Getting fitted for new clubs

New member here:

I'm getting fitted for new clubs in two weeks at Carl's Golfland in Bloomfield Hills, MI and I'm wondering if anybody has suggestion to help me help them.

I haven't played golf since Labor Day weekend but I've been going to the driving range the last couple of weeks to limber up!   I'm about an 18 handicap with short game woes but from tee to green I'm fairly consistent.  

I have been fitted for a Karsten 1959 putter that I absolutely love with a shorter shaft and 1º of loft.

I'm a firm believer in fitted clubs now.  I would love to hear from experienced players regarding club fitting and what I should expect when I'm being fitted for new clubs.

Denny from Davison, MI

I've asked that question myself many times and almost every response I've been given from my local pro to other forums has been, get fitted first.   I don't understand the logic but with the money situation, the timing is right, right now.   The logic I've been given; if you start a child playing baseball, you wouldn't give them a 36" bat and a softball glove, you give them something that fits the player.   I don't know.

I'm sure Carl's Golfland is great in fitting.   They use the Trackman monitor and I was told they have fitted almost 1000 people since last spring. 

Day 1 done.   Day 2 today.   I'm very impressed by the fitter and the technology.  

A couple of observations.  

I wish I was in better shape or that I was getting fitted in the middle of the season.   After 1 1/2 hours, I was more than tired from hitting irons. 

I wish I was more flexible.  Something I going to work on..definitely.

It was great to try so many different irons.   I didn't realize they (the irons) made that much difference but it was amazing that the Pings had a significantly higher spin rate than the Nike or the Adams.  Since I have a flaw in my swing (over the top), the higher spin rate doesn't work for my game ....yet.

Hitting golf balls onto the range instead of into a net was a huge mental advantage for me.   I could see the entire flight of the ball.   Maybe it was just me but I like that better than hitting into a net.  I guess I could verify my swings, seeing the flight of the ball.

I wish (seeing a pattern here?) that I had my swing flaws corrected, obviously the clubs I select today or when I buy them will be different because I'm buying clubs based upon the results that were generated today, not my future golf swing.

For anybody that is questioning that idea of getting fitted, don't hesitate.   I'm impressed.

Day 2.  

I'm still overly impressed with the club fitting.  

The motrin must have kicked in because I wasn't a sore as yesterday.    The fitter and I decided that since there wasn't a significant difference between my cheap irons and new ones that I was trying, it would be better if I waited on the irons and spent the $$ on lessons. 

The driver was a different story.   I bought the Cobra ZL Encore.   The difference was astounding.  My driver had a launch angle of 8.9 and a spin rate of 3124.   The Cobra gave me a launch angle of 15.1 and a spin rate of 2315.   The Cobra gave me 35 yard more carry and 30 yard difference total. 

I have a series of lessons set up soon to help with the swing.  But I believe I'm on the right path. 

I highly recommend club fitting.

Denny