

[grantc79]

I'm on the other end of the spectrum from you at 6'5 and about 295 but I would definitely recommend getting fit.

There is just no substitute for having clubs that fit you personally.

There is nothing better than standing over the ball and knowing "if this shot goes wayward then its my fault, not my club, shaft, grip, lie angle, shaft length" etc.

Also its tough enough to get good at this game without having to compensate for bad clubs too.

[joshtpa]

I'm on the other end of the spectrum from you at 6'5 and about 295 but I would definitely recommend getting fit.

There is just no substitute for having clubs that fit you personally.

There is nothing better than standing over the ball and knowing "if this shot goes wayward then its my fault, not my club, shaft, grip, lie angle, shaft length" etc.

Also its tough enough to get good at this game without having to compensate for bad clubs too.


When you are growing and expected to be 5'9, I would go with something standard and just choke up. No reason to have to buy new clubs in 2 seasons when you are still growing.

[john tuttle]

When you are growing and expected to be 5'9, I would go with something standard and just choke up. No reason to have to buy new clubs in 2 seasons when you are still growing.
Yea, I think I will get slightly-shorter than standard clubs. These won;t be my final set, anyways, once I start getting earning my own money (I am going to caddy next year) I will get a better set.

[joshtpa]

Good luck. Keep us posted.