club fitting and swing changes

[RIduffer]

My father, who got me started in the game 3 years ago, is encouraging me to get some new irons this X-mas. I've been playing a set of Tommy Armour 845 clubs. I'm reluctant to get fitted for clubs right now though, as I think my swing is changing alot.

For example, in the last couple months I've gained at least 10 yds distance with my irons, and probably 15-20 with my driver.

I know getting fitted for clubs can do alot for your game, but would you say it's worth waiting a while?

I'm concerned that they are going to steer me towards R-flex shafts, when I actually prefer the stiff shaft clubs (driver, hybrid) that are in my bag right now. I may not have a swing speed that requires S-flex yet, but I prefer the control and trajectory.

I'm just worried I'll get set up with clubs that might not be ideal 3 months from now. Suggestions?

[FHopper]

I think you are right to worry. I was fitted when I had a completely different grip and and arm angle, they ordered + 2* on the irons, now I wonder if they are right for me. Of course all I need to do is take them in and put the swing tape on the sole, and if they are not right then $4 a club later they will be.

[RIduffer]

I think you are right to worry. I was fitted when I had a completely different grip and and arm angle, they ordered + 2* on the irons, now I wonder if they are right for me. Of course all I need to do is take them in and put the swing tape on the sole, and if they are not right then $4 a club later they will be.

Thanks, good to know that the lie/angle can be adjusted for a few bucks if something changes.

[andef]

if you feel an urge to get new clubs then you might want to get them now. custom fitting is always important but it's mainly to get the right loft, lie and length and shaft type. there's not a huge difference between some stiff and regular shafts but this changes from one company to another. (i.e. i was custom fitted for the 08 AP2 and there was little difference between the Project X 5.0 and 5.5 but when I hit the 710 AP2 there was a huge difference between the DG R300 (my shots would balloon) and S300). You could go for the stiffer shaft (i did the same because the pro suggested to do so, otherwise i would have had to change shafts a few months later). Like FHopper said, you can always change the lie angle later if it doesn't fit your swing anymore.

[ControlJunkie]

Another thing you may want to take into consideration is that while both cast and forged irons can be bent again later, cast irons run a higher risk of breaking if they're bent too much, whereas the forged irons are a bit more malleable ductile or bendable.

So if you want to make a purchase now, it may be beneficial for you to lean towards a good forged iron.

[Fatphil]

yeh if you've only been playing 3 years and you are a 12 you're progressing very quickly. You will see many higher hdcpers spec out with +2 or 4 degree upright...this is simply because they are casting and releasing early...they are making a shitty swing and the pro is trying to get the club to come into the ball square...this is a bandaid cure..as your hands get lower and lower to me this means you are holding the release and the lag thus dictating a flatter lie...to me a 20 hdncp going more upright is a cop out.

[ControlJunkie]

yeh if you've only been playing 3 years and you are a 12 you're progressing very quickly. You will see many higher hdcpers spec out with +2 or 4 degree upright...this is simply because they are casting and releasing early...they are making a shitty swing and the pro is trying to get the club to come into the ball square...this is a bandaid cure..as your hands get lower and lower to me this means you are holding the release and the lag thus dictating a flatter lie...to me

That's not always the case. I'm 6'3", 2° up, 1"/1.25" is what fits me. I don't make a shitty swing, and I don't cast.

[RIduffer]

yeh if you've only been playing 3 years and you are a 12 you're progressing very quickly. You will see many higher hdcpers spec out with +2 or 4 degree upright...this is simply because they are casting and releasing early...they are making a shitty swing and the pro is trying to get the club to come into the ball square...this is a bandaid cure..as your hands get lower and lower to me this means you are holding the release and the lag thus dictating a flatter lie...to me a 20 hdncp going more upright is a cop out.

I think my handicap has dropped quickly because I played a ton of rounds this year, and became very consistent. I don't have the most powerful swing, but I keep it inside the trees and have a good feel for the short game. Just recently, I think my ball striking is starting to catch up to the rest of my game, but it depends on the day. Maybe it's worth waiting until my swing is more repeatable to go get fitted?

[Fatphil]

apologies to control junkie,,,yeh if you are 6'3" ...you're about 5" taller than the avg guy..so mea culpa. To me the angle or lie at address should be square to the ground. If you address the ball with the toe in the air but your divot at impact is square or even toe down...you have a swing issue that needs to be taken care of first. However, if you only play once a month...go for the club adjustment!!

I have always questioned the value of impact tape..vs lie at address...maybe a pro or a low handcper can address that issue. It seems like a simple question but I think there is a lot involved in the answer.

[RIduffer]

apologies to control junkie,,,yeh if you are 6'3" ...you're about 5" taller than the avg guy..so mea culpa. To me the angle or lie at address should be square to the ground. If you address the ball with the toe in the air but your divot at impact is square or even toe down...you have a swing issue that needs to be taken care of first. However, if you only play once a month...go for the club adjustment!!

I've heard several people, like golf instructor Shawn Clement, say that the toe should be in the air at address. That way, when the shaft is stressed during the swing the clubhead will square up at impact. If I tried to get the toe of my club flush with the ground at set-up, I would have to push my wrists out into a really awkward position.

In terms of "band-aid" fixes for high-handicappers, I don't see any problem with it. Many people just don't have the time or concern to be constantly working on their swing. Anything that can make the game more enjoyable is great IMO. Personally, I don't mind enduring some negative feedback from my clubs if it's going to teach me to swing better. But that's because I hit balls all the time.

[Fatphil]

eh RI...I never heard of that Shawn Clement guy,,,googled him..wow does he have a bunch of stuff on that website...txs for the tip. couldn't find the impact tape vid but there had to be 50 youtubes to check out.